Bush benefits from [talk of terrorism and leadership]. He was president when 9/11 happened, and he responded well in the immediate aftermath.

This disastrous development for Taft and the Ohio Republicans opens a great opportunity for the Democrats next year to argue for a complete housecleaning in Columbus.

This is a volatile race. The end result is unknowable.

Voters thought he's verbose, but he was crisp and on message -- a lot of people who hadn't focused on Kerry suddenly were. The whole race was transformed. ... That debate really got a lot of people [to rethink their votes], and it was reflected in the polls.

No question, the Democratic ticket has a slight handicap in Ohio. This election is anchored by partisan attachments, and the edge goes to Republicans in Ohio.

We were overdue for some profit-taking after a great run.