A Gallup Poll suggests that, by a wide margin, those watching last nights debate believe that Kerry won (53%, as opposed to 37% who thought Bush performed better). But it doesnt seem to make much of a difference in terms of overall voter preference. Slightly more believe that Kerry would do a better job than the president in handling Iraq (43%, as opposed to 40% before the debate). A solid majority, though, still think Bush would do better in this regard--54%, unchanged since before the debate. The percentage of folks who think Kerry would make a better commander-in-chief is also up, from 42% to 44%, and Bushs numbers dropped very slightly, from 55% to 54%.
In short, if these numbers are any indication, the debate doesnt really mean a thing. Which is why I made a point of not watching it.
The media conventional wisdom hasnt yet begun to shape public perceptions.
But it probably will.
This debate was Bushs best chance to put Kerry away. Since he failed to do this, and also clearly lost on style, Kerry will remain a formidable challenger -- not so much because of his strength as because of the Democratic partys, and Bushs many weaknesses.