At the same time, you have to admit that since we're fighting bin Laden, it makes sense to base our actions at least in part on what he does.
The argument: "Iraq has encouraged more young Muslims to become terrorists" is sound. Putting it the way Kerry did just sets him up to be misrepresented.
Here's the real truth about this first debate:
In this first debate, all Kerry had to do was to be seen as the President's equal ... to appear on TV debating Bush on an equals basis.
That happened. No matter what else, it was a HUGE victory for Kerry.
Any debate points Kerry scored, in addition to just showing up on the same stage with Bush, was pure gravy.