Voters' views: US presidential debate

In the run up to the American presidential elections we will be asking a panel of BBC News Online users to share their views.

In the seventh instalment in the series, six members of the panel give their opinion on Thursday's debate between US President George W Bush and his Democratic challenger, John Kerry on the issues of homeland security and Iraq.

Linda Alston: Madison, Wisconsin "The night belonged to John Kerry" Jim Hill: Sudbury, Mass. "Bush has a proven history " Laura Stietz: Sidney, New York "Bush will not fold under pressure"

Jorge Caspary: Tallahassee, Florida "The debate showed a contrast" Shankar Iyer: Fairfax, Virginia "Kerry seemed a lot more at ease" Gary Webb: Sacramento, C'fornia "I was impressed with Kerry's grasp"

We asked our panellists: What did you think of the debate? Who do you think won?

Will it make undecided and swing voters more likely to vote for President Bush?

Our panel - Where they live

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Has it changed your opinion of either of the candidates?

Between now and November, the panel will be giving us their personal opinions about key events and themes in the race.

We also want to hear what you think, so send us your comments using the form after each person's views.

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The reader's panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.