But 40% also said the debate made them more confident that Bush could handle the presidency, a gain for the Republican challenger.

CNN: latimes.com: In many voters' minds, debate fails in the drama department

The trampling of individual freedoms and his blatant contempt for the rights of the average American may not have been as obvious as an ax-handle-wielding governor, but Bush's insidiousness and piety have made him much more dangerous.

CNN: Commentary: My father, George Wallace, and Barack Obama

And asked which man would better handle relations with other countries, Bush -- charged by his critics with alienating the world community through unilateralism -- beat his Democratic challenger by a 52 percent to 44 percent margin.

CNN: Bush apparently leads Kerry in pre-debate poll