The Victor: Maurice Chevalier

Jesse Walker | October 5, 2004

So halfway through the debate, my wife asks me, "Who do you think is winning?"

"I don't know," I say. "They're both so full of shit."

It didn't help that I had skipped the first half hour completely. TCM was showing Maurice Chevalier in Love Me Tonight, and if that doesn't trump a vice-presidential debate, what does? But at 9:30 I switched over and reluctantly settled in for the show. It wasn't a completely empty experience: I appreciated the fact that the two men obviously despise each other, and I admired their willingness to brazenly ignore any question they'd rather not answer. But mostly I missed Admiral Stockdale.

Who won? It's close, but I guess I have to give it to Cheney. Neither of these guys was impressive, but Edwards' empty suit was showing.