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Anthony Butcher · 01-10-2004, 03:29 AM

I watched this first presidential debate with an open mind. Like most Brits I have a predisposition to regard Bush as intellectually challenged. I have seen so many clips of his goofs that it is hard not to see him as a buffoon. However, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, and 90 minutes would give me a more accurate picture of the man.

Well, he wasn't as bad as I thought he might be. But nor was he impressive. He had a few prepared soundbites that he repeated several times. They didn't sound very convincing, especially when he criticised Kerry for giving "mexed missages" [sic].

There was one point, when Bush was describing a meeting with a family who had lost a son in Iraq, that I thought he was dreadfully insincere and looked like a third rate actor pretending to be upset. It was a carefully rehearsed "human moment" and looked just that - rehearsed.

Kerry, on the other hand, was solid and very definitive in his plans. He had obviously prepared point by point policies for every possible question and definitely looked more competent and presidential than Bush. A couple of his "facts" seemed a little dubious and I imagine that he will get a slating for them in the Republican press tomorrow.

The CNN commentators seemed impartial and were more impressed by Kerry than Bush overall as well I think.

01-10-2004, 03:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
Anthony Butcher Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Long Ashton, Bristol Posts: 9,819 Party: None	1st US Presidential Debate I watched this first presidential debate with an open mind. Like most Brits I have a predisposition to regard Bush as intellectually challenged. I have seen so many clips of his goofs that it is hard not to see him as a buffoon. However, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, and 90 minutes would give me a more accurate picture of the man. Well, he wasn't as bad as I thought he might be. But nor was he impressive. He had a few prepared soundbites that he repeated several times. They didn't sound very convincing, especially when he criticised Kerry for giving "mexed missages" [sic]. There was one point, when Bush was describing a meeting with a family who had lost a son in Iraq, that I thought he was dreadfully insincere and looked like a third rate actor pretending to be upset. It was a carefully rehearsed "human moment" and looked just that - rehearsed. Kerry, on the other hand, was solid and very definitive in his plans. He had obviously prepared point by point policies for every possible question and definitely looked more competent and presidential than Bush. A couple of his "facts" seemed a little dubious and I imagine that he will get a slating for them in the Republican press tomorrow. The CNN commentators seemed impartial and were more impressed by Kerry than Bush overall as well I think.