The presidential debates

[bsg_06]

First, a mea culpa. Like Dan Rather at CBS, apparently my source for information about the debate format was totally erroneous. My fault for not checking things out further. :( :( :mad:

As for the debate itself, I thought it to be extremely unspectacular. No one was really embarrassed, no one said anything unexpected.
If you have already made up your mind, I seriously doubt that the debate made you change your mind. Both candidates are going to claim victories, both campaign spinmeisters are going to point out how they won and the other guy lost. Bush restated his point, Kerry restated his point.

Bush did make the only major gaffe of the debate. In the 53rd minute, in response to a question about launching pre-emptive strikes, Bush said "The enemy attacked us. That is why we went to Iraq."
It was keeping with the continuing Bush-Cheney stance that Iraq was somehow responsible for the Sept. 11 attack.
Kerry was quick to respond that Saddam did not attack us. Osama bin Laden attacked us.
"Osama is the enemy that attacked us. Saddam Hussein had no part. Saddam's power was continually weakening, and would have had to give in if had been patient. At the time we invaded Iraq, there were 35-40 countries that had more nuclear weapons capability."

It was not the candidate's answers that impressed me either way. It was the body language that told a big story.
If you remember the 200 debate, one thing that reason got people (even Democrats) worried about Gore was how uncomfortable he seemed during the debates. While Bush sat smiling and occasionally smirking, Gore did a lot of grimacing and shuffling. Gore looked like he would leave if given the chance.
In the Thursday debate, it was Bush that looked uncomfortable. Which is really unusual, since Bush is normally a very good orator. Did anyone notice how many times Bush frowned, rolled his eyes or appeared to grimace?
Kerry was more of the continually smiling stone face, sort of like I always heard Clinton did.
I was really puzzled by this. Was Bush unprepared for the serious nature of some of the questions? Did he get caught off guard by some of the topics?

On a final note, I thought the debate was moderated as well as any debate I have ever watched (or read about).

Your opinions?

[HumblePie98]

You need to relax a little.

[menanamama]

Even as the presidential debates get ready to start, I am having trouble getting excited about them.
First of all, the questions had to be approved by both candidates. So there will be no questions that either candidate is unprepared for. No one has to think, they simply have to deliver a pre-planned answer.
The moderators and candidates are both bound by the "rules of decorum," which almost eliminates the chance of an unscripted moment or two.
Yawn. :(
not turning out like that though is it.

[Sicily]

I thought the demoncratic candidate mopped the floor with the chimpanzee.

[advocate]

If Bush pre approved those questions, hes dumber than I thought, he didnt have answers for some of them. I never heard so many "um's".

They are always prepared for any question, thats why they have a huge staff, some of them are just better at remembering their prepared answers than others. They have been rehearsing for days.

I have to say Bush didnt come off looking very bright. The debates are just a chance for them to show off for the public, too bad only one candidate took advantage of the opportunity. Bush did better on the Dr Phil show than he did on the debate.

[menanamama]

they approved the topics only. both had some "um" moments. i agree that bush did not do as well as i hoped but kerry had such low expectations of him (media labled him big time underdog) so had to do well.

[GR8_1]

Whoa! Are we a bunch of liberals in here or what?? Just kidding! But it does seem like there is a lot of "Bush-bashing" going on in this thread!

I thought I was the only one who noticed how poorly Mr. President did! Did anyone see his face numerous times when it was Mr. Kerry's turn to speak/respond??!! It was priceless. I don't know if it was anger, embarrassment.......It was just......priceless.

Hubby and I recorded it so that we can refer back to it. Hubby works with a bunch of conservatives (rolls eyes), and he gets called a "liberal" on a regular basis. (Although they color up the word "liberal" a bit......)

Anyhow, I will be interested to see what the future debates have in store. I am also eager to see what effect tonight's debate have on the polls!!

[Sicily]

Well, honestly, I doubt it will have much effect on the polls. I think that this election is so polarized that peoples' mind aren't going to be easily changed.

[advocate]

I think our only hope is that they swing the undecideds- I think just about everyone else is too set in their ways and its unlikely that they will be swayed now.

[Sicily]

Oh I think we'll have the popular vote again; I think we already do.

[cleaningla]

http://www.adl.org/terrorism_america/bin_laden1.jpg

Look at this face. Doesn't anyone remember this face. It's the face of the real Killer.

OJ's gonna find the real killer before Bush does. :mad:

[twinkiesmom]

so many times during the debate, I wanted to sing, "George, George, George of the Jungle . . . . watch out for that treeeeeeeeee!"

[jcw]

OJ's gonna find the real killer before Bush does.
;) :D :D

[twinkiesmom]

I still say Bush will present Osama on Halloween. U watch.

[bsg_06]

A while back, someone photoshopped golf pictures of OJ and Bush so it looked like they were playing together. They were even facing each other.
The caption over O.J.'s face said "Don't feel bad. I haven't found the real killer yet, either."

Another great political cartoon I saw took a picture of the Kerry daughters sitting in a restuarant together, with Mrs. Kerry leaning over to talk to them. The caption said "I hope neither of you ordered waffles."

[janelle]

To me it looked like Bush had on a bullet proof vest by the way his coat looked in the back. They showed it many times and it always looked like it was sticking out like something like a vest was under it.

That would make anyone hot and thus more difficult to concentrate. But yes I saw Bush's expression when Kerry talked. Maybe he was trying to not say what he was thinking like, "that is so absurd and you don't know what you are talking about". Kerry does not have the inside track.

[DivineMsDi]

My minds is STILL not made up. I saw about 45 minutes (begining) of the debate and thought both (at that point) were doing well.

[chanbe]

Last night Bush wasn't clearing anything up.If he didn't have an answer he said "It's hard work" or ummm.I've supported Kerry all along and now even more so.Kerry seems to have more knowledge on what's going on and Bush acts like he needs someone to stand there and tell him the answers.Didn't see any "flip-floppin" going on,but I sure saw one uncomfortable president.JMO

[Willow]

I thought the demoncratic candidate mopped the floor with the chimpanzee.

I couldn't agree more. :D

[Tasha405]

I didn't watch the debate but I already know who I'm voting for and these little debates won't make me change my mind. ;)

[bsg_06]

I didn't watch the debate but I already know who I'm voting for and these little debates won't make me change my mind. ;)

Life in Happy Valley must be fun these days. :p :rolleyes:

[Tasha405]

Life in Happy Valley must be fun these days. :p :rolleyes:
What is that supposed to mean? :confused:

[LuvBigRip]

I didn't watch the debate but I already know who I'm voting for and these little debates won't make me change my mind. ;)
I think most people feel this way. A very small percentage of the population will base their decision on the debates. I believe the Happy Valley comment was just another snide little comment.

[Tasha405]

I think most people feel this way. A very small percentage of the population will base their decision on the debates. I believe the Happy Valley comment was just another snide little comment.
Thanks, thats what I was thinking too(about the comment).

I probably would have watched the debate if I had been home but since Happy Valley is so fun I just couldn't make myself stay home and turn the tv on. ;)

[bsg_06]

"I believe the Happy Valley comment was just another snide little comment."

How very astute of you. :)

[joni1269]

Thanks, thats what I was thinking too(about the comment).

I probably would have watched the debate if I had been home but since Happy Valley is so fun I just couldn't make myself stay home and turn the tv on. ;)


LOL! I pm'd ya for directions to Happy Valley..

[Tasha405]

If any of you would like directions to Happy Valley just let me know. ;)

[bsg_06]

I think you should post photos of your green lawn, two-story house with the white picket fence, successful husband and perfect son and daughter. Photos of the dog and cat are optional. :rolleyes: :D

[schsa]

In my opinion, (I taped it) Bush came off as not knowing how to think on his feet. And his facial expressions were totally unacceptable.

Kerry came off as the better candidate. He knew what he was talking about.

[Tasha405]

I think you should post photos of your green lawn, two-story house with the white picket fence, successful husband and perfect son and daughter. Photos of the dog and cat are optional. :rolleyes: :D
What is your problem? You never seem to have a nice thing to say to anyone about anything. Why do you feel the need to be so rude? Is it because we don't agree with you on everything?

Oh and I've already posted all of those pics before. Thanks for the suggestion though. ;)

[Willow]

What is your problem? You never seem to have a nice thing to say to anyone about anything. Why do you feel the need to be so rude? Is it because we don't agree with you on everything?

Oh and I've already posted all of those pics before. Thanks for the suggestion though. ;)


I suggest everyone who is annoyed with her/him to report his/her posts. That's what I've been doing. :D

[Tasha405]

I suggest everyone who is annoyed with her/him to report his/her posts. That's what I've been doing. :D
Thanks Patchouli :)

[Linus1223]

Wow. Everyone needs to learns to be nice to one another.

[Willow]

Thanks Patchouli :)


You're welcome. :) I normally don't report posts because I feel like I'm being a tattle tale but when the same person is continuously rude in every post it gets a little sickening.

[cavemtmomma]

While I suppose that polish is important ina debate I don't think it is indicative of leadership quality. While Bush stammered a bit, and Kerry seemed to flow more smoothly I actually listened to what each candidate had to say. Bush stood his ground and acknowledged that others disagreed with his decisions, Kerry said that Saddam Hussein was a threat but that it was the wrong war at the wrong time. HUH??? Oh I get it we have to wait til he bombs us too. Also Kerrys allegience to the UN is nauseating to me. America shouldn't surrender her independance to anyone. Just the fact that Kerry wants us subject to an international court is terrifying. I don't want to see Colin Powell answering charges from some little two bit back water in an international criminal court. I can see it all now the widows of Uday and Quasay pressing charges against our military. "But your honor, it was a war crime." Puuulllleeeeessse.

[Tasha405]

Did anyone watch The View today?? Merideth was saying something about Princeton (I think it was) doing like SAT type scores on Bush & Kerry and the results showed that while Bush talked at a 6th grade level(during the debate), Kerry talked at a 7th grade level(during the debate). She was also telling about other things too. It was interesting. I wish I could find a link to it.

[Willow]

Did anyone watch The View today?? Merideth was saying something about Princeton (I think it was) doing like SAT type scores on Bush & Kerry and the results showed that while Bush talked at a 6th grade level(during the debate), Kerry talked at a 7th grade level(during the debate). She was also telling about other things too. It was interesting. I wish I could find a link to it.

I haven't watched that show for a long time so I didn't see it but I heard Rosie O'Donnell talking about the debates on a news related show and she didn't have good things to say about Bush. I don't think too many of the celebrities care for him.

[menanamama]

I haven't watched that show for a long time so I didn't see it but I heard Rosie O'Donnell talking about the debates on a news related show and she didn't have good things to say about Bush. I don't think too many of the celebrities care for him.
of corse...they are all liberal. he is conservative. they are for big gvt...bush is not.

[Tasha405]

I haven't watched that show for a long time so I didn't see it but I heard Rosie O'Donnell talking about the debates on a news related show and she didn't have good things to say about Bush. I don't think too many of the celebrities care for him.I didn't see Rosie but Merideth was reading this off of a paper, she said it was some kind of report so its probably posted somewhere, I just have to look harder. lol

[LuvBigRip]

I haven't watched that show for a long time so I didn't see it but I heard Rosie O'Donnell talking about the debates on a news related show and she didn't have good things to say about Bush. I don't think too many of the celebrities care for him.
Yeah, most don't but then again, Kerry thinks Hollywood is the "Heart of America" I tend to think the values there are not representative of this country.

[bsg_06]

"What is your problem? You never seem to have a nice thing to say to anyone about anything. Why do you feel the need to be so rude? Is it because we don't agree with you on everything?"

Oh please. I say plenty of nice things. But since this is a Vent and Whine Forum, I do a lot more venting and whining. I am not being rude. I am merely offering my opinions.
But in the future, for the benefit of various people, I might need to offer a disclaimer:

WARNING!! SARCASM!!

As I have stated before, I am a 20-year-old female college student.
I do not, by the way, live anywhere near Happy Valley. :rolleyes:

[navywife]

"What is your problem? You never seem to have a nice thing to say to anyone about anything. Why do you feel the need to be so rude? Is it because we don't agree with you on everything?"

Oh please. I say plenty of nice things. But since this is a Vent and Whine Forum, I do a lot more venting and whining. I am not being rude. I am merely offering my opinions.
But in the future, for the benefit of various people, I might need to offer a disclaimer:

WARNING!! SARCASM!!

As I have stated before, I am a 20-year-old female college student.
I do not, by the way, live anywhere near Happy Valley. :rolleyes:

Seems to me that you should consider a move to "Happy Valley".

[bsg_06]

Nah, Happy Valley seems like an extremely boring place. Everyone is too nice to each other.

[santarra]

Well, the debate helped me decide something. Prior, my cry was "Anyone but Bush" and now I'm pretty happy, for the first time, with Kerry!

Polls are showing who came thru the best, and I'm sure that after the next one, this coming Thursday, the spread will be much greater. The War is his strongest point, and he came out with egg on his face. We'll be hearing about the Domestic Issues next time!

Every time I see his ad on how great the economy is, I just keep wishing we could move the state of Michigan to the Country he's talking about!

[Tasha405]

"What is your problem? You never seem to have a nice thing to say to anyone about anything. Why do you feel the need to be so rude? Is it because we don't agree with you on everything?"

Oh please. I say plenty of nice things. But since this is a Vent and Whine Forum, I do a lot more venting and whining. I am not being rude. I am merely offering my opinions.
But in the future, for the benefit of various people, I might need to offer a disclaimer:

WARNING!! SARCASM!!

As I have stated before, I am a 20-year-old female college student.
I do not, by the way, live anywhere near Happy Valley. :rolleyes:
Oh please. :rolleyes: Like you said... this is vent and whine not "be rude & whine". Maybe you really should consider moving to Happy Valley, its really a fun and happy place. You might enjoy it. :)

[Angelseyes28]

Oh please. I say plenty of nice things. But since this is a Vent and Whine Forum, I do a lot more venting and whining. I am not being rude. I am merely offering my opinions.
But in the future, for the benefit of various people, I might need to offer a disclaimer:

WARNING!! SARCASM!!

As I have stated before, I am a 20-year-old female college student.
I do not, by the way, live anywhere near Happy Valley. :rolleyes:

Sarcasm is fine when used appropriately which you obviously have not learned to do yet. It is not ok when you direct that sarcasm to any member just to ease your boredom. State your opinion, that's what the boards are for, but state your opinion about the TOPIC of the thread, not your opinion of anyone who replies to the thread.

[kvmj]

While I suppose that polish is important ina debate I don't think it is indicative of leadership quality. While Bush stammered a bit, and Kerry seemed to flow more smoothly I actually listened to what each candidate had to say. Bush stood his ground and acknowledged that others disagreed with his decisions, Kerry said that Saddam Hussein was a threat but that it was the wrong war at the wrong time. HUH??? Oh I get it we have to wait til he bombs us too. Also Kerrys allegience to the UN is nauseating to me. America shouldn't surrender her independance to anyone. Just the fact that Kerry wants us subject to an international court is terrifying. I don't want to see Colin Powell answering charges from some little two bit back water in an international criminal court. I can see it all now the widows of Uday and Quasay pressing charges against our military. "But your honor, it was a war crime." Puuulllleeeeessse.

Bush's petulance was evident to me. He is not a man used to answering questions. All I heard was a repetition of the same old talking points.

To believe that dividing our friends while uniting our enemies against us is a wise course, is the credo of the Bush supporter.

Of course, Bush withdrew from the World Court. I think that Powell believed what he told the U.N. On the other hand, there is no way Bush could pass a lie detector test. Why should this country hold any of its citizens to anything resembling a moral standard?

[Crick]

Did anyone watch The View today?? Merideth was saying something about Princeton (I think it was) doing like SAT type scores on Bush & Kerry and the results showed that while Bush talked at a 6th grade level(during the debate), Kerry talked at a 7th grade level(during the debate). She was also telling about other things too. It was interesting. I wish I could find a link to it.

The candidates' words also were judged.

Kerry used slightly more advanced language skills, said Robert Beard, a retired Bucknell linguistics professor and cheif executive of yourdictionary.com. The Massachusettes senator spoke with a bit more clarity and managed to get in 2.3 more words per sentence.

Beard used the Flesch-Kincaid reading index to measure the grade levels of their language. It's based on sentence length and the number of syllables per word. Kerry spoke at a 7.3 grade level and Bush at a 6.8. (This article is rated at a 10.1 grade level according to the test.)

Seth Borenstein
Washington Bureau

Entire article can be found at www.myrtlebeachonline.com under the Article Debate's real winner? Depends on measure Unscientific polls show Kerry won

According to most "flash" polls, Kerry won by 7-16 points. Long article about all the different polls conducted after the first debate.

[Tasha405]

The candidates' words also were judged.

Kerry used slightly more advanced language skills, said Robert Beard, a retired Bucknell linguistics professor and cheif executive of yourdictionary.com. The Massachusettes senator spoke with a bit more clarity and managed to get in 2.3 more words per sentence.

Beard used the Flesch-Kincaid reading index to measure the grade levels of their language. It's based on sentence length and the number of syllables per word. Kerry spoke at a 7.3 grade level and Bush at a 6.8. (This article is rated at a 10.1 grade level according to the test.)

Seth Borenstein
Washington Bureau

Entire article can be found at www.myrtlebeachonline.com under the Article Debate's real winner? Depends on measure Unscientific polls show Kerry won

According to most "flash" polls, Kerry won by 7-16 points. Long article about all the different polls conducted after the first debate.That's it! Thank you Crick! :)

[Crick]

Part 2....

The president narrowly out-caffeinated Kerry on Friday. The convience store 7-Eleven launched a coffee-cup poll in which 12.7 percent of customers bought pro-Bush cups to Kerry's 12.1 percent. The other 75 percent had their coffee without politics.

Bush won one dubious measurement: More people, by about a 3-to-1 margin, bought toilet paper Friday emblazoned with the president's face from the company justtoiletpaper.com. Co-owner Marc Polish said that really was a win for Kerry - for obvious reasons.

:D :p ;) :eek: :) :D :p ;) :eek: :)

[Crick]

That's it! Thank you Crick! :)

No problem...Keep up with the latest in politics. ;)

[Elijah'sMommy]

Bush won one dubious measurement: More people, by about a 3-to-1 margin, bought toilet paper Friday emblazoned with the president's face from the company justtoiletpaper.com. Co-owner Marc Polish said that really was a win for Kerry - for obvious reasons.

:D :p ;) :eek: :) :D :p ;) :eek: :)
HA! LOL!