Anthony Butcher

I thought that this second debate was more balanced. Kerry still seemed to have a slight edge - he is sharper, more rational and backs up his arguments better. Bush seemed to dodge a couple of awkward questions and just give prepared answers. If Bush wasn't already President, I would say that he looks far too simplistic to be elected.

What strikes me about both men is the lack of anything natural. Both had well rehearsed soundbites, both had obviously had a lot of coaching about how to deal with the audience and both seemed somewhat transparent. Bush was being more aggressive and funny, and it was obvious that he had come out with a couple of rehearsed asides to use. Kerry used the first name of every single audience member who asked a question when answering (and got at least one wrong).

The problem with attending to every detail of how to cope with the debates leads to an end results that just feels artificial. Very much like Michael Howard.

I thought that Kerry's answer to the abortion question was extremely well reasoned. He stated that whether he is for or against abortion is irrelevant because he has a duty to represent the whole population, including both sides of the argument. Bush stood up and declared himself against abortion. The lack of subtlety and sophistication from Bush will go against him I would think.

Kerry's line would be consistent with UKIP's general principles of small government; government interference should be minimised as much as possible, and people should be free to make their own moral and societal judgements.