In the first of three presidential debates, presidential candidate John Kerry and current president George Bush squared off in an epic battle on foreign affairs. Headlining as the chief subject was, of course, the war on Iraq. The two candidates for the upcoming election boasted conflicting viewpoints but remained poised throughout the debate. John Kerry, representing the Democratic Party, and George Bush, representing the Republican Party, were questioned by moderator Jim Lehrer.

Lehrer offered fair questions to both candidates and offered thirty second rebuttals in response to any claims made by the opposing candidates. Throughout the debate, it seemed that Bush had taken this option more to heart than Kerry did which allowed Bush often to get the last word. Still, Kerry proved to be impressive with his extensive knowledge in a multitude of areas. For every statistic Bush had, Kerry seemed to have three more waiting to counter. Kerry had certainly seemed to be the more prepared of the two candidates.

Some argue that Kerry’s knowledge is a negative aspect. Claiming he loses his public’s attention when speaking too comprehensively, many of the voting public believe Bush’s honest and simple way of preaching is more commendable. Kerry’s knowledge, however, seemed to work him wonders in this first debate. He seemed to have had all the answers and even worked on past criticisms such as lack of charisma. He just seemed surer of himself this time around.

When it did come to the content of their answers, Bush seemed to be lacking resources. President Bush seemed to be repeating himself over and over throughout the debate. Some may see his redundancy as a negative, but others could argue that his repetitiveness was planned. Perhaps Bush didn’t have all the answers, but what he did want to get across to the public, he made sure to say it as many times as necessary.

Overall, the debate seemed to be very equal. Kerry looks to have had the upper-hand as showed by the ABC polls after the debate. Kerry had gained 45% of the votes to Bush’s 36%. Perhaps it was Kerry’s sure answers and his plans for the future that got the nod from the public; who really knows? One thing, however, is certain; every vote will count on November 2nd, 2004!