Bush did too say that he doesn't really care about Bin Laden.
They both claim to have plans - I wonder how they're going to detail and back up these plans to the extent that anyone would believe either of them. "A plan is not a litany of complaints," is a good one.
"Bait and switch" was another easy hitter for Kerry - he should have had five examples on hand of Bush's unfulfilled election promises.
"Only president that.." was a good list.
It's interesting that both claim fiscal responsibility, but Bush is incurring the record deficits. It's absolutely remarkable that Bush can get away with accusing Kerry of fiscal irresponsibility. Ah, Kerry is hitting back big time. Tony Soprano analogy was interesting.
Good point that Kerry had the specifics on educational cutbacks. Who knows if it's correct?
I guess "litany" is Bush's new word. Pell Grants is a bit more of a complex issue - the $5100 issue appears to be central.
Oh, Bush broke a debate rule. I'm so tired of this "mainstream" talk. And what's all this about bringing in Ted Kennedy?
Bush "doesn't know" whether homosexuality is a choice. What does it mean to "tolerate and respect" if you pass a constitutional amendment discriminating a group of people? I think it's a stretch to blame it all on "activist judges."
It seems to me that Kerry is good at getting the last word.
I wonder if this religious stuff is working. Good opportunity to compare with Kennedy - I suppose that was necessary to counteract anti-Catholic sentiments. I think it was effective way to get across his ideological convictions.
"Partial birth abortions" is such a red herring. Yes, it is nasty, but it's only relevant where the mother's life (or health, whatever that means), is endangered, no?
Other than that, all I heard about abortion from Bush was blah blah blah blah.
"Gosh, I hope it's not the administration he he he!" Why is that a funny joke?
It's interesting that Kerry is now bringing up his Senate record and is pitting against Bush's administrative agenda. The Medicare issue is relevant; the drugs from Canada ban is pretty iffy. I don't know if these numbers make sense.
Kerry is on the subcommittee on health care in the Senate. That's "no record?"
Kerry is at his best so far talking about health care. I'm surprised - this is a tricky issue, and I think both candidates are full of s*** on their plans.
Low blow on Bush's cuts on VA and Medicare. Why is Kerry promoting Blue Cross/Blue Shield?
Bush is neglecting veterans, if these numbers are true.
Social Security is a vital issue, but the problem is not just in investment returns but also in contributions.
They're talking trillions of dollars. That's a lot of money.
Immigration law is too esoteric for this kind of debate - Bush's idea sounds good, but it's not entirely clear how to make it practical. He's right about opposing amnesty, though.
Kerry's statistics on take-home pay is probably strong - I don't like this "class warfare" talk, but I think it works.
So, are borders more or less leaky than before? Who has the statistics?
Minimum wage doesn't jive with the outsourcing issue. Let's see if Bush knows how to explain this.
He didn't - he's talking about literacy instead. What? The wealthiest, most powerful country in the world still has a literacy problem?
Somebody has to explain what constructionism is - the notion of a lithmus test is a way of saying that Bush will appoint a judge who doesn't believe there is a constitutional right to privacy.
Are they wearing the same tie? Don't their people talk to each other?
"Global test" came up. Kerry better beat up on him on this - accuse him of distorting his meaning.
Does the president really believe that you prevent gun crimes by prosecuting them after the case? Smart move to bring in law enforcement support for the ban. Hey, Kerry mentioned Clinton - was that risky?
Affirmative action - "mend it, don't end it" is a good slogan. I don't know if this will fly well with mainstream voters. It appears to be true that Bush didn't meet with the NAACP, but he did meet with the Black Caucus once for an hour and a half.
Bush's speech on religion may have been his best moment so far. I think people will feel reassured that these are idealistic people.
Kennedy again - why is Bush obsessing over Kennedy?
Stupid point that McCain is voting for Bush. Kerry only said that he's been working with McCain, not that McCain knows the truth in every matter.
Last question - women. Whatever.
Kerry is trying his hand at triangulation a la Clinton. Maybe that's why he mentioned him twice. Good idea to close positive.
Oops, Bush barely remembered the name of the painter. Too complex story about the day that's coming - who woulda thunk he'd tell such a complex story. It's rough, though - all he can say is that he'll continue improving the things Kerry is accusing him of making worse.
Summary: nothing new here. Kerry was on the attack most of the time and allowed himself to be gracious only towards the end. Lots of allegations, there's going to be a lot of work to substantiate things. Kerry should have read Krugman's op-ed; honestly, I don't think Bush is doing a good enough job of capitalizing on the incumbent advantage.
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