text: BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Voters' views: Jorge Caspary
  In the run up to the American presidential elections we will be asking a panel of BBC News Online users to share their views. Here, we asked them for their opinion on last week's Republican convention.
  I finally heard a speech with tangible proposals.
  Bush needed to separate himself from the previous speeches and he did so.
  He realised that focusing exclusively on terrorism without addressing huge domestic issues such as health insurance for 40-plus million uninsured, modifying the Social Security system, tort reform and a unwieldy tax code, will cost him the presidency.
  This made him present a comprehensive domestic agenda with personal choice and market forces - Republican mantras - at its core.
  His speech's focus on an America that fights terrorism and is a liberator for long-repressed peoples will clearly give him an edge over Kerry, who right now can't claim much foreign experience and is embroiled in a debate on his own war record.
  Bush's speech was a very effective speech and most likely has captured a large number of undecided and swing voters.
  The next 60 days will see a consolidation of domestic policy proposals through debates and ads.
  These actions will be focused on winning even more swing voters who are leaning conservative.
  I personally feel that the outlining of his agenda has not only secured my vote but also the vote of conservative Democrats and independents.
  A speech "outlining his agenda" yes, but it was really Cheney's speech that outlined the agenda that will be followed should they be re-elected. "Tangible proposals" yes, but if re-elected he really doesn't have to worry about performing for the American people, not that he ever did last time. George W. Bush in my mind was, is, and always will be a flop!
  Wake up and smell the coffee. It is not too late. One thousand deaths, seven thousand soldiers wounded, thousands of civilians killed in Iraq, an increase in terrorism, Osama still at large, Afghanistan in turmoil, I wouldn't call it a safer and more peaceful world. The US economy is in a shambles, health care a disaster, the environmental laws ignored and a collapsed educational system. Our dear president Bush will be remembered as the worst president in history.
  Patricia, Agoura Hills, CA, USA
  Jorge is certainly right when he says that President Bush needed to separate himself from previous speeches. I thought President Bush was going to talk about nothing else but the war against terrorism. He did not. Rather, Mr Bush addressed common concerns of American people such as health insurance, the tax code, and social security.
  Randal Ippolito, New York, USA
  Jorge, I understand that you and other Americans see Bush and America as "liberators". I respect that but people in Iraq and Afghanistan are not singing in the streets. What about other oppressed people in North Korea, Sudan, and countless other countries? Bush doesn't have a plan for those countries, unless he plans to "liberate" every country on Earth.
  Peter, McLean, Virginia, USA
  Interesting comment about experience in foreign affairs. Does anyone else remember an interview not so many years ago in which Bush failed to name the leaders of India or Pakistan when asked? It is also interesting bearing in mind attempts being made at the moment to smear Kerry for being able to speak French!
  The view of America being a liberator of long repressed peoples is a popular Republican fantasy
  Jorge's view of America being a liberator of long repressed peoples is a popular Republican fantasy. Coming from South America, he should know better - from Salvador through to Chile, there has been tacit US support for repressive dictatorships. Jorge, judge Bush on what he has already done, including putting more Latino families than ever before under the poverty line, rather than what he claims he will do.
  The occupation of a country that posed absolutely no threat to the US makes Bush vulnerable, it doesn't give him an "edge over Kerry" as Jorge says.
  Javier, Miami, USA
  Jorge is right that this speech will create a bounce. The RNC was a much better convention and certainly will give Bush a boost in the polls for a short time. While people are waiting for the debates, given the convention speeches and responses, the Republicans already have this nailed.
  Ian, Fort Collins, CO, USA
  I believe that Mr Bush did far better than Kerry. The Democratic Party is at the moment confused. America at this time needs someone who is consistent to lead the war against the terrorists. It is only when you have a safe nation that you can enjoy the benefits of what some are now accusing the president of not doing. Let's defeat the terrorists first.
  Joseph K Oyeleye, Columbus, USA
  Kerry hasn't got foreign experience? Kerry was the one who fought in Vietnam, who used his time in Senate to get the POWs back from Vietnam, and who managed to normalise relations with Vietnam. What did Bush do in the 20 years before 9/11, and before he alienated the US from its allies? His agenda might be comprehensive, but will he fulfil it? No he will not. His record proves that.
  E Hagen, Munich, Germany
  Domestic agenda of personal choice? Let's see how much personal choice there is when young men are getting drafted into the military and there is no social security left.
  I agree with Jorge that Bush's speech will have an immediate positive effect for his campaign, but I wonder how much longer the truth can be sidestepped, and what will happen to the GOP when the public has finally had enough.