The second debate: Prepare to be surprised

I'm puzzled to have heard no mention since Thursday of the 1984 presidential debates.

Remember the first one? Reagan looked old and sounded confused. The post-debate Gallup poll showed that 54% thought Mondale had won, versus 35% for Reagan. The polls started to move, and Mondale thought he could get back into the race.

Then the second debate came. Reagan was well-rested and better-prepared, and he wiped the floor with Mondale. And that was that.

I don't know what will happen Friday in St. Louis, but I do hope the Kerry folks aren't over-confident about it.