The following transcript is taken from the third and final debate between President George W. Bush and his challenger, Sen. John Kerry. The moderator of the debate was CBS's Bob Schieffer.
BS: Gentlemen, it's great to have you both here tonight.
GWB: My pleasure.
JFK: Thank you, Bob.
BS: Mr. President, the first question is for you. What do you say to a citizen in the United States who has lost their job because the company he worked for has found cheaper labor overseas?
GWB: Great question. I'd say to that person: Bob, I'm sorry CBS fired you for that whole thing about my National Guard papers. That was wrong.
BS: Mr. President -
GWB: You've been let go, and that's tough. I think we should fund community colleges, where you could perhaps go and receive a journalism degree of some kind.
JFK: Bob, can I respond?
BS: Go ahead, Senator Kerry.
JFK: I have personally written over 100 bills and amendments in the U.S. Senate trying to get Bob Schieffer an education of any kind. And I will continue to support that.
BS: Gentlemen, let's move on to our next topic. This question is for you, Mr. President. What will you do about protecting our southern border from terrorists trying to enter our country?
GWB: The borders are protected, Bob. They are far more protected than they were when I was the governor of Texas. Back then, we felt we could just beat any potential terrorist within an inch of their life. And we did. It was hard work. But after Sept. 11, everything changed.
BS: Senator Kerry, a response?
JFK: Bob, while the president was beating terrorists to death in Texas, I was probably in Vietnam, killing potential terrorists before they were old enough to change their diaper. (pause) The president and I have a difference of opinion on this issue.
BS: President Bush, the next question is to you. What do you say to the National Guardsmen and reservists who feel there is a back-door draft in America?
GWB: I've hugged mothers in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Colorado. It's hard. They're usually pretty big. If they are from Michigan, they can be kinda greasy. That's the hard work a president's got to do, and I have done it. As for the rest of the troops, screw 'em.
BS: Sen. Kerry, are you a hunter?
JK: Bob, how'd you know? I have been hunting since I was six years old. I killed a rabbit that my sister had named Barry Goldwater. It was awesome.
BS: Mr. President, what do you say to those who think you did not bring a bipartisan spirit to Washington?
GWB: I came to Washington to solve problems. And I led. I was led into the Oval Office. I come to work every day. (pause) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, people, it's where I live.
BS: Mr. President, you appear to have spittle on the corner of your mouth.
Alex Carnevale '05 is a Herald opinions editor.
