Who Won the Debates?

We all know that the nation is divided enough that the answer to that question depends on who you want to win in November.

In the first debate, most viewed Kerry as the winner. Reviews came in that Bush seemed unprepared, and very uncomfortable. He scowled, seemed angry, and was very repetitive. Kerry was on the attack, and Bush seemed unable to get any points across. Kerry had Bush on the ropes. Everyone seemed surprised, because Bush was supposed to clean Kerry's clock on the topic of the War on Terror. All the energy was in the Kerry corner, and he gained back some points in the polls that he had lost after the Republican convention.

The second debate started out much the same, but sometime after the start, there was a change in momentum. I think everyone sensed it. A smile came back to Bush's face, and Kerry started stumbling on the domestic questions. Bush seemed to gain some confidence that he could stand up there with the debate champ Kerry, and hold his own. The format was good for Bush, as he seems more comfortable in an informal setting interacting with people; while Kerry seems more comfortable behind a podium speaking to a vacuum.

By the time the first 10 minutes passed in the third debate, you could sense that Kerry had lost his energy and momentum. Kerry found himself on the defensive, fending off some challenges from a more charasmatic Bush. Bush smiled, looked in the camera, and made America laugh a few times; while it was Kerry who had to explain himself and seemed defensive, unenergized, and plain tired.

One of the key moments in the third debate was the question on faith. Bush came across as genuine, with a heartfelt response that inspires confidence and trust. Kerry responded as if his faith was something he experienced at one time. In addition, Kerry contradicted himself (on yet another topic), as he said that his faith couldn't dictate what he'd decide on abortion or gay marriage for America; yet, it would dictate what he'd decide on the environment for America. Some Catholics have expressed some outrage over his political positions. On the otherhand, Bush clearly energized his base, and spoke to the majority of Americans who do say that faith plays a roll in their lives.

We're racing to the home stretch, and Bush left the last debate in a sprint.