By Web Editor Admin
University students attended a telecast of the third and final presidential debate in the Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater last week, at the closing to the Day of Dialogue.
The debate between Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry and President George W. Bush was held at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz. and was moderated by Bob Shieffer of CBS News.
After the debate, in which both candidates addressed domestic issues, students had a chance to share their feelings on how the candidates performed. Most suggested Kerry won the third debate.
Renee Fahey, a 20-year-old independent voter and senior at the University, felt Kerry was able to think better on his feet than Bush, who was not able to connect with the audience
“It is important that voters find out what the issues are and where they stand on them,” Fahey said. “In this particular debate I think that Kerry addressed the issues.”
Oscar Ore, 25, a senior and independent voter at the University also felt that Kerry did a better job expressing his views and plans for the next four years.
“[Kerry] answered more questions and was more factual. To me a lot of what [Bush] has said seems to be empty promises,” he said.
Ore also said it was important the debates were held because viewers learn more about domestic and other issues and are not subject to arguments over Iraq and 9/11.
“In the beginning I did not know much about his [Kerry’s] plans, but with the help of these debates I’ve learned a lot about him,” Ore said.
Liz Rodgers, 19, a sophomore film major and Green Party voter, also thought Kerry was very firm and direct with his views.
“He [Kerry] did not stray from the point,” Rogers said. “Whenever Bush was asked a question that he kind of skirted and did not want to answer, he would bring up education.”
Yet, not all of those who watched the debate Oct. 13 felt Kerry captured the audience and the viewers at home.
Derrick Ball, 18, a registered Democrat and freshmen student, said “Bush keeps getting accused of not answering questions, but Kerry will answer a question to only a certain point.”
“He’ll [Kerry] just tell you I want this, I want that,” Ball said. “I think it went a little better for Bush.”