First Debate

Obviously a Kerry supporter, I have read editorials across the country this morning, written letters to editors and taken online polls. We live in a time when the packaging of the message can be so effective in swaying how people think. I feared that the Republican machine would insert itself in its famously insipid way and convince us all that the President was the winner last night. Guess what! In his baggy suit, Mr. Bush gripped his lecturn while he shifted from right foot to left foot and made silly facial expressions. He referred often to his "hard work" and his being the best to lead, but was short on facts as Senator Kerry literally stood firmly, dressed sharply, and kept a relaxed demeanor throughout the 90 minute debate while he kept hammering away at the facts. Although our president has often derided his opponent on the campaign trail, Senator Kerry showed himself to be the candidate with a statemanslike command of the information right in front of us and the international experience to truely elevate our stature in the world and build coaltions with other nations. In the end, this is what is so vital to our national security.