Well, Kevin, I actually agree with just about all you have stated, but...I did come away confident that Kerry, could, if given the opportunity be an effective leader.  He showed that by being firm under pressure (they both were, obviously), but there was a certain unflappability about Kerry that really impressed me.  I had not noticed this before in his filmed public appearances.   True all you have said about incumbent vs challenger and the military budget problems with equipment; But..tell me true, if you had for the first time in your life heard a debate between these 2 men, not knowing who they were, but knowing the issues, would you not be able to put your confidence in John Kerry, after hearing his delivery and command of facts, not only about the war, but the brief excerpts we heard about the world political situation and nuclear threat to not only US, but world security?

I know the outcome of the debates is not going to change your vote, and it won't for the vast majority of voters, but ...there are enough "undecideds" or on the fence voters on both sides of the equation, who might feel more favorably about John Kerry after tonight's event.   We shall know soon enough, but I feel better that people have finally at least seen some of John Kerry's views and how he can present himself without media slants.  Of course media  will present the outcome of the debate as they see it in the ensuing days,and that may be an entirely different picture. 

Gene