- Four years ago, if [Shrub] spoke in complete sentences, he exceeded expectations for his ability to be articulate. If [Shrub] could pronounce the name of a world leader, it was seen as a sign of international affairs expertise. Bush benefited, to borrow a phrase, from the soft bigotry of low expectations.
Americans may still not believe [Shrub] has a towering intellect, but they do expect him to be a knowledgeable and impressive leader of the free world. No matter how much [Shrub] aides play up Kerry's alleged debating skills, there's no way to change the fact that voters will demand more from Bush this year than last time around.
And that could spell trouble for the incumbent.
Likewise, the GOP effort to destroy Kerry's reputation may have had an impact in pre-debate positioning. At this point, many voters who haven't seen Kerry debate (among his Dem presidential rivals, on the Senate floor, against William Weld, etc.), may buy into the smear/hype -- Kerry is "dull," "wishy-washy," and "unsure of himself." The GOP-driven conventional wisdom is that Kerry's tendency towards nuance makes him "hesitant" and "overly cautious."
Those of us who know and admire Kerry know none of these characteristics are even remotely true. But if voters go into the debate expecting that persona, they're likely to be very pleasantly surprised. Ironically, Republican attacks may have inadvertently been lowering expectations in such a way as to help Kerry in the debates.
On Thursday night you'll find me at Comedy Central, watching the Daily Show's live debate wrap-up.
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