Posted on 09/30/2004 7:41:42 PM PDT by Mobilemitter
In your opinion, how did the debates go? Did Kerry get the upperhand (yeah right) or did Bush come out strong?
Also, was it just me, or did Kerry seem a little too prepared for those questions? Kerry usually trips over himself whenever he has to answer something, but he glided through this.
"He needs to do much better next time."
Unfortunately, I do not think it is possible. This is not his milieu whereas it is Kerry's. Kerry loves to hear himself talk and W has no time for such indulgences.
The President did fine. Kerry did as expected in my opinion. He bloviated.
And yes, Kerry was way too well prepared.I think he knwew the questions and the order they would be asked.
I think Bush and Kerry both did fine overall. Kerry's quotes about needing to "pass a global test for preeminant action" and "never wavering in his life" are the sound bites that will be hung around his neck. I didn't notice any bad sound bites from Bush. He was nervous in some points and eloquent in others, but I didn't see anything that makes a good negative sound bite.
I got the same feeling. And I had a real problem with Lehrer from the outset. Why should a partisan get to structure the debate AND "moderate" it? Bush was being put in the position of being the chicken in the foxes den.
>Bush was angry
This is his greatest weakness while on TV. I understand exactly why he is angry (and I'm angry, too), but I wish he come off as being a little cooler-headed.
Not that any of this changes _my_ vote.
Both candidates sucked. I've seen better debates for high-school class president. Bush seemed disconnected for some reason - seems like he could have thrown some knockout punches but didn't. Kerry is just Kerry - socialist liberal fool. I regret G didn't do better.
The repeat of the North Korea argument was the best point, however. Seriously, we've already tried the bilateral talks. We got our current situation.
I wish the President has done better. Next time.
I think that Kerry won. I think that W came off as defensive, although cleaned up some real points at the end.
JOE LOCKHART ON FOXNEWS---ask him about the memos Carl!!!!
Bush hit hard with the issue of bilateral Korean agreements.
Kerry looked a little weird with the extra rouge. He sounded pretty good, but those hand-gestures were artificial and bizarre. He did make 3 oblique references to Vietnam and one in his closing statement. It actually weakened his performance.
Kerry won the weird "character issues" question. He complemented Laura (although Bush thanked the Kerry daughters).
Kerry should have let Bush use a riser or raised his lecturn. Even though Kerry isn't as tall as advertised, the split screen kept him out of focus. Bush had the pursed lips, Kerry had a smirk.
Overall it wasn't a great performance by either. Kerry definitely didn't make the case for himself and anyone who takes terrorism seriously will not consider him. The intangibles go to Bush, who looked like he had weighty issues on his mind and did not make the bizarre Kerry hand gestures.
Kerry's tactic was to throw everything but the kitchen sink at bush on every occasion. He would weave in fifteen charges on different topics iin every sentence he spoke. It was unnerving to Bush and he came across as tired but authentic. To one who knows this tactic, fogging it is called, changing the subject, telling half truths, I was not impressed with Kerry but to the ignorant, he may come across as very "smart". It remains to be seen what the public sees. I think minds will not be changed.
"Kerry used a lot of words to say nothing. Bush used few words but said a lot."
I agree. I also think Kerry never answered a question directly and Bush tried to; so, Kerry's indirect screed came off a bit better in terms of performance.
Kerry better thank his lucky stars that he had the best debate prep squad. His answers were well rehearsed and his delivery was polished. Bush looked like he was up past his bedtime. He needs to improve his command of Kerry's inconsistencies and lies. I love the W guy and will vote for him early and often. But Bush got spanked tonight.
Watched the debate with Kerry muted the whole time.
Could not decide if he was leading an orchestra, or talking in sign language. However, he missed his calling life. Would make a good orange picker. Just hook that big ugly nose of his over a limb and pick with both hands.
I think it was a draw, both made good points and helped their positions, but yes kerry is a flip-flopper!
Im a HUGE Bush fan... but I got to say that I think President Bush missed a HUGE opportunity tonight to bury Kerry :(
Even I could have chewed Kerry up and spit him out on national security issues :(
But in the end I dont think any of this will matter because Bush is going to win short of some catastrophy.
We're DOOMED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kerry won. Smoother delivery and kept pounding "I have a plan"
Mike McCurry said they hoped Bush would engage them on the plan-so they obviously had a comeback prepared.
Bush seemed hesitant at times and never rose to the occasion. My God, if he can't remember the lines after all the prep...
Monica Crowley just said that she believes Bush won the debate hands down and that he wiped the floor with Kerry.
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