While John Kerry put the President on the defense tonight in debate #1 and while the President lacked a certain fire in the belly in many of his responses, the Senator didn't specifically explain what his policy would be with regards to Iraq, if he became POTUS. Also, Kerry didn't adequately explain what his policy is on the overall WoT.
Attacking the President is fine, if you offer legitimate alternatives to his actual policy. In tonights debate, Kerry offered no substantive alternative. Except to say he would work to get the UN, France, Germany and Russia more involved in Iraq. I've got news for ya Senator. The UN, France, Germany and Russia weren't there when America needed them early on and there is no evidence they would get involved at this late date.
I am not so sure that Kerry is the one who put Bush on the defensive, at least not on his own. If you will look at a transcript it appears most of the questions were designed to do that very thing for him. No questions on Kerry's record.