The two main candidates in the American presidential election have held the first of three televised debates ahead of next month's vote. The Democratic contender, Vice President Al Gore, and his Republican opponent, George W Bush, clashed over a wide range of issues in front of an audience in Boston. Most of the 90-minute debate focused on the economic and social questions that are dominating the election. In a poll taken afterwards, 48% of viewers thought Mr Gore had won, while 41% favoured Mr Bush.
The two candidates greeted each other on stage at the University of Massachusetts with a warm handshake. But within minutes, they were locked in a verbal brawl. The key issue in this debate was how to share out the benefits of America's strong economy. Al Gore said that George W Bush's plan for a big tax cut favoured the wealthiest in American society. Mr Bush said that Mr Gore was using "phoney statistics".
The candidates were equally vigorous in their debate over health care and pensions although there was less argument when it came to foreign policy: both men agreed that Slobodan Milosevic must now step down from power.
As the debate came to an end, Mr Bush raised the scandals of the Clinton administration and said that he was disappointed at Al Gore's role in controversies over campaign fundraising. Al Gore tried to turn the argument around, saying that the debate should focus on the country's problems, not personal attacks. The candidates will have two more televised encounters during the final 35 days of the campaign.
