Washington ( CNN ) -- Before Wednesday 's Delaware Senate debate , the bulk of what people knew about Republican candidate Christine O'Donnell came from clips from a talk show from the 1990s . In the month since O'Donnell rocked the political world with her upset win over Rep. Mike Castle in the Republican primary , she 's dominated headlines despite avoiding the national media . Wednesday 's debate , co-moderated by CNN 's Wolf Blitzer and longtime Delaware news anchor Nancy Karibjanian , could prove to be make or break for O'Donnell 's Senate bid . She and Democrat Chris Coons are vying to fill the seat held for nearly four decades by now-Vice President Joe Biden . The debate gave O'Donnell an opportunity to reintroduce herself to voters , define her views and chip away at the 19-point deficit she must overcome to defeat Coons . It also provided a chance to do the opposite . O'Donnell and Coons focused largely on the economy and national issues during their 90-minute exchange . Updates from Delaware . O'Donnell threw rocks at Coons throughout the debate , while he tried to paint her answers as frivolous and unintelligible . `` Coons can can barely contain his disdain for his opponent , '' noted Gloria Borger , a senior political analyst for CNN . The debate produced a few humorous moments , such as when Coons said O'Donnell 's well-publicized statements that she dabbled in witchcraft and questioned evolution theory were distractions instead of a substantive campaign issue . `` You 're just jealous that you were n't on Saturday Night Live , '' O'Donnell said , referring to the comedy show 's satirical skit about her . `` I 'm dying to see who 's going to play me , '' Coons responded with a smile . The debate was tense and O'Donnell was feisty -- until a flub near the end . O'Donnell was tripped up by the same question that caused problems for then-VP candidate Sarah Palin in her interview with Katie Couric about Supreme Court decisions . Asked if she could name a recent Supreme Court case she disagreed with , O'Donnell said , `` can you give me a specific one ? '' O'Donnell was unable to provide a case , but said decisions she disagreed with would be posted on her website . While the forum was one of the most anticipated events of the campaign season , not everyone was as captivated . `` Even if I lived in [ Delaware , ] I would n't watch . I already know about this woman to question everything she has done . Her ethics and character leave a lot to be desired , '' commented CNN reader Marie MD . Commenter Laverne planned to tune in for the entertainment . `` Anybody in their right mind will be able to tell right away if she is truly knowledgeable of the topics , '' the reader said . Delaware voters had varying impressions of the debate . Bob Ashby said O'Donnell did a good job showing who she really is . `` I think that Christine O'Donnell needed to show that she 's a human being , a real person and that she 's impassioned , that all this other sort of conversation that 's been going on about her is not really accurate . And I think that 's what she attempted to do , and I think she did very well with that , '' he said . But voter Lisa Lucas was hardly impressed . `` I find it abundantly disconcerting that we have this much in common with Wasilla , '' she said . `` Even if you have some concerns about Chris Coons ' history or his politics or whatever , yet again , we have a polarized election where it 's a black and white thing , because she is so far off the grid . '' Another voter , identified by her first name only , said that after watching the debate , she decided she was n't voting for either candidate . `` I just feel that Christine O'Donnell does n't really answer any questions . She goes very circular on things . And I just feel like Chris Coons has been kind of condescending . And it 's just I do n't get a good feeling from either candidate , '' Meghan told CNN . Immediate reaction from the blogosphere was also mixed . The Conservative Journal said the debate `` did n't have a clear cut winner as far as who answered better , '' but it predicted O'Donnell would benefit most . The blog gave credit to both candidates for substantive answers , but was turned off by Coons ' `` snide retorts . '' The left-leaning blog Talking Points Memo said that while O'Donnell may have mastered her talking points , she `` had a tough time this evening with some basic questions about issues she 'd face if she is elected to the Senate . '' How do you think she did ? Did O'Donnell win or lose votes based on her performance ?
O'Donnell , Coons face off in first debate . O'Donnell has largely avoided the national media . Comment: Immediate reaction form the blogosphere was mixed .