http://blog.progressivevote.org/index.php?p=71 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: FRANK E. WATKINS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
Jackson: Kerry TKOs Bush In First Debate
Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., following the first presidential debate, declared Senator John Kerry the winner with a TKO over President George Bush. He said, "The war in Iraq is a central campaign issue. President Bush continues to mislead the country by not telling the truth with respect to the objective conditions in Iraq. Whoever is elected President in November will face a daunting challenge with no easy, risk-or-cost-free options. But President Bush, the former owner of the Texas Rangers, continues to conduct our foreign policy as if he is the Lone Ranger. John Kerry - who says the President misused the power that Congress gave him - if elected would be given the opportunity for a fresh start in Iraq. He has a better chance than George Bush to chart a new course by bringing the international community into the entire situation - for security and reconstruction, for burden sharing and economic opportunity.
Additionally:
1. Kerry offered a plan and a way out of Iraq with dignity and democracy; Bush proposed to stay the course - or more of the same.
2. Kerry answered the questions that were asked of him; Bush often did not and merely keep repeating his talking points.
3. Kerry was on the offensive and offered a vision for our country in relationship to other nations; Bush was on the defensive virtually the entire night with no plan to patch up the strained relationships that he has caused with his pre-emptive and mismanaged war in Iraq.
4. Kerry's body language was obviously relaxed and pleasant and he smiled throughout the debate; Bush's was obviously anxious, angry and frowned most of the night.
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