Anew, once again, I think you're showing more than a little bias. I agree that it would be a tad generous to give an out-and-out victory to Kerry, but no more so than it would be to give the same to Bush. There are arguments to support a victory for each, and I don't think either position is going to be considered absolute.
As for John Kerry defending himself, I'll just say that every criticism that was raised of Kerry's record, he defended himself against, quite well at times. Bush did not do likewise in every case. Was the president more direct and assertive? Yes. Was he more charismatic? That's a matter of perspective. Did he present a clearer plan? Certainly not, although he implied in many cases that things need to continue as they are. I think the difference lies in the method of debate: Bush was direct and personable, and made his arguments to the audience at their level. Kerry brought out fact, figures and statistics to support his.
Now, that fact alone would seem to indicate that Kerry should have more issues with the fact check people; he had more stats to be wrong about. Unfortunately, overall, that wasn't the case. Early in the debate, Bush misrepresented quite a few facts (intelligence voting, 87 billion$ thing AGAIN, and others). So don't pin all the incorrect statements on Kerry, because it simply isn't the case.
Best lines from the debate, according to everyone?
''I own a lumber company? That's news to me...um...want some wood?''
''The president didn't find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, so he's really turned his campaign into a weapon of mass deception.''
''Mr. President, you're batting 0 for 2,''
Least effective line that's getting a lot of hype: 'You can run, but you can't hide'. It makes no sense that this is being played up, considering how Kerry defended himself. Kerry didn't really have any buzz-lines, so I can't really criticize him for it, but that whole thing about the 'back-door draft' was a tad ridiculous.
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In a haze
A stormy haze
I’ll be around
I’ll be loving you
Always
Always
Here I am
And I’ll take my time
Here I am
And I’ll wait in line
Always
Always...