In Florida, Kerry says American dream is on the ballot. NYTimes

[JoFerret]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/03/politics/campaign/03kerry.html

<<"Wages are falling, medical bills are rising, families can't afford to send their kids to college, and they tell us, 'Hey, don't worry, this is the best economy of our lifetime,' " Mr. Kerry said, as he aimed squarely at Mr. Bush's domestic record both on the campaign trail and in a pair of new television advertisements.

For the second day, Mr. Kerry mocked Mr. Bush's performance in their debate Thursday night, parroting some of what seemed Mr. Bush's verbal tics. "George Bush can't see the problems, so he can't solve them," Mr. Kerry said. "He confuses staying in place - just kind of saying, 'It's tough, it's hard work, you got to make a decision' - he considers that, and confuses that, with leadership."

Merging his indictment of Mr. Bush's economic record with an attack on the president's candor about Iraq, Mr. Kerry said the administration was in a "constant state of denial.">>
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[sally343434]

1. That about sums it up, doesn't it?

That about sums it up, doesn't it?

[JoFerret]

2. Here's another version from the UK Independent

with Rove concession

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=568361

The President, who embarked yesterday on a journey by bus through the critical swing state of Ohio, has meanwhile sharpened his own attacks on his opponent, whom he continues to characterise as inconsistent, hesitant and ill-equipped to lead troops in a war that he has called a mistake. But there was evidence that even some of the President's own cohorts were disappointed by a performance on Thursday that often showed him looking irritated, peevish and frustrated. Television viewers were struck by his repeated fidgeting and blinking at the podium while his opponent spoke. Even Karl Rove, his top political aide, conceded to reporters that Mr Kerry "is arguably the better debater of the two", though insisting that on substance, Mr Bush was surely the victor.

Thursday's debate drew an impressive audience of 62.5 million Americans, less than for this year's Super Bowl but larger than for the Oscars ceremony in March. It reflected an intensity of interest in this race as it reaches its November climax. Only 46.6 million tuned in for the first encounter between Al Gore and George Bush four years ago.

As Democrats rejoiced in the apparent debating prowess of their candidate, pollsters counselled caution. Instant polls after the first Gore-Bush face-off four years ago showed Mr Gore the winner. Within days, however that advantage was erased. "It will depend on how it gets played out and how it gets restated to the undecided voters," said Stephen Kinney, a Republican pollster based in California. "My gut feeling is, I don't think it's going to change anything."

History has other lessons, however. John Kennedy in 1960, Ronald Reagan in 1980 and Mr Bush in 2000 all came into the first debate trailing in the polls, but went on to win the election.

[sonicx]

4. "how it gets *restated* to the undecided voters"

that's right. ignore your gut felling. listen to us. ;)

[Demeter]

5. I Wouldn't Touch THAT Kind of Substance

without rubber gloves and a gallon of bleach.

[Melodybe]

6. Rove and the media, fucking wish! I see the faces of repubs

They are so shamed. My sister's republican friend got up 30 minutes into the debate and left. She was so mad, "I can not believe he is that fucking stupid, this is making me sick, I am NOt voting for that piece of shit!" She got up and left, to contemplate her thoughts.

The media is trying to make America forget the dabates, as they should, * was horrible.

Don't let them, keep watching them and keep talking about them, America has to remember these.

[agates]

3. Clintonesque

I love it.