Mitt Romney has won the first presidential debate according to polls

Commentators say Republican candidate appeared more 'in command'

Mitt Romney has apparently won the first of three televised US presidential debates, according to polls and analysts.

After the 90-minute debate, which focused on healthcare, deficit and taxes, polls gave Romney a margin of 46-67 per cent with President Obama on 22-25 per cent.

During the first face-off in Denver, Colorado, commentators reported the Republican candidate Romney appeared to be 'more in command' while Obama was hesistant, nervous-looking and occasionally asked the moderator for extra time to finish his points.

Although Obama has led polls and surveys in the swing seats, if the gap narrows Romney could take the White House.

The two candidates attacked each other's economic plans, with Obama calling his rival's plans 'top-down economics'.

He added 'If you think by closing [tax] loopholes and deductions for the well-to-do, somehow you will not end up picking up the tab, then Governor Romney's plan may work for you.

'But I think math, common sense, and our history shows us that's not a recipe for job growth.'

Whereas Romney called Obama's policies 'trickle-down government'.

'The president has a view very similar to the one he had when he ran for office four years ago, that spending more, taxing more, regulating more - if you will, trickle-down government - would work.'

'That's not the right answer for America.'

Last night's debate was the first in a series of three presidential and one vice-presidential debate this month.

The second debate will take place on October 16. The election will take place on November 6.

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