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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Bush can only seem to talk about facts taken out of context which gives a distorted record of Kerry as a reason for why we should vote for him. He had a silly smirk on his face all night as if everything was a big joke. He said some really tasteless remarks about Massachusettes and its senators. I am starting to believe that Bush is evil. When asked about outsourcing jobs his solution was communty college. I wonder if all the out of work engineers that I know will think that is a solution. I am sending a contribution to Kerry today.
BW, Carver
George W. Bush is the single greatest threat that our nation have ever faced. He makes terrorist attacks look like a "nuisance" in comparison. I can not figure out how half of the country thinks that we should keep him?
Christopher, Dracut
Kerry & Democrats blame EVERYTHING on Pres. BUSH except constipation. There still is a couple of days for them to bring that up.
George, New York
I still can't believe this election is considered even right now. Bush appeared more confident, but having confidence and being steadfast doesn't mean you're right. Looking at the two candidates its obvious that Senator Kerry has the intelligence, the ability, a command of the facts, previous experience and vision to be president. Mr. Bush has been on the defensive the entire election cycle. The republicans have made this election appear as though Mr. Bush is running for President for the first time. Bush is constantly talking about what he WILL do rather than what he's done. The President has a very poor record in office and the American people need to remember that. G.W had his chance and he's done a horrible job. I am extremely concerned about the state of our country and the well being of our young people in the comming generations if he should be elected again. We need a change.
Ryan, Medford
Regardless of whom you feel "won" or "lost" the debates, the real winner is the American voter: after these three rounds between the candidates for President, with the additional benefit of seeing the second men on the ticket debate each other, a voter who was watching closely certainly has the wherewithal to know who each man is and what he stands for. That's what the debate process should be about. The questions were toughest when average American voters were asking them, in the town-hall (second Presidential) debate. There are lessons that journalists and debate moderators can learn from that.
Marianne, Boxford
Everyone who has spoken in favor of Kerry has said everything I wanted to say, so thanks! Now if someone can just explain the appeal of George Bush, I'd appreciate it. Politics aside, he smirks, he insults, he's not really charismatic (even if you didn't like Ronald Regan at least the he seemed Presidential). Can anyone explain it???
ash, sharon
President Bush continues to show his strong decisiveness and positive moral direction. Like Gore, Mr. "This Administration" blames Bush and his cabinet for everything bad, and nothing good. Kerry needs to be honest and try to understand each of the issues , and then he could try to form an opinion instead of just taking the opposite side of Bush, without thinking about it. And these ridiculous conspiracies... He should use his self-proclamed knowledge and universal views to try to win the election... It's very unclear exactly what Kerry thinks he would do in almost every situation because all he actually does is discuss his misinterpretion of President Bush and his administration.
Jen, Wenham
How anyone could watch that defensive, ill-prepared, bumbling, Christian fundamentalist President and come away resolved to vote for him is completely beyond me. I especially liked his answer about what he would say to someone who's lost a job to outsourcing - go to community college and learn a new trade. What is that 35 year old jobless guy's family of four supposed to do while he's back in school?
JL, Dorchester
Kerry was awesome. Great ideas, great presentation. Bush is definitely outclassed by Kerry. Bush comes across as a country bumpkin village idiot when he tries to debate Kerry. He shouldnt even try. And I resent the label "liberal senator from Massachusetts", he lays on Kerry, does he hate people who are liberal and from Massachusetts, too? Kerry is very qualified to be the prez, and if he does not make it in 2004, I think he should definitely go for 2008, when the village idiot goes back to his village in crawford, tx.
Sara, Dayton, nj
A note on the comments of the board...a trend, if you will. Those who supports Kerry list facts, and comment on his, as well as Bush's policies. Those who support Bush, refer to "you liberals" and attack John Kerry personally. Anyone who is educated, has studied debate and logic knows this is no way to get your point across. If you disagree with Kerry, argue against his position; cite facts....demonizing and name calling him or his supporters offers nothing to your argument.
Kevin, Boston
