When do we pivot on Kerry hammered Bush @debates?

[TheWebHead]

I understand people wanting to hammer home the point that Kerry beat Bush on Thursday night to make sure it's established so the right doesn't try to flip it as they did w/ Gore at the first debate, but there is another debate next Friday between the two, and after watching Scarborough... I wonder if this is their trick now. Before the first debate, it was all about lowering expectations. It's pretty clear many Republicans threw in the towel and are hammering him, and if chimp just shows up and maintains a straight face, they'll call it a miraculous rebound and "this is the real George Bush that came out tonight."

It may be wise by Monday to start adopting some of the right's excuses for Bush being tired and reinforce the meme that Bush has never lost a series of debates and that he can be expected to come back strong. It's important to start raising expectations for * so he isn't pitied, imo.

[Spiffarino]

1. This is actually an excellent point

There's no reason to let Shrub off the hook now. He did screw it up, without a doubt, but there's a town hall-style debate forthcoming. Bush is very good at these. However, if you watched Kerry during the primaries he is also very good at talking, listening, and answering ordinary people.

The town hall format may be the best chance yet to see Kerry shine. He just needs to prepare for every dirty trick in Rove's filthy little carpet bag. BushCo will throw down the gauntlet.

[kwolf68]

2. I agree

Great point. They are sandbagging, because they think Dumbya can actually win the domestic debate. Friday is gonna be sweet.

[Jersey Devil]

3. Continue through the weekend then follow your plan

I just don't think we should let up until we're sure they can't try to turn it around before the polls show the coming Kerry bounce which should start showing up Monday-Tuesday.

Then sure, we start talking about how a brave, swaggering cowpoke like W couldn't possibly have another off night against a second rate, no account like Kerry.