Kerry was calm and in command

To the editor:

Sen. John Kerry presented a better alternative to President Bush in the first debate. While the senator was calm, collected and in command of the material, the president was fidgety, nervous and only able to spit out tired, worn-out campaign sound bites. The president appeared arrogant and annoyed, as though it were outrageous he was expected to defend his rush to and conduct of the war in Iraq. The president impatiently requested response times and then stumbled and fumbled for words when given the opportunity. Kerry, in contrast, presented reasoned, well-articulated responses. He clearly demonstrated a better choice to lead the country and command our troops than President Bush.

HOLLY WEEMS, Frohna, Mo.