If the social media reaction is anything to go by, the most exciting thing about the key debate between the Vice-Presidential rivals was a photobombing fly.

That's probably good for Joe Biden and his No.2 Kamala Harris, who landed some powerful blows over the Trump administration's handling of the coronavirus and appeared to avoid any gaffes that could be used to divert voters' attention away from the pandemic.

Not so good for Donald Trump and his deputy Mike Pence, who badly need a game-changing momentum reset after the President's COVID-19 diagnosis last week and some bizarre antics since turned the campaign on its head.

Compared to Trump and Biden's sleeves-rolled up verbal slugfest last week, the Vice-Presidential debate was a tame affair. Policies were discussed, the rivals (mostly) kept to the two-minute speaking times doled out by the moderator, and when Pence did try an interruption Harris slapped him down with: "Mr Vice-President, I'm speaking."

Pence, calm, assured and clearly well-prepared, was strong on issues that appeal to Trump's base – his pro-life stance and fears Democrats will try to pack the Supreme Court with progressives, blaming China for the pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans and promising a vaccine by the end of the year.

But initial reaction by markets and US political pundits appeared in agreement that the debate was a fairly standard, not overly-interesting political debate in which neither side landed a killer blow.

So it's back to the main game: Trump v Biden.

They are due to go head-to-head in the second of three Presidential debates one week from today (Thursday, October 16 AEDT), but Trump's illness has thrown that plan into doubt.

If it's on, join us at afr.com to follow the debate live. The Australian Financial Review's full election coverage and commentary can be found here, and sign up for our special US election newsletter here.