The first of three presidential debates between nominees Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain finally happen on Friday September 26 and while each camp claimed victory, it seems Obama connected with undecided voters more than his opponent according to the polls. To call the Illinois Senator the clear cut winner would unfair as the Arizona Senator had some good moments as well, but were they enough?

Both Obama and McCain came prepared and ready to do battle of the most pressing issue that currently faces our country – the economic melt down and bail out (which is expected to pass). Yet, even when moderator Jim Lehrer asked the two to address one and other directly, Obama did while McCain did not.

Rather the Republican seemed to be uneasy with looking directly at his opponent. Obama addressed McCain directly several times while McCain chose to speak to Lehrer. The Democrat hammered at the GOP candidate’s record of supporting big business over the middle-class taxpayer, but John refused to take the bait and never explained his position.

McCain is still trying to sell the belief that Obama will raise taxes on the middle-class. Obama fights back and argues that he will only raise taxes on the top 5 percent – what he has said all along. McCain attacked Obama for taking earmarks for his state – 932 million to be exact. Obama was quick to point out that 18 billion in earmarks are nothing compared to the 300 billion that McCain is willing to give the top 5 percent in tax breaks.

While McCain looked tough on defense, Obama looked rational on defense. McCain said again and again “Sen. Obama doesn’t understand”, but Obama proved to everyone watching he does understand foreign policy issues as well as the elder statesman. Obama argued that the Bush administration took their eye off Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda to attack Iraq and McCain supported it.

John McCain needed a knock out punch on Friday night to gain back some momentum in his gradually slumping campaign, but he could only get in a couple of jabs and body shots. Obama needed to sell the fact to undecided and skeptical voters that he has what it takes to become our next president and, according to the polls, he may have done so.

Tony Engelhart is a featured writer for Xomba.com. Read the rest of his work here .