The Art of Politics

Round Two

Ahead in the fight, but after a bad round, President Bush takes a hard fought round...

In a debate worthy of the American people, President Bush and Senator Kerry faced off in a surprisingly good discussion that saw both candidates land scoring blows.

It should first be noted that this isn't Bush's father's Town Hall Debate - the questions were notably superior to the pablum of the previous debates of this format, where the questioners appeared more akin to Oliver asking "Please sir, I'd like some more". The questions did not ask for largesse from Washington, but were pointed and challenging to both candidates.

Bush was clearly energized both by the format, and by the lackluster results of his first debate. Kerry was good, but physically didn't make as positive an impression as he'd have like - which is a nice way of saying he appeared like a butler. Or Lurch. Or the person in Munch's "The Scream".

On substance, the President surprisingly found his perfect pitch on of all things domestic topics. Stem cell research, considered by the punditry to be a home run porch for the Kerry campaign, the President came across as engaged and thoughtful - and it helped that the question itself wasn't a Kerry softball, but rather engaged the other side of the discussion for a change - that embryonic stem-cell research hasn't proven anything, so why support something that destroys life? Bush also took Kerry to task on partial birth abortion, parental notification, and the "Laci Peterson" bill, which frankly is an enormous winner for the President if he'd press his case.

Kerry once again continued his steady criticism and dismissal of the President and his policies, in fact - too much so. At some points, it seemed as if he wanted to lecture the President - and most people do not respond to that. Kerry once again was well armed with numerical information, and has more plans than the County Department of Building Records. This was a good performance from Kerry, but with expectations high, and with no real evolution of his message, it left his position a bit non-plussed.

Kerry landed numerous blows against an awkward President in the first debate, but came out with a "global test" cut that the President has exploited, but to mixed effect. In the second debate, the President came out controlled and confident, not ceding the seriousness mantle to Kerry, and on several occassions got the better of Kerry.

This round to Bush on points, a well fought round neither candidate need be ashamed of, and it's off to round three at Tempe on Wednesday, home of the 5-0 Sun Devils of Arizona State (our favorite college team). If nothing changes, expect the debates to have helped Kerry close the stature gap, appear as a credible alternative, and keep in the race - though the big ammunition is still dry, and don't be surprised if the debates seem like an afterthought when talking about the track of political success or defeat this November...

Posted by MEC2 at October 9, 2004 10:45 AM