As a response to this, Kerry raises an important point, that “Saddam Hussein didn’t attack us—Osama bin Laden attacked us. Al-Qaida attacked us. That’s the enemy that attacked us. That’s the enemy that’s in 60 countries getting new recruits”. In his counter attack, Kerry held Bush accountable for allowing bin Laden to escape. In addition, he solidified his accusations by stating that the “president has made, a colossal error of judgment. And judgment is what we look for in the president of the United States of America.”
Although Bush appeared to be on the defensive for the major parts of the debate, he did compellingly charged that Kerry was inconsistent in his views. As time wore on, the toll of the debate can be seen in the President’s body language. He sounded increasing angry—especially when he is repeating various statements such as “the war was hard work”. Furthermore, in reaction shots, especially when Kerry was speaking, Bush appeared to be arrogant in the ways he smirked and shook his head as well as in his looks of disgust.
In comparison, Kerry possessed by far, the cooler and calmer demeanor, especially when he smiled—which made him look all the more respectful as well as poised—a quality that is greatly admired in a debater, as well as in a potential president. One of the negative attributes of his manner is that he is not as warm as Bush appears to be—Kerry does not address the public. Rather, he points his answers, attacks and exclamations towards his opponent.
As a method of grasping listeners, each of the two opponents utilizes words that are loaded with emotions as well as meaning. As a result—it leaves the public clinging on to the very last syllable.
For example, Bush maintained that, “We must spread liberty. We must spread freedom so that we can look back and say that we did our duty”. In addition to stating that we must complete what we have started, Bush is inferring that since the United States is superior in a multitude of ways, since America symbolizes liberty and freedom—we have to do what is right and what is just. But then again, who can justify what sort of actions are seen as just and just what sort of actions are considered to be symbolic of freedom.
Another example of great rhetoric would be when Kerry plays upon the role of soldiers in Iraq when he states that it is “vital not to confuse the war with the warriors”. Not only is he expressing concern for the so-called “war on terror”, but also he is ultimately, relating with those who are out there. In doing so, he appeals to the public--especially those with family members and friends that are serving the nation in Iraq. Another great tactic of which Kerry used concerns peace and finality after a war—“You don’t take America to war unless you have a plan to win the peace.” In such a few words, he was able to publicly put Bush in a negative spotlight. Kerry referred to the President’s inability to handle the situation and doubts whether he can achieve peace in the interest of the world as well as the nation through his present mode of actions.
Bush on the other hand, stood firm by pounding upon his opponent’s main flaw—inconsistency. In his closing statements, he made an allegory towards the national anthem as well as other recognizable national songs. “We’ve been challenged, and we’ve risen to those challenges. We’ve climbed the mighty mountain. I see the valley below, and it’s a valley of peace. By being steadfast and resolute and strong, by keeping our word, by supporting our troops, we can achieve the peace we all want.”
By the time the debate had ended, Kerry successfully established himself not only as a plausible candidate, but also an individual truly concerned about the nature of the war and its effects on the nation (domestically) as well as the future of the US in global relations. Kerry showed that he could be a leader—and that is the most important goal of the debate. As a closing statement, Kerry believes “that the future belongs to freedom, not to fear.”
