Debate Time

A few impressions:

Bush is frantic. Started semi cool.

Kerry's staying on time, clear. So much for Mr. Windy. Bad luck for Bush: he's just paraphrasing himself while Kerry's got umpteen varied examples of failure to outflank the plattitudes.

And what's up with the split-screen bumping up Bush's podium so their head's are level? The rules were explicit: no artificial stagecraft, standing on milkcrates etc. The juxtaposition is so obvious that it's gonna have the opposite of the desired effect. Bush's unease only makes the shrinkage more notable.

more later.

[update]

9:56 "Outsourced the job to Afghan warlords."

9:58: Kerry needs to talk to the camera, Bush has that factor right.

10:00: DeGaulle: "The word of the President of the United States is good enough for me." Nice example, but, umm, wasn't he French?

10:11 Do you have issues with Sen. Kerry's character? Landmine!

10:12 "Mixed Messages" Find a new message.

10:12 On daughters. Did I hear right? Bush: "I try to put a leash on 'em." Kerry:" I've learned not to do that." Ouch. Gender Gap! Daughter radar on alert.

10:20: Bush is not relating America well to the war on terror.