Another pre-debate observation for Tempe ...

George W. Bush's history of debate victories has occurred when he was on the offensive as the challenger.  

His first two debates with John Kerry has shown that "playing defense" can be a lot tougher.  With Kerry playing a well-managed offense (RE: pro football's West Coast Offense), and with an effective execution, the victory should be Kerry's.  

Bush had a hard time defending his foreign policy (read Iraq).  He should have an equally hard time defending his domestic policies (the economy, health care, jobs, tax cuts, medicare drug bill, etc.).

I think this explains the Kerry campaign's pre-debate confidence.