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Need Some Wood?
Both were really strong and I think it was partly due to the format of the debate. The way the questions were asked (this guy over there wants you to explain....) made them seem like challenges and so we got more fiery responses. I like when the judge hearing your motion asks you pointed questions and you have to really argue your points, as opposed to a judge that lets you drone on. It always works out better.
Bush highlights:
Getting up off his chair quickly and decisively to answer a question. No more long delays and mumbling.
Pointing out BOTH thought there were WMDs and both wanted to bring Saddam down.
Santions were not effective and the UN had not been effective.
The Kerry Plan sounds familiar b/c it's the Bush Plan (train troops, etc.).
Recognizing unpopularity -- "I have made decisions that caused people to not understand our values and I know it's been unpopular internationally". Noting his Israel decisions (dissing Arafat) also aren't popular in Europe.
Warning that we may not WANT to necessarily be "popular" in Europe.
North Korea: we are acting multi-laterally which is what Kerry has been saying he wants us to do.
Suggeting Kerry wants socialized medicine.
You want to cut punitive damages, Kerry? Then you should have showed up and voted on the bill; instead you put a trial lawyer on the ticket.
Deficit -- levelling with people: look, we had a stock market downturn and we're at war, for chrissakes.
It looked to me that Bush gained confidence by doing well, and the confidence let him go even further. And made him more relaxed....so he could do that bit about "I own a timber company? Ya need some wood?" I do think Bush got mostly cake walk questions. (Question: were audience participants warned not to react or show facial expressions when the debaters talked? That would be hard to do).
I wish Bush took Kerry to task when Kerry answered the question, "What would you do about Iran?" and he droned on but his only direct answer was "I'd get tough." Bush should have said something to the effect -- do you see how he answered the question? Where's the beef?
Overall, although I think both did well, Bush was able to shine brighter possibly because it was such a change from the last debate. Kerry did well, but his performance was essentially the same (i.e., excellent) as the last debate.
Just my $.02.
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