Presidential Debates

[Ryan Dognaux]

I think the rules for this debate are pretty strict... each candidate can't ask the other one questions - and isn't that a big part of what a debate is? I think this will mostly just be like Bush and Kerry happening to be giving speeches in the same room.

I dunno about anyone else, but I found it funny during the 2000 debates funny from all of Gore's sighing and whatnot. And I guess that's why they imposed strict rules this time around.

[Bcahn836]

This is my only homework tonight watch the debates. This class is going to be easy.

[Yan Wang]

During the debates between Clinton & Bush Sr., the camera switched from Clinton talking to Bush looking at his watch and not listening at all... FOX is doing the broadcast this time (I think) so I am definitely going to look out for more moments like these.

Plus, we might even get to hear about what these candidates' opinions are on civil liberties. Well, at least Kerry's!!

[David Kelly]

It's already happening...Kerry voted for the red lights on the stage, before he voted against them!!

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

We'll actually be watching the debates in history tomorrow. I find them interesting. While I've been watching political progress for the past few months, it is always good to compare the two candidates when they're in the same proximity. I think any tool that can be used to inform people more about the choices they can make in an election is a good tool.

Watch the debates kids. Maybe you'll learn something. And I think those rules are useful. Look at how much we argue here on Chief, and most of us are reasonably intellegent people. Two guys duking it out for the highest US Office is a pretty intense situation, so I'd say it isn't unreasonable to have a mod. Also, a good president should have the maturity to understand that regulations like these aren't meant to target them, but to benefit everyone participating and watching.

[Joshua May]

I'll definitely be watching. But I'm much more interested in seeing the Vice Presidential debate, and I really hope that they won't let it be a sit-down one like last time.

[Joe Matt]

Originally Posted by David Kelly

It's already happening...Kerry voted for the red lights on the stage, before he voted against them!!

And Bush still thinks they're blue.

[Joshua May]

I've got to say this is a definite win for Kerry. Kerry showed a focus and a plan. Bush said the same thing over again (with many pauses and stumbling) and it is the same thing he says everytime he's on the news. healso showed no focus at all, and shifted around in what he said, and you need to show a focus and the ability to answer a question if you will be President. Kerry showed this, Bush did not.

Oh, and what are "mexed missages"?

[Aignam]

Well, the debate just ended, and, to me, in any event, it won't be very decisive in my opinion of either candidate. If you follow current politics, there weren't many new viewpoints revealed. In summation...

Bush: You're a flip-flopper!
Kerry: But I wen't to Vietnam!
Bush: You still flip flopped!
Kerry: Well, I needed to make the best choices for my country. And I went to Vietnam, too!

Well, sort of. In the big picture, I think Kerry did a fairly sufficient job in convincing the American public that while he did change his mind on several issues, it was all in the best interest of the American public, and the ordeal isn't as much of a problem as the Bush campaign makes it out to be. Then again, Bush did come off as more likeable and down-to-earth, overall (big surprise...), and had the upper hand in being able to deliver the final closing speech. If I had to choose, however, this debate goes to Kerry for being able to close the door on some of Bush's main complaints about the candidate.

I also agree that the Vice Presidential debates should be much more exciting and decisive battles.

[Corey Balint]

Ya i have to agree with that^. However, i dont think bush seemed down to earth or likeable, neither did really. Just alot of what Bush was saying was wrong, and completely different from what he was doing.

I also think the VP debates will be amazing. Edwards and Cheney are both great speakers. Edwards is one of the best in all of Congress, and Cheney is one of the most passionate speakers around. Cheney can be thrown off if he gets over-excited about a topic and he may start to yell and come off as mean and pushy. I think Edwards will end up on top in this debate.

[VGMasterShadow]

Kerry=Bad
Bush=Good
What more can I say?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by VGMasterShadow

Kerry=Bad
Bush=Good
What more can I say?

How bout something of substance?

[Adam Y.]

I'll watch, but it wont sway my opinion at all.

Yeah I heard one poll had 1% of people who watched this made up their minds.

[Tytus Gerrish]

Originally Posted by VGMasterShadow

Kerry=Bad
Bush=Good
What more can I say?

how about why?

[Lisa Perez]

Personally, I thought the debate was intellectually stimulating on both sides. Having followed the candidates through the pre-election months, however, I found that it did not especially reveal anything new about Bush or Kerry or go into depth as to why they had such positions on certain issues. Nonetheless, both candidates brought up good points.