Kerry stands up to Bush for third straight debate

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1504&e=18&u=/afp/20041014/pl_afp/us_vote_debate_analysis_041014062419

WASHINGTON (AFP) - For a third straight debate, Democrat John Kerry (news - web sites) stood his ground against George W. Bush, slugging it out with a president bent on painting him as a dangeous left-winger on social issues.


And initial signs were that he held his own or more against a Republican assault seeking to recapture the momentum for Bush in a race considered a dead heat less than three weeks before the November 2 election.


A CNN snap poll taken after the 90-minute encounter at Arizona State University gave the Massachusetts senator a 52-39 percent lead among viewers. An ABC News survey gave him a statistically insignificant edge at 42-41 percent.


Several political analysts also said Kerry managed to maintain a presidential bearing and come off as relatively clear and consistent on domestic issues which could be crucial in locking down anti-Bush voters.


"As long as the challenger stands on the same podium and does equally well, the challenger wins," said David Boaz, executive vice president of the conservative Cato Institute. "People see that Kerry is an acceptable president."

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