I did not watch the debate; it was past my bedtime, I don't watch television, it wasn't a debate.

But I did look at the response garnered by two local papers. In both the liberal leaning Portsmouth Herald and the conservative Fosters Daily Democrat, Kerry was judged the winner by an overwhelming majority; 20 to 1 in the Herald. The rabidly right wing Manchester Union Leader was apparently afraid to get its readers' opinions. And all this in what was once a solid Republican state.

As i drive around I also have been noticing a similar trend in political signs on lawns. There are a few places loaded with every republican sign imaginable, but countless more with a sign for Kerry or one for another local Democrat or two.

And voter registration is up sharply - mainly independents, but a good showing for Democrats; the Republicans have lost a hundred.

Cautiously optimistic in NH -- Tom