This was not a press conference:

In commenting on yesterday's debate, several people have pointed out that Bush acted like he does in a press conference: Tossing out platitudes, weak on specifics, hesitant at times, etc.

But he has been forgiven for that weakness for a variety of reasons. One being, in our opinion, that the press conferences have been so rare that even a bad one is something people are grateful for. Another is that he's the president, and therefore cannot be compared to lesser mortals (e.g. a well informed Joe Biden).

But in the debate we saw something interesting. A "press conference Bush" but with a difference. There was somebody else up there on stage. Somebody looking much better. Better informed, more poised, and so on.

Bush can get away with his unimpressive solo press conferences. He can't do that when, at the same time, there is somebody of equal status making a vivid contrast.

That's why the post-debate spin is continuing to precess towards Kerry.

posted by Quiddity at 10/01/2004 04:02:00 PM