Notes on the debate

In real time. It’s a kickin’ Friday night in Pittsburgh.

  • Mr. President – there are not multiple “internets.” There’s only one. And Al Gore invented it.
  • The most ardent Kerry supporter in the world is sitting behind him in a white shirt.
  • It’s fun to watch Charlie Gibson on CBS.
  • It’s not good debating style to interrupt the moderator. GW, I’m looking your way.
  • Drinking game terms: “We’re workin’ hard,” “Wrong war, wrong place, wrong time,” “We’re doin’ all we can,” “Thirteen years.”
  • Is Canada a third world country?
  • Citizens of St. Louis, memorize your questions. You’d look a lot more bad-ass.
  • Websites mentioned: johnkerry.com
  • George – you’re not running against Ted Kennedy.
  • “Hey, we’re spending more and taxing less. What the hell! It’s a party!”
  • 5.6 trillion = 5,600,000,000,000. That’s a big surplus to mess up.
  • “Battlin’ green eyeshades?” What the hell? (Update: Apparently, it’s a saying that is used when accountants (who sterotypically wear green visors) disagree over something. Crazy southern sayings.)
  • James Hubb, you tree hugger, I love you.
  • Kerry and [the Patriot Act, stem cell research, abortion]: the strongest answer of the night. Take your pick. He didn’t pander, he didn’t dictate, and he acknowledged the complexities inherent in each issue.
  • So, Shrub, it’s okay for your crazy religious ideas to get in the way of your presidency, but it’s not okay for a Supreme Court judge to have personal opinions on the decisions that face them?

But the best thing ever about the debates? Presidential Debate Bingo!

October 8 2004