First Debate

I started out listening to the First Debate on radio, but switched to television after the curiosity became too great. There is one advantage to listening instead of watching: The words and tones of voice are the only focus. But it became apparent that Mr. Bush was going on the defensive early. I wanted to see what was going on.

I tuned in to C-Span2 downstairs while the lad tuned in to C-Span upstairs. He came down a couple of times and wondered why I didn’t go over to C-Span. There was a split screen there, he said. It was interesting to see the reactions of both while they were listening and waiting their turn to speak. So I switched over and, indeed, it was much more entertaining.

President Bush was on the defensive in the quality of his responses, his voice, and his body language. It wasn’t a good performance. Mr. Kerry held his own quite nicely and spoke with power and assurance. It was nice to see. By all reports, Mr. Kerry handily won this debate. I think that was obvious to anyone who watched. How that affects swing-voters is anyone’s guess. Although thinking back to the Kennedy-Nixon debates, it has been conventional wisdom, since, that appearance and demeanor during a debate are as important as verbal substance. Mr. Bush took a page from Nixon’s playbook last night. It probably hurt him.

Mr. Kerry looked and sounded presidential. Poised and intelligent. I’d like some of that running our country again.