There is a colloquial phenomena amongst newly saved evangelical Christains. Once they've turned away from a life of sin, after an arbitrary amount of time, they call themselves virgins again.
Well, last night we witnessed the parallel deflowering of George W. Bush. Not since before 9/11 had he been on a stage with a truly engaged and informed political opponent. For over three years he had been free to spout platitudes like, "evil-doers", "suiciders" and "stay the course". Unchallenged for so long, he regained his "virginity".
For over three years, Bush got away with treating Americans like children. He became dependent upon that strategy.
Last night was different.
It was clear that Bush realized something was amiss. He was fidgety and uncomfortable - the cliche "deer in the headlights" was never so appropriate. A man adrift, and aware of his condition, Bush turned to the same tired strategy of employing tautological euphimisms in an effort to ride out the storm. It didn't work.
Kerry presented an alternative Americans hadn't seen before. Given the choice between honest, well-reasoned and appropriately complex policies vs empty rhetoric, Americans chose the former. I'm a little more hopeful today than I was yesterday.