Father Kerry vs. Boy George

[baltodemvet]

In their recent Alternet piece, entitled, "Father Kerry vs. Boy George," Steven Rosenfeld and Jan Frel deal primary with the substance of the 9/31 debate. But the title is telling. As others have, however, they note that "John Kerry came across as a mature candidate during the debate, while George Bush squirmed repeatedly at challenges to his record." That, in fact, is an understatement. To me and other observers, Bush came across as a whiny, stammering, pleading adolescent.

I think I know why. He was up against a tall, poised, imposing figure--a war hero and over-achiever who regards public service as a calling. Does that remind you (or more to the point, did that figure remind Bush) of someone?

Given what we know of Bush's youth, can you imagine the dynamic between G.W.B. and G.H.W.B.? I can. I can almost hear " Now, George, I have to tell you I'm really disappointed..." I can imagine there were a number of uncomfortable conversations along those lines.

If I'm right, Kerry's reference to G.H.W B.'s explanation of why he didn't persist in Iraq--in addition to being a solid hit on substance--was probably effective in other ways as well.

And, if I'm right, I think we can expect this dynamic to continue--it's not something that can be coached away overnight. It may not apply as much in the "town hall" format but I suspect it will re-emerge in some form in debate #3.

[clydefrand]

1. I think Kerry will use it whenever he can

because I'm sure he knows the effects of references to Bush UNO!