The debates confirm my belief that the Bush administration is unable to think on its feet.

In the first debate, George Bush repeated the phrase “its hard work” and frowned and scowled even though audience feedback showed he was not connecting.

In the third, the incessant grin, repetition of the “Massachusetts liberal” tag and attempted jokes continued even when the audience failed to respond.

Now the Cheneys are expressing outrage at John Kerry for using their daughter’s name when two weeks ago during the debate Mr. Cheney had no response to John Edwards’ doing the same.

Such performances raise my doubts about how this administration reacts in a crisis. On Sept. 11, we heard nothing from the president or vice president for hours, but Karen Hughes was frequently before the cameras.

Immediately after the attacks, the president sat in a classroom without expression or reaction. After about eight hours of flying countless miles aboard Air Force One, we saw Mr. Bush, who appeared frightened and unsure.

John Kerry and John Edwards demonstrated that they both have the ability to gather their thoughts, to react and to respond quickly.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney only regurgitated the same lines and failed policies. We need an administration with the ability to think and respond rapidly. The Kerry-Edwards team demonstrated it can and will.

Timothy K. Priestly, Auburn