Captain's Quarters. . .

. . .sets the record straight on the debate impact.

It's awfully easy to get caught up in the emotion of the press when they feel their man is finally "getting his due". One rule of thumb all Republicans should live by is, when the press finds itself unable to contain its glee, try not to reciprocate it with your dismay. It just gives them something more to be happy about.

So on the "clear plan" internal, Bush still leads Kerry by nine points, and on enthusiasm by 7 points. The enthusiasm gap will likely expand after these results get wide dissemination as Kerry's supporters realize that Kerry didn't move the needle at all. Bush's support will rally on the same news.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

One advantage that Democrats seem to have over Republicans is the ability to see the good news mixed in with the bad. That's because they actually look for it -- something Republicans stubbornly refuse to do, and at the worst possible times.