starsJim Lehrer hosts Debating Our Destiny
A look at the pivotal moments from the last 48 years of presidential debates through the eyes of those who were there.
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starDebates and Campaigns
2004
"This president has made, I regret to say, a colossal error of judgment." - Sen. John Kerry
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Transcript: With the Iraq war continuing to dominate the news, the 2004 campaign between incumbent President George W. Bush and Mass. Senator John Kerry revolved around the ongoing fighting and the larger war against terrorism in the wake of the 2001 attacks.

The Bush/Kerry debates, as well as the vice presidential clash between Dick Cheney and Sen. John Edwards, allowed the Democratic ticket to close the gap with the president, but, according to Kerry, the stilted rules made it hard for them to close the deal with the American public.

Candidate Interviews

President Bush and Sen. Kerry

PRESIDENTIAL
John F. Kerry (D),
United States Senator (MA)

INTERVIEW NOT AVAILABLE

George W. Bush (R),
President

INTERVIEW NOT AVAILABLE

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
John Edwards (D),
United States Senator (NC)

INTERVIEW NOT AVAILABLE

Dick Cheney (R),
Vice President

INTERVIEW NOT AVAILABLE

Debate Transcripts

First Presidential Debate - September 30, 2004

Second Presidential Debate - October 8, 2004

Third Presidential Debate - October 13, 2004

Vice Presidential Debate - October 5, 2000

Transcripts: Commision on Presidential Debates

Produced by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions in association with the Commission on Presidential Debates and WETA

Debating Our Destiny is brought to you, in part, by: Chevron

Copyright 2008 MacNeil/Lehrer Productions
MacNeil/Lehrer Productions