The debate...
Was interesting. I highly recommend that everyone who didn't see it watch it on tape - the mannerisms and tones of voice spoke volumes, and the transcripts won't show that.
One thing I'm curious to see how other people reacted to was the body language. From what I saw, it looked almost embarassing; if I had no idea who these two people were, I would have noticed a difference. Kerry was focused, relaxed, and, well, presidential. He answered questions, he took the offensive and kept it. Bush was highly defensive throughout; physically, he almost looked like he was crouching in the corner. He sounded whiny, to be honest.
From reading the news services, the phrase that stuck the most seems to have been Kerry's description of the war in Iraq as "a colossal error in judgement." I'm a bit surprised that another line wasn't noticed more - Kerry said, at some point in the past, that this was "the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time," and Bush quoted it. Repeatedly. Throughout the debate.
Anyway, I'm quite curious to know what other people thought - especially people who aren't quite as partisan as I am, or at least partisans of the other side. What things stuck out in your mind? What were the moments that your favored candidate looked the strongest, and the weakest? Did you get anything from this?
And a reminder again - if you haven't seen this debate, find a recorded copy and go watch it. It was very informative about both the platforms and the people.
