Americans Weigh In on the Debate

I think John Kerry did a much better job in the debate. President Bush’s attitude came out Thursday. His attitude of I’m right just because I say so.

He commented, “I know how the world works”; however, he never explained how the world works. He never acknowledged the mistakes he has made. Kerry understands you have to acknowledge that there are mistakes if you are going to correct them.

Kevin R. Metzger

Los Angeles

*

Bet Karl Rove was hoping for a power outage and thinking, “Where are those hurricanes when you need them?”

Barbara Shapiro

Huntington Beach

*

After witnessing Thursday night’s debate, I’m again convinced Bush would make a wonderful mayor of a small to medium-size town, or maybe even baseball commissioner. Seems like such a regular, nice guy, I’m sure I could vote for him in my town. I am also struck again with embarrassment (and a little fear) that he is the president of the United States of America -- and I’ll vote accordingly there too.

Leo Kretzner

Claremont

*

Behind-the-scenes president-maker Michael Moore and his upfront ideological puppet John (I Have a Plan) Kerry lost Thursday night. Kerry’s incessant criticism of everything that Bush has done wrong has left him no time to explain any of his plans. We know he has them because he has told us so a thousand times. But we do not know what they are. You owe it to us as a public service.

Alfred Lorona

Whittier

*

Thank goodness Bush used the phrase “mixed message” in every rebuttal. Otherwise he’d have nothing to say.

Sandra Harper

Los Angeles

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The message from the Bush spin machine after the first debate: “Who are you going to believe -- us, or your own two eyes?”

Steve Chambers

Cowan Heights, Calif.

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It is about time somebody confronted the elephant that has taken over the American people’s living rooms. The Bush spin machine is over!

Thank God, help is on the way!

Cynthia Fowler

Long Beach

*

Kerry dominated the presidential debate Thursday evening. He showed a true understanding of the nuances of foreign policy, used Bush’s own words against him, clearly defined the differences between them and established his legitimate run for the office.

Bush was defensive, narrow, limited and just didn’t seem to get it. I can’t wait for the next debate!

Bob Macias

Mission Viejo

*

Kerry was cool, calm and collected while Bush was hesitant, defensive and rattled. Made me wonder how Bush acts when he has high-level discussions with world leaders, if he cannot be composed with a senator.

Joyce Osterhus

Midway City

*

Bush asked what message Sen. Kerry’s position on ending the war in Iraq would send to the troops there. Isn’t that argument equivalent to the plea of the kid who murders his parent and then asks the court for mercy because he’s an orphan?

Art Verity

Van Nuys

*

The president’s strategy on nuclear proliferation seems more scatterbrained than multi-pronged.

Craig Arnold

Long Beach