10/14/2004 06:32:09 AM|||Nathan Moore|||

We got the best possible outcome from last night's debate. Kerry may have "won" the debate, but Bush was more likeable. The latter is infinitely more important. Don't underestimate the answers on faith and family. Bush's answers certainly were more genuine, and you could tell it. The pundits on the coasts may not get it, but those of us in "flyover country" do, and if I recall correctly, all the swing states are inland. Faith matters.

But what was made abundantly clear last night was that John Kerry's proposals will cost a significant amount of money. And $200k a year isn't where the tax hikes will end.

The Soprano comment was, well, not funny. Speech rule #1 - humor is great if you can do it, and should not be attempted if you can't.

The mention of Dick Cheney's daughter was classless.

Let's remember where we start from in these debates. We went into the debate cycle knowing that the President is not a technically great speaker. He has the ability to say great things, and does so well, but he may not deliver those great things flawlessly. It can be argued that no great things were said last night by either candidate - I certainly think so. Domestic policy does not typically inspire soaring oratory or powerful ideas. Limited government is a powerful idea, but certainly is not Bush's strength in this campaign.

In these debates, Bush was not expected to do well, not because he doesn't say great things, but because he does not have a polished delivery. He's a Bush, and such things come with the territory. And God love him for it - there are certainly more important qualities we want and need in a president.

More to come later.

|||109775448999880945|||Bush Won