Who Won the First Debate?

When we started The Thinking Woman our primary goal was to cut through the spin and the media hype so that women could get a clear picture of what is happening in politics, the media and the world in general.

That mission is never more important than now, when our presidential candidates have on their game faces and their people are furiously spinning to suit their own ends. We don't blame them for this, it's what politicians do. But we're not politicians and we don't have to listen to what the pundits tell us. Neither should you.

Before we examine the first 2004 presidential debate, we'd like to make a suggestion. Watch the debates on C-SPAN where you'll see both candidates on a split screen with no network commentator telling you what you already heard in plain English. Don't listen to the network news or any commentators, not even if you swear by Al Franken or Rush Limbaugh.

Instead, decide for yourself.

(If you really need to watch something, watch Jon Stewart on the Daily Show on Comedy Central. The cast's wisecracking is pretty bipartisan. But then, that's just our opinion.)

What did we think of the debate? We'd have to say that both candidates presented themselves well and in a way that is appealing to their core constituencies.

The positives
President George W. Bush appeared firm and resolute, unyielding yet humble and even exhausted by the heavy burden the fight against terrorism has laid on his shoulders. He was a gentleman at all times and even softened Kerry up by complimenting his daughters and getting the senator to show his more human side.

Senator John Kerry appeared intelligent, firm and decisive. He showed himself to be a thinking man, well in touch with the facts, versed in diplomacy and ready to do whatever it takes to fight the war on terrorism. He never went over the line set by President Bush and graciously gave a touching tribute to the First Lady.

The negatives
Bush needed to pause often to collect his thoughts and occasionally appeared uncomfortable. Kerry came off as smug a few times and his long sentences at the beginning had us squirming in our seats. But basically, we felt these flaws were small and didn't affect the tone of the debate, which was substantive.

So substantive in fact, that we think that the American people got a clear and positive choice between the two candidates.

The differences
Both men want to bring our troops home, both men want to protect our country from terrorists and both men want to see an end to nuclear proliferation.

Bush presented a policy of staying the course and continuing the fight.

Kerry outlined proposals to bring in European allies and get our troops out of Iraq withing six months.

Bush sees Vladimir Putin of Russia as an ally. Kerry does not.

Bush sees China as an ally in controlling North Korea. Kerry does not.

Kerry sees the United Nations as a potential tool to eventual peace. Bush does not.

And Kerry would make modifications to the Patriot Act, where Bush would not.

The choice
Bush: Stand strong and go it alone to get the job done right.

Kerry: Build consensus and draw in allies to share the burden and improve America's relationship with the world.

Who you think will make a better president is up to you. We think you now have a clear choice.

So who won Thursday night's debate?

Isn't it obvious?

The American people won.