Who wins with a draw?
Last night's debate was the closest of the three. I thought Kerry looked a little tired at times, while Bush did his best job of balancing his two personalities -- the indignant dictator and the whiny little boy. Even though it was pretty much a draw, I think it goes to Kerry for this reason: there was a sniff test he needed to pass with the American people. By sounding calm, smart and reassuring, he did it.

Many people had never seen Kerry before these three debates and were simply subjected to the caricature that had been painted by the Bushies. Hell, even those of us from New England had never seen much of Kerry. What he's proven is that in the end, he was probably the best equipped of the Democratic candidates to take on Bush. His experience and steadiness may not be exciting to watch but those qualities have served him well in his head-to head matchup with a President who seems determined to act like an overly caffeinated frat boy. (I was once one of those so I know what it's like.)

In this case, tie goes to the challenger.