As the media picks up their cameras and note pads and leave Oxford, we are left to ponder, who won the debate- McCain or Obama? Media outlets were quick to the computers, posting their opinions via blogs immediately after the debate. The verdicts are in and the results show it is a general consensus that there is no clear winner for this first presidential debate, judging by comparison of several news sooing into the debate, McCain was expected to excel in foreign affairs and Obama in domestic issues such as the economy.

In CNN’s analysis of the debate, they call a tie between the two candidates. Their headline reads “a few jabs but no knockout in first debate.” The topic for the debate was foreign policy, but as expected, the economy was the first issue for discussion given the current economic crisis. I think Obama missed his chance with this topic. This was his time to shine, to convey exactly what his economic policies are and how he intends to help the working family as he has so promised in the past. McCain failed to deliver also. He threatened to abandon his campaign and postpone the first debate to “fix” the U.S. economy, yet he did not specifically outline any of this during the debate. CNN comments on this, saying the looming $700 billion bailout caused a tense atmosphere for the debate. I could feel that even from being in the Grove watching the debate. If it was so important to postpone the debate and if your economic policies were so promising Mr McCain, then tell us about them. The question everyone was asking was: what are these men going to do to save the economy and help me? I still don’t know. The usual messages were evident- McCain emphasised his experience and knowledge, where Obama emphasised his compassion and thoughts for the American public.

Each candidate must have known the polls were still close despite the debate, with the The New York Times reporting on the latest advertisements by each party in their article Sept. 27. These are designed to convince voters why they did a better job at the first debate and ultimately why they should be elected president. Obama’s campaign releasing a new advertisement which comments on how McCain failed to ever utter the words “middle class” during the debate. McCain’s camp also released an advertisement over the weekend, the latest showing how often Obama agreed with McCain’s points during the debate.

Besides won and who lost, NBC’s Chuck Todd posted on the company’s website blog shortly after the debate that “we saw one of the better ‘first’ presidential debates in this modern era in quite some time.” And I agree. It’s like a football game. You will stop watching if the score isn’t close. McCain and Obama provided a close game.

Regardless of petty advertisements and debate quarrels or even “who looked at who” during the debate, the question still remains, how influential are presidential debates. In particular, how influential was this first debate in swaying voter opinion? With the vice- presidential debate coming up on Thursday evening, the parties will again be tested. It is now up to Joe Biden and Sarah Palin to step up to the plate. I am especially looking forward to Biden's address, not knowing anything about this man or his stance as VP candidate. Can he pull through for Obama?