Read Toledo Blade editorial on the First Debate

[BQueen]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041002/OPINION02/410020323

Really quite a good analysis, with just enough of the obvious bits about Kerry's characteristics that seem to give people twinges to have credibility with the reds around here.

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(snip)
Mr. Bush was Mr. Bush. He does not swerve from his story: The United States is spreading liberty in the Middle East; there will be democratic elections in Iraq and Afghanistan; he has put together a functioning coalition; Iraq interim prime minister Ayad Allawi is an authentic Iraqi leader, not an American instrument.

The problem is that the picture Mr. Bush presents and sticks to does not correspond to the reality that anyone who follows events in Iraq and Afghanistan can see.

Mr. Bush made a ceremony of honoring the now 1,053 dead American troops in Iraq, but showed no recognition of the fact that the reasons he had put forward at the time for sending them there - weapons of mass destruction, a link between Iraq and al-Qaeda, America's real enemy - turned out to have been entirely wrong.

Both candidates have their annoying traits.
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For his part Mr. Bush seems not to be able to peel the patronizing smirk off his face. Everyone knows that presidents have to make difficult decisions; he didn't have to keep reminding viewers of it. ***
Both candidates should be praised for the generally civil approach they took to each other *** Mr. Bush couldn't resist the classic "he's not supporting our troops" line in response to Mr. Kerry's criticism of his conduct of the Iraq war. Mr. Kerry answered that his approach was the one that took best care of our troops by bringing them home as soon as practical.

Also a great take and story on attempts to suppress political signage by municipalities and via private property covenants!!! Jaysus! Went looking for Blackwell crap and found even more slime.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041007/OPINION02/410070382

Article published Thursday, October 7, 2004

A sure 'sign' of fall

and

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041007/NEWS09/410070431
Political signs place couple at odds with deed covenantExperts say property rights may trump speech issue (Kerry/Kaptor supporters are the "violators" naturally.)