Thursday, October 14, 2004

Kerry Edges In Front

Portland

I watched the debate in a place called the Crystal Ballroom here in Portland, surrounded by a lagered-up crowd of lefty students. The atmosphere was predictably tribal with much of what Bush said greeted with laughter and occasionally some cheers for Kerry's speeches. And Kerry was good tonight, much better than he's been before and better than Bush, this evening at least. For the first time in the campaign he was able to both look statesmanlike and convey his points in a concise and understandable style. Bush's handlers got tonight dead wrong, far too often they focused on Kerry's record in the Senate (who really cares if he 'voted against' something 227 times, or whatever, it means nothing) instead of efficiently countering Kerry's arguments. Even the area where Bush scored strongest last week - Kerry's 'tax and spend' healthcare plan - was more difficult to call tonight. It may not be enough to swing the election in his favour, but if Kerry wins on November 2 it will be because of his generally fine performance in the three debates.

I met a couple of very festive gentlemen during the debate. After a few drinks we decided to escape the boringly preditable liberal rhetoric of the speakers at the rally we'd unwittingly stumbled into and decamped to a nearby bar. After a little longer I realised Edd and David (and especially David) had rather more on their minds than just political conversation. When David moved round the table and started to swing my chair with his hand, then touched my arm, I realised it was probably time to settle up my share of the bill and leg it. Throwing some dollar bills down on the table I ran up the stairs and out of the bar, leaving the pair of them looking somewhat put out. At least it proves I've still got it.

3 Comments:

At 14 October 2004 at 08:27, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, Richard, I hope you've learnt a valuable lesson tonight. After your poncey conversion from right-thinking, politically astute young hawk into the very worst sort of Massachusetts liberal, it was only a matter of time until you began to "dabble" in les affaires pour les hommes.

 
At 14 October 2004 at 17:39, Anonymous Anonymous said...

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Now, I wonder which candidate DID David and Edd support ??

On your speedy way out I hope that you told them to 'insert their views in an appropriate place' !!

It's certainly safer here in the Steppes....and it's snowing now as well !!

Kaz

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At 14 October 2004 at 23:33, Anonymous Anonymous said...

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So which candidate exactly did Edd, and especially David, support ??

And, on your speedy way out did you 'en passant' tell them exactly where to insert their opinions/predelictions ??

As you say 'at least it proves you've still got it' - and I suggest you keep it.

It sounds rather more dangerous than here out in the Steppes, even though it's now started to snow and winter's set in !!

Kaz

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