First Presidential Debate

[Greg]

What did you all think about the debate last night?

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

I listened to it versus watching it (working on my bike) and thought that Kerry was articulate and W bumbling. Facts and figures aside, like all politicians, both candidates were s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g published information to suit thier arguments. Also to my ear, W seemed like a 1-trick pony with the point of Kerry not being a leader...

Round 1 to Kerry

 

[ChileMass]

I thought W held his own while Kerry was strident and divisive. W isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but Kerry didn't deliver anything close to a knockout punch, so W still remains in the lead.

 

[Greg]

I voted "draw". I thought Bush did very well during the first half of the debate, but seemed to get "tired" towards the end, repeating himself a lot. Not a surprise as we all know he's not the best speaker, but at least it comes from the heart. I would say Kerry wins based on delivery; Bush wins based on content.

 

[tree_skier]

I thought kerry sidestepped the questions on what exactly he would do, what his plan entailed and how he would implement it quite nicely. How is he going to build that international alliance (by having his sister campaign in australlia for an anti-war party). Yes he was more articulate but the thought of him being president scares me.

 

[Stephen]

I voted Kerry. Momentum started on Bush's side but Kerry was leading at the end.

Interestingly enough, A flash ABC poll showd Kerry winning the debate 50-37, but when asked who they would vote for, Bush won 51-43.

-Stephen

 

[Greg]

I voted Kerry.

In November too? :lol:

 

[mryan]

Kerry edged Bush. Kerry, simply stated, whether you agree or disagree with his policies, has a fundamentally superior grasp on the facts and complex concepts involved in policy, therefore he will always be the better speaker. Bush, despite Kerry's attacks, did little to defend his record;instead, he resorted to the same old rhetoric:"we will stay the course, etc".

Bush, though, surely isn't out, but from what various sources I have read today--both liberal, middle, and conservative(even fox news concedes a kerry victory)--he may be on the ropes if he doesn't improve in the next debate. all in all, a good debate, and a good indicator as to the gulf of difference that separated these two men.

 

[SilentCal]

Kerry wins round one. Kerry always had an answer, may have not been the one you wanted to hear but he spoke well and was well prepared. Bush often had that "deer looking at headlights" look and I had to laugh at his response "What about Poland!" from Kerry's points on the coalition. With Florida being KO'ed by hurricanes this past month, it would have been wise for them to start the debate with domestic issues rather that start with foreign affairs seeing as the debate was held in Miami, Florida. But that will be the focus of the third debate I guess. Next debate is a Town Hall/Meeting style debate. How much would you love to ask a question at that one!

 

[noreaster]

I thought John Kerry came out ahead in the debate. Senator Kerry was more articulate and had knowledgeable responses to the questions. I believe Senator Kerry made his point that he is more than capable to be commander and chief of the most powerful country in the World.

What I liked about the debate most was that both President Bush and Senator Kerry seemed to have a genuine respect for one another. I think the polarization in America between Democrats/Republicans is a problem. The respect between both candidates was good to see.

I did have to laugh when one of the candidates called the Terrorists "FOLKS". You call your friends and neighbors in the community folks. I would not call Terrorists "FOLKS".

 

[pedxing]

Kerry won in my eyes. This was conifrmed for me when I was listening to a conservative talk show in my car the next day. They were all very unhappy with the debate and what Kerry "got away with." I don't think Kerry did well enough to shake too many Bush voters away from their guy. Bush remains the favorite to win the election as far as I can see.