Americans set to measure Obama and Romney in key debate

US: Barack Obama and his Republican foe Mitt Romney clash today in the first of a trio of debates, a test of nerve, temperament and presidential mettle before tens of millions of viewers.

The televised debates, which have the feel of a heavyweight title fight as a feisty challenger seeks to knock out or outpoint the current champion, are the last best hope for Romney to save a sagging campaign.And they represent a potential minefield for President Obama as he seeks to cling on to a narrow lead in his quest to win a second term on November 6.

The debates, a regular feature of presidential campaigns since a stubbly Richard Nixon lost to a youthful John F. Kennedy in 1960, allow a chance to measure up the men who would be president as they stand side-by-side. AFP