On Iraq and other demons

The first of the US Presidential Debate series has begun this morning at the University of Miami with a cool and composed Sen. John Kerry and a rather peeved Pres. George W.

I have always been a democrat (as if that matters). I just think that my beliefs are more democrat than republican especially on the issue of foreign policy. I also favor the democratic stand on issues such as gay rights, reproductive health and multiculturalism. The libertarian reputation of the democrats is just more appealing to a woman from a third world country like me.

This first round was about foreign policy and homeland security. I have to say that both candidates are surprisingly, very impressive. Most polls show that there these two candidates are neck-to-neck and until now the rate of undecided voters continues to rise. I think this is because none of them has come out very strong on many fronts. Both have successes to speak of and some skeleton in the closet to cover-up.

Sen. Kerry was pretty good. His argument for the need for more security at home and respect from the world really stands. He said that because American soldiers are working double shifts and most of them have Iraq assignments, homeland security is actually suffering (he gave examples to back this up). Further, the United States has overextended itself in Iraq, which in effect has disregarded other countries which need its troops as well such as Darfur, Sudan wherein actual and massive genocide is taking place. He also said that while Mr. Bush was busy with Iraq, North Korea has been expanding its nuclear arms and the former Soviet Union’s own nuclear arms have remained unchecked. And the real problem he said, is that the administration has concealed the truth from the Americans, which should be the basis of a sound policy. He of course criticized the war waged in Iraq by a government that was ill-prepared and deceiving. His plan therefore, is to beef-up security at home and regain real and firm alliances in order to be respected again.

Pres. Bush was quick to respond that forces are being sent in Iraq and Afghanistan precisely to secure America. His tact however, was one-track and just proceeded to attack Sen. Kerry’s flip-flopping policy and tendency to send mixed messages.

To which Sen. Kerry replied, “It is one thing to be certain and wrong and another to be uncertain and right.” That was really good. Mr. Bush was indeed certain, very determined, but also very wrong. He said that what the war on terror has achieved is the impression that America is against Islam, and that this war has actually given terrorists the impetus to pursue their deadly plans. When asked what was the single most serious security threat to the United States, Sen. Kerry answered nuclear proliferation. I think Pres. Bush agreed with Sen. Kerry on that one.

The Democrat candidate’s closing statement was more presidential. He talked about how both of them candidates love America so much but that they have different convictions on how to do it. He said what America needs is a fresh start and a new credibility in order to protect its citizens at home and be respected by the world.

Contrary to what people say that a foreign policy debate is a Bush advantage, the debate showed otherwise.

Since we Filipinos are very fond of Americanizing ourselves, I hope this presidential debate is one American thing we can adopt.