nicchick

Remember, Foreign Policy was supposed to be Bush's strong point, which is why the Repubs wanted this one first. Also, they got every concession they wanted in the debate "Rules", in exchange for agreeing to a third debate.

The debate they wanted to skip was the next one, a town hall type where they take questions from the public and can't depend on talking points.
It's the same format that Clinton used to propel him past Bush's father. In that type of a debate, having a grasp of the issues and being able to articulate them is the key.

Tonight's debate was a total mismatch. If it was a prize-fight they would have stopped it.
But if you think tonight was ugly, just wait until the next two.