Bush did'nt re-interate that HE DID approach the UN. He DID look to the world. He had a point stated over and over (against him) owned and did'nt take advantage of it. I agree he can not point fingers but he let himself be prosecuted for it. What would Kerry have done after having no one to join his club? Stuck his face in the dirt?
He redundantly stated he would work for a [new] coalition but, I ask where! Especially now!
NO where, with Bush, did any world history come into play. Without the history of world politics, some say; the best decisions for the future can not be made. Kerry had a few references to past Military adventures (even besides his personal Vietnam)......all revolving about the US's past victories, but they were insignificant against the powerful theme of terror.
Bush (probably under advice) did not elaborate on all the positives of a successful campaign in Iraq relative to the rest of the middle-eastern affairs. He also failed to make a connection in a single statement of the connection to American security AND a hand to offer freedom to the world. And with a previous post, died on N Korea. This goes with more text below.
Kerry pounded Bush on that Bin Laden was not part of the Iraq campaign and Bush failed to tell America on how his "strong resolve" would ultimatetly effect not only Iraq but, much of the middle east. Kerry use pre-emptive strike a few times. Bush, could have elaborated on the argument that that initial movement was all for Bin Laden and there was fruit from it. Bush and America have a short memory.
Bush also dropped the ball on Kerry mis-knowledge of nuclear power vs. nuclear weapons. Bush got the elements correct in rebuttal. Still, he could have really rubbed that in. Removing fuel rods? For what? A uncontrolled local meltdown?
Kerry went stateside on firetrucks and police officers, local governmental affairs at most, and Bush was dumbfounded in correcting him. After all the money, all the money, given to local firemen and police officers in the name of terror........Bush pointed back overseas. He had that covered.