2008 Woodie Awards
2004 Debates: You Decide
Erin Roberts
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: News
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In less than a month, voters across the country will be hitting the polls in another Presidential election. As the days go by, there still seems to be no front-runner. Bush and Kerry are in an apparent dead heat. In election years such as this, the Presidential debates that go on prior to Election Day have the mission of swaying a vote to one side or the next. It is a chance for the voters to see what their candidates stand for. It is a chance for the candidates to show voters what they can do.
As far as the Presidential debates go, the format is as follows: the two candidates stand at podiums, in front of the moderator (who is seated). There is an audience, but participation is barred. The moderator asks at least sixteen questions, with the candidate allowed a two-minute response. The other candidate is then given 90 seconds to comment on the question or to rebuke his rival's reaction.
The first Presidential debate didn't differentiate the vote too much. It was held in Coral Gables, Florida at the University of Miami and was moderated by political news veteran Jim Lehrer, of PBS' NewsHour (with Jim Lehrer). This first debate was to focus strictly on foreign policy. Topics stretched from how to proceed with U.S. occupation in Iraq, how the United States should negotiate with North Korea, actions against terrorism and how to prevent attacks similar to that of September 11th. .
On most subjects, the President and Sen. Kerry seemed to have mainly opposite opinions, except when it came to the most dangerous possible threat to the United States today. Both Bush and Kerry agreed on nuclear proliferation as our country's biggest danger.
When all was said and done, and the candidates shook hands and the families joined on stage with the close of the debate, there was only one question left: who won?
An initial reaction and immediate press coverage proclaimed Bush the clear winner, as he did come off more convincing and believable than his competitor, but morning-after polls showed the opposite, declaring Kerry the victor. Obviously, both parties had already declared a victory.
As far as the Presidential debates go, the format is as follows: the two candidates stand at podiums, in front of the moderator (who is seated). There is an audience, but participation is barred. The moderator asks at least sixteen questions, with the candidate allowed a two-minute response. The other candidate is then given 90 seconds to comment on the question or to rebuke his rival's reaction.
The first Presidential debate didn't differentiate the vote too much. It was held in Coral Gables, Florida at the University of Miami and was moderated by political news veteran Jim Lehrer, of PBS' NewsHour (with Jim Lehrer). This first debate was to focus strictly on foreign policy. Topics stretched from how to proceed with U.S. occupation in Iraq, how the United States should negotiate with North Korea, actions against terrorism and how to prevent attacks similar to that of September 11th. .
On most subjects, the President and Sen. Kerry seemed to have mainly opposite opinions, except when it came to the most dangerous possible threat to the United States today. Both Bush and Kerry agreed on nuclear proliferation as our country's biggest danger.
When all was said and done, and the candidates shook hands and the families joined on stage with the close of the debate, there was only one question left: who won?
An initial reaction and immediate press coverage proclaimed Bush the clear winner, as he did come off more convincing and believable than his competitor, but morning-after polls showed the opposite, declaring Kerry the victor. Obviously, both parties had already declared a victory.