By Paul A. Escajadillo, Senior Staff Writer A civil and substantive third debate was presented to theelectorate last night, which again presented the clear differencesbetween the candidates. Sen. John Kerry began, once more, with takingpoints from previous debates that criticize the currentadministration’s policies but failed, once more, to offer anyspecifics or means of funding. President Bush, however, was clearlyon his game, holding the Senator accountable for his 20-year Senaterecord and pointing out his “litany of complaints.”
Bush reiterated his belief in a limited government, acknowledgedthat the educational system needs to be addressed and highlighted theneed for continuing education to prepare workers for this century’stechnological jobs. Kerry listed an overwhelming amount of statisticsthat cannot be verified, and then admitted outsourcing can’t bestopped, but only forwarded a vague “level trade playing field” as aresponse.
Kerry said he’s guided by faith, but “can’t legislate an articleof faith.” Ultimately, then, his Catholicism is dead if he cannot seethe moral repugnance of abortion. Bush, though, clearly promoted thenotion of a culture of life and attempting to provide alternatives toabortion, while explaining that faith, although personal, shouldinfluence principles.
Kerry’s health care plan was unconvincing when defending it; hedid not explain where its funding would come from. Furthermore, henever answered the question on social security, aside from opposingBush and promising adjustments – which sound like taking pollsto gauge responses from the citizenry rather than lead with a plan.Bush acknowledged the dire future of Kerry’s plan and stated that thecost of doing nothing far exceeds the costs of attempting to fix it;health care should involve consumers, and not the federal government,in decision making.
Bush acknowledged the multi-hued aspects of illegal immigrationwhile Kerry’s idea of “earned legalization” sounds like amnesty, anunfair possibility to legal immigrants.
Kerry promised an increase in army divisions and special forces asthe solution for Iraq. Bush presented the need for Iraqi troops torelieve the pressure on American forces.
The last debate will probably do little to change many minds. But,President Bush demonstrated a grasp of issues and a range ofemotions, from passion (in speaking about education and faith) totenderness (speaking about his strong wife), and renewed optimism (onfreedom) that will ultimately provide him with an electorate willingfor his re-election.
– Paul A. Escajadillo is political science senior.
– This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of TheDaily Aztec. Send e-mail to letters@thedailyaztec.com.Anonymous letters will not be printed – include your fullname, major and year in school.
