CNN.com - Paul Begala's Debate Blog: Round 1 - Sep 30, 2004

CNN.com - Paul Begala's Debate Blog: Round 1 - Sep 30, 2004

"Bottom line: Kerry looked more presidential than the president did. Perhaps Bush believes his own spinners. He seemed surprised and a bit befuddled to be confronted not by the weak, waffling, French-looking wimp he attacks on the stump. Instead, he saw a strong, confident leader, in command of both the facts and the debate itself. Bush spent most of the night on defense -- and you don't win on defense."