How to persuade the audience? - Impression of the second presidential debate Hiroki FUJITA (10/13/04) The second presidential debate was like a town hall meeting. Many audiences surrounded the both candidate and asked various questions frankly. Some questions seemed to be difficult to answer immediately. This time we had really interesting debate. The followings are my summary. The first question was about Iraq. Senator John Kerry insisted that the world became more dangerous because of the misjudgment. This administration rushed for the war despite the fact that Saddam Hussein didn’t have weapons of mass destruction. On the other hand, President Bush refuted that the Saddam Hussein was recognized as a threat after the terror. He asserted that it was a reasonable decision to invade Iraq. In addition, Senator Kerry had changed his position many times in the congress, he said. The Massachusetts Senator, of course, denied it. The Senator affirmed that the Bush’s Iraq plan makes Iraq chaotic, that reconstruction doesn’t work well and added that he has another good plan. President Bush was against that opinion and said these all wars were the “right wars” for Osama Bin Laden and Iraq. John Kerry also believed that they had weapons of mass destruction at that time, he added. This discussion sounded like end-less. The question was changed to the homeland security. Both referred to the relationship with other countries and argued how to assure the safety. Mr. President mentioned the threat of the Iran and North Korea and said defending America is to take the offence. The patriot act is working well, he added. John Kerry said the security at the airport, which only the passengers will be x-rayed, is not enough. Cargo should be x-rayed, too. Next, they talked about health care, the deficit, and recession. I don’t know exactly about these problems, but they used many specific numbers. It looked very persuasive. John Kerry insisted that it was the first time after the World War II that the jobs were lost and taxes were cut. The Democratic nominee promised firmly that he will “absolutely” not raise taxes. But the President opposed his statement and said he was not credible, because he changed position many times according to the voting record. His statement cannot be believed, he added. The argument came into the freedom and the patriot act. An audience asked whether the patriot act will violate the human rights. Mr. President answered that the rights will be limited for only terrorists and drug sellers, then, he emphasized liberty is guaranteed. On the other hand, Senator Kerry opposed that the law is “inappropriate,” so that it doesn’t make sense. The law has a possibility to censor the potentially political party. He said the new law is needed. Next discussion was about the stem cell research. These words are really not familiar to me. Discussion sounded rather difficult. But the same thing seemed to happen for both candidates. They tried to respond accurately, but they looked unprepared for that question. The next question, about abortion, was also difficult for me and the candidates. The questioner asked if the abortion should be banned, but John Kerry didn’t answer the question fully. He emphasized the “respect of life.” He didn’t oppose the abortion “as a legislature,” but from his creed as a Catholic, he seemed to think it unfavorable. The President admitted the difficulty of the issue, but asserted that every child should be protected by law and has a right to have a life. He implied that he opposed to abortion. The final question was that “give the worst example of each other.” President Bush stated that he will take responsible what he has done and the history will judge and evaluate the administration. On the other hand, Senator Kerry criticized this administration quoting the example of Iraq. Bush didn’t go through the process ruled by the United Nation. It was “huge” and “catastrophic” mistakes, he added. In the closing statement, John Kerry declared that the President has a conviction, so he has a very different position. Kerry will lead the world more secure, make the United States stronger, find and kill the terrorists, and then, mentioned about health care, schools, and environment. George. W. Bush claimed that he has more work to be done and he can make world safer, mentioning the situation in Iraq, especially after the Sept. 11th terror. After watching the debate, I talked with some friends. Kevin, one of my friends from Germany, said despite the majority of the forces stay in Afghanistan now is the Germany force, both candidate discussed the situation as their own result. It was very interesting view point. I didn’t notice at all. In my opinion, President Bush did well, much better than the previous debate. He didn’t stammer so much this time. This gives good impression to the many independent audiences. But I think neither candidate won. Rather both lost. It is because some questions looked unexpected for both and they weren’t able to answer well. It left big problem for both.