October 1, 2004

  • If you missed the debate last night, you can see some predictably enlightening spin at the DNC and GOP web sites.

    The DNC video features split-screens of Kerry on one side looking presidential, and Bush on the other side looking frustrated and bored like the small child that he actually is.

    The GOP video is a bunch of quotes from Kerry, supposedly about his alledged 'flip-flopping' on the issues, particularly of national security. The soundtrack features an annoying ground loop hum, as well. You'd think that with all the money they've got, they could hire someone who knows how to get rid of ground loop hum. But the substance of it has little to do with the debate itself, and more to do with the troubles Kerry has had fighting off the Republican noise machine. That is, he's quoted out of context saying things that, if you look at them in just a certain way, might be a different position from the last carefully-edited clip they just showed you.

    The GOP site is also plastered with pictures of Kerry. You'd think Kerry was running as the Republican, just from glancing at it.

    The other thing about the debates that really struck me is how much Bush whined about how hard it is to be president. One of the catch-phrases he repeated incessantly was, "It's hard work." Yes, Mr. Bush, it is hard work to be president. Did they not tell you that when you agreed to be their front-man? People work their whole lives to take on that challenge, Mr. President, and are you more deserving than they are?