debate is over how'd they do?

[denisenh]

I am interested in what folks on both sides think. Did the debate change who you are voting for or just solidify your vote?
Any surprises?

 

[CDoobee]

Solidified, definitely!!

Debbie

 

[one_cat]

It didn't change my vote but unquestionably, in my mind, John Kerry won the debate. He was much more assured, look much more comfortable and could put his thoughts together in a more coherent fashion.

 

[Lisa F]

I wasn't impressed by either of them and I find this whole election just about as depressing as the last one.

 

[LoraJ]

Solidified my vote!

NBC is now talking to some undecided voters, seems as though if Kerry does well in the debates about the domestic issues, they are going to vote for him. They all think he did well in this debate, but aren't deciding who to vote for until they hear what they both have to say about the home front.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Originally posted by one_cat
It didn't change my vote but unquestionably, in my mind, John Kerry won the debate. He was much more assured, look much more comfortable and could put his thoughts together in a more coherent fashion.

 

[Rokkitsci]

I watched the debate - I am firmly a pro-Bush conservative, and I had hoped that Bush would deliver the knock-out punch in this first debate.

Sadly, for me, I don't think Bush even came close to eliminating Kerry tonight. I think Kerry clearly won the debate. I think Bush had the better message, but anyone who was in the category of "undecided" would be prone to favor Kerry after this debate.

I just don't understand why Bush did not shine more. He has the message - he could have taken Kerry apart, but he seemed too intent on "staying on message" than in taking a chance to stray from his rehearsed lines. I am not happy with his performance.

I hope the Bush campaign has not adopted a "defensive" strategy for the rest of the campaign - and blunt their advantage by trying too hard to "not make a mistake."

I think the race is going to be a lot closer after this effort tonight.

 

[trampslady]

Kerry did well. However, I still have no clear understanding of what his "plan" is and how he plans to magically force other countries to participate with us. My true concern with Kerry is that he has no core values of his own and must rely on the opinion of other nations to make decisions for our country. No thanks.

He won the debate.....but not the election. I'm still finding it hard to understand how he can talk about knocking on doors for weapons and body armour for our troops when he voted to deny them the very same thing. Bush should have addressed that issue further.

Also, if Kerry is all about alliances, why is he so eager to change positions with our talks with North Korea and make it an exclusive talk between us and them?

 

[Feralpeg]

Kerry won this one hands down.

 

[2bemarried]

I'm pretty sure that I know which one I'm voting for, but I want to see the next two debates before I say that I'm certain.

Definitely Kerry "looked" better. I believe that Bush trusts in what he's saying though, he just doesn't know how to say it!!

One thing that really bothers me is when a public speaker uses the word "umm". Sure I use it from time to time, but not in a debate...that just makes me look weak. It's exactly what made Bush look weak.
Kerry disturbs me when he talks about handling terrorists and they have to pass the check. What check??? I'd like further detail on what he means by that. If we see that they're thinking of attacking, attack them first...period!

 

[Rutt and Tuke]

It solidified my vote and I am interested to see that some of the Bush supporters here agree that Kerry did better tonight.

 

[Loftus]

I think Kerry shaded it, mainly because President Bush seemed to be on the defensive more than his opponent. Having said that, I don't think the Bush camp will be unhappy. He didn't appear to make any real gaffes and there was definitely no knock-out blow, which I suspect there will need to be for Kerry to win the White House.

 

[Robinrs]

I thought it was awesome!

I must say that I think they both came across very respectfully and were kind to each other when they spoke of their families.

 

[denisenh]

Well, I, for one, am glad I tuned in. I think both men did fine. No surprises. I think Bush stands solid on what he believes and Kerry stood his ground as well. Very good job.
Addressing another thread here, (oh well, why not)
Frankly, I don't really care what color their skin is. Skin color has never been an issue for me (unless it's my own and I like tan) and never will be. And I understand the difficulties associated with a speech impediment, having a mild problem myself, once upon a time.
Its the issues, people.

 

[herc]

It was a respectful if dull debate. They stuck to the time well but I sure didn't care for those red lights.
I don't think either side gained a lot tonight.

 

[ToriLammy]

I posted my thoughts on another thread but I'll cut and paste them here:


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=654643&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

I'm planning on voting for Bush but he did not present himself very well tonight. He looked unprepared. A lot of his responses were basically the same thing over and over - even my daughter who was watching with me said - "let it go" when he repeated something about the 5th time. Kerry did appear to be well prepared, he had good answers and articulated them well. He didn't sway me but I'm a big enough person to admit that Kerry did very well tonight. Score 1 for Kerry.

 

[Nancy]

Didn't make up my mind for me tonight..it went pretty much the way I thought it would. I wish one of them would say something (anything) to make me say "yeah, I should vote for him" but they don't.

 

[Teejay32]

I missed a lot of it. Kerry presented himself really well, but I didn't like his answers any more than usual and learned nothing new from him. I thought Bush was defensive and overly cautious, but informative.

I'm watching all the differing opinions on TV...

 

[Trish5768]

Wasn't going to watch, but did. I think Kerry won this debate hands down. Lets see what the other 2 bring.

 

[jjskribs]

Having seen John Kerry debate on many occasions it doesn't surprise me at all that he did so well. He is poised, intelligent and articulate. He was very focused tonight.

I hope that the rest of the country has finally seen the "real" John Kerry and not the John Kerry that the Bush campaign has tried to paint.

Hopefully the undecided voters will now begin taking a closer look at John Kerry.

President Bush was very "unpresidential" tonight.