And that was true because the moderator controlled the issues and the flow. Did he ask a single question about Kerry's record on national security issues? Or ask Bush what he thought of Kerry's record? I don't remember any such question(s).
Lehrer did try to put Kerry on the spot with the "specify what you would do" questions. A common criticism of Kerry is he gives no specifics, even says he won't reveal his plans until after the election.
Kerry masterfully sidestepped the specifics. Story of his fantasy-driven life.