Sign in Subscribe
Bush, George W.

Presidential Debate Aftermath: Both Sides Claim Victory

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A lively spin room atmosphere erupted Thursday night at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., as supporters and detractors of Democratic John Kerry and President Bush volleyed back and forth about the first presidential debate's outcome. Retired Gen. Merrill McPeak, a Kerry supporter, hailed Kerry's performance, saying he "hit a home run," while Bush's campaign in the Southeast, led by Ralph Reed, insisted that Kerry was vague on key issues, including Iraq. As White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card praised Bush's preparation, National Democratic Chairman Terry McAuliffe countered that Kerry was specific and effectively addressed criticism. The debate's outcome remains uncertain, with 33 days left in the campaign and both sides claiming victory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Retired Gen. Merrill McPeak, a Kerry supporter, stated that Kerry "hit a home run" during the debate, citing his four-point plan on Iraq.
  • Ralph Reed, Bush's campaign leader in the Southeast, accused Kerry of being vague on key issues, particularly Iraq, saying he only had one answer: to hold a summit with world leaders.
  • White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card praised Bush's performance, saying he was "very, very well prepared" and that Kerry didn't say anything new.
  • National Democratic Chairman Terry McAuliffe defended Kerry, saying he was specific and effectively addressed criticism, labeling Bush a "bitter, arrogant man."
  • Both sides claimed victory, with Kerry supporters expressing enthusiasm in the spin room and Republicans cautioning that the election's outcome remains uncertain.

Statistics:

  • 90 minutes: The length of the debate.
  • 33 days: The number of days remaining in the campaign.
  • 4-point plan: Kerry's proposed plan for Iraq, highlighted by McPeak.
  • Millions of dollars: The amount spent by the Bush-Cheney campaign, according to Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.

Sources:

  • Oct. 1 UPI report by LES KJOS
  • Statement from Retired Gen. Merrill McPeak
  • Statement from Ralph Reed, Bush's campaign leader in the Southeast
  • Statement from White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card
  • Statement from National Democratic Chairman Terry McAuliffe
  • Statement from Gov. Jeanne Shaheen
  • Statement from Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
  • Statement from Republican National Chairman Ed Gillespie
  • Statement from Tucker Eskew, Bush advisor
  • Statement from former Ambassador Richard Holbrooke

Read more