Coming so close to the election day, political activists are getting more partisan in their analysis of the candidates.

Speaking to News India-Times, Gautam Dutta, a lawyer who is a Democratic Party activist and board member of Asian American Action Fund (Democratic Political Action Committee devoted to electing Asian American officials across the U.S. based in Washington) said: “I think that Kerry did better than Bush though the difference was certainly closer than debate number 1.

“The main thing that emerged is that the President didn’t answer questions clearly, giving just one example — when he was asked if he would support a raise in minimum wage — he didn’t answer but talked of education. Another one, when asked how he lost support of the world’s nations, he spoke of how the U.S. is divided.

“He is always going to blame someone — in this case the lobbyists and special interests. He never takes responsibility. It’s classic Bushism.

“The women’s vote is definitely going back to Kerry. Gore enjoyed that support overwhelmingly in 2000. Earlier in this campaign, Bush had narrowed that lead. That has already changed. The President spoke most strongly when it came to issues revolving around his faith and his family. But candidate Kerry was equally gracious in praising him and his family.

“Both of them were very focused but in this case Bush was more calm and composed than in earlier debates. Outsourcing has acquired a symbolism that goes beyond the specific issue itself. The Bush administration has totally disregarded the needs of the American worker. And John Kerry is using outsourcing as a way to describe the problem. He himself admitted he cannot ban outsourcing, he wants to deal with the tax loopholes.”

Dino Teppara, member of the Board of Directors of the Indian American Republican Forum, and a member of Congressman Joe Wilson’s legislative staff, said to News India-Times: “President Bush surprised many political observers by his strong showing on domestic policy in the last debate, which many people assumed Kerry would win.

This demonstrates Bush’s solid record of achievements domestically. Where he was strongest came at the end, when he spoke of the importance of faith and Laura Bush in his life. It was very poignant, sincere and personal, and it gave people insight into his life. I believe President Bush is the right person to lead America.”