•Kerry, Bush, in dead heat, battle over domestic issues in final debate. Bush: "A plan is not a litany of complaints." Kerry refers to Mary Cheney: "We're all God's children." [WP, NYT, LAT, WSJ, BG]
• Candidates use simple stereotypes, jabs that will echo until election day; both candidates seemed to play offense. [USAT, BG]
• Domestic security, safety of America's families top topic last night. [USAT]
• Both candidates comfortable. Kindler, gentler Bush avoids scowls; edge given to Kerry. Bush frequently uses liberal charge, Kerry repeats theme that president is out of touch. [WP, NYT, NYT, LAT]
• Rampant use of false figures and out-of-context statements, including: Pell Grants were underfunded from Bush's promise in 2000; Bush met with CBC in his January, 2001; Kerry overstated his health care plan; Kerry's so-called 98 votes for higher taxes was misleading. [WP, NYT, USAT, LAT]
• Personalities shine through as both candidates talk up faith, family values. [USAT]
•Shales: Strong performance by Kerry builds narrow edge over "oddly giggly" president; Bush was "as smiley as Clarabell the Clown." [WP]
• No major gaffes or knockouts; no excitement. Debates helped Kerry establish level playing field entering final stretch. [NYT, LAT]
•Bush in 2002: "I'll repeat what I said. I truly am not that concerned about [Osama]. I know he is on the run. . . we shoved him out more and more on the margins." [LAT]
• CBC refused to leave White House unless Bush met with them. [LAT]
•Lynne calls Kerry's reference to Mary "a cheap and tawdry political trick," says Kerry "is not a good man." [WP]
• Pundits, bloggers raised stakes, then mostly sided with their choice. [NYT, LAT, WSJ]
•Edwards jumps on Snow's comment that job loss, surplus loss are "myths"; Cheney questions Kerry ability to fight war on terror. [NYT]
•KE04 releases two ads to counter attacks on health care plan: "It's Bush that let insurance companies overrule your doctor." [WP]
•KE04 puts emphasis on Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada, Iowa, Florida, Pennsylvania; Devine promises "campaign of substance." [BG]
• SBVFT adds anti-Kerry POWs to group and name; many are interviewed in documentary to air on Sinclair stations. [WP]
•Bush benefits from terrorism fears in New Jersey. [WP]
• RNC-linked group charged with destroying Democratic registrations in Las Vegas. [WP]
• 44,000 supporters attend post-debate rally for Bush. [USAT]
• Dems request FCC investigate Sinclair's anti-Kerry documentary. [LAT]
• NRA to spend $20m in 10-15 states to reelect Bush. [LAT]
• Parties have recruited over 300,000 college-age volunteers. [USAT]
• Lawsuits already under way in Florida. Scholar: "Both parties are playing the pre-emption game as much as the reactive game this time out." [NYT]
• Door-to-door canvassing yields most votes, according to new study. [NYT]
