A Good Debate

Alright, I take back every nasty thing I said about the format for last night's debate. Since I actually watched it. :-)

The debate between George W. Bush and John Kerry was a spirited duel of ideas and ideology that made the differences between the candidates on foreign policy (at least regarding Iraq and international terrorism) clear. John Kerry wants to take a more conciliatory approach with other nations in combating terrorism and figuring a way out of Iraq while Bush would continue doing what he's been doing - whatever that is. Kerry also made it clear that he never supported going to war in Iraq, only that he voted to give the President the authority to do so if it was absolutely necessary - and he plainly insisted in no uncertain terms that it wasn't.

Also, Bush looked uncomfortable in listening to Kerry's remarks, squirming and moving resltessly while waiting for his turn to speak. Kerry did what he had to do by establishing himself as a credible alternative to Bush, and Bush merely did okay in what was supposed to be his strongest issue - foreign policy (ironic for a xenophobic, United Nations-disparaging, culturally uncurious President, to be sure). When the next debate opens the floor to questions on domestic policy, Bush won't look so strong.

Overnight polls show the Kerry won the debate. Meanwhile, Bush still has an average lead of seven percentage points in polls that, as I indicated yesterday, could be wrong. How will last night's debate change the dynamic of the campaign? Stay tuned.

As far as I'm concerned, you should use this little rhyme as a rule of thumb: "Vote for the candidate who doesn't hate a good debate." That would be Kerry. :-D