Slate: The Baltimore Debate, Field goal for Kerry, touchdown for Dean [View All]

[CMT]

Snip:
Just about everyone did well inthis debate, much better than in last week's debate in Albuqurque, NM. Joe Lieberman was fiery, Dennis Kucinich sounded almost sane, and John Edwards finally talked and laughted like one of those regular people he keeps claiming to represent. But the most important performances were turned in by John Kerry and Howard Dean...Tonight, however, Kerry took a holiday from his inner political consultant. He said what he thought...Howard Dean's performance was near-perfect. Strategically, Dean is way ahead of the pack. He has fulfilled the affirmative part of the campaign: giving people enough reasons to vote for him. Now he hasthe luxury of focusing on the negative part: dispelling the reasons to vote against him. Accordingly, his preparation for the last two debates seem to have focused on acting presidential and conveying competence in military and foreign policy. Tonight he accomplished both. He was at ease and in command. Rectifying his performance in Albuqurque, he projected confidence without constipation...

http://slate.msn.com/id/2088124/"