·Voting for Bush (11.7.2000) ·Down the Home Stretch: Leaning Heavily Toward Bush (10.31.2000) ·After the Vice Presidential Debate (10.11.2000) ·After the First Debate: Both 'Boomers' Did the Generation Proud (Sort Of) (10.5.2000) ·Introduction (10.2.2000) Kim is 51 and works in public relations from a home office. He is married and has one child in college. In 1992 he voted for George Bush and in 1996 he voted for Bob Dole. decreasing the size of the federal government, taxes, candidate with maturity In 1981, People magazine chose Kim and his wife and daughter as the average American family.

When the first of the Presidential Candidates Debate ended, I remained "undecided" in my choice for the next President of the United States of America. I am not surprised or disappointed by my indecision. In fact, my uncertainty was somewhat validated by a strong presentation by each candidate during the first debate. I didn't hear, see or sense anything so new, different or revealing that would significantly sway me to George Bush or Al Gore.

I must admit I was influenced by some of the pre-Debate build-up and hype. High expectations existed for Gore, and some doubts were raised for Bush. From my limited perspective, I do not feel that Al Gore quite measured up to the "great debater" and "policy whiz" labels he had going into the first debate. I do not believe he was too far off the mark, though. On the other hand, George Bush easily achieved a "good" performance since not too much was expected from him to begin with!

I find myself rather evenly divided between the two candidates on the issues they discussed. I tend to favor Al Gore's positions on Social Security and Medicare. I like George Bush's positions on Abortion and Military. I need to do a little more listening, reading and thinking about each candidate's position on Energy and Education.

I feel Bush is more practical and realistic in his approach to Energy and to Education. I like the idealism of Gore's concepts for Energy and for Education, but I question the effectiveness of his proposals (more so in Energy than in Education).

In their discussion of Taxes, I certainly favored the ideas and proposals of George Bush more than Al Gore. Bush simplified the Tax issue for me with the comment that his tax cuts would be for everyone who pays taxes and not simply for a chosen few. And, I also found myself agreeing with Bush when he connected many of Gore's proposals -- especially a targeted Tax Cut -- to a larger federal government. I personally support the notion of less federal taxes, plus simplified tax reporting. It logically follows that the federal government has to reduce its size (e.g., personnel, property, programs, commitments, etc.) in order to reduce the amount of money needed from the American taxpayer. Although I was not "keeping score" in a formal way, I find myself leaning toward Bush in terms of the major issues discussed during the debate. It may sound strange but I feel as if Al Gore has a better knowledge and grasp of the issues than George Bush. Still, I prefer Bush's approach or, perhaps, attitude to several issues, especially Taxation.

I clearly am trying to evaluate the personality and, more so, the character of the major Presidential candidates. Such an endeavor is necessary to reaching a desirable comfort level in casting an informed and thoughtful vote... Throughout the first debate, I felt more comfortable with the demeanor and mannerisms of George Bush than Al Gore. My viewpoint is probably tinged or influenced somewhat by the high expectations for Gore versus the doubts surrounding Bush going into the debate. Still, I was impressed with the confidence Bush displayed when he walked on to the stage, with his consistency throughout the debate and with his relaxed style after the debate ended. I thought Gore was a bit too stiff, much too rehearsed and almost too calculating from start to finish.

George Bush did a slightly better job than Al Gore in attempting to convey a "vision" or "destiny" for his candidacy. I am not referring to a policy agenda or a legislative package but, rather, a sense of purpose in seeking the presidency. Bush briefly mention "cultural changes"; yet, neither candidate communicated a clear-cut theme or rallying-point for their respective campaigns.

Overall, though, I was generally pleased with both of the candidates in this first debate. I have the impression they both prepared vigorously and, importantly, took the opportunity quite seriously. From my standpoint, I feel obligated to become even more familiar with the major issues being discussed on the national level. When I view the next debate, though, I want to spend less time concentrating on the issues and more time focusing upon the way the candidates conduct themselves...

Frankly, I was quite delighted with the level of maturity and conduct demonstrated by my fellow "baby boomers". I do not have a lot of confidence in my generation to handle tough, stressful and difficult situations. I was actually rather proud of both George Bush and Al Gore when the first Debate ended on October 2. I am quite eager to see the next Debate!

·Voting for Bush (11.7.2000) ·Down the Home Stretch: Leaning Heavily Toward Bush (10.31.2000) ·After the Vice Presidential Debate (10.11.2000) ·After the First Debate: Both 'Boomers' Did the Generation Proud (Sort Of) (10.5.2000) ·Introduction (10.2.2000)