Final Debate Nears as Bush and Kerry Trade Credibility Attacks

George W. Bush and John Kerry spent Tuesday trading credibility attacks ahead of their third and final debate in Tempe, Arizona. A CBS News survey showed Bush at 48 percent and Kerry at 45, within the margin of error, with other recent polls showing similarly tight margins.

Bush held a rally in Colorado Springs, arguing the first two debates had revealed his opponent as the Senate's most liberal member. Where those encounters focused on Iraq and national security, the final debate was set to address domestic policy.

Democrats filed complaints with two federal agencies over Sinclair Broadcasting Group's plan to air "Stolen Honour: Wounds That Never Heal" on up to 62 stations before election day. 18 Democratic senators wrote to the Federal Communications Commission; the Democratic National Committee filed separately with the Federal Election Commission, contending the broadcast constituted partisan programming. Sinclair, which reaches nearly a quarter of American TV households, disputed the characterizations.

The documentary features Vietnam prisoners of war who contend that Kerry's 1971 congressional testimony against the war prolonged their captivity. Kerry earned combat decorations during his service but had faced criticism over his military record earlier in the campaign.

With polls pointing to a near-tied finish, many observers drew parallels to 2000, when the outcome hinged on a Florida recount.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in October 2004, in its own words.