Debate reaction – 8 in the morning, April 30th

8am

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

* “The third television debate closed the first chapter of a captivating democratic experiment, but nobody wanted to confront the pain to come”, says the Times leader.

* The polls show David Cameron was preferred in last night’s debate, with Clegg and Brown behind.

* Nick Clegg prevailed over the three debates, and the parties may now be in a “settled position” in the polls, writes Steve Richards in the Independent.

* Jackie Ashley, Gaby Hinsliff, Aditya Chakrabotty and Madeleine Bunting give their verdict in the Guardian.

* The Mirror says David Cameron played the “slippery salesman”.

* Johann Hari says David Cameron is concealing his “inner Bush”.

* Last night did not change the game: barring an earthquake, David Cameron is on his way to Number 10, writes Jonathan Freedland.

* Tony Blair will rejoin the campaign today in south eastern marginal seats.

* Kerry McCarthy could be in trouble after tweeting about postal votes in Bristol.

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