I think you have to keep in mind that it's much easier being a challenger who is behind in the polls going into this debate than the president who has everything to lose.  No doubt many of you will disagree with me.  I think Kerry started very weak but was able to find his stride about half way through and he gave a good performance.  President Bush did stammer at times as Brad mentioned and I felt he repeated himself when he'd already made the point.  It appeared at times that he was trying to run out the clock as he'd already made his point and had not much more to say.

I'd like to have seen the president take him to task for complaining that our troops weren't well enough equipped while at the same time voting to deny them funding.

I'd like to have seen the president take him to task for complaining that our military was stretched too thinly but yet Kerry was only too happy to cut the size of our military under the Clinton administration.  The same argument could be made for our intelligence departments.  The president has done the best he can with what he has but he's being blamed for not having the resources in place.

For those who haven't been following these two very closely I think the winner would appear to be Kerry.  For those who have listened to Kerry's ever evolving opinions and ever changing positions on issues I think it would be difficult for an educated person to believe Kerry will be the unwavering leader our country needs.  I thought the president's remark about Kerry wilting under the pressure of the presidency was right on the mark. 

Kevin g