Just dads for moment near end of the debate

By Los Angeles Times

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Most read articles Most e-mailed articles

Related stories Candidates spar over Iraq When truth was stretched On deck: Cheney and Edwards Voters not clear on candidate positions

Toward the end of last night's debate, moderator Jim Lehrer gave President Bush an opening to go after John Kerry's character. Instead, his question sparked a rare personal moment between the rivals.

Bush thanked his challenger for the kindness Kerry's daughters Alexandra, 31, and Vanessa, 27, had shown his 22-year-old twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara.

"I admire the fact that he is a great dad," said the president. "Appreciate the fact that his daughters have been so kind to my daughters and — in a — what has been a pretty hard experience for, I guess, young girls seeing their dads out there campaigning."

Kerry looked touched.

"I appreciate enormously the personal comments the president just made, and I share them with him," he said. "I think only if ... you're doing this can you begin to get a sense of what it means to your families, and it's tough."

Earlier, Kerry had described Laura Bush as "a terrific person and a great first lady."

"Thank you," Bush said.

Bush's daughters raised eyebrows this summer with an irreverent speech at the Republican Convention. In July, Jenna stuck her tongue out at the national press corps while campaigning.

"I'm trying to put a leash on them," the president joked.

"Well, I don't know," Kerry replied. "I've learned not to do that, Mr. President."
 
"That's right," Bush said, as both men laughed.

New York Daily News contributed material