Instead Kerry demonstrated that he had the patience, intelligence, and communication skills necessary for the highest job in this country. Granted, at times, he came across like Ol' Grandad tellin' his war stories but he spoke clearly, consistently, and without waffling. In fact, he countered Bush's attempts to label him a flipflop and clearly put forth his vision. Bush, however, never quite got past Kerry calling him ineffective.

Bush came across as a One-note Willy. Yes, we know, you're adamant, steadfast, staying the course. But as Kerry pointed out you can be steadfast and wrong. Bush never was a good speaker, though some commentators said he was much imporved than four years ago, and frequently appeared searching for words, any words. Scary, to have a President who can't communicate. In the debate, Bush would start an answer s.l.o.w.l.y, wasting time, until the first warning light went on, then he would launch in to his prepared rhetoric about how he is steadfast and how hard this all is being President. Yes, Georgie, being President is hard. What did you expect? In contrast, Kerry used his available time better, getting more content in to his answers.

The format was supposed to curb interruptions and long answers. First to break the rules - surprise! - was Bush and he kept doing it. When Bush spoke, Kerry took notes. When Kerry spoke you could see Bush's expressions, ranging from befuddled to bored to smug, as he awaited a phrease he could pounce on. When Bush had a rebuttal you could see him bouncing around like a little puppy. "Yip!, Yip! I got something to say. Uhhhhhh..."

Kerry answered the criticism of flipflopping on the Iraq Invasion but Bush never answered the charge of why we left pursuing the known terrorist bin Laden for the possible threat of Hussein. Kerry talked about his plan to bring the troops home and what it would take. Bush never countered the charge that he offered more of same. Kerry talked about restoring relations with other nations and tackling terrorism as allies. Bush tried to bury this with his notion that America leads by focusing on America first (and essentially the rest of the world be damned).

In all, the debate was Bush's to lose and he did - big time. Perhaps Bush thought it beneath him. Perhaps Bush thought that by showing up he would win. Sorry, George, Daddy wasn't there to give you a gold ribbon.

The debate was for Kerry to demonstrate that he had Presidential qualities and he did. With Bush as President we no longer expect much but Bush couldn't even meet his own low standards. Kerry, by default, showed that he will raise the standards if only a little bit. But it's a beginning.

The themes were foreign policy and terrorism. The concept simple: to fight terrorism you have to fight them as a united worldwide effort. Bush understands this and has failed to pursue it. Kerry understands this and must certainly do a better job than what Bush has done. In fact, the adage "United we stand, divided we fall" applies and Bush has done more to divide this country and the world. For this he has proven himself again as nothing more than a mediocre person in a position way above his capabiltiies. Kerry, career politician that he is, has the capabiltiies and seemingly the vision.

Round One: Kerry.