Bush and Kerry battle over Iraq in lively debate

3.25pm - UPDATE


CORAL GABLES, Florida - President Bush and Democratic rival John Kerry battled over Iraq in a fierce debate, with an aggressive Kerry accusing the president of "a colossal error of judgment" and Bush claiming the world was safer without Saddam Hussein.

In a pivotal and often heated first debate, Bush and Kerry repeatedly clashed over who could best protect America, the need for the US-led invasion of Iraq, the threats facing America and how to lead the country in an age of terrorism.

"This president has made I regret to say a colossal error of judgment, and judgment is what we look for in the president of the United States," Kerry said in arguing that Bush rushed to war without earning allied support or planning for the peace.

Bush shot back: "The world is safer without Saddam Hussein" and said Kerry was sending the wrong signal to US troops and the nation's enemies.

"I don't see how you can lead this country to succeed in Iraq if you say 'wrong war, wrong place.' What message does that send our troops, what message does that send to our allies, what message does that send to the Iraqis?" Bush said.

"The way to win this is to be steadfast and resolved," he said.

The 90-minute, televised session on the University of Miami campus gave voters their first chance to compare the candidates directly in an encounter that both camps expected would be crucial in a tight White House race that polls show is leaning to Bush.

MOUNTING VIOLENCE IN IRAQ

The foreign policy debate focused on the war in Iraq on a day when car bombs in the country killed 48 people, including 34 children. Despite mounting violence there, Bush maintained his optimistic view of Iraq's future and continued his attack on Kerry for what he said was the Massachusetts senator's shifting views.

"The only thing consistent about my opponent's position is that he's inconsistent. He changes positions. You cannot change positions in this war on terror if you expect to win," Bush said.

"People know where I stand. People out there listening know what I believe."

Kerry acknowledged that he had not always been artful in his stance on Iraq. He voted to authorise the war but has criticised its conduct, and in August said he would vote to authorise it again.

"I made a mistake in how I talk about the war, but the president made a mistake in invading Iraq. Which is worse?" Kerry asked.

"I think we need a president who has the credibility to bring the allies back to the table and to do what's necessary to make it so America isn't doing this alone," he said.

With many polls showing voters still trust Bush more to handle key issues, including Iraq, the debate amounted to possibly Kerry's last chance to turn around his image and convince Americans he is up to the job.

Kerry said Bush had blundered badly in diverting attention from Afghanistan and the hunt for Osama bin Laden and shifting it to Iraq.

"Iraq was not even close to the centre of the war on terror before the president invaded it," Kerry said. While it is important to be strong and resolute, "we also have to be smart," he said.

"We didn't need that tax cut. America needed to be safe," Kerry said. Bush responded quickly: "Of course we're doing everything we can to protect America. I wake up every day thinking about how best to protect America. That's my job."

Bush said Kerry saw the same intelligence as he did on alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and that bin Laden had been left isolated. He accused Kerry of sending "mixed signals" with shifting positions on Iraq.

Kerry responded, "Yes, we have to be steadfast and resolved, and I am, and I will succeed for those troops now that we're there. We have to succeed. We can't leave a failed Iraq. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a mistake of judgment to go there and keep the focus off Osama bin Laden."

Up to 50 million people were expected to watch the first and most crucial of the debates. Audiences typically dwindle for the later encounters and the vice presidential debate, which will be next Tuesday.

- REUTERS