The Public Speaks

From the NYT Letters to the Editor:

To the Editor:

I would like to express my gratitude to John Kerry. I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I know from experience that being misled by your commander in chief is more devastating than the truth could ever be.

Senator Kerry promised to tell his soldiers the truth and to tell the American people the truth. This is a very important factor in leadership.

I knew the truth. Many of my comrades know the truth. We are doing the "hard work" that the president spoke of.

There is strength in truth. The American soldier deserves it.

As long as the president refuses to acknowledge the truth, there will be a lack of respect between us. Mr. President, I want the truth, not just talking points.

Richard Schumacher
Austin, Tex., Oct. 1, 2004

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To the Editor:

On Thursday night, President Bush came across as bumbling and as unprepared as he was for his unprovoked war in Iraq.

Some may confuse stubborn arrogance for "strength," but I choose the thoughtful alliance builder, John Kerry.

I look forward to the debate on domestic issues. With 45 million in this country having no health insurance, with corporate profits (and chief executives' salaries) at an all-time high yet little job creation, with the turning back of environmental laws and with uncontrolled spending yet tax cuts for the wealthy, President Bush is standing on a house of cards.

Tom Goodman
Chicago, Oct. 1, 2004

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To the Editor:

In the debate on Thursday night, George W. Bush came across as down to earth, likable, a plain speaker. He could be anybody's guy next door.

But John Kerry proved himself to be more intelligent and articulate than Mr. Bush. He showed that he was decisive, not bullheaded; courageous enough to acknowledge that he had made a mistake and then correct his course; a master of the big picture and the details who did not have to memorize every line; a leader capable of increasing our security at home, winning the respect of our friends and dealing effectively with our enemies.

During the next four years, which will be so critical for our country, I hope to have John Kerry as my president, and I will welcome George Bush as a neighbor if he decides to move to Colorado.

Deborah Sullivan
Fort Collins, Colo., Oct. 1, 2004

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To the Editor:

Presidential debates remain a valuable part of our political process because they show us the person behind the product.

On Thursday night, John Kerry was thoughtful, knowledgeable and articulate (qualities we used to expect from all candidates), while George W. Bush had difficulty formulating responses to questions and was visibly uncomfortable throughout the evening.

These substantial, unscripted exchanges are helpful, not as theater, but as a demonstration of what resources each candidate possesses that would enable him to respond in real time to the challenges of world events - which are always unscripted.

Ron L. Meyers
New York, Oct. 1, 2004

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To the Editor:

President Bush's continual chastising of Senator John Kerry in the debate for sending "mixed messages" about the war in Iraq underscored one of the Bush administration's worst features: the aversion to dissent and the confusion of criticism with lack of patriotism.

Mr. Bush repeatedly attacked Mr. Kerry for questioning the wisdom of the invasion, arguing not that the invasion was wise but that such questions undermine the image of American resolve. He forgets that it is a cherished American right - one that we hope to export - to question our political leaders and their decisions.

Cynthia Estlund
New York, Oct. 1, 2004

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To the Editor:

The presidential debate on Thursday night showed a president with an uncomfortably weak grasp of the impact of his own decisions, and a challenger, John Kerry, who had intelligent, well-planned and achievable solutions to the many problems we face abroad.

The debate was about substance over ideology, and where Mr. Kerry outlined concrete steps, President Bush had a vague claim that "I just know how this world works."

Mr. Bush's lack of focus and surplus of confused misdirection have never been so obvious as now.

Even more embarrassing for the Republicans must be having to toe the party line and insist on a debate victory for Mr. Bush after such an obvious mismatch. Republican spin is looking less like solidarity and more like denial - or, worse, dishonesty.

Joe Murray
Yardley, Pa., Oct. 1, 2004

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Of course, not everybody believes that we need a "smarty-pants" to be President in this dangerous time.

To the Editor:

Your Oct. 1 editorial "The First Debate" said George W. Bush "seemed downright petulant." If anything, he seemed uncomfortable. But John Kerry, with his patrician demeanor and didactic delivery, seemed to be above the American people.

His attempts at softness came off as oily. Mr. Bush seemed far more genuine and unrehearsed than his opponent. It is clear to me that you will try to discredit George Bush whenever you can.

Deborah Brody
Aventura, Fla., Oct. 1, 2004

Ms. Brody hates those Yale-educated, blue-blooded patrician families...oh wait. IOKIYAR.