Murray's Michael Gilbert said Kerry seems to have a better exit strategy from Iraq and would have held out for more support at the start of the war.

"The debate left me feeling like Kerry would make a better president than Bush," Gilbert said.

Corey W. Grua of Tooele agreed.

"I would think that Utah is an easy catch for President Bush, but when you think about four more years of his brand of leadership and isolationism, I find an unsettling feeling that we will continue to move away from peace," Grua said. " . . . I am concerned that the president, well-meaning as he is, is not in accord with the Lord's directive."

Alternately, Patty Johnson believes Bush showed authority.

"Sen. Kerry comes across as a parent who feels he must 'count' before his child will respond. This does not command respect. A potential commander-in-chief must demand respect and never 'count' to get results," she said. "He doesn't seem to have a great deal of diplomacy. He does not appear to be a leader to me. I am grateful for a candidate in Bush with integrity and solid character."

But another reader suggested opinions about a candidate's performance at a debate trivialize the importance of electing a president.

"Who won or not is not important," said Loa Don Glade of Salt Lake City. "This is not a game."

Glade said a president should be capable of making decisions for the United States. "We are not like other nations, nor do we want to be," he said. "It's better to fight terrorists on their own 'turf' than on the streets of America." One reader said the candidates hid behind the real issues.

William H. Bell of Clearfield said he wanted to hear them discuss the cost "in terms of delaying distribution of scarce necessities among greater numbers of troops and the increased cost of obtaining these."

David O. Donohoo of Salt Lake said Kerry's reference to Vietnam was predictable and doesn't necessarily make him a good leader.

"We need a leader that will see the fight against terror through to the end," he said.

Provo resident Spencer Price said, "John Kerry seemed to be just as strong-willed and determined to fight terrorism as President Bush, and he appeared to be comfortable with all the issues presented during the first debate."

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com