Bush reveals identity

The final debate between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush revealed a lot about both men after they were faced with tough questions posed by an audience in St. Louis.

Gore was belligerent, answering the audiences' questions while attacking Bush and setting him up for a potential gaffe that may cost votes.

Bush held on by communicating with the audience interpersonally. Most of the time he babbled rhetoric rather than provide affirmative answers on where he stands on issues or a broad presidential agenda.

Regardless of what voters think of Bush, this debate may show how tactful he will be if elected president.

Gore's bitter demeanor during the debates may not play well with most Americans, and Bush did not handle himself well under pressure.

American voters are not the only ones who watch the debates. Leaders from other nations also observe the debates to see what's in store for their governments' relations with the United States for the next four years. They want to see what kind of president they would have to deal with, and what his strengths and weaknesses are.

Theoretically, foreign officials and diplomats could watch the debates and deem Bush weak and impressionable. Bush's performance on the campaign trail may reinforce their opinions. Of course, they would capitalize on Bush's shortcomings.

One of the most important roles of the President of the United States is head of state. As a president, Bush would have to meet with foreign officials on a regular basis to discuss diplomatic, economic and defense policies.

Bush must remember that the well being of an entire nation is in his
hands. What happens if Bush is called upon to mediate high-tension situations between heads of state, such as the recent explosion of violence in the Middle East? Just one ill-advised decision or misguided gesture can hurt the economy or unnecessarily put soldiers' lives at risk.

Hopefully, neither will ever happen.   It is also unsettling that Bush acknowleged his lack of grasp on what a president must do. He said he'll have trustworthy advisors to help guide him, dropping names like running mate Dick Cheney and his father, former president George Bush.

That's all well and good, but Bush is the person voters have to choose for the presidency, not the advisors. Bush will often be in situations where he will not have his advisors on speed dial. Manipulative state officials could try to back Bush in a corner alone and take advantage of him. A hotheaded Yasser Arafat or nervous Ehud Barak may call on Bush for help, and if either of them become further agitated, Israelis and Palestinians can look forward to more bloodshed.

The men, women and children of the United States need a  president who can make firm, rational decisions and handle himself under pressure. If Bush has this much trouble at a debate, which is merely symbolic, he will not be prepared to handle the responsibilities and pressures that come with being president.

Chris Ledermuller is a print journalism major.