While not a perfect showing, George W. Bush acquitted himself quite nicely during tonight's debate. Steady, resolute and long on the qualities that have endeared him to so many of us. His command of the issues was stronger than he displayed last week. But more importantly he demonstrated the personal qualities that have fueled his Presidency and have made admirers of so many, including myself. He stepped on a few words but that has come to be expected. Yet the lasting image will be the stark contrast that both candidates provided America.
The President did something I have been hoping to hear by calling John Kerry what he is...a liberal. Kerry, while he ran from the label, wasn't shy about proving that it fit. And this is why I am so pleased with how this campaign has played out.
For the first time since 1984, we have a contest between two intelligent men with starkly contrasting views of America and the world she leads. Bush I, Clinton, Dole, Clinton, Gore, and to a lesser extent, Bush II in 2000 dove to the middle. Each time, with the exception of 2000, the country was given a choice between two candidates who worked incredibly hard not distinguish themselves from the other. This year America has a clear choice and I'm confident America will choose well.