Curious thing about the mainstream TV 'news' channels.

Building up to the debate, I kept hearing about how fantastic Kerry's oratorical experience and skills are but how stiff and cold he is, and how style, image, body language, mannerisms, etc., were "as important as" what the candidates say. They kept referring to things like Al Gore rolling his eyes or invading Bush's personal space or Dubya's dad checking his watch during his debate with Clinton.   They also built up how folksy, down-to-earth, and "comfortable in his own body" Bush is and how formal and academic Kerry comes across.

Some networks (e.g., C-Span and CNN) showed a split screen during much or all of the debate; others pretty much focused on whoever was speaking.   It was reported that people who did not see much of the candidates' nonverbal reactions thought the debate was more of a tie, while those who did see that "reaction" feed tended largely to see Kerry as the victor.

Now the post-debate spin seems largely to focus on any "factual errors" or "inconsistencies" in Kerry's statements -- or on the verbal statements made by the candidates in general.   It seems that, since Kerry pretty clearly seemed calmer, more poised, and more confident than Bush -- especially while reacting to his opponent's statements --, the media have decided to DE-emphasize the "style" and focus on the verbal message.