Donald Trump v Hillary Clinton: How the debate unfolded in tweets
- Published
It's believed to have been the most watched debate in TV history.
Around 100 million viewers tuned in to witness presidential nominees Donald Trump take on Hillary Clinton for the first time.
It was the first of three televised debates before the election in November.
They both have the same goal, to become the next president of the United States and take over from Barack Obama after his eight-year term.
The pair have little in common, which led to clashes over the economy, jobs, security and race relations.
Scroll down to read analysis from Newsbeat's Politics Editor - Jonathan Blake.
Polls suggested the candidates were neck and neck, which meant the debate brought much of America to a standstill.
One of Donald Trump's main focuses was attacking Hillary Clinton's record as secretary of state, the US version of the UK's foreign secretary.
Trumped tweeted: "Hillary Clinton failed all over the world.", external
Hillary Clinton retaliated by accusing her rival of making sexist and racist remarks.
He was also criticised on social media for "interrupting".
Examples of Trump "interrupting" Clinton., external
The presidential hopefuls also challenged each other on a number of personal issues.
Hillary Clinton criticised Donald Trump for failing to release his tax returns.
Donald Trump had a comeback though, focusing on Hillary Clinton's deletion of thousands of emails.
Donald Trump said his strongest asset by far was his winning temperament, something he claimed Hillary Clinton didn't possess.
This is how Clinton reacted to that., external
At the end of the debate, Donald Trump was accused of being a "poor loser" after he initially avoided shaking the moderator's hand.
The tweet says: "Many people are saying I'm a really poor loser.", external
Famous supporters of Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton were keen to show their support.
Katy Perry tweeted Hilary to say she had "goosebumps"., external
Actor Stephen Baldwin, brother of Alec Baldwin, posted several messages praising Donald Trump.
He tweeted: "Mr President... God is with you!", external
The majority of pundits thought Hillary Clinton came out on top, but Donald Trump and his supporters were having none of it.
For some though, the debate left them feeling hopeless.
What do you mean, you didn't stay up to watch?
Analysis by Jonathan Blake, Newsbeat Political Editor
"The hype before this first of three presidential debates was worthy of a fight night in Las Vegas.
"Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump went head to head for the first time in their campaigns for the White House - and it was electrifying to watch.
"Trump started steady - stating his plans to cut taxes and get better trade deals with other countries. Clinton was challenged on her record as a career politician and again said using a private email server had been 'a mistake'.
"But as the debate went on, a pattern emerged. Trump would get riled by a question or comment while his opponent stood calmly and waited to respond.
"He talked himself into a hole a few times and struggled responding to questions on racism (stop and frisk was his answer to gun crime) and sexism (did not explain why he said Clinton didn't have 'the look' of a president).
"There were no killer blows though - and polls show opinion is split on which candidate won.
"Trump's core supporters won't be fact checking or having second thoughts - and Clinton's power base is guaranteed.
"These debates are about winning over those in the middle - the undecided. And after last night, they might be none the wiser.
"Good job there's another two debates to go."
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