Video: 'Bush vs. Kerry: The second 2004 presidential debate'

(Friday, October 8, 2004, 9:00 p.m. EDT; during the 2004 United States presidential debates) — In a heated and intense second presidential debate tonight, U.S. Senator John Kerry criticized President George W. Bush for soaring deficits, sluggish job growth, and a foreign policy that, according to Kerry, has fostered global resentment.

Bush, a Republican, in turn attacked Kerry, a Democrat, as a liberal who would impose higher taxes and expand government, potentially compromising U.S. safety.

For 90 minutes, the candidates navigated a “town hall” format at Washington University in St. Louis, responding to questions from 140 undecided voters on a range of topics, including health care, taxes, Iran, Iraq, Supreme Court appointments, and stem cell research.

The only point of consensus was their mutual opposition to reinstating a military draft.

This debate differed significantly from their previous encounter, where they were confined to lecterns in Coral Gables, Fla. The new format allowed them to move freely around the hall, leading to a more dynamic exchange, though it sometimes devolved into interruptions and cross-talk.

Bush repeatedly characterized Kerry as a proponent of expansive government programs that would necessitate higher taxes. “It’s not credible to claim he will keep taxes down and balance the budget,” Bush argued. He criticized Kerry’s voting record for breaking spending caps, suggesting it undermines his claims of fiscal conservatism.

Kerry countered by accusing Bush of mismanaging a budget surplus left by President Bill Clinton, leading to tax cuts for the wealthy that he claimed resulted in deep cuts to social and anti-terrorism programs. “The president is using scare tactics and labels,” Kerry said. “Compassionate conservative? What does that mean? Cutting 500,000 kids from after-school programs and 365,000 from health care?”

When pressed by a voter to commit to not raising taxes on families earning less than $200,000, Kerry looked directly into the camera and affirmed, “Absolutely, I am not going to raise taxes.”

Bush, who had underperformed in the previous debate, appeared more engaged, though at times his demeanor was tense. He mistakenly referred to Kerry as “Senator Kennedy” and at moments displayed frustration with Kerry’s points.

Despite this, Bush defended his Iraq war decision, despite a recent report from U.S. weapons inspectors that challenged his rationale for the invasion. “Saddam Hussein was a unique threat,” Bush stated. “The world is better off without him in power.”

Kerry argued that the war in Iraq had made the U.S. more vulnerable to terrorism, citing increased threats from Iran and North Korea. “The president took his eye off Osama bin Laden,” Kerry said.

On domestic policy, the debate covered health care extensively, with Kerry advocating for a major expansion of coverage, while Bush criticized the plan as a step towards a federal health care takeover.

The candidates also discussed their approaches to Supreme Court appointments, abortion, and stem cell research. Kerry supported easing restrictions on stem cell research, while Bush defended his policy balancing scientific research with ethical concerns.

The debate also touched on prescription drug importation from Canada, with Bush expressing concerns about drug safety, and Kerry criticizing the Medicare drug benefit and Bush’s alignment with big corporations.

In response to a question about mistakes, Bush acknowledged some poor appointments but avoided naming them, maintaining no regrets over tax cuts or the Iraq war.

The debate ended with a mix of unresolved issues and continued voter indecision, reflecting the deep divisions between the candidates’ visions for the future.