Speaking on the economy, McCain tried to bolster his bipartisan credentials and ability to get things done with a pointed barb at Obama, accusing him of holding "the most liberal voting record in the United States Senate," and adding "It's hard to reach across the aisle from that far left," a comment that managed to draw a chuckle from even Obama.
But as he did all night, the upstart junior US Senator from Illinois seemed prepared and poised to respond to criticism, saying, "Mostly that's just me opposing George Bush's wrong-headed policies," and he went on to to link Senator McCain’s voting record to the policy positions of widely unpopular US President George W Bush.
The debate structure saw moderator Jim Lehrer of PBS pose a question to the two contestants, with each getting two minutes to speak, before five minutes of extemporary conversation meant to get the debate a give-and-take, conversational feel.
For the most part, the rhetoric, body language and overall behaviour of the candidates were respectful, though discussion over numerous issues like taxes and the Iraq War became quite pointed. McCain did, however, repeatedly stated that Senator Obama didn't 'understand' the issues, a tactic that drew consternation from some talking heads immediately after the debate, who saw McCain's wording as condescending.
Obama, on the other hand, bucked standard Presidential debate decorum by referring to Senator McCain by his first name, John, a point that was only compounded when he twice flubbed McCain’s name, calling him Jim and Tom.
From the start, when discussing the financial crisis in particular and the US economy in general, Obama stuck to his message of "95% of Americans receiving a tax cut" under his watch, while simultaneously working to portray McCain as inexorably linked to the "eight years of failed economic policies promoted by President Bush".
Image: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate John McCain during the debate.
Photographs: David McNew/Getty Images
Also read: Barack Obama, in his own words
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