RESPONSE TO THE FIRST HOUR OF THE 3RD PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Okay, here we go. Let's see if the president can pull this off.

A new Kerry flip-flop? Kerry just said that it's not whether we are safer (which he has said NO to) but whether we are safe enough.

Bush seems more friendly, excited, and energized, not defensive.

Kerrry just implied that Iraq is not a correct focus of the war on terror.

Bush just used sarcasm humoursly: "I never said I didn't care about Osama Bin Laden. That's what's called an eggageration." [laughter]

If Bush continues on like he's been in the first five minutes, Kerry is cooked tonight.

Uh-oh. The first "I have a plan" phrase. Zzzzzzz......

Bang, Bushie! Nice rebuttal to Kerry's healthcare stump.

"Pay-as-you-go." Is John Kerry advocating fiscal conservatism?

I like the moderator, Bob Scheiffer

An articulate President Bush is salve to my nervous soul. Ahhhhh.....

And.....Kerry skips the question and criticized the President.

Why can't John Kerry use any statistics in context?

John Kerry just said he can't stop outsourcing, but he faults Bush for it.

John Kerry: "I will fight for the American worker just as hard as I fight for my job." So does that mean he will use any means necessary, legal or otherwise, ethical or otherwise, to "fight" for us?

"Litany." Nice word.

"There's a mainstream in American politics and you sit on the far left bank." YEAH!!!!

"We're all God's children." All those in favor of labeling this the cheesiest line of the debate, say aye.

Kerry, the issue of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) isn't whether states can adequately handle the gay marriage issue, but that multiple states' competing definition of marriage will create a division in the union concerning one of the most important social issues of our time.

Kerry just said the most convoluted statement trying to justify his not legislating against abortion with James' notion that "faith without works is dead."

Bush made another joke, the audience laughed. Has Kerry gotten any positive response, yet?

The President keeps pounding personal involvement over government involvement in our affairs. Keep it up, sir.

Kerry didn't even address the reason why Bush is wary of letting Canadians into our markets--namely, that we're not sure they're safe. Bush is totally for the concept--if it is safe.

Whoop from an audience member when Bush referred to Kerry's lack of a record in reforming health care.

Kerry's been criticized for months about his lack of a record, such as in healthcare. If Kerry is proud of the healthcare bill he just touted, why haven't I ever heard of it before?

"I got a better plan." He needs a new line.

"If it's good enough for us, it's good enough for every American." Reminds me of those crazies who say something similar about the King James Bible.

Bush is speaking faster, fluidly, with precision and humor. [the new ulcer in my 20-year-old body begins to ease]

I appreciate Bob Scheiffer for asking hard questions to both candidates.

And I quote: "The American middle class isn't making it." WHAT? We are the riches nation in the history of the world. Don't try to trick our emotions, Mr. Senator, and try to equate the middle class with say, the homeless and poverty-stricken human refuse in Bejing.

Arbitraily raising women's pay is sexist affirmative action.

Oops. Kind of a goofy transition from minimum wage to education, Mr. President.

"Reading is the new civil right." Catchy. And (more importantly) correct.

SPIN ALERT: "I'm not going to appoint a judge who will undermine a Constitutional right."