Mostly meh. The town hall format is kinda dumb because most of the questions are of the “What have you done for me lately?” variety and are followed by shameless pandering.
The foreign policy stuff was more interesting, and I think McCain came off a bit more sensibly there, but the “I’m gonna get bin Laden, and I know how” sidestep was a big time waster.
Make sure to read both Stephen Green’s drunkblogging, and the Democracy in America liveblog.
by this statement that funding alternative energy now will stop Iran from attacking Israel by diminishing its oil revenues? Are you kidding me with this?
the “green behind the ears” mixed metaphor. -10 because it came from Senator Glib.
is getting tired.
Clean coal? Oh, come on. Oxymoron of the decade.
“We’ve got to do something about home values.” And protect retirees. And buy a bunch of mortgages back. And other stuff. And this is why I hate town hall debates — they always turn into a spending spree.
I have to say I was expecting a more vigorous debate on some serious domestic issues. I lay the blame squarely at the feet of Bob Schieffer. None of the questions broke new ground or brought up topics that would foster vigorous debate.
Aside from that, Kerry was much the same as always. Good form, but he started droning partway through in that tone that makes me want to tune out immediately. Bush was leagues better form-wise than in the previous two debates. He wasn’t as fluid or as quick with words as in the second debate, but he was restrained, serious and sincere. His regular-guy-ness is a strong point, and he really showed that tonight.
questions to ask that Schieffer needs to ask about the women in the candidates’ lives?
the “I respect your faith” business from Kerry.
I gotta say that Bush, while not as smooth as in the last debate, is coming off as serious, sincere and passionate about making things better. Big plus for him.
owning a gun have to do with the assault weapons ban? Me manly. Me own gun. Me hunt. Wife gather.