In The Big Inning...

So, the big first debate is tomorrow night. I, for one, am excited, because I really see it as Kerry's best chance to get an edge in the campaign, which is something he's failed to sustain for a while. I don't really know what to expect. It'll likely be not as satisfying from a point-counterpoint standpoint, and I can virtually guarantee you that the media coverage will deal more with the superficial aspects of the candidates than the substance of their message. The only way to avoid having to rely on the media is by watching the darn thing yourselves. Of course, since they're not allowed to ask each other direct questions (gosh, I wonder which candidate requested that regulation), we still might get less substance than we're hoping for.

Here's an interesting article by Al Gore, entitled "How to Debate George Bush". It's partisan, but I appreciated his parting shot. You have to get an NYT account to read it, but it's free, and it'll pay off for you eventually.

Also, a little update on my previous post - it looks like the Sox are destined for the Wild Card, and the Yanks for the division. But, just today, the Yanks swept the Twins in a doubleheader, (beating Santana!), which may knock them back far enough that they'll face the Yanks in the first round. If Santana lights them up, they only have themselves to blame for sweeping them in the first place!