Many iReporters noted that while McCain seemed to lose his temper, Obama maintained his composure during the debate.

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While Mr Mitchell admits swearing during the incident, he denies directly swearing at the officer and insists he did not lose his temper or call him a "pleb".

BBC: Andrew Mitchell

The only time I ever saw Chris lose his temper was when we were sharing a double room our last year, and some less enlightened brothers decided to make a bunch of noise late at night during finals week.

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While former chief whip Mr Mitchell admits swearing after a police officer refused to let him exit through the main Downing Street gate with his bicycle, he denies directly swearing at the officer and insists he did not lose his temper or call him a "pleb".

BBC: Andrew Mitchell

While Mr Mitchell admits swearing after a police officer refused to let him exit through the main Downing Street gate with his bicycle on 19 September last year, he denies directly swearing at the officer and insists he did not lose his temper or call him a "pleb".

BBC: Andrew Mitchell