Well, I've confabbed with one of my best (even though they're one a dem eevil librul sorts) friends about the debate. Their take on it was that it was a smashing Edwards success, although to be fair, she did note that she was more impressed with Edwards than the notion that Cheney screwed up.
For my part, I did note that if Kerry were half the politician Edwards was, Bush would be screwed. Edwards has the potential (potential) to be as skillful a politician as Bush in the congeniality gig.
A lot of the right-leaning bloggers have proclaimed this a massive Cheney victory. I don't think it was by a huge amount, at least in any way that will count with voters. All said and done, both folks did a good job. Oddly, however, Cheney did a excellent job of being what Kerry wishes he were, while Edwards did a spectacular job of being who Bush wishes he could be (in terms of style, folks - relax).
CNN seems to have called it for Edwards, but then again, they called for Bush in the last debate, so take it with a grain of salt.
More updates to follow on spin coverage...
Check out this side-by-side comparison by Pennywit of Captian Ed and Talk Left on debate live blogging. Brilliant idea!
I should also point out that VodkaPundit has left open a post in which folks who were liveblogging the debate could leave links to that effect in the comments. Sort of a liveblogging collection post. Hell, far as that goes, this guy has already linked to the link with the links, so I guess he gets a very special link all his own.
Well, a lot of the instapolling seems to swing pro-Edwards, but then again that kind of thing is always a bit off (and can be vehemently unscientific).
The more considered, at least half-an-hour later or so polling seems to give it to Cheney by, call it, 10 points, but with 20 perecent or so calling it a tie. It will be interesting to see how the spin kicks out on this one. Much like the Presidential debate, people attuned themselves to their own candidates strengths, while dismissing their negatives as being less important. On this one, since the debaters were much better, it'll take longer to sort itself out. But I think, over all, spin will swing to Cheney, simply because he landed a couple of hard blows, but generally didn't to seem to be on the attack to the same extent as Edwards who was less successful at hitting the balls out of the park.
Well, I guess, like expected, this was a debate for political junkies, and basically, only really enjoyed by political jukies.
Launched by Bravo Romeo Delta at October 6, 2004 04:31 AMWithin the first half hour of this Vice-Presidential debate, there was ONE REACTION SHOT of Vice President Cheney. There were over TEN REACTION SHOTS (INCLUDING SPLIT SCREEN SHOTS) of Sen. John Edwards. Who’s paid off these cameramen???!!! I don't want to believe this administration is dishonest but this was not an equitable playing field. I'm ashamed of the bias that is completely trying to distort this debate. I can't tell you how much I wish Jon Stewart and the Daily Show were handling the coverage of this debate. Despite the fact that they dub themselves as a "fake news" program, at least with them, we could be assured of fair and balanced coverage.
I'm ashamed of the pathetic state of our media and journalistic outlets today. It's beyond depressing. Let the American people hear the facts and decide for themselves who they want to lead this country. If you have to cheat to win, then you don't deserve to be at the helm.
A Concerned Citizen (and until recently, a swing voter),
Jackie Brown
P.S. Thank God for the Internet!
Posted by: Jackie Brown at October 6, 2004 05:34 AMWhere do you people get your information? It's like the first debate - I typed that damn thing up word for word as it was being done (yes!!) and I can tell you that Bush won that debate; Cheney won his debate with Edwards and on the 2nd Presidential debate, President Bush mopped the floor with Kerry.
And it will continue that way; Kerry would be a "colossal mistake" to put into the Presidency.
~C
Posted by: firstbrokenangel at October 9, 2004 10:02 AMJackie Brown: watch it on c-span from now on, then you won't have to listen to the idiot newscasters during or after the debates and make up your mind for yourself. It's always split screen so you see everything and no jibber jabber during it.
~C
Posted by: firstbrokenangel at October 9, 2004 10:04 AM