'Joe Biden won a clear victory tonight because he made a passionate case for change from the disastrous economic and foreign policies of the last eight years, and Sarah Palin defended them,' said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.
'While Governor Palin blindly supports John McCain's plan for more of the same policies that have devastated Main Street and let Wall Street run wild, Joe Biden spoke clearly and strongly about Barack Obama's plan for a tax cut for the middle class, health care that is affordable, and an end to the war in Iraq.'
Mr Plouffe described Mr Biden, 65, a foreign policy expert and veteran of Congress, as a 'statesman ... who clearly has the experience and knowledge to be a great vice president.'
The McCain campaign touted Mrs Palin, 44, who spent most of the debate looking straight into the camera as she spoke and occasionally winking, as 'direct, forceful and a breath of fresh air', said communications director Jill Hazelbaker.
'Tonight, Governor Palin proved beyond any doubt that she is ready to lead as Vice President of the United States. She won this debate, putting Joe Biden on defense on energy, foreign policy, taxes and the definition of change,' she said.
'The American people saw stark contrasts in style and worldview. They saw Joe Biden, a Washington insider and a 36-year Senator, and Governor Palin, a Washington outsider and a maverick reformer,' Ms Hazelbaker said. -- AFP