NYT cover: A Fast Finisher's Reputation Now Faces the Ultimate Test

[npincus]

Above-the-fold piece about Kerry's debating history. Reading it gave me hope:


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/29/politics/campaign/29journey.html

Many of Mr. Kerry's oldest friends express exasperation at his willingness to drift at times in his campaigns. His tendency to focus best in the crunch is a longtime habit, dating at least to his days as a champion debater at Yale, and one that cannot be explained as a result of mere procrastination or inattention.

"He was so incredibly overcommitted to activities, it was hard getting him together," said Bradford Snell, one of his debate partners in those days. "At 11 or 12 midnight the day before, I'd finally be able to corral him. When his back is up against the wall, the adrenaline starts flowing and he just does phenomenal things. It's a last-minute, rush-type operation."

In debates, Mr. Snell said, Mr. Kerry was "able to fully comprehend the other side and find the flaw and pull it apart. One of the worst things you can do is get too programmed. You must listen to the other side in order to really prevail. I remember a couple of times, I'd make some suggestions and he'd just say, 'I've got this one.' It seemed as if he'd prepared for months."

[w4rma]

1. Hmm, I've seen "champion debater" in quite a few different articles today.

Looks like big media is going to build Kerry up to tear him down. So blatant.

[MsTryska]

2. whatever. he's still no match for dubya's debating prowess.....

even Al Gore said dubya needs to be watched. He's a masterdebator.

[npincus]

3. Poll (Pew, I think) shows public expects BUSH to win debate handily

whether that's a reflection of high expectations for (any) incumbent president, erosion of confidence in Kerry because of relentless negative ads, or genuine belief that Bush is a skilled debater, I do not know.

Bush is widely perceived the better debater in spite of his campaign's effort to declare Kerry the new "Cicero".