First PM TV Debate Sees Brown Exceed Expectations As Cameron Flops

History has now been made with the very first televised Prime Ministerial debate going to air. 

The consensus amongst the pollsters, journalists and commentators is that the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg came out on top. Gordon Brown did far better than expected.  Meanwhile, David Cameron totally floundered.

Mr Clegg certainly was very relaxed during the debate, looking directly at the camera when he gave his responses and being very critical of the two main parties and their leaders whenever he had the opportunity.

However, the Liberal Democrat leader knows that, even if the polls are right, with a hung parliament the result after 6 May and he does hold the balance of power, he is never going to be Prime Minister. So he can afford to make bolder and more radical statements that he thinks the public will like.

This was David Cameron's big chance to capitalise on the lead he currently has in the opinion polls.  But he blew it. Much of what he said was uninspiring and predictable.   He had the opportunity to spell out in more detail what he would do to protect public services and rebuild the economy but he didn't take it. This will only serve to reinforce the view of his political opponents and many undecided voters that he is all style and no substance.

In contrast, I was pleasantly surprised at Mr Brown's performance in the debate.  I'm sure I was not alone amongst the electorate in thinking that he would struggle under the pressure of the live format.  However, as soon as he began his opening statement, I knew this was going to be a good night for him.

Not once did he stammer.  He answered all the questions confidently and with brilliant statesman-like authority.

And when he repeatedly challenged the Tory leader on what damage cutting the budget deficit too quickly would do to the recovery, Cameron crucially did not fight back.

And coming across so strongly on the economy in the first round will stand Mr Brown in good stead with that debate still to come. He is bound to do well in this, against the magnificent backdrop of  successfully leading Britain out of recession.

And I now have real cause for optimism on how Brown will do in the foreign affairs debate too.

I believe we may have seen a turning point in the campaign.

This was not a good night for David Cameron. He has been exposed as superficial and directionless. He was left very much on the backfoot and now has a lot of ground to make up if he wants the keys to 10 Downing St.

And despite what they may say publicly, he and the Conservative Party know it.