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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.

Alex is the founder and CEO of The Cares Family. He was editor and first director of LabourList in 2009-2010, during which time he established the site as the number one Labour blog, and later an aide to Ed Miliband.

View all articles by Alex Smith
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