It was one of the most anticipated debates and tonight a strong performance by both candidates.

Their style differences showed from the first question, which was on the economy.

"The economic policies of the last eight years have been the worst economic policies we've ever had. As a consequence, you've seen what's happened on Wall Street,” said Sen. Joe Biden.

"Go to kids soccer game on Saturday, turn to any parent on the sideline and ask how are you feeling about the economy,” said Gov. Sarah Palin.

Economics dominated the first 30 minutes with each candidate attacking the person at the top of the ticket.

"Until two weeks ago, two Mondays, John McCain said at nine in the morning the fundamentals of the economy are strong,” said Biden.

"Barack Obama even supported increasing taxes for families making $42,000 a year, that's a lot of middle class average American families,” said Palin.

And Governor Palin, who has had a rough time in recent interviews, went on the offensive, attacking Senator Biden's recent comments on taxes being patriotic.

"In middle class of America which is where Todd and I have been most of our lives-- that's not patriotic,” said Palin.

In one of the few early direct exchanges Biden defended Obama's tax record.

"Charges that are absolutely not true,” said Biden.

Up next is the presidential candidates.

They square off in Nashville Tuesday night for the second of their three debates.