I predicted that regardless of the performances, the media would say Bush won this debate, effectively splitting their performances and fitting a preconcieved storyline of how this is a neck-and-neck, to-the-wire, nail-biter election. Time will tell if I was right, but at first blush is looks like many are calling this one a draw, but remarking at how well Bush did in this debate... (not all that different than my take on the first one, where I declared a draw but said that Kerry had better style, which trumped his being on the wrong side of the issues). Here is a look at what the press is saying:

Poll: Bush, Kerry tie in 2nd debate - CNN
Poll: Debate virtually a draw - USA Today
Bush, Kerry debated to a draw in St. Louis - The Washington Times
After first-debate stumbles, president regains footing - The Boston Globe
Bush on the warpath in TV debate - Scotsman.com
Strikeout: Kerry blows the second debate - Slate
Bush comes out fighting in second debate - News Telegraph
Style points even, ideas at odds - Seattle Times
Bush Comes On Stronger - New York Post
Pundits see Bush win in second debate - The Washington Times
Round 2 to Bush - The Arizona Republic
The Ra^ther ^unFair and ^unBalanced CBS - Pundits: Bush Mad, Kerry Composed
Bush hits back hard in heated debate - The Age
Under Fire, Kerry Fires Back in Second Presidential Debate - NYTs.