Buck, Henryl was right; a fair-minded concluesion would be that Kerry won the debate. But your post-debate analysis about bi-lateral vs, lateral, is right on the money.

I'm also seeing polling data, that still puts Bush 5 to 7 points ahead of Mr. Kerry, even with Bush's debate "loss". Go figure. All in all, I'd say this election is still too close to call, and may be a repeat of the last election; bitter, acrimonious, and fought out tooth-and-nail. No blowout, either way, here. The debates may just be being viewed my each candidates respective cheerleaders and choirs; no real-net gain/loss for either way.

The House will still remain Republican; even the Democrats privately agree with that.
"I think, that all right-thinking people, are sick and tired of being told that they are sick and tired of being sick and tired. I, for one, am not. And I'm sick and tired of being told that I am!"