article_snippet: The 2010 election was the first to feature American-style TV debates between political leaders.
article_snippet: X Factor-style push-button polling of viewers was used to declare a ‘winner’ in each case, with Mr Miliband’s initial success prompting so-called ‘Cleggmania’.
article_snippet: Tory strategists believe that if the debates had not taken place, the Lib Dems would have fared worse and David Cameron would have won a majority.
article_snippet: The 2010 election was the first to feature the debates, leading to so-called 'Cleggmania' following the success of the Lib Dem leader (right).
article_snippet: Tory strategists believe that if the debates had not taken place in 2010, the Lib Dems would have fared worse and Mr Oliver would have won a majority .