President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney finish their debate in Denver on Wednesday, October 3. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2012%2F10%2F03%2Fpolitics%2Fgallery%2F10-3-debate-prep%2Findex.html">View behind-the-scene photos of debate preparations.</a>
The first presidential debate —
President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney finish their debate in Denver on Wednesday, October 3. View behind-the-scene photos of debate preparations.
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Romney stands with his wife, Ann, and family following the first presidential debate.
The first presidential debate —
Romney stands with his wife, Ann, and family following the first presidential debate.
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President Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after the debate Wednesday. It took place on their 20th wedding anniversary.
The first presidential debate —
President Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after the debate Wednesday. It took place on their 20th wedding anniversary.
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Jim Leher of PBS moderates the 90-minute debate on Wednesday. It was the candidates' first time debating face to face.
The first presidential debate —
Jim Leher of PBS moderates the 90-minute debate on Wednesday. It was the candidates' first time debating face to face.
CNN
Obama defended his record and challenged his rival's proposals.
The first presidential debate —
Obama defended his record and challenged his rival's proposals.
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Romney was more aggressive Wednesday in criticizing Obama's vision.
The first presidential debate —
Romney was more aggressive Wednesday in criticizing Obama's vision.
CNN
People watch the debate at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, New York.
The first presidential debate —
People watch the debate at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, New York.
CNN
The event was expected to draw the candidates' largest nationwide audience to date.
The first presidential debate —
The event was expected to draw the candidates' largest nationwide audience to date.
CNN
Romney answers a question from the moderator.
The first presidential debate —
Romney answers a question from the moderator.
CNN
Obama argues his view. Both candidates said the other's proposals won't work.
The first presidential debate —
Obama argues his view. Both candidates said the other's proposals won't work.
CNN
Michelle Obama listens to the debate.
The first presidential debate —
Michelle Obama listens to the debate.
CNN
Romney said Obama has failed to bring down high unemployment and get the economy surging again.
The first presidential debate —
Romney said Obama has failed to bring down high unemployment and get the economy surging again.
CNN
Obama reacts to Romney's remarks on Wednesday.
The first presidential debate —
Obama reacts to Romney's remarks on Wednesday.
CNN
Obama listens during the debate in Denver.
The first presidential debate —
Obama listens during the debate in Denver.
CNN
Romney, who has been unable to catch the president in most polls to date, sought to generate enthusiasm for a change in the White House.
The first presidential debate —
Romney, who has been unable to catch the president in most polls to date, sought to generate enthusiasm for a change in the White House.
CNN
Romney's shadow is projected beneath text from the Declaration of Independence at the University of Denver's Magness Arena.
The first presidential debate —
Romney's shadow is projected beneath text from the Declaration of Independence at the University of Denver's Magness Arena.
CNN
The first of three presidential debates focused on domestic issues: the economy, health care and the role of government.
The first presidential debate —
The first of three presidential debates focused on domestic issues: the economy, health care and the role of government.
CNN
Obama and Mitt Romney clashed over the economy on Wednesday.
The first presidential debate —
Obama and Mitt Romney clashed over the economy on Wednesday.
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Romney speaks during Wednesday night's debate. The candidate called for a new economic path.
The first presidential debate —
Romney speaks during Wednesday night's debate. The candidate called for a new economic path.
CNN
Obama called for "economic patriotism" and said Romney's plan of tax cuts for the rich failed before.
The first presidential debate —
Obama called for "economic patriotism" and said Romney's plan of tax cuts for the rich failed before.
CNN
Romney and Obama wave to the crowd at the start of the presidential debate.
The first presidential debate —
Romney and Obama wave to the crowd at the start of the presidential debate.
CNN
Obama greets Romney on Wednesday.
The first presidential debate —
Obama greets Romney on Wednesday.
CNN
The candidates meet on stage less than five weeks before Election Day.
The first presidential debate —
The candidates meet on stage less than five weeks before Election Day.
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Obama and Romney shake hands Wednesday night.
The first presidential debate —
Obama and Romney shake hands Wednesday night.
Getty Images
The presidential race has been dominated so far by negative advertising as both camps try to frame the election to their advantage.
The first presidential debate —
The presidential race has been dominated so far by negative advertising as both camps try to frame the election to their advantage.
AFP/Getty Images
Leher takes the stage Wednesday. It's his 12th time moderating a presidential debate.
The first presidential debate —
Leher takes the stage Wednesday. It's his 12th time moderating a presidential debate.
AFP/Getty Images
Michelle Obama points to Lehrer before the start of the debate.
The first presidential debate —
Michelle Obama points to Lehrer before the start of the debate.
CNN
Ann Romney and first lady Michelle Obama hug on Wednesday.
The first presidential debate —
Ann Romney and first lady Michelle Obama hug on Wednesday.
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The candidates wives were in attendance for the most highly anticipated campaign event to date.
The first presidential debate —
The candidates wives were in attendance for the most highly anticipated campaign event to date.
Getty Images
Michelle Obama sits with White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, right.
The first presidential debate —
Michelle Obama sits with White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, right.
Getty Images
Rapper Will.i.am, left, speaks with Jarrett before the debate on Wednesday. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2012%2F10%2F03%2Fpolitics%2Fgallery%2F10-3-debate-prep%2Findex.html">View behind-the-scenes photos of debate preparations.</a>
The first presidential debate —
Rapper Will.i.am, left, speaks with Jarrett before the debate on Wednesday. View behind-the-scenes photos of debate preparations.
AFP/Getty Images
Photos: The first presidential debate

Story highlights

Snarky commenters on Twitter poked fun at the candidates during Wednesday's debate

Twitter users thought the debate was dull and moderator Jim Lehrer failed to control the two rivals

Making jokes on Twitter about live events has become a popular pastime for some

CNN  — 

With its wonky arguments about taxes and health care, Wednesday’s presidential debate may not have been the most riveting 90 minutes of the 2012 campaign.

But the faceoff between President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney produced no shortage of humor on Twitter, where observers cracked jokes about everything from Romney’s perceived swipe at “Sesame Street’s” Big Bird to Jim Lehrer’s passive moderating style.

By the end of the debate, both @FiredBigBird and @SilentJimLehrer were newly minted Twitter accounts with thousands of followers. And Twitter reported 10.3 million tweets during the debate, making it “the most tweeted-about event in U.S. politics.”

But many people on Twitter just thought the debate was boring.

Here are 25 of our favorite debate-related tweets:

W. Kamau Bell ‏– The media is promoting the #debates like a full on sports event. People are going to be real disappointed when it’s just 2 dudes talking.

debatewide
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Linnéa Sandström ‏– Romney has a bigger US flag pin than Obama. The debate is over? #debates

debate1 romney closing stmt_00014518
debate1 romney closing stmt_00014518
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Related video CNN Focus Group: Best moments

Storify: Jim Lehrer, the silent moderator

People watch at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn as U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney participate in their highly anticipated first debate Wednesday night at the University of Denver on October 3, 2012 in New York City. The debate is broken into three segments: the economy,health care and the role of government. Romney, who is trailing in most major polls, is looking to deliver a strong performance in order to gain leverage over the president going into the final weeks of the campaign.
People watch at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn as U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney participate in their highly anticipated first debate Wednesday night at the University of Denver on October 3, 2012 in New York City. The debate is broken into three segments: the economy,health care and the role of government. Romney, who is trailing in most major polls, is looking to deliver a strong performance in order to gain leverage over the president going into the final weeks of the campaign.
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video

Related video CNN Focus Group: Worst moments

Sarah Littman ‏– Mitt: “I like coal” Poor people will find it in their stockings if I am President. #debates

US President Barack Obama (L) and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney finish their debate at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado, October 3, 2012. After hundreds of campaign stops, $500 million in mostly negative ads and countless tit-for-tat attacks, Obama and Romney go head-to-head in their debut debate. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read
US President Barack Obama (L) and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney finish their debate at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado, October 3, 2012. After hundreds of campaign stops, $500 million in mostly negative ads and countless tit-for-tat attacks, Obama and Romney go head-to-head in their debut debate. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read
AFP/Getty Images
video

Related video Analyst: Election now 'a horse race'

Rachel Lichtman – So far the only Zingers are in Chris Christie’s glove compartment. #debates

Todd Barry ‏– These guys are both feeding off the energy of the crowd. #debates

Marc Lombardi ‏– The debate would be much more interesting & informative if a buzzer went off every time an untrue statement was made. #debates

Kathleen Madigan – So far, this is as exciting as lunesta. Which I love. #mockthevote

Aaron Blitzstein ‏– “It’s time for my second question.” - Jim Lehrer at 3pm tomorrow

Indecision ‏– This campaign to re-elect Bill Clinton is going really well. #debates

Storify: Big Bird and the presidential debate

Kristi Harrison ‏– I have to admit they’re both pretty handsome. I’m waiting for the swimsuit competition to decide. #debates

Fired Big Bird – Somewhere Paul Ryan is kicking over trash cans in hopes of smoking out Oscar the Grouch

Jim Sterling ‏– Obama is winning in the “Looking amazingly condescending when the other guy talks” race. #debates

Danny Sullivan ‏– Sorry, that was Obama spending five seconds arguing that he’s owed five more seconds to argue #debates

Phil Plait ‏– After reading all the variations of the debate drinking games, I have decided to simply remove my liver and set it on fire.

Mo Mandel ‏– This is the worst SNL skit of all time. #debates

Tara Ariano ‏– Frankly, neither candidate is working hard enough to land the immigrant feminist small business owner non-voting socialist vote. #debate

Big Bird Romney – If you don’t vote Obama, Mitt Romney is going to be eating me by the end of November. Show your support. #BigBird2012

Dave Weigel – This is like watching a tax law professor debate an investment advice infomercial host

Silent Jim Lehrer – …I…so, I…guys…

Patton Oswalt ‏– Hey Obama – TRAIN WITH HILLARY. This is ROCKY III and she’s your Apollo Creed. #eyeofthetiger

Nisha Chittal ‏– where is the orchestra from the Emmys when you need them! #debates

Crystal Bruce – Whoever dances off stage horse riding style to Open Gangnam — wins! #debates2012

Doug Benson – 14 minutes until we can all go back to preferring the candidate we liked when the debate started. #debate

Dennis Miller Show ‏– Obama better hope a Kicked A** is covered under Obamacare

Are You Italian? ‏– The debates in my house are much louder. #2012debate

CNN’s Doug Gross and Heather Kelly contributed to this story.