It will be interesting.
Edwards has a slight edge stylistically, though Cheney comes across as more "alpha".
But this whole
administration is vulnerable right now, as the protective veneer of rhetoric, and good will from conservative folk
that they have been relying on, was only so thick. It's now wearing thin. They have been too cocky, which has
caused them to be just sloppy enough to make them vulnerable. Republican emotive strategies have been successful in
the short term. But as the campaign drags on, and the public is getting more seasoned with the campaign, things are
getting less favorable for them. Since the Democratic message isn't as simplistic, it has taken longer to grab
people, but is starting to a little. Now the Dems have an opportunity to apply a killer instinct and dominate. But
they need to win every single debate decisively to nail it. If they do, they'll win the
election, barring an October suprise or ballot cheating. The natural flow of the energy and cultural story will
be too strong in that direction. Otherwise all bets are off.
Edwards has a lot of hard work cut out for him
tonight, and will need to be sharply penetrating, relentless, and aggressive; while presenting a clear alternative.
Cheney is no dummy, and has been around the block. Kerry needs to be brutally well prepared himself for the next
one; and needs to do even better than he did in the last debate, which was supposedly playing to Republican
"strengths". People will be expecting him to win big, and he better deliver, as bad as the economy has been.
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