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 looked pale & sweaty, Bush nailed him on the Kuwait vote 14 yrs ago and Bush seemed more sincere and from the heart, I think were gonna get four more years. Oh well, maybe Hillary can do it in 08.
Art, Newton
Well, the vast majority of Boston.com readers thought John Kerry did better last night. What a shock! My personal favorites are the ones who state "altough I voted for Bush in 2000, I'm not going to now..." PLEASE! Right out of the DNC playbook. If you refer to Bush as an "extremist", You DID NOT vote for Bush in 2000. You're not fooling anyone. Then there are the usual personal attacks; i.e., "If you vote for Bush you're a moron, If you vote for Bush you're not a true American, etc." Great way to appeal to the undecided's; keep up the good work. Michael Moore, Dan Rather, MoveOn.org, and the readers at Boston.com are going to be crying in their collective Lattes come Wednesday November 3rd.
Neil, Boston
While appearance and effective debate skills are important, I'm not sure that is enough for me to choose Kerry. The substantive portion of his comments are somewhere between worthless and dangerous. On one hand he talks about Americans spending too much on insurance and then on the other he wants to offer everyone a $7700 per year insurance program (a person can get it cheaper now privately!) If he is elected, I hope he is effective as a President, but I fear he will be no more effective than he has been during his life as a Senator. Why hasn't he introduced more than one piece of successful legislation every 4 years? Answer: he's in it for himself. Man of the people? Umm... don't think so.
Rob, Boston
Hardcore Bush supporters are so pathetic. If you make over $200k, I can see how Bush would look favorable, but not for regular people. Bush has turned the United States into a joke. He is not my President and I don't feel represented or protected. It makes me sick to see people respond to his rhetoric. Another 4 years of Bush, will be detrimental to our great nation. Bush supporters please realize you've be duped...before it's too late.
KMS, Boston
I believe that John Kerry won the debate last night. His answers to the questions were clear, concise and informative. He was confident and knew his facts. George Bush did not perform as well as Kerry. His simple answers were not informative enough and he was not able to clearly state his intentions. George Bush, however, has a down to earth appeal that helps me better understand his popularity. However, Kerry is clearly the more educated, informed candidate with more aspirations for the working class/middle class voters. Kerry hit home with pointing out that Bush cut taxes for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, but cut afterschool programs. The format and subject matter were very good. Health care, social security, taxes, gay rights, jobs are all relevant, important issues to consider. I believe John Kerry has the answers to helping this Country and the majority of the people living in this Country. I believe if George Bush gets reelected, the wealthiest citizens and large corporations will benefit the most. My vote will go for the backbone of this country, the middle class and working class people, and that candidate is John Kerry.
Jean, Melrose
Kerry showed that he is the candidate that understands the challenges that are facing the middle and working classes. He showed his deep love and dedication to our country. He showed honesty, conviction, and the ability to use innovation to get our country going in the right direction again. I didn't know much about Kerry before this campaign, but I have come to believe that he care deeply about people and has the courage of his convictions.
Tina, Beverly
Bush and Kerry were better prepared than last time. It makes me want to puke to know that the 3 stooges (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft) are still in office. Can you believe most Americans still don't know that John Ashcroft lost his US senate race to a dead man (Gov. Mel Carnahan) prior to be appointed by Bush as Attorney General. ??? ... Then there's the even more vile Dick Cheney. He's filed for 2 deferments during the Vietnam War. When asked why he avoided draft in Vietnam he told the Wyoming state Press - " I had more important things to do than fight a war... " SO HERE"S A GUY WHO WANTS TO SIGN YOUR SON AND DAUGHTER UP FOR WAR IN IRAQ !! .. go vote for him if you want your kids to die for his mistake.
Steve, Billerica
Marie from Santee, CA accuses Bush of hitting below the belt when he stated that Ted Kennedy was the conservative senator from Massachusetts in comparison to Kerry. Then calls Republicans 'DIRTY, DIRTY, DIRTY'. What in the world do you call a Senator and Democrat who would stoop so low as to mention Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter, when talking about gay marriage. That, my friends, is hitting below the belt. Wake up Marie . . . if there is dirty politics going on . . . it's on both sides. And the Democrats are far better at throwing mud than any Republican I know.
Shirley, Boston
I don't understand how some people can not see clearly that president Bush is nothing but miss representations and negative attacks. His acts of government amount to absolutely nothing.
Adolfo, Maryland
Kerry continues to outdo Bush. What is up with the stupid faces Bush makes? I am ashamed to call him Mr. President. I am sick and tired of hearing ignorant people talk of Kerry "flip flopping". It is everyones God given right to change their minds when more facts are presented to them. Job market getting better?? HA what a joke that it. People are going back to work yes, but are having to take jobs with less pay so they can at least have benefits for their families. It is time to replace Bush, who by the way, stole the election four years ago. Good bless America, please John Kerry.. save us...
Ellen, Danville NH
