So who won last night?

My thoughts this morning before turning on the news, getting the paper, reading other bloggers, or opening the email from the Bush campaign:

Bush won on substance: knowledge, logic, background, positions on the issues. But on style, I think Kerry had the advantage. So maybe that does make it a draw, which is what the talking heads last night were saying.

Let's look at the factors. For example, height shouldn't matter, right? But in studies of leadership, it's one of the few things that correlates. Bush is four inches shorter, at least. Even the podiums and being 10 feet apart couldn't hide that. Point: Kerry.

Tone of voice: Bush sounded strident. Kerry sounded so... modulated. Bush's voice is in a higher register, thinner. Kerry's is deep. Makes him sound intelligent even he's saying some pretty dumb things. Point: Kerry.

Smiles: Kerry shouldn't ever smile. Those teeth are frightening, especially in that long face. Point: Bush.

Eye Contact: Bush did much better here, making eye contact with the camera, not just with Jim Lehrer. Point: Bush.

Laugh: Bush should never, ever laugh. Point: Kerry, by default.

The perspiration factor: Neither one was sweating. No points.

So let's see: Kerry, 3, Bush 2. A slide edge for Kerry, though not overwhelming. So, perhaps it really was a draw, with Bush far better on substance (see Hugh Hewitt for a report card on each question) and Kerry slightly better on style.

Unfortunately, for those clueless, undecided folks who are only just now realizing that hey, we have an election here pretty soon, style might be all they vote for. Sigh.