Bush speech

[AuH2O]

Bush just delivered a major speech in Pennslyvania. The main question now is this: why wasn't he like that in the debates?

He can't afford to figure things out a week after Kerry has "won" a debate by prancing around the issues and contadicting himself a dozen times, not to mention offering dangerous proposals for dealing with North Korea and Iraq.

This Friday, Bush has to put forth a performance in the same fashion he did today-- if he wants to send Kerry reeling again. Between Cheney wiping Edwards out and imminent elections in Afghanistan, Bush can regain momentum Friday and reestablish firm control over the race.

I actually think the Town Hall format benefits Bush, because he is more comfortable with actual people than Kerry and certainly does not come across as lecturing. As we saw in the first debate, the issues are of secondary importance... Kerry was the worst he's ever been on the issues, and the strongest he's been in the entire campaign.

If Bush can connect with voters, appear relaxed and in control, the race is over. Kerry was on the ropes prior to the first debate, struck a solid blow against Bush-- but remains in a tenuous position. Expectations are that he will slug Bush even harder on domestic issues... Rove may yet have the last laugh on the debates.

[Posterity]

Bush just delivered a major speech in Pennslyvania. The main question now is this: why wasn't he like that in the debates?

Debates involve someone challenging the points you're making.  Speeches don't -- especially speeches where the audience has been screened to only allow those who already support the points being made.

If Bush wants to win the upcoming debtates, he needs to demonstrate that he can defend his position on the issues based on the merits of his policies rather than just expecting everyone to follow along because he says so.  In other words, Bush needs to demonstrate his "strong leadership" skills that the Republicans are constantly touting.