I didn't stay up to post on the debate last night, and I haven't read any MSM commentary (yet), so here are my unvarnished impressions on the candidates' style and demeanor:

Senator Kerry: The gloss noticeabley faded throughout the evening. He started out smooth, with controlled facial expressions and managed to look pensive. He seemed to nod a little during the president’s answers on national security, may have just been my TV screen.

By the end of the debate, the smoothness became so false that Kerry resembled a cardboard cut-out, and he has no humor. None. Not even a hint.

At several points, I noticed the Bush smirk on Kerry’s face. This must be a bug in the Kerry Version 20.1 wherein the candidate randomly displays the demeanor of the president. Someone alert Terry McAuliffe!

The worst part of the debate was when Kerry looked into the camera and made a promise not to increase taxes on those earning less than $200,000 and to raise the roof on all the “rich people.” That was creepy. He looked like Frankenstein. Even the questioner seemed frightened by the experience.

President Bush: Seemed a little too angry with the audience at first, kinda like the questions enraged him. Karl Rove should have checked the height of the stools, as the president seemed to have trouble hanging on to his seat. Again, this might have been my TV screen or my contact prescription, but I thought Bush was having trouble keeping that one foot on the ground. (I’m only a little over 5’ myself, so I understand.)

The rage actually worked in Bush’s favor as the debate on foreign policy wore on, I started to enjoy it. I liked the part where Bush yelled at Charlie Gibson to go to his room while the grownup answered the question. I’ve felt like throttling Gipson on several occasions myself!

The anger worked and it mellowed appropriately during the domestic policy section. As the debate wore on, the president became increasingly engaging and humorous. “I own a timber company?” Bush developed a camaraderie with the crowd and Kerry became an outsider. Instead of tiring, the president remained on fire all night long.

Conclusion: Bush was the clear winner on style and demeanor.

CQ will post on the substantive aspects of the debate throughout the holiday weekend, so check back for updates!

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Tracked on October 10, 2004 12:38 AM