www.boston.com .
Overall, the headlines were positive. (One was, "Around the world, Kerry perceived as winner.") But here are a couple I saw that made me go "what!?!?":
President's armor undented
By H.D.S. Greenway | October 1, 2004
snip
I believe Senator Kerry's position on all the issues -- Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and the Sudan -- were superior to President Bush's, but my guess is that Bush came across as the strong leader he meant to project, and that Kerry did not manage to seriously dent his armor.
more at
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/debates/articles/2004/10/01/presidents_armor_undented/and
Political observers say both candidates performed well
By Yvonne Abraham, Globe Staff | October 1, 2004
There were no race-altering gaffes. No knockout punches. And none of those annoying stylistic ticks that can hijack a presidential debate.
more at
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/debates/articles/2004/10/01/political_observers_say_both_candidates_performed_well/All in all, I think it's clear to everyone who did better, despite how some will try to spin it.
-wildflower