Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney finish their debate in Denver on Wednesday, October 3. View behind-the-scene photos of debate preparations. Hide Caption 1 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney stands with his wife, Ann, and family following the first presidential debate. Hide Caption 2 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – President Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after the debate Wednesday. It took place on their 20th wedding anniversary. Hide Caption 3 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Jim Leher of PBS moderates the 90-minute debate on Wednesday. It was the candidates' first time debating face to face. Hide Caption 4 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama defended his record and challenged his rival's proposals. Hide Caption 5 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney was more aggressive Wednesday in criticizing Obama's vision. Hide Caption 6 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – People watch the debate at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, New York. Hide Caption 7 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – The event was expected to draw the candidates' largest nationwide audience to date. Hide Caption 8 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney answers a question from the moderator. Hide Caption 9 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama argues his view. Both candidates said the other's proposals won't work. Hide Caption 10 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Michelle Obama listens to the debate. Hide Caption 11 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney said Obama has failed to bring down high unemployment and get the economy surging again. Hide Caption 12 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama reacts to Romney's remarks on Wednesday. Hide Caption 13 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama listens during the debate in Denver. Hide Caption 14 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney, who has been unable to catch the president in most polls to date, sought to generate enthusiasm for a change in the White House. Hide Caption 15 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney's shadow is projected beneath text from the Declaration of Independence at the University of Denver's Magness Arena. Hide Caption 16 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – The first of three presidential debates focused on domestic issues: the economy, health care and the role of government. Hide Caption 17 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama and Mitt Romney clashed over the economy on Wednesday. Hide Caption 18 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney speaks during Wednesday night's debate. The candidate called for a new economic path. Hide Caption 19 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama called for "economic patriotism" and said Romney's plan of tax cuts for the rich failed before. Hide Caption 20 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Romney and Obama wave to the crowd at the start of the presidential debate. Hide Caption 21 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama greets Romney on Wednesday. Hide Caption 22 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – The candidates meet on stage less than five weeks before Election Day. Hide Caption 23 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Obama and Romney shake hands Wednesday night. Hide Caption 24 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – The presidential race has been dominated so far by negative advertising as both camps try to frame the election to their advantage. Hide Caption 25 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Leher takes the stage Wednesday. It's his 12th time moderating a presidential debate. Hide Caption 26 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Michelle Obama points to Lehrer before the start of the debate. Hide Caption 27 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Ann Romney and first lady Michelle Obama hug on Wednesday. Hide Caption 28 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – The candidates wives were in attendance for the most highly anticipated campaign event to date. Hide Caption 29 of 31

Photos: Photos: The first presidential debate The first presidential debate – Michelle Obama sits with White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, right. Hide Caption 30 of 31