The first presidential debate is over and now the fun really begins. It’s time for all the analysis, fact checking, second guessing, and partisan spin that this town is famous for.

The Posts’ Howard Kurtz offers up a national round up in this morning’s Media Notes column, saying that “[i]t was, in fact, a relentlessly serious debate — Iraq, Iran, Sudan, North Korea — in which both Bush and Kerry, both wearing American flag lapel pins, tried mightily to project an image of strength.”

The W.Times wasn’t nearly as forgiving as the Post apparently. Their headline this morning reads: “Bush rips Iraq flip-flops”

Of course, the bloggers have weighed in as well.

Talking Points reports: The DNC has up ‘Faces of Frustration‘ — a compilation of presidential grimaces, moments of pique, agitation, impatience and anger. ‘Hey, why do I have to be up? I’m the president! What’d you say about me? I’m the president!’

And just to be fair, Andrew Sullivan has this to say about Bush’s performance: When asked to skewer Kerry’s character, he was classy and genuine. His anecdote about the war widow was heartfelt and poignant. He had a few good lines – and skewered Kerry easily on the $87 billion. He also kicked Kerry’s elegant Brahmin butt on the coalition point, reminding him that Poland exists.”

(Missed the debate? Read the transcript.)

So who do you think won? Did Kerry run away with it? Did Bush win your vote? And why were the ladies (Laura and Teresa) wearing matching outfits?

Gothamist on the debates.