90 MINUTES LATER, A NEW RACE.

CAMPAIGN debates; POLITICAL oratory; KERRY, John, 1943-; BUSH, George W. (George Walker), 1946-; PRACTICAL politics; PUBLIC speaking; PRESIDENTIAL candidates; DEBATE; UNITED States elections; PUBLIC opinion polls

Focuses on the effect of the first televised campaign debate between President George W. Bush and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry on the 2004 United States election. Victory of Kerry in the debate; Reference to a public opinion poll conducted after the debate, showing a Kerry lead; Report that viewers saw Kerry as better informed, more self-assured, a stronger leader, and a more likable guy; Discussion of Bush's criticisms of Kerry's foreign policy proposals; Report that the next campaign debates will focus on domestic issues such as taxation; Preparations of Kerry for the debate by aide John Sasso and speechwriter Bob Shrum; Lack of preparations conducted by Bush.