http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/special/p.../press.pundits/
PUNDITS SCORECARD
Paul Begala
Kerry knows his material. He has greater mastery of the issues a president needs to know than the president himself does. His delivery seemed a bit too wonky, but I'll take wonkiness over ignorance any day. Bush simply misstated the facts on both Osama bin Laden and health care. He was strong and focused on taxes, but was out of touch with real people on jobs, health care and minimum wage, and got hammered on Social Security. And while Bush usually has a good sense of humor, he was forced and phony every time he tried to tell a joke.
Bob Novak
I thought this was the most boring, least eloquent of the three debates, which is saying something. I am amazed that Kerry went through an hour and a half without mentioning stem cell research or corporate corruption. I think he also still has trouble with tax questions. Bush was not too adept in talking about Social Security reform. The election has been frozen for almost two weeks, and I can't imagine this debate will change anything.
Carlos Watson
Solid performance by each candidate, but neither did enough to lay out a compelling agenda on jobs. Nor did either offer a compelling phrase or an especially memorable moment.
Grades show the average of CNN.com user scores in each category.
Total: 560355 user votes C C+ B+ B+ (Delivery/Content, Bush/Kerry)
With the LA Times Electoral Vote Tracker I have it, 259 Bush, 268 Kerry, with 11 up for grabs in Iowa and New Hampshire. 270 needed to win.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/...-10-14-poll.htm
1. Regardless of which candidate you happen to support, who do you think did the better job in the debate – John Kerry (or) George W. Bush
Kerry Bush Neither (vol.) Both/ equally (vol.) No opinion
2004 Oct 13 52 39 1 8 *
2004 Oct 8 47 45 1 7 *
2004 Sep 30 53 37 1 8 1
http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect...s-sweet14.html
BY LYNN SWEET WASHINGTON BUREAU CHEIF
President Bush and Sen. John Kerry were both as good as they get on Wednesday night in the third and final presidential debate, though I suspect Kerry won over more undecided voters than Bush, bringing him closer to winning the White House in this dead-even race.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,3...2463882,00.html
3 of 5 on panel of independent voters pick Kerry
By Chuck Plunkett
Denver Post Staff Writer