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Debates give Bush momentum, and deservedly so By
Lisa W. Maughan
Did you watch the recent presidential candidate debates on TV? You know, the 90-minute arguing sessions. If you did, you know the famous tradition of candidates debating the issues really does impact people's decision on who they will vote for president. Fortunately for Gov. George W. Bush, the debates have resulted in pulling him slightly ahead of Vice President Al Gore. According to The Washington Post, Bush has improved his standing over many issues that have helped him to gain his position. The Salt Lake Tribune said in a copyrighted story that the majority of USU Aggies in a class seemed to feel that the debate unfolded in favor of the underdog Bush because he came off as more down home and sincere. The New York Times also quoted a citizen who watched the debate as being "struck by what he described as Mr. Bush's endearing genuineness." The same man also said that he couldn't see Bush as being clever enough or sophisticated enough to get away with lying, but that he comes across as a simple guy who just says what he thinks. Also, MSNBC quoted several students from Huntington, W.Va., student Emily Rutherford said, "I think Bush is very passionate about what he has to say and Gore is a little more robotic." Like this student, others have disliked Gore's manner in the debate, and that eventually swayed them to Bush. According to an Associated Press article, one citizen said, "I think Gore always has to get the last word. I think its annoying because I don't like him." Another citizen told The New York Times he was leaning toward Bush and still is, particularly after he heard on the radio that Gore had embellished anecdotes he told during the debate. This had to do with untrue stories he told about a crowded school classroom in Florida and a trip he took to inspect fires and floods in Texas. The proof of these lies has been documented and devoured by the media. Another strong opinion was stated from the well-known Republican Rush Limbaugh on his web site: "The Gore we saw in the first debate was the real Gore. He must have the last word, and makes everyone think he's the smartest person in the room. He is a man of negotiable virtues." These negative impressions of Gore helped Bush's image and helped him pull ahead in the polls. After the first debate, Netscape conducted a poll of 187,828 people and asked them who they thought won the debate. Fifty-five percent thought Bush won and 45 percent thought Gore. In another interesting poll by CNN, 60 percent of voters said that Gore would say anything to get elected President and only 40 percent said that about Bush. Another CNN poll says 52 percent believe that Gore changes his mind too often on important issues just to win votes, and only a third believe that about Bush. While it can't be said who will win the election, the ball is in Bush's court because of his successful debates. Bush continues to lead the polls at this moment and it will be interesting to see who will cross the finish line come Nov. 7.
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