Final debate conjures mixed reactions

Bill Bradley, Vice President, College Republicans

Bush

Likeability: A Rhetoric/Style: A-… Bill Bradley, Vice President, College Republicans

Bush

Likeability: A Rhetoric/Style: A- Substance: B+ Closing Statement: A

Kerry

Likeability: C- Rhetoric/Style: C+ Substance: D Closing Statement: B

The third presidential debate offered the American public the starkest contrast between the candidates. President Bush dominated in virtually every issue discussed. He proposed plausible solutions to the problems facing our healthcare industry and education system. He did not make overly extravagant promises that could never be fulfilled. He spoke on behalf of all Americans and did not pander to certain groups. He was a man who was proud of his record and optimistic that America would get past the difficulties we face over the coming years. Whether one wants to see Bush get re-elected or not, there is no question where he stands on any issue. Senator Kerry’s proposed solutions to our nation’s problems sounded excellent. Everyone wants a choice in healthcare. Everyone wants a level playing field in education. Everyone wants to see the deficit eliminated. The goals Kerry spoke of are noble ones. But he gave no details on how he intends to achieve them. The only thing the voters are certain of is that Kerry will repeal Bush’s “tax cut for the rich.” One would think the repeal of that tax cut will be the catalyst needed to transform our nation into a “more hopeful America.” Americans deserve more than simply hearing “I have a plan” from the man who wants to be the commander in chief.

Erica Bollhopf, College Democrats

Kerry

Likability: B- Rhetoric/Style: A Substance: C+ Closing Statement: A

Bush

Likability: C+ Rhetoric/Style: B Substance: C- Closing Statement: A

The most lackluster of the three debates. The sports games probably had more drama and substance. By now we’ve come to expect Kerry’s petrified wood imitation and Bush’s facial circus, and both candidates delivered. In this close race, however, personal nuances have cast the candidates in revised lights. Kerry now appears more assured, Bush more cranky. For all two minutes of response time, the complex debate topics generally suffered from reductio ad absurdum, although somehow education proposals factored an awful lot into the economy, jobs and healthcare when Bush answered. While Kerry was also guilty of question-dodging, he at least had a wider arsenal of safe topics. In the end though, both gentlemen aspired to a unified America. For all the banter, the diverse ideologies driving these two campaigns still came to the same conclusion: Wear the red tie with the white polka dots.

David Barker, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh

Kerry

Likability: A Rhetoric: A Substance: A- Closing Statement: A-

Bush

Likability: A Rhetoric/Style: A- Substance: A- Closing Statement: A

As can be seen from my grades, I think this was Bush’s best debate, and Kerry performed just as well as he has in the others. Both candidates appeared warm, presidential and knowledgeable. My only complaint is that this was one of the most boring debates I have seen. I think the average viewer was overwhelmed by the numbers and charges being leveled back and forth, and in the end, I think that people will come out of this supporting “their man” (whoever that is) more fervently than they did going in. I thought Bush’s best moment was when he was talking about his wife and daughters, and his worst moment was when he claimed to have never said that he wasn’t concerned with Osama Bin Laden anymore (which is not true). I thought Kerry’s most effective moment might have been when he compared the president to Tony Soprano, and his worst was when he claimed that Bush has never met with the Congressional Black Caucus (Bush has).