Prominent supports of Barack Obama and John McCain each said that their chosen candidate had the best debate last night.

Jim Demers, Obama's New Hampshire chairman, said Obama focused on issues Americans care about, while Fergus Cullen, the New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman, said McCain demonstrated his bipartisan record.

"Last night's debate gave the voters the opportunity to not only hear where Barack Obama and John McCain stand on key issues, but it was a contrast of who has the temperament to be a good leader and John McCain's negative discussion is the same old politics that no one wants to hear," Demers said in an email. "The American people want to hear how the next President will turn the economy around and help working people and that is what Barack Obama is talking about."

Cullen said the debate showed why McCain is considered "a strong closer."

"This was John McCain's strongest debate performance and a good reminder of how John McCain was such a strong closer in both the 2000 and 2008 campaigns," Cullen said in a statement.  "Senator McCain was particularly strong when talking about his record of working in a bipartisan fashion whereas Barack Obama votes with the special interests on free trade, education reform, and making America energy independent.  John McCain puts his trust and faith in the American people - including Joe the Plumber - while Barack Obama puts his faith in government."