Last night's presidential debate
We want to hear your reactions to last night's presidential debate. Who won? Who lost? Was the format successful? Was the subject matter relevant? Share your thoughts.
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Kerry is definitely the winner. As always, he has the stature, intelligence and is on the right side of the issues to become our next President. He looks like a President that will make the United States a better country to live in. He will get my vote...
Elisabeth, Somerville
Bush is like a school kid who forgets that he has a test the next day and tries to cram a semesters worth of information into one twenty minute study session. The result is that he can remember only 2 or 3 relevant points but repeats them in a different way for every answer hoping he can get something right. That is not good enough for the leader of the free world. All I have learned from Bush from these three debates is 'Wrong war, wrong time, and the world is better without Saddam Hussein" I do not need him to tell me that, it is pretty obvious but it could have been done without losing over 1,000 troops and needlessly separating reservists from their families and work. Go to a Veterans Homeless Shelter and you will see what this Administration is doing for vets.
Mike, Arlington
Kerry is a fake. He can't even lie and BS about his supposed love for the Red Sox well. If Kerry fell on his face, and Bush talked circles around him, you people would go on and on how Kerry won. It is crazy. I cringe a the thought that Kerry could be president. What were you people doing watching last nights debate anyway? You hear the Sox played the Yankees in the playoffs?
Ryan, Boxford, MA
I am a democrat. I will not vote for John Kerry because of his remarks about Dick Cheney's daughter, and as his campain manager said she is fair game because John Edwards made her so. I have been watching politics since 1964 and Kerry's comments were the worst and most unprofessional yet. He needs to say he is sorry publicly to the VP's daughter
George, Medway
It's pretty horrible to have to sit through a Bush explanation on why his education plan is best. I'm sure his attempt was in earnest, but I think he was "left behind" himself. I have to agree with some other responses on here...his performance is an embarrassment, John Kerry might not be exciting but at least he knows the issues. Bush had 4 years to develop a platform and all he can talk about, and miserably I might add, is terror terror terror. I thought we werent supposed to let the terrorists affect our lives? How can we when these people dont stop talking about them? He has no domestic agenda to discuss much less defend. The bar has been set so low that if Bush just makes it throught the 90 minutes, its considered a triumph. The President might dog on MA but at least our hometown boy can speak and show he's been educated. Are the conservatives sure Bush attended Yale?
Kyle, New Bedford
The people in MA are so disallusioned. Kerry and Edwards are masters of the spin. Kerry has done NOTHING throughout his whole Senate career, and Edwards isn't far behind. How can you listen to the BS that these guys put on the street. President Bush may not be the best orator of all time, but he stands up (he actually takes a stand), and does the right thing whether it is popular or not, both at home or internationally. He does what is best for the country. It is real easy to take shots at the President....he has a record to take shots at. Kerry has over 20 years in Washington and the only record that stands is the fact that he has done nothing. And you want this guy to be President. Along with his sidekick lawyer friend. What a comedy of errors!! I wish someone would bring up the fact that the reason that we have the highest deficit of all time is because of the military spending that has had to occur to beef up the military that was cut to shreds during 8 years of Clinton. Billy-boy didn't really think too highly of security. How many times were we attacked in the 90's with no response from our President? You want these clowns running the show. And if you think terror states like Iraq were not funding Al Quaida you are absolutely nuts. As far as I am concerned if Al-Quaida "personel" ever set foot in Iraq they are fair game. President Bush made that very clear immediately after 9/11, and he acted on it. Keep up the good work, Mr. President!!
Kevin, Acton
I will vote for President Bush on November 2nd. I remember September 11th and how I felt that day and I stood with our President when he told America that he would go after Bin Laden and root out terrorism. He gave everyone an opportunity to be with us in this fight. It has not been easy and of course mistakes have been made but we must continue to be strong. We must win this war and spread Democracy. I believe Senator Kerry is a good man but I disagree with his view on most topics. I don't want government taking more money or deciding my healthcare. Taxes have grown to percentages that are ridiculous and unfortunately are only going to continue to go up. There is so much government waste and I would prefer a total government overhaul instead of more taxes and more government. God Bless America!
Dave, Woburn
Another clear win for Kerry. His thoughtful, understated methods of speaking and persuasion are much preferred to Bush's preening, sophmoric style. Bush is not convincing in anything he says, and his credibility is shot. Bush looks and sounds absolutely foolish, while Kerry is becoming more presidential by the minute. The choice is clear.
Bob, Cambridge
Whle I have not been able to view the debates, I'd like you all to know that according to the polls done here in Sweden, there has been an 85% vote for Presidental candidate John Kerry. That says a lot about what Swedish people feel about President Bush's foriegn policies. I will be voting for John Kerry. Mainly because I believe that Kerry can carry out the domestic issues better than Bush. If we are going to change our country at all, it's got to change with new ideas and visions. And yes, I am an American citizen. And I'm absolutely in favor of higher taxes, if they go towards domestic policy for heath care and schooling. These issues must be dealt with. Not to mention a resolution to solve the increasing percent of unemployment that has gone sky high since Bush's policies have taken effect. And the perentage of poor people in our country is outrageous. We can afford to help others by raising our taxes! We CANNOT afford another 4 years of the same policy. And who needs a president who "whines"? It makes a president seem weak! Leadership is not done by popularity or kindness. It is led by honest, hard work, and a tough attitude. Those are the attitudes our goverment must enforce if we are going to make change for the better. I hope Kerry will win this election!
Andreas, Rättvik, Sweden
Bush won last night's debate, just as he won last week's. Bush walks, talks, and looks like a leader. He represents the characteristics of the people that have made this country great. This country is a republic made strong by capitalism and will only remain that way if the views of George Bush are embraced. Kerry is a socialist. His views and policies will weaken this country and decrease the quality of life.
Steve, Danvers
