Bush v. Kerry

Although I did not watch the presidential debate between Kerry and Bush, I have heard many others’ opinions about it. After reading the article posted by Richard Reeves, I wish I would have watched, because all he talked about was how badly President Bush preformed. Reeves quoted Peter Canellos, "Bush's repetition seemed insistent rather than firm, and his body language -- sighing, clenching his teeth, rolling his eyes -- suggested a man on the defensive." Reeves mentioned that Bush seemed on the defensive as his opponent mentioned issues on the war in Iraq. Yet, doesn’t everyone usually take the offensive when running up against your opponent? Because you are up against one another, you often feel offended when they make references to the decisions you have made. After all, an opponent is also referred to an “antagonist or competitor.” Therefore, it is human nature to get angry. I agree that Bush should keep his cool a little better. However, I can see why President Bush would be on the defensive. I have heard many people discuss how poorly Bush does on debates, but that doesn’t mean that he is a bad leader. Within his article, Reeves also criticized Bush by saying “The only people we know the president listens to are members of his small court, led by Vice President Cheney, who has been pushing the preposterous for the past three years.” He claims that Bush only listens to his cabinet members and that he is like the boy in a bubble who is protected by them from all of the harm and voices outside. Yet, the cabinet is a committee of senior government advisors. Therefore, they are the ones who “advise” him. Why wouldn’t he listen to them? President Bush is doing the best he can in office. He made a decision to go to war, and he is dealing with the consequences of everyone’s scrutiny, which is why he probably took the defensive on this issue during the debate. Yet, not everyone is born to do well in debates. Kerry may have done a better job on the debate than Bush, but I don’t think that he has the right leadership skills to be president. Therefore, Bush remains the winner in my book!