Who won the Mississippi debate? McCain talked about experience, looked comfortable, smiled more and hammered Obama on more than one issue. Moreover he talked directly with the telly audience. Obama sought to engage McCain one to one on issues, involved the moderator more. He tried to link McCain and Bush policies on many occasions. He looked sober. Obama's played his VP's experience card. Mc Cain who had looked to abandon the experience card after the Palin selection also stressed on experience. Mc Cain however got Obama on backfoot on national security.

Did McCain manage to reach out on issues bothering the average Americans these days? Did Obama manage to put across his ability to lead in a crisis? Were the candidates always truthful? Were the candidates always sure of their facts? Check the link and NYTimes check point to find out.

So who won? Was there an overwhelming winner? Or did the voters confusion deepen? The Rebublicans are liekly to assert McCain's overwhelming win while Democrats will be positive that Obama scored.

You decide.

Here's the NY Times full transcript of the first presidential debate and video.