Conservatives are even lamenting the president's performance last night.

"I was depressed," said conservative strategist William Kristol, one of the war's most vocal proponents. "I am obviously a supporter of the war, so I don't need to be convinced. But among people who were doubtful or worried, I don't think he made arguments that would convince them. He didn't explain how we are going to win there." -William Kristol in the Los Angeles Times. (Login with username: anonymous / password: anonymous).

Then again, perhaps his lackluster performance is just part of the strategy to lower expectations for the president during an election year. It worked in 2000.