Watching the debate with my girlfriend I was complaining that the environment has not been an issue at all this election cycle. Moments later the environment question came up. I bolted upright in my seat thinking "Finally we will get down to the nitty gritty here! This has got to hold sway with swing voters and it presents a perfect opening for Kerry to draw clear differences between himself and Bush!"
I expected Bush to stumble, which he did. Me and my moderate to liberal leaning girl were not impressed with his response.
I expected Kerry to passionately speak about the need to adress our environmental issues. I was hoping he would take the chance to really connect connect with people, especially young people, about the very real problems we are facing. And explain how spearheading renewable technologies could help spur our economy.
I was dissapointed by his response. I found myself peeved that he digressed to answer the previous question. I also did not get the feeling that he had a great command of the real issues we face.
For one. Global Warming. Bush won't even call it for what it is and they ignore the science. This is SO important and polls show most people know it's happening. Forcing Bush to acknowledge Global Warming would be a huge flip-flop.
Bush said he wanted to create "3 million wetlands". When Kerry was here in New Orleans he talked about the need to rebuild our coastline. He's right. The money Bush sent was a fraction of what is needed. We have lost millions of acres in Louisiana partly because of the oil and gas industry. Think about the coastal erosion that has occured in Florida over the last month. This is a huge, Bi-partisan issue down here folks. Kerry missed a chance. (Think Florida)
Another instance, Kerry could have spoken about drilling in the western states and the effect it is having on ranchers and their way of life. I am no friend of ranching practices but it's better than drilling AND ranching on the same land. Rancher types are a key Bush constituency and it could help in states like New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado if these people see that Bush will cave on their interests in the name of oil.
He could have harped on the effects of the 26 tons of mercury the clear skies initiative allows into the atmosphere. Highlighting the effects on our infants and children could score points with those undecided women we hear so much about.
Of course I am still voting for him. After watching Kerry the last few weeks and after seeing "Going Upriver" I admire Kerry more than ever. And that's saying alot. (Perfect Storm Veteran Here) I sincerely hope a Kerry administration will address the most serious issue facing this world, the ENVIRONMENT.