01/10/2004 1:47:09 pm
Who Won? Two very diffeerent personalities debated yesterday before the US presidential election. It was a quite even match; while Bush beat Gore clearly in the debates in 2000, this was more even. Kerry is a more skilled debater than Gore. In terms of facts and figures, John Kerry would emerge as the winner from yesterday. But he seems older and more tired as a person than George W Bush, who is quick, plain-speaking and witty. And Bush is very good at repeating his main message and to show his passion for certain issues. If voters are asked what they remember from the debate, most would pobably still feel that Bush is a stronger and more determined leader. That was the most important impression for Kerry to change, and he did probably not achieve that aim despite a good effort. The problem is not his skills at debating, the problem is his changing positions on the issues. If this was Kerry?s last chance to get into the game, he might have failed. But one month and two debates are still left. Much can still happen.