OK, just got home from a fundraiser where I watched the debate, and I must say that I am a little in love with John Kerry right now. I thought he was wonderful. He was in control the whole time, made his point and made it well, and countered any point Bush made with eloquence and ease. Bush looked like a nervous, blinky, twitchy, uncomfortable, smarmy kid.
Josh Marshall over at Talking Points Memo is more cautious than I am, which is probably a good thing, seeming as how I am quite biased :). But even he says:
“If President Bush’s current lead is built not upon confidence in him or his policies but in a simple belief that Kerry isn’t solid enough to be president, then I think this performance could help Kerry a good deal.”
I think this is key. What the Bush administration has been saying over and over is that Kerry is not decisive leader, that he is not resolute, that he will not follow through on the war on terro and that America will not be safe with him at the helm. So many people, even hardore Republicans I have spoken to, say that they don’t necessarilt agree with Bush’s policies, but they doubt Kerry’s ability to lead.
I think all of us saw tonight that that is bullshit.
I don’t like either candidate. But I expect that unless something changes Bush will still win. Kerry is hanging on because he is supported by the rabid Anybody But Bush gang.
That is not support.
I used to be part of the Anybody but Bush gang. Now, I really believe in Kerry and what he stands for. This is man who was born to be president - he has dedicated his life to serve his country. Unlike SOME presidents (who shall remain nameless) who got to where they are today through manipulation and nepotism.
And don’t say “that’s not support” until you see a group of campaign workers like I did last night who have given months of their life to work for a man they believe in, because they love their country and hate what Bush is doing to it. As well asdozens of supporters who truyl believe in him.
There are people who are still part of Anybody But Bush. But don’t assume that that’s all who’s out there.