The first presidential debate: 4 takeaways

With a strong debate performance, Mitt Romney gives his struggling campaign a badly needed shot in the arm

President Obama and GOP nominee Mitt Romney share a laugh during the first presidential debate on Oct. 3: Of course, there weren't many laughs during the testy debate.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Jason Reed)

On Wednesday night in Denver, President Obama and Mitt Romney met face to face for the first presidential debate of the general election. The debate, moderated by veteran journalist Jim Lehrer, focused exclusively on domestic policy, with the two candidates exchanging jabs on taxes, health care, the deficit, and education. Romney is behind in the national polls, as well as in key battleground states, and many commentators said the debate presented his best chance to turn things around. Here, four initial takeaways from the debate:

1. Romney did his campaign a huge favor

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