There is a way to look at the debate in the "knock out" punch mentality

[Mr_Spock]

and say that nobody won. But that really misses the point. Kerry wasn't getting the support of some people because they had heard a lot of the RNC "talking points" and were "leary" of him because of that. Kerry TOTALLY blew any hint of doubt that I had, and I am sure he had the same effect on most of the MILLIONS of people watching. He won by looking more presidential and banishing any doubt about his toughness and determination and steadfastness. Bush looked a bit uneasy and had pretty bad body language - never mind the few mind freezes and finishing early a couple times because he was simply repeating himself over and over again.

From the "knock out punch" perspective - I'd give it a draw like some of the "pundits"

From the "who gained more confidence of the voting public" perspective - Kerry really dominated.