Here's my take on it.
Kerry proved he's the better debater. However, he did not win the debate, because beyond al the style point to win a debate he had to convince the audience that he's right, and he didn't do that, because he's so abysmally wrong.
Kerry's the star defense attorney who pulls out all the skills he can muster, Bush's the plain spoken prosecutor who laid out the evidence and said "I rest my case."
The Jury might be more impressed with Kerry as a lawyer, they'll still vote to convict.
Excellent point.
Excellent post.