point, after Ryan invoked the name of President John F. Kennedy, whom the Republican said had increased growth while lowering tax rates, Biden shot back: "Now you're Jack Kennedy?" But Biden's body language was as striking as any words spoken by either man. Though he often wore a broad smile, he appeared disdainful of Ryan. In being so demonstrative, Biden ran the risk of drawing comparisons with a previous Democratic vice president, Al Gore, whose sighing during his first 2000 presidential clash with then-Gov. George W. Bush was widely perceived to be self-damaging. Biden's "happy warrior" approach may well have been more successful, however. That was certainly the message from a CBS News snap poll in the immediate aftermath, in which 50 percent of a sampling of undecided voters said Biden won the debate as against 31 percent for Ryan. A CNN poll, however, found that Ryan bested Biden by 4 points, 48 percent to 44. To the relief of Democrats, Biden committed none of the gaffes for which he has become infamous during his campaign trail appearances. He attacked Romney for his "47 percent remarks",  presented himself as a champion for (and product of) the middle class, and took issue with almost all of Ryan's claims. He also held his own in an exchange over abortion, which had been prefaced by a request from moderator Martha Raddatz for both men to speak in personal terms. On the other hand, Ryan made a fluent case for the Republican ticket. He