Dorian Grey or Dracula?

Prior to the debate last night, one of the big topics of the blow-dried talking heads was "demeanor." Which candidate would be able to act "presidential" enough to sway voters? I don't think there's any doubt about who won that silly little contest last night.

Steve Gilliard has an interesting take on that part of the evening that got me thinking:

Bush, allegedly, is tough. Instead of being tough, he looked weak and small compared to the Presidential-looking Kerry. And that isn't just spin, Kerry seemed to gain in stature as Bush lost his. If the situations were reversed, and Bush was the challenger, his campaign would be all over but the voting.

I agree with Steve, Kerry started out a little haltingly, perhaps he was just nervous. Bush came out looking like he always does. But over the course of the evening it seemed that Kerry was sucking the life out of Bush; he stood up straighter, he gestured a little more and he spoke more confidently as the night wore on. Bush, on the other hand, seemed to shrink in on himself; becoming more petulant and unsure the longer the questions kept coming.

I'm not sure if it was more like watching Dorian Grey grow younger and better looking while his portrait grew ancient and haggard or like watching Dracula suck the very lifeblood from his victim, growing more hale and vigorous while his victim became grey and lifeless. But it was more than just noticeable.