If Dean doesn't collapse, he wins the debates.

[poskonig]

Why do I make this somewhat strange comment?

Many are making *every* occasion out to be Dean's big test, expecting him to lose his temper or say something extremely stupid in every appearance. When Dean doesn't, he looks rosy.

I find this very similar to the 'lowering of expectations' the GOP did with Junior. They made him sound like the worst debater ever, pumped up Gore, and when Bush did merely mediocre, his performance seemed better.

Comments?

[meegbear]

1. Jeez ...

1. dean and the other candidates all debate calmly ...
"See how dean talked over the other candidates while the others just babbled on? THAT'S why I'm voting for dean."

2. dean remains calm while the others get heated ...
"See how dean kept his composure while the others just yelled? THAT'S why I'm voting for dean."

3. dean get heated while the others remain calm ...
"See how dean took 'em all on while the others fumbled their words? THAT'S why I'm voting for dean."

4. dean and the other candidates get heated ...
"See how dean stood up to all of them when the others yelled? THAT'S why I'm voting for dean."

Talk yer pick. Use appropriately.

[poskonig]

2. What's your point?

Dean is likable, or Dean's supporters are committed? Both are obvious statements, and somewhat trivial.

My post was aimed at the "lowered expectations" concept.

[meegbear]

4. My point is that regardless of how he does ...

you will always say he wins.

[poskonig]

5. I said Edwards won the SC debate, for example.

I haven't seen the debate last night and haven't commented on that either. Do you have anything serious to say? :crazy:

[Atlant]

8. And you will always say he loses. (NT)

[Larkspur]

3. Actually, I thought Dean looked presidential last night

He could loosen up a bit, but until the debates allow more than a minute of response from the candidates, that's the equivalent of a sound bite, the candidates will be forced to reduce complex issues to a couple sentences.

Last night I think that Dean was trying to stay within the time limit and still get out something meaningful.

The reason that Dean is getting the "high expectations" treatment is because he was once the dark horse and is now the unexpected front runner. His campaign has baffled the experts and his opponents, so their attacks on Dean are partly derived from ignorance, lack of imagination, and maybe plain old jealousy.

[chimpymustgo]

7. Sorry, Dean looked nervous, and he stumbled a lot.

Presidential? I'm afraid not. I am trying to warm to him, since he is getting so much early support - but I am always turned off by Dean.

And could he please quit pointing his finger at me?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

9. I had a similar observation

Dean seems hot under the collar (maybe he should loosen it?). He speaks in a hurried, clipped style, like he is expecting to be rebutted- (not confident in his facts?) I don't know, but Dean's heart seems to get the better of his head.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

6. I see. frontrunner plays it safe, therefore he wins.

got it.

[GalleryGod]

10. That's How Sugar Ray beat Marvelous Marvin,too.

:shrug: