When it comes to compiling a list of the great songwriters of the past 50 years, Victor Willis’ name would probably merit little more than an asterisk.

John McCain failed to stop his Democratic rival Barack Obama’s momentum in a debate which offered only an occasional direct confrontation between the two men, according to a post-debate poll by CNN.

Barack Obama built on his momentum as he came face-to-face with his Republican rival John McCain in the second presidential debate in the race for the White House.