On October 3, the first of three presidential debates took place at the University of Denver between democratic incumbent President Barack Obama and his challenger republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. Post debate polls indicate that Romney was the clear winner.

Looking aggressive and energetic, Romney took the podium and came out swinging. He depicted the President’s record as one that contributed to a big, over bloated federal government with over bearing health care reform and little economic growth. In contrast, Obama looked tired and slow when he responded to Romney’s ongoing barrage with long explanations.

If the President had focused more on responding to what Romney was saying rather than explaining his plans and ideas, he would’ve had a better chance at winning the debate. For example, although Romney declared “I love Big Bird” when he talked about cutting federal funding for PBS because the nation couldn’t afford it, Obama missed a great opportunity for a comeback. Only the next day on the campaign trail did Obama make fun of it by saying “Thank goodness somebody is finally cracking down on Big Bird … Elmo has got to watch out.”

As a result of this debate, Romney enjoyed a bump in the polls. Thus, Romney is slowly closing the gap on the President’s lead. Round 1 has been fought but rounds 2 and 3 are yet to come. Stay tuned.