From the Toronto Star...Voices: Presidential debate winner
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We asked you to pick the winner in the debate between U.S. President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry. Here's what you had to say.
Kerry won by a landslide. Bush was unbelievably poor. Most of the time I couldn’t understand what he was trying to say, whereas Kerry was quite articulate. I truly feel for the American people if (Bush) is re-elected.
Brian Strachan, Bracebridge, Oct. 1
The debate showed the American people that Kerry is a more confident leader then Bush, who was lost for words and flustered. The clear choice should be Kerry for President.
Don Lawton, Mississauga, Oct. 1
I think that John Kerry won definitively. He presented an effective and honest strategy on dealing with the Iraqi war, and also the war on terrorism. I was especially pleased to see Sen. Kerry call out President Bush for once again trying to mislead the American people into thinking that Iraq or Saddam had anything whatsoever to do with 9/11, pointing out to President Bush that even the 9/11 Commission found no link between Al Qaeda and Iraq. Kerry has respect for the other countries of the world, Bush does not. Senator Kerry came across as decisive, thoughtful and steadfast. President Bush's facial expressions were petty and childish.
Fiona Williams, Grand Rapids, Oct. 1
I think there is no doubt about it. John Kerry won that debate hands down. Everything he did, from the points he made to the way he carried himself, outperformed Bush. I only hope that the American people see that and forget about the spin that Bush's people will put on it.
Andrew Rapsey, London, Oct. 1
John Kerry was the clear winner. Kerry spoke with confidence throughout and emphasized that the hunt for bin Laden was downgraded in order to invade Iraq. His emphasis on building a better set of relationships between the U.S. and other countries is also long overdue. If this is not done it will simply serve to bring about more threats to the U.S. I found George Bush to be an embarrassment, as he continually hesitated before and during the answering of questions. I hope the voters in the U.S. saw that he does not have a solid grasp of the issues. Bush was not able to articulate a vision for America. The U.S. can not afford to have four more years of George W. Bush.
Mark Savage, St. Catharines, Oct. 1
If it isn't clear to anyone that Senator Kerry was the winner he can join President Bush in returning to night school to brush up on his grammar. The president proved again that he is illiterate and came across as a frightened child when cornered by Kerry with legitimate statements regarding his decisions.
Caroll Thachuk, Windsor, Oct. 1
I can't imagine anyone thinking that George Bush won the debate.
Connie Cummins, Pickering, Oct. 1
Kerry won, partly by talking with fewer words than he usually pours out, and partly by telling Bush to his face what his inner circle apparently never dares tell him, knowing they'd be shown the door if he happened to be listening when they spoke.
Jack Miller, St. Catharines, Oct. 1
John Kerry won the debate hands down. While he looked calm and collected, George W. Bush looked uncomfortable, bumbled around on his words and didn't make any compelling remarks to rebut points made by Kerry.
Steven Lee, Richmond Hill, Oct. 1
Although Bush did a far better job than he usually does, he said little of substance and when he did meander, had to stop, look at his notes, and resort over and over to the same simplistic default statements of "it's hard work" and "I don't change my position with the change of politics"(clearly the safety net provided by his "handlers" to ensure that he did not get into too much trouble). Kerry portrayed a concise plan, can think on his feet (at least more than Bush can) , and was superior in the debate. P.S. Don't you think the president of the U.S. could learn to pronounce the word "nuclear"?
Karen Sumbler, Toronto, Oct. 1
Hands down Kerry won the debate. He came off as a strong, focused and determined leader. Grace under pressure is what I was thinking watching Kerry. Bush on the other hand, looked like he just woke up and acted like the class clown in high school. I wouldn't want a guy like Bush, with his idiotic smirk, leading the worlds most powerful country ever again. He was joking before some questions and a few of his answers just didn't make sense. Fortunately for him, the election this time around may be rigged again and he has a chance to win it again. I don't know how you would pick Bush over Kerry.
John Smith, Milton, Oct. 1
Kerry won by a landslide. I can't believe Americans want Bush when they could choose a man with integrity. But then again, in 2000 they had a real leader in Gore and they blew that one.
Robert Graham, Ottawa, Oct. 1
Kerry won the debate but his message will go against the grain with the majority of brainwashed Americans. It is heresy to most U.S. citizens to suggest that troops are being sentenced to death for an unworthy cause undertaken under false pretenses. Americans just cannot handle the truth and Bush knowingly continued the brainwashing, his only shot at survival.
Jim Graddon, Oakville, Oct. 1
I think Mr. Kerry has won. The difference between two were very clear. Kerry was logical, information based and was to the point while addressing an issue. On the other hand Mr. Bush was found to be a little bit shaky, confusing and his answers were too far from logic and fact.
Aowrangazeb Chowdhury, Scarborough, Oct. 1
In my opinion Kerry is a winner. I am going to support him now.
Lakhbir Dhillon, Orlando, Florida, Oct. 1
Senator Kerry has totally impressed me. He seemed "in control" of the debate and yet never stooped to degradation or character attacks. As for President Bush, he sounded like a broken record. Comments such as "wavering" and "convictions blowing in the wind" are getting a little old.... "Hey, G. dubya... wake up!"
Patrick Maloney, Stirling, Oct. 1 |
