So what are US presidential debates about: substance or style? Policy or punchlines? Our panel has brought its scorecard from Tuesday's one and so far only showdown between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
We ask if it all went to script, and what that script is in a tight race with huge consequences for the whole planet. A fleeting instance of infotainment or a moment that might move the needle?
Central is the strategy: in 2024, is it all about energising your followers or convincing the undecided and the apathetic? What does this race say about the United States and the path it wants to pursue?
Produced by Andrew Hilliar, Rebecca Gnignati and Ilayda Hapib.