Vice President Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan traded savage blows during last night’s debate. The Vice President came out swinging, which was expected following what many viewed as a subdued performance by President Obama during the first presidential debate with Mitt Romney.  See who sportsmen chose as the winner of the first debate at the Polling Center.

This was a very different atmosphere from the first presidential debate. Facial expressions, and the way in which the two men engaged, may have had as much to do with how people viewed who won as the substance of the two candidate’s arguments. (To see a replay of the debate go to: http://www.youtube.com/politics?feature=etp-tv-ype-f3b57114a0)

The Vice President took advantage of the split-screen television format to roll his eyes, smile broadly and even chuckle at times during many of Ryan’s remarks. He repeatedly interrupted Ryan, prompting Ryan at one point during a discussion on Medicare to say: “I know you’re under a lot of duress to make up for lost ground, but people would be better served if we don’t keep interrupting each other.” Republicans have cried foul, while democrats have said that this was simply Joe Biden being himself.

So, did anyone really win last night?

The latest CNN poll at: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/11/cnn-poll-on-debate-winner-ryan-48-biden-44/?hpt=hp_t1 shows 48% of those polled felt Ryan won while 44% gave the victory to Biden. Remember, however, that this poll is only of those who actually watched the debate and does note represent all Americans.

In the end, both candidates did what they came to do: Biden, to bolster his party following the first presidential debate and Ryan, to ensure that Republicans did not give up any ground that could slow their recent surge in momentum. Many are calling the Vice Presidential debate a draw, but what was your take?

Take our poll and be sure to leave your thoughts in the poll comments section!