The Butler Eagle solicited responses from residents on the first presidential election debate Thursday night between President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

Fifteen of the 16 readers who responded said Kerry did a better job during the debate.

The responses follow.

I think that Sen. John Kerry demonstrated over and over again during the debate that he is better prepared to lead our country in the coming years.Unlike the president, who chose to rest on a tired and failed vision, continually chose to avoid answering questions and seemed to fall into a canned speech, Kerry outlined a bold vision for where we need to go. His assurance gave me reason to hope; his vision gave me comfort. I'd feel a lot better leaving our government in his hands.Michael Bagdes-CanningCherry Valley

It is clear to me after watching the first debate that John Kerry is clearly the better choice for president.Bush's only counter attack was a couple lines he clearly had been coached to use over and over again.Bush's defensive attitude and facial gestures prove that he does not handle himself as a respectful commander in chief but more like that of a school yard bully.Brandie BirckbichlerClearfield Twp

Watching the debate made me realize what I always suspected - that President Bush does not have a clear idea of what is happening in Iraq and lacks the wartime leadership skills to protect our nation.John Kerry has led men into battle and risked his life for his country. If we are at war, then we need a warrior in the White House. Kerry is a warrior, President Bush is a wimp.Dennis BirkesSlippery Rock

I was favorably impressed by the overall tone of the debate Thursday night.I believe Kerry had a slight edge in his presentation of relevant, supporting information and the president too often was non-responsive to the immediate issue and, at times, evasive.Now lets have a true debate, with each giving extended presentations, perhaps half an hour, followed by fifteen minute rejoinders, without questions or control of the topics by a media representative.M. I. Kuhr, Ph.D.Butler

I watched a little, but the Pitt vs. UConn and the Navy vs. the Air Force football games were much more exciting.Ken LeetchSharpsville

"We can't allow that to happen again."I have no doubt those are the words Bush strategists are now whispering to themselves.Kerry's performance last night was compelling, articulate and straightforward.The president, on the other hand, was on he defensive most of the night, often stumbling and continuously repeating himself.Bill MikolayPenn Township

Sen. Kerry was clearly the winner. He demonstrated the ability to speak eloquently and fluently on the issues facing our nation.We need a true diplomatic leader, not a gun slingin' cowboy to put this nation back on track.Incidentally, is mixed messages a new tex-mex dish at the White House? And could we please pronounce nuclear correctly?Lynne RanayhossainiCranberry Twp

Moving from PA to CA has made me move further to the right, but even so, I have to admit that Kerry was the clear winner tonight.Bush had one message: Kerry is not qualified to lead because he has changed his position on Iraq.Kerry clearly stated that, like any effective commander, he would change tactics in response to the situation on the ground - not just offer "more of the same" as Bush said he would do.Clement S RobertsOakland, CA

This debate gave Sen. Kerry the opportunity to showcase his stand on foreign policy, an area in which he had been perceived as being weak compared to President Bush.Kerry did a superb job outlining his plans, while all the president could offer were old overused stale campaign slogans.Diana RussellHarrisville

I've listened for a little more than an hour. What a contrast!You have John Kerry, a man who can think and reason and use the English language.On the other hand, you have George Bush, a man who can only speak in sound bites and can only think the thoughts Dick Cheney tells him to think.Len SchoettkerConnoquenessing Borough

I am so excited at the prospect of having a President who is thoughtful and intelligent. John Kerry showed the American people he has what it takes to be a great commander-in-chief.George Bush, between his smirks, sounded like a broken record. He has no idea of the catastrophic blunders he has made.Linda SchoettkerConnoquenessing Borough

I believe John Kerry had more definite answers to the war on terrorism than President Bush.Bush had a hard time defending himself - a big plus for John Kerry.Arthur Richards Jr.Slippery Rock Twp

Last night John Kerry demonstrated why my family, friends and I will be voting for him in this election.Not only does he have a mastery of the issues concerning foreign policy, but he is able to articulate these issues as a real leader should.Marshall A. MillerButler Township

Sen. John Kerry won this debate hands-down. Kerry had the uninterrupted time to express his plans and his problem-solving approaches without immature name-calling and put-downs.President Bush delivered the "same old, same old." He relied on the weary "flip-flop" attack, but Kerry's words and convictions contradicted this once and for all.Sharleen JohnstonSlippery Rock

I thought both candidates came across very well.I am voting for Bush in November. I believe he really cares for America and also is dedicated to keep us safe at home and help to keep other countries from living in fear every day.Kerry does not go into enough detail as to what he would do to make the country safer. I for one, hope he never gets the chance to hurt our homeland.Gloria MontgomerySaxonburg