Did they Watch the same debate I did?

Global reaction: No clear debate winner

• BBC: Sen. Kerry was able to "strike some serious blows against the president in his handling of the war in Iraq." But President George Bush didn't leave any huge openings for Kerry.


• The Guardian: Kerry had "regained the initiative" in a "forceful performance," sometimes leaving the president "scowling and at a loss for words." The paper also said the decision by some of the TV networks to show a split screen of the candidates (rather than just the candidate speaking) worked to Kerry's advantage.


• Al Jazeera: Kerry "delivered a strong performance that could put him back in the race after weeks on the ropes."


• The Age, of Melbourne, Australia: ...no knockout punches were scored, and felt that both candidates had moments "when they shined."


• Toronto Globe and Mail: ....there was no "decisive moment" in the debate, but that Kerry "probably managed to make a close race closer" as he put Bush on the defensive about Iraq.

I am surprised to see the foreign press down playing Bush's obvious poor performance.