Gloves off but neither man lands a blow

IT WAS the most-anticipated TV event of the year. Watched by an estimated 60 million Americans, the two men who would lead the United States went head to head on Friday night at the University of Mississippi, but viewers who tuned in hoping to see blood on the floor were left disappointed. Neither Democrat Barack Obama nor Republican opponent John McCain delivered a knockout blow.

The debate was due to concentrate on foreign policy and national security. But with the US economy reeling and Washington power brokers working around the clock to secure a $700bn (£380bn) rescue package, the first 40 minutes of the 90-minute debate were given over to domestic policy and the financial crisis.

With just 37 days to go and some polls showing as many as 30% of voters still undecided, the two men had everything to play for. For many Americans, the presidential debates are the first time they tune into the election. Political reputations can be made or lost in this gladiatorial arena, where body language and style are as important as facts and arguments.

Obama took round one. The Illinois senator repeatedly sought to link McCain to President George Bush and said it was the policies of excessive deregulation that had led to the economic crisis.

Despite being pressed repeatedly on the economy and how the current economic crisis would impact on their plans as president, both candidates refused to give details.

McCain stayed on message throughout. He hammered home his experience and knowledge of foreign affairs. Seven times McCain used a variation of the phrase that Obama "doesn't understand". McCain said: "There are some advantages to experience, knowledge and judgment … I don't think I need any on-the-job training."

In making repeated reference to his long senate career, McCain, 72, risked seeming old against a candidate 25 years his junior. It was a calculated risk, but one designed to sell McCain as the man with the experience necessary to get the country back on track.

In turn, Obama tried to paint his opponent as out of date, accusing him of having a "20th-century mindset" and championing his own internet accessible "Google for government".

There were a few missteps, but no outright clangers and, overall, McCain scored higher in the second half of the debate. Though McCain had the upper hand when the debate turned to foreign affairs, Obama took every opportunity to question his support of the Iraq war.

Obama said: "You said it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong. You said we were going to be greeted as liberators. You were wrong."

The men's body language told its own story. Obama looked presidential, but could appear passionless and became flustered when McCain made assertions the Democrat insisted were wrong. McCain looked tightly-wound, but kept his infamous temper in check, though his irritation at Obama was often barely concealed.

The presidential hopefuls are scheduled to debate twice more, on October 7 and 15.