If Kerry got a bounce, it might have been a point or two. But not nearly enough to close the gulf between him and the president.
I've posted here a half dozen times my view that there should be no debates. These broadcast debate charades are a relatively new development. The "debates" merely serve to enhance the prospects of a glib, quick-thinking speaker who otherwise is an empty suit, to the disadvantage of a candidate whose gifts are strenth, resoluteness, intelligence, purposefulness, etc., but doesn't have the language skills of his opponent. It would be shameful if the outcome of an election with major geopolitical consequences would hinge on mere televised theatrics.