(CNN) -- A combative debate on Thursday between Vice President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Paul Ryan came down to the issue of trust. They challenged each other's facts and claims and offered starkly different visions for the direction of the country. Biden achieved his goal of bringing the fight to his Republican challenger in battling Ryan to a draw, boosting the spirits of Democrats disheartened by President Barack Obama's lackluster performance last week in the first of three presidential debates. Ryan made a positive impression with his command of both domestic and foreign policy issues that showed him to be a formidable national candidate after a career of local congressional races in his native Wisconsin.
@highlight
NEW: A snap CNN/ORC International poll shows Paul Ryan with slight edge, but result statistically even
@highlight
Ryan slams the Obama administration on Libya, Iran and the economy
@highlight
Vice President Joe Biden fights back, criticizing Republican claims as untrue
@highlight
The Kentucky debate was the only one between the vice presidential candiates
"He wasn't charming @placeholder tonight, that wasn't his mission," Castellanos said.