It's been my opinion that those who support Bush, already forgive him for having nothing to back his claims or his principles. They tolerate his moronic stumbling because he supports 'one' issue that they feel more strongly about then the whole "keep the US and the world from falling apart" issue. Usually, it's gay marriage, abortion, or the fact that they hate liberals in the bigoted sense and/or fear that christianity is going to be banned from America for no reason. Others are just afraid and inattentive at the same time (the 's' factor).

So, I don't believe the debates will have an impact that will help Kerry. They only have the capability to harm Kerry if he slips up.