Oh my.

Now that was a debate.

To me, along with the majority of the American public, it was obvious who won this debate.

One candidate came with a plan. The other repeated sound-bytes.

One candidate sounded intelligent, informed, thoughtful and wise. The other sounded disarmed, uncertain, off-balance and unable to say much more than "at least I'm consistent!"

One candidate admitted that he was wrong on how he chose to speak about the war. The other candidate admitted that he can't admit to being wrong.

One candidate considers the position of the United States within the global community. The other candidate thinks the global community consists of America, England, Poland, Australia and Haliburton.

One candidate wants to protect the country by adding funds to keep police and firefighters on the streets. The other wonders were the money will come from, while cutting taxes for the wealthy.

One candidate thinks Osama bin Laden attacked us on 9/11. The other seems confused on this point.

And most of all, one candidate has a brain. Is intelligence such a hated commodity in this country? Why is it that the term, "the smartest kid in class," is used in a derogatory fashion? Look, not everyone is going to be as smart as everyone else, but you don't fucking DISCOUNT someone's intelligence by mocking it simply because you don't possess it. This country has embraced a culture of ignorance, and it's painful to listen to anyone espousing the great qualities of "John Wayne" behavior.

In a land where ignorance is cool and brains are mocked, John Kerry may be the last thing this nation deserves.

But I hope not.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of the Abyss.