The presidential contenders squared off for the first time on Friday, for what could become the most watched presidential debate in American history.
So, who came out the winner?
Many pollsters are giving round one to Obama.
A CNN opinion research poll found 51 percent of those polled said Obama did a better job, compared to 38 percent who said McCain was better.
Courtesy: Chicago Tribune
More from CNN:
Polling shows that voters have more confidence in Obama than McCain when it comes to the economy. McCain, though, warmed up as the discussion turned to his turf: foreign policy.
By and large, Friday night's showdown was probably a draw, elevating expectations for their next meeting October 7 in Nashville, Tennessee, when they take questions from an audience.
Here's what the editors had to say from the conservative magazine, National Review:
John McCain delivered a solid performance in the first presidential debate of the general election Friday night, one more impressive than that of Barack Obama. Obama’s surrogates are complaining in every available venue that McCain was “condescending” and “mean,” a sure sign their man lost. For our money, McCain wasn’t tough enough on Obama.
We get two more opportunities to see Obama and McCain debate. First, at Belmont University in Nashville on October 7th. Then, at Hofstra University in New York, October 15th.
The VP candidates, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden, will debate on Thursday at Washington University in St. Louis.
What did you think? Did the debate change your mind about the candidates?
