Volume III. No. 10
 10-15-04
 Bush/Kerry Debate No. III
 author: Vance Cureton
 © Copyright 2004
 

 The three Presidential Debates of 2004 are now fodder for the historians.
 This third debate was where everything was supposedly on the line. Perhaps
 an exaggeration. John Kerry looked a little haggard all evening. As if the stress 
 of having to live up to his outstanding Debate No. I performance had finally 
 worn him down a bit. He had his good stuff. But nothing that was particularly
 outstanding for a challenger who already has the President of the United States 
 playing desperate defense.

 Bush on the other hand seemed to have developed yet another television
 personality for this final debate. He was ready with ill-timed quips and 
 wisecracks. Most of the debate Bush wore this odd grin on his face 
 whenever John Kerry was speaking. On several occasions Bush took 
 a verbal shot at the senator instead of simply launching into an answer 
 of the question that was put to him. Maybe this was his method of stalling 
 for time?

 Bush's irreverent demeanor was hardly befitting a president who is in the 
 political fight of his life. Could it be that there is something about John Kerry 
 and his Ivy League-polished debating style that has Bush off balance and 
 feeling intimidated? Over three ninety-minute debates, the President certainly 
 improved. But he was never quite Kerry's equal. This debate will most probably 
 be judged by the viewing public across America as "advantage Senator 
 John Kerry." 

 Style points alone are enough for a Kerry win.

 This is not to say that President Bush did not have his stellar moments. On 
 his answer to a question about the role of faith in his life, Bush responded 
 in a manner that seemed deeply heartfelt and genuine. He even found the 
 time to compliment those who do not share his born-again Christian beliefs 
 by stating. "You're equally an American if you choose to worship an almighty 
 and if you choose not to. If you're a Christian, Jew or Muslim, you're 
 equally an American."

 Kerry was strongest when - unlike Bush - he didn't dodge tough questions.
 Kerry answered forthrightly that he would never appoint a new justice to the
 Supreme Court that was in favor of overtuning Roe vs. Wade. { as if Bush 
 wouldn't do the exact opposite... } Also on a question about homosexuality
 John Kerry stated that he did not believe that a person's homosexual orientation 
 was a choice. During his answer he alluded to the fact that one of Vice President's 
 Dick Cheney's daughter is a lesbian. And that "...she was being who she was, 
 she's being who she was born as." A bit awkward perhaps, as Lynne Cheney 
 slammed Kerry after the debate for referencing her daughter.

 Mrs. Cheney claimed Kerry's reference was "a cheap political trick." This 
 is the same daughter that has for most of Dick Cheney's political life been 
 an invisible woman. Could it be that despite the family ties she is viewed
  as a shameful liability by her own kin?

 Lynne Cheney's motherly protest, notwithstanding, Kerry should be 
 given full credit for answering exactly what was asked of him.

 Kerry's awkward moment hardly diminishes his overall competiveness in 
 this final debate. Near the end, there was an exchange that may signal how 
 Bush's aura as the incumbent is no more. In answer to a question by moderator 
 Bob Schieffer about the three of them being surrounded by strong women
 in their lives. Kerry jokingly answered they all were "people who married 
 up, and some would say it would be me, more than others." { Theresa
 Heinz-Kerry is a billionaire. }

 That humorous answer by John Kerry may in fact turn out to be the 
 most single memorable moment of all three debates. If the challenger 
 could dare take a chance with a line like that in the very last debate where
 there is no opportunity for a comeback should the remark have fallen flat. 
 He's more than established himself as on equal footing with the president. 

 Kerry's answer was revealing of the confidence the senator must feel 
 inside. In fact, for the first time since those gloomy days of August and 
 September, this looks like it actually might be Senator John Kerry's election 
 to lose. -- Instead of to win.
 

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