Redstate

The poll might say that Kerry won the debate, but it also says that debate-watchers think that Bush will be better on Iraq. They also believe that Bush will be tougher and is more likable and more believable than John Kerry.

Americans have already factored in Bush's debating ability. It was the other issues--such as toughness and believability--where Kerry had to surpass Bush. But it looks like he failed to do so.

The ABCNews instant poll showed Kerry winning the debate, but it also showed that almost no minds were changed:  their numbers showed Bush up 50-46 before and 51-47 after.  Not helpful to Kerry at first, but we'll have wait a few days to see if the post-debate spin changes some minds.

You mentioned the economy as a strength issue for Bush.  I believe it will be.  GWB is excited about where the economy is headed, as well he should be.  90% of the economic indicators are pointing toward a surging economy.  All Kerry has is his "new jobs paying $9000 less" mantra, which is based on a dubious source anyway.

I think Bush will come back in the 2nd debate with that exuberance that was mysteriously missing in the first debate.  Mr. Bush holds all the aces in the economic debate.  He needs to make sure he uses them this time.

Actually... I have to hand it to President Bush during the debate.

I can't blame him for looking what appeared to be tired, bored, disgusted, disgruntled (choose your adjective).

I would too, if I had to stand there and listen to someone have a debate with themselves for half (or more) of the time... and then, in a few seconds, decide which side of the issue Kerry was on at that moment and come up with a response.

I think he did the best thing he could do... let Kerry hang himself with some of the most ludicrous foreign policy positions/statements in several decades.

I'm not worried... Kerry is his own worst enemy.

I read somewhere that over the next few days the focus of the public is expected to shift away from Kerry's stylistic performance to the substance of what was actually said. If that happens, then Kerry's remarks should indeed help Bush.

I watched most of the debate (I listened to all of it but got up a few times), and I never got the impression that Bush was angry or overdoing his facial expressions. Even while watching example clips the next day I didn't see it. I don't see how the spinners arrived at that opinion. I think they were searching for a story and blew it all out of proportion.