Bush's performance = a real lack of intelligence.
Intelligence may be back in style. Kerry's command on Thursday night was partly due to a stable demeanor and confident delivery - but he also showed that he had a complex understanding of the foreign policy issues - Kerry used facts, Bush used slogans. Mastery became cool.
But let's cut to the chase and not mince words:
Bush presented a terrifying presence to the American people. He lacked the intelligence and temperament to be President. He was clueless.
The windup doll that appeared to pump out stock phrases in a so-called Presidential debate cannot possibly be our real leader.
Bush's performance was a series of rhetorical loops that repeated on a cyclical basis. Either there's a button on the back that responds to voice activation (and I've seen comments about something being underneath Bush's jacket, as seen from the back) - or he was pumped up like a first-grader (or should that be 3rd grader...) with a series of phrases to be repeated in set order.
Actually, was Bush trying to hypnotize the electorate by repeating the same phrases over and over? Did anyone out there go into a flat-out trance?
You are seeing Saddam...........
You are seeing liberty.................
You are seeing freedom....................
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
So - yes, he could be the real leader and that's why we are in the mess we are in on all fronts - but it's also clear that he cannot possibly be that dysfunctional and able to handle the complexity of the Presidency on a daily basis. Even sheer total incompetency will require more sustained attention than he can possibly give.
And so why was he so mad and agitated? Because he had to be out there ALONE! Where's Dad, Dick, Karl, Don, Karen or Condi? Help!
Bush Unplugged. It ain't pretty.
Our current predicament is a combination of being on the Titanic with Captain Queeg in charge. Help!
Kerry must continue to demonstrate mastery -
"Americans are smart enough to appreciate the following facts........." "It is more complicated than that, and I'll tell you why..." "That simple-minded approach hasn't worked, and I'll tell you why....."
Give the American people some confidence that intelligence is on the way. Do not underestimate how frightening Bush's appearance was, even though most commentators are not saying so out loud.
