Ford had already cut into Carter's large lead in the polls, and was generally viewed as having won the first debate on domestic policy.
Already, the touring car had cut into the roadster's lead.
Which is not to say that it has changed many voters' minds yet or cut into the President's apparent lead here.
In the third quarter, Northwestern was inside the 1-yard line with a chance to cut into Iowa's 35-13 lead.
"Even when we cut into their lead, they were still the more aggressive team."
"They cut into our lead, but we were able to keep our composure."
He cut into Bodine's lead and moved right up behind him just 14 laps from the end.
It showed in the fourth quarter when they cut into our lead.
We'd cut into their lead and they'd get the big free throws.
After that report, two odd episodes in the space of a few weeks this summer prompted new questions and cut into his lead.