Round one of the 2012 presidential debates is in the books, and by all accounts, if one is to believe the pundits and talking heads, challenger Mitt Romney was the decisive winner over President Obama.

Romney was clearly the aggressor, challenging the president on the economy almost immediately after opening pleasantries were exchanged. Obama appeared to spend much of the night on the defensive, much like a fighter utilizing the ropes to protect himself.

Romney was critical of the president in many areas, from the economy to healthcare, but he offered no detailed solutions, only additional political rhetoric, which can be expected in that type of forum. However, words without substance may be Romney’s ultimate downfall if he is unsuccessful in his bid to unseat the incumbent.

The American people may be ready for a change but they must first be convinced the party of change has a plan of action and not of ideology.

Obama appeared somewhat uncomfortable, having to react on the cuff rather than having the luxury of the teleprompter. But he also was able to get in some body shots to his opponents, promising more fireworks in the next two debates.

As expected, both candidates lobbed bouquets of half-truths, misinterpreted facts and the usual armory of political accusations. The people need to sift through the rubbish and delineate fact from fiction, truth from political hyperbole. It is doubtful the first round swung the needle among undecided voters, although nearly half of those polled shortly after the debate indicated Romney was the winner.

For the GOP candidate and his supporters that was welcome news, but lost in the giddiness is this was the just the first of three rounds. One can be sure the president will be huddled with advisors and media experts to address his obvious shortcomings that were glaring Wednesday night.

Obama supporters should be comforted in the fact there exists two more opportunities for the president to redeem himself, and remember no one is more effective on the campaign trail.

Ultimately, we, the voters, will decide who has delivered the stronger message and who offers a brighter future to all Americans.