More than 7000 viewers posted comments on the American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) news website criticising the "biased" and "superficial" questions posed by Stephanopoulos, the network's Washington correspondent. Stephanopoulos helped run Mr Clinton's 1992 election campaign and acted as his press secretary and advisor on policy and strategy before joining the ABC.

"A very biased debate, both Charlie and George attacked Obama tonight," wrote Admiralboy21. "George Stephanopoulos was on Bill Clinton's administrative staff at one point, why was he asking the questions. ABC did a TERRIBLE job with the debate!!" Zorbakrufus wrote: "ABC News has officially lost any semblance of credibility it ever had for me.

"It took the moderators over an hour to ask a single question on policy. They may as well have had britney spears asking the questions. If Stephanopolous and Charles Gibson made up those questions, they should both be fired immediately. You did an absolute disservice to this great country. Shame on you ABC News." During the debare, Senator Clinton rebuked Senator Obama over his fiery former pastor and his attitude to working Americans.

Senator Obama, however, said he was confident the American people would see through what he billed as trivial political attacks. Senator Clinton was desperate to change the campaign narrative, as fresh poll numbers clouded her long-shot comeback hopes, and delved into Senator Obama's background to warn of the scope of Republican attacks against him. She said he should have left his Chicago church in protest at the incendiary sentiments of Pastor Jeremiah Wright, particularly those about the September 11 attacks in 2001, which caused a storm recently when aired online.

"I have to say that for Pastor Wright to have given his first sermon after 9/11 and to have blamed the United States for the attack which happened in my city of New York would have been just intolerable for me,'' Senator Clinton said. "Therefore I would have not been able to stay in the church.''

Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama attempted to score big political points under the veneer of politeness, but both betrayed signs of fatigue after a campaign which has lasted more than a year. The New York senator also skewered her rival over his comment in a fundraiser last week that some smalltown Americans clung to religion and guns because they were "bitter'' about their economic circumstances. She pointedly brought up her grandfather and father who lived in Pennsylvania, saying she didn't believe they clung "to religion when Washington is not listening to them''.

"I similarly don't think that people cling to their traditions, like hunting and guns, either, when they are frustrated with the Government. "I just don't believe that's how people live their lives.''

Senator Obama said he had "mangled'' his words, but said there was a deep frustration among Americans with their economic plight and their political leaders. "Yes, people are frustrated and angry about it, but what we're seeing in this election is the opportunity to break through that frustration,'' Senator Obama said. He took aim at Senator Clinton's contention that she could better bear Republican assaults after years in the partisan cross-fire.

"In a general election, we know there are going to be all kinds of attacks launched,'' he said. "What the American people want are not distractions,'' he said.

"They want to figure out, how are we actually going to deliver on health care; how are we going to deliver better jobs for people; how are we going to improve their incomes.'' Both candidates said their rival could beat Republican John McCain in November. Asked if Senator Obama was electable as president, the former first lady said: "Yes, yes, yes.

"Now, I think I can do a better job. That's why I'm here,'' she added to laughs. Senator Obama likewise said "absolutely'' on the question of whether Senator Clinton was electable against Senator McCain, and also said: "But I too think I'm the better candidate.''

The former first lady was under intense pressure to change the complexion of her battle with Senator Obama ahead of the Pennsylvania primary. Senator Clinton has attacked Senator Obama for days over his "bitter'' comment, but latest opinion surveys suggested he had escaped serious immediate damage. Polls show Senator Clinton has stalled Senator Obama's attempt to catch her in Pennsylvania, but her lead of around six points did not suggest the kind of blowout win she needs to sow doubts about Senator Obama's presidential viability in the minds of top party leaders.

Senator Clinton trails Senator Obama in nominating contests won, elected delegates and the popular vote. Her only chance now is to convince nearly 800 Democratic grandees called superdelegates that Senator Obama cannot win November's general election against Republican John McCain.

There was more grim news for Senator Clinton in a Washington Post/ABC News poll that gave Senator Obama a 10-point lead when Democrats nationwide were asked who they would like to see go up against Senator McCain. Senator Obama was up two-to-one among Democrats asked who was most electable in a general election, undermining Senator Clinton's quest for the hearts of the superdelegates.

with AFP

