Presidential debate puts Kerry level with Bush in poll

FAVOURABLE public reaction to his performance in the first presidential debate has boosted Massachusetts Senator John Kerry and narrowed the contest with President Bush to a tie, according to a new poll.

Bush's percentage point lead before Thursday's debate evaporated in a USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll taken from Friday and Sunday.

Among likely voters, Bush and Kerry are at 49% each. Independent candidate Ralph Nader is at 1%.