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.