US Vice-Presidential Debate -Oct 11,2012

Vice-President Joe Biden and Republican Paul Ryan(a congressman from Wisconsin)participate in the vice-presidential debate at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky on ThursdayOct 11,2012

 The 90-minute debate the only vice-presidential one was moderated by Martha Raddatz, senior foreign affairs correspondent for ABC News.

The combative debate on Thursday between Vice President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Paul Ryan who challenged each other's facts and claims and offered starkly different visions for the direction of the country.

Paul Ryan made a positive impression with his command of both domestic and foreign policy issues that showed him to be a formidable national candidate.

Democrats were heartened by Biden's spirited performance in the brutal 90-minute confrontation after Obama's poor showdown with Mitt Romney last week. 

Joe Biden’s animated demeanour, punctuated with his trademark laughs, smirks and wild gesticulations, won plaudits from liberals and hard-core Democrats, his performance ran the risk of being seen as bullying and condescending, alienating swing and female voters. Ryan complained that he was being interrupted too much and was clearly irritated by Biden’s in-your-face approach.

A snap CNN-ORC International poll showed voters who watched Thursday's debate narrowly favored Ryan over Biden by 48%-44%