Kerry the uniter showed restraint during the debate.

[gulliver]

At least two instances in the debate showed admirable restraint from Kerry:

1. Kerry pointed out that Bush "changed his mind" about going to the U.N. and said that Bush's "campaign has a word for that." Note that Kerry didn't haul off and call Bush a "flip-flopper." He didn't go for the soundbite.

2. Bush was asked about the fact that Putin is tightening down the screws on democratic reforms in Russia. Bush responded by dropping names, calling Putin "Vladimir" (sounded like Vladuhmer). Kerry could have pointed out how Bush vouched for Putin's soul early on and said that Putin was a man he could work with. But Kerry didn't attack Bush. Kerry just addressed the issue of the unmanaged nuclear materials still in Russia.

So Kerry is a uniter. He doesn't want to humiliate people who backed Bush by nailing Bush with childish rhetoric -- even if Bush does it, and even when the most important presidency of our time depends on it.

Kerry showed maturity and judgement.

[salinen]

1. Kerry is a

gentleman. * is a wart.

[DaveinMD]

2. Bush is a uniter

He's united Democrats. He's united Jew and Arab against him. He is a uniter.

[Cha]

4. * united the whole

Wide World against him.

[BOSSHOG]

3. and political savvy

The Dems knew that if Senator Kerry said anything remotely "disrespectful" to the little bastard, that would have been the story of the debate. Rove has to be thoroughly pissed that his boy got his ass kicked, by a gentleman, in a professional manner. That just isn't they way fascists operate.

[DrBB]

5. Well, maybe. But I have a slightly different theory

Those of us who dwell in Massachusetts know he plays a long game. The campaign against Weld--a very popular candidate, and vastly more articulate than Bush--that featured six debates went much like the present one. Kerry behind most of the way along, and everyone assuming Weld would take it in a walk. But Kerry won.

My theory: as a former DA, Kerry knows the arc of the prosecution needs to peak at the end, not the beginning. I think he's deliberately pacing this thing the way he likes it. In fact I think he's been more in control of his campaign than a lot of people have said. I think he held back from trying to do zingers because he sensed he didn't need to, and you keep your best stuff in reserve for the final period.

[orpupilofnature57]

6. Took the high road, a sign of stability.Made * look impish.

I couldn't believe he only mentioned halliburton once, * would've beat that in the ground,as bad as hard work.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[antigone382]

8. Actually, I've heard that Bush has a nickname for Putin

He calls him Pooty-poot.

Somehow I think that's a mispronunciation as well. I've also heard Bush refer to Putin as "Pootin" several times, so if it is a mispronunciation, Bush set the precedent.

Personally, I don't care how glamorous the name is that we use on Putin. He's subverting democracy, ostracizing his opposition, and putting control of the media in the hands of the government...oh, wait, that's what Bush is doing as well. No wonder the Amherst cheerleader feels so good about Putin's soul.

[Hot Water]

9. Not what we would have all like to see.

But that low key, Presidential styled, respectful demeanor is what made those those polls explode.

He said who's your daddy...but respectfully. It emphasized Bush as a pathetic little whiner even more.

People don't like that-- I'll show you who's boss style. Except for his 43% of cemented into stupidity ass kissers, that is.