How the papers see it..

[SoCalDem]

Washington Post



Friday, October 1, 2004 Updated 1:33 a.m. ET

Sen. Kerry, left, and wife Theresa, wave to the crowd after the first presidential debate. (AFP)



Sharp Exchange on Iraq Dominates First Debate
President Bush and Sen. Kerry clash over how best to protect America.

Analysis
Sharply Contrasting Portraits
Rarely have candidates painted their differences and visions so clearly.

– Dan Balz

• Kerry vs. Rules, Bush vs. His Temper
• Few Errors, but a Truth Gap Existed
• Complete Coverage of 2004 Debates

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Washington Times

Bush rips Iraq flip-flops




Presidential candidates, President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry, face off in the first presidential debate.
Mary F. Calvert (THE WASHINGTON TIMES)

President Bush last night accused Sen. John Kerry of sending "mixed messages" tantamount to admitting defeat in Iraq, a conflict that his rival called "a colossal error in judgment" and a diversion from the war on terror.