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Well.. we all survived the great debate. I say all, but the initial readout suggests that only 6 million looked in, despite the massive publicity generated beforehand. This indicates the great turnoff in politics amongst the great unwashed.
It went very well for all three of them. No one slipped on the proverbial bananaskin. However there can be no doubt who emerged as the clear winner...yes you know already, none other than the LibDems Nick Clegg...the supreme underdog. It terms of these things he was brilliant. Right from the word go he came out fighting, but in pleasant terms, with one eye always cleverly on his PR. He spoke directly into the camera, engaging with the tv audience at home...which of course was the reason for the whole thing.
Gordon Browne on the other hand made a bad start. Instead of talking to the audience at home, where all the votes are, he talked to the audience in the studio. There was no eye contact with us at home. To my mind this was an awful mistake and I hope his pundits will advise him on that point. Directing your opening salvo to the audience of 100 in the studio was almost useless, especially when there are millions behind that camera lens. He made a nervous start but as the programme wore on he came more into his own and even made the best joke of the night.
David Cameron was a strangely subdued beast. He did everything right in that he didnt put a foot wrong, but he seemed to lack impact and it was noticeable that he was outshone by the equally youthful Mr Clegg. Everyone was expecting more from Cameron.. but although he was efficient, he lacked the required spark to ignite the jaded voter.
Cameron and Clegg looked younger and fitter than Gordon Browne. Gordon looked weighty in comparison but perhaps this weightiness and gravitas will stand him in good stead. Will Clegg be able to keep this level of performance up in the upcoming debates??...well who knows, the other guys will be more than ready for him next time.
All and all it was a triumph for the LibDems and they must be licking their chops this morning.