Meanwhile, in a parallel universe somewhere...

Like Maricopa County, Arizona:

The first debate was viewed as a Kerry victory because Americans saw how polished Kerry was and because Bush displayed a look of shock at some of the bold contradictions that emanated from the Massachusetts Senator. But, in terms of the over all impact on the election, Kerry lost that debate by insisting America could not be trusted to decide when we can deploy our military to defend ourselves. We must be held in check by foreign powers via the "Global Test" of the Kerry Doctrine. I believe Kerry sealed his fate in that moment.



In the second debate, with the town-hall format, Bush shined. Americans know George Bush is not a smooth talking slick politician, but he has the appeal of a leader with two feet on the ground. He comes across as one of us because he is one of us. Whether the topic was national security or the economy, Bush was at one with the town-hall participants. Kerry looked down upon them as "commoners" who could not dream of living in a household with combined incomes of $200,000 or more.



The final debate, in Tempe, was decisive for Bush. Kerry was more of the same: smart, steady and articulate, but aloof. Bush enjoyed himself speaking passionately about the impact tax cuts have on real families, the importance of education to improving the lives of Americans who are struggling in the ever changing economy. Most inviting, was his response to the question about religion. Bush appeared as though the pressures of the campaign were lifted for that moment when he was able to tell us of how much God helps him in his everyday life. He was not debating when he told us that he prays for his family and for the country and that he prayed before ordering America to war.



America got to contrast that with John Kerry taking the opportunity to tell 45 million viewers that Dick Cheney has a lesbian daughter. Bush wins the debates 3-0.

I wonder what that kool-aid tastes like.