Kerry is preparing for the second debate, Bush can't.

[Craig Roberts]

Someone here linked me to a NYT article about Kerry's town-hall-like mettings in Ohio. Describing his campaigning style, the article said, "His long question-and-answer session here - one of three tune-ups Mr. Kerry is holding this week for Friday's town-hall-style debate with Mr. Bush..."

In other words, Kerry is using these campaign stops to interact with people in a way that is comparable to how he will be required to interact with questioners in the next debate. This is giving him practice in thinking on his feet and responding to unexpected questions from ordinary Americans.

Is this what Bush is doing? Of course not. He is appearing in front of his sanitized crowds of adoring fans and giving speeches. He can't campaign any other way.

When Thursday comes, Kerry will have plenty of practice, and Bush will still be in the same place he was in when he stepped onto the stage for the first debate.

[ogradda]

1. i know

sweet, huh? :)

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. No No No, the chimp ones are called "Ask the President"

And they kind of do the Televangelist thing with people testifying and shit. Lots of critical thought going on there.

[Ruffhowse]

3. Kerry will so crush him in the second debate. I'm gonna be in front of my

TV, popcorn and beer in hand, ready for the fun!!

[Norquist Nemesis]

10. TGIF

I've been nervous about it...being here in Illinois, we're somewhat out of the loop. But the more I see how he's been doing from DUers who have witnessed it, I'm feeling better about it.

I still think we need to keep working like we're 10-15 points behind all the way through to Nov 2. And on that Tuesday, do whatever we need to do to get people to the polls...sign up to drive, rent vans for shuttling voters, make calls on Saturday/Sunday/Monday to organize pickup times, remind people to vote...whatever it takes. :)

[ClassWarrior]

14. Bingo!!

23.

[ClassWarrior]

13. I dunno, I'm kinda afraid for JK - Bush* can only get better from here...

(wink, wink)

23.

[Norquist Nemesis]

16. I give up!

What's the "23." ?

[gumby]

4. Bush doesn't give speeches

He regurgitates pre-digested sound-bites and the pre-approved, bussed-in crowds scream in insane, apocalyptic delight.

[Craig Roberts]

7. I like the phrase, "Insane, apocolyptic delight"

[zaj]

5. FYI, the 2nd Debate if FRIDAY (not Thursday)

Just a friendly reminder. I hear lots of people assuming its Thursday. Don't want anyone to miss the fireworks.

[Craig Roberts]

6. Thanks

[life_long_dem]

8. are the ?'s pre-screened?

That is the only way * has a chance, as long as the ?'s are on his subliminal sleep tapes. Don't expect him to think without a pre-programmed script in his head.

[shraby]

9. Not only that, he's busy bashing Kerry

about the debate that was the other night. Kerry is talking about where he wants to go...Bush is talking about where he's been. Big difference there.

[life_long_dem]

12. Can't bush supporters see through

the emptiness in his thinking? I mean, he's out stumping again trying to sound convincing and he seems more relaxed, but thats because he has a script and no tough questions to answer. Can't they see he is not intelligent enough to RUN this country? I know, preaching to the informed here, just venting.

[Norquist Nemesis]

11. Yes

at least by the moderator. They are to be written down and if the questioner deviates the moderator is to cut the person off and move on.

Supposedly, Kerry and Bush do not get the questions before hand. It wouldn't suprise me if Rove sets up a camera or something to get snapshots though. I'm not sure exactly how the questions are to get into the hands of the moderator (when they write them, who collects them, etc.)

[KharmaTrain]

15. I Watched Today's Town Hall...Excellent!!!

ABC News Now carried it live and, yes, Kerry is using it to tune up his rapport with an audience and in giving short, sharp and upbeat answers. I was very impressed with what I saw this afternoon and can't wait to see if Rove dares to send his boy out again in what could be a real clusterfuss.

Kerry's done many of these open forums. Sure looked like the questions were not staged. One interesting aside: a Vietnam Veteran got up and thanked Kerry for his efforts in the Vietnam Veterans against the war and how that helped end the war and save lives. I was one of those and have always admired Kerry's efforts in those days as being a true American hero. The large crowd at the town hall gave Kerry a standing O. A great moment.

Bunnypants is already at a disadvantage since this next debate requires "fuzzy math" and it'll be interesting to see what spin points he and his surrogates will use to try to spin good out of the economy. The other trick will be to see if they can pin all the economic woes on Clinton. I'm sure Kerry's hoping he does that as well, cause he won't run from the Clinton record like Gore did.

[Kahuna]

17. I pray that Kerry doesn't fold to *'s demand to forgo undecided voters..

in favor of "leaning" voters. If * can't handle tough or "embarrassing" questions from voters, he shouldn't be president. Period.