Jonah Goldberg gives it to Kerry

[59millionmorons]

From the Corner:
SO ... I DUNNO

If I was scoring this as a debate coach, I guess I'd give it to Kerry. But the first rule of presidential debates is that that's the last way to judge them. In the first half Bush was too defensive, I thought. In the second half I thought Bush gained on Kerry. On taxes, abortion and the environment I think Bush won to one extent or another.

But on the more important issue of who was the more likable guy, I think Bush had Kerry beat. The crowd, it seemed, like Bush a lot more. Not only did the crowd not laugh at Kerry's jokes, but Kerry didn't make any.

However, on the question of whether Bush did everything he needed to tonight, I don't think so. I think he helped himself, but Kerry leaves these debates energized. If you think back to just ten days ago, Kerry was falling apart. That trend was turned around in the last debate and this one didn't change that.

http://www.nationalreview.com/thecorner/04_10_03_corner-archive.asp#041864

[Insomnicole]

1. huh?

"Not only did the crowd not laugh at Kerry's jokes, but Kerry didn't make any."

Is that supposed to be clever snark? How about all Bush's little snide comments to the audience that went over like a fart in church?

[PCIntern]

3. He is a fart in church...

"damn near blew the roof off" tonight....

With apologies to J.D. Salinger

[LisaLynne]

4. I'm with you on the "huh?"

If he didn't make any jokes, how could they have NOT laughed at them? Idiot.

[Spiffarino]

2. He's almost got it, but

:WTF: is he talking about that the crowd seemed to "like Bush a lot more?" I've never seen so many scowling faces as when I looked at the ones behind him every time he tried to make a cogent point (which he rarely did). The only face that appeared to have a favorable look came from the young abortionista that asked Kerry the silver-bullet question.

[fob]

12. Kerry should have asked that lady how she likes her tax dollars being

spent on the killing in Iraq? I bet she likes that "murder" just fine.

[Spiffarino]

13. I'm reasonably sure that

...when it comes to killing muslims, she's all for spending whatever it takes.

Fundie extremists are funny that way...it's only killing if it's a fetus but if it's over 18 and non-white, no problemo.

[DancingBear]

5. On taxes, abortion and the environment

I think Bush won to one extent or another.

Uh, no.

Jonah, step away from your mother...

[montana500]

6. they laughed at his joke

about "even you Charlie" concerning the taxes.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

7. I can see where he is coming from

which is mainly that they love Bush and think he's strong and likeable and all that nice shit that makes them feel so good and warm and cozy at night and stuff.... BUT- Kerry is showing he's a formidable and STRONG opponent who is coming up like a relentless bugger ready to drive his swift boat right the fuck through their midships and they are fucking SCARED.
They are fucking SCARED that Kerry has deeper legs and is a REAL threat and people are seeing how he is a real legitimate alternative to Bush.
They are fucking SCARED, 'cause Kerry is hanging around, showing his presence, and eventually is going to put down the hammer.
They feel the heat.
They know the end is coming.
Jonah ain't dumb.

[GainesT1958]

8. When even a Neo-Con Bushnik at the National Review...

Summarizes it that way, you (and yes, even THEY) know Dub's pretty much done for...

Kerry's got Dub on the run, now for us to get out the vote and FINISH DUB OFF!:D

:kick:

B-)

[LiberalFighter]

9. WOW I am surprised that Goldberg isn't hyping gw*

[depakid]

10. Well, he said it himself- he's no debate coach

In fact, he's not even very bright.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. Wow. Check out this Jonah post

NOTE TO READERS

I'd like to make two points.

First, for every email I get which says I'm nuts and Bush won hands down, I get one email from another -- equally conservative -- reader saying I'm nuts for thinking Kerry didn't destroy Bush.

Second, I do wish readers would stop trying to read my mind as to why I'm offering my opinions. I get a lot of psychobabble from people who think I'm deliberately hard on Bush to maintain my credibility with liberals or some such nonsense. Believe me, it's nonsense.

Posted at 10:54 PM

[terrya]

14. Deleted message