Trump, Clinton trade blows in US debate

Republican US presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks as Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton listens during their first presidential debate (Reuters)
Republican US presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks as Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton listens during their first presidential debate (Reuters)

US Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appears to have claimed bragging rights after the first presidential debate - unless you ask Donald Trump.

Tens of millions of people tuned in to watch the pair trade blows over taxes, private emails and being a woman.

It was the Super Bowl of US politics, and the candidates brought out the game faces, talking the economy and talking tax - or in The Donald's case how to avoid it.

There was a bit of faux politeness and quite a lot of right hostility.

Ms Clinton was accused of flip-flopping on the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, and predictions of a more restrained Mr Trump were just plain wrong.

The candidates played to type - this was heart versus head.

The audience was told to be silent throughout but couldn't keep a lid on it.

Asked to explain his comments about Ms Clinton not having the look of a president, Mr Trump was forced into retreat, saying instead she didn't have "the stamina".

Mr Trump claims he pulled some punches, saying he didn't bring up husband Bill Clinton's sex scandals "out of respect for her".

His closest supporters were doing the big sell on his performance, his family telling Newshub Mr Trump was getting under Ms Clinton's skin.

Getting under each other's skin - or as it's otherwise called, debating.

Newshub.