NPP's research team live-tweeted the first Presidential debate of the 2012 election, injecting budget-related facts into the discussion. The conversation covered a lot of ground, from taxes and deficits to spending on education, healthcare, and the military.

There's plenty of beyond-the-spin facts yet to come, so be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. If Twitter isn't your thing, not to worry–below is our top 5 fact-checking tweets from last night.

1. Is the federal government getting bigger?

Has the size of government grown under @barackobama? bit.ly/DebunkingBudge… #debates

— National Priorities(@natpriorities) October 4, 2012

2. Is Social Security in crisis?

Social Security is NOT in crisis. Romney and Obama agree: bit.ly/socialsecurity… #debates

— Christopher Hellman (@chellman218) October 4, 2012

3. What's the future of Medicare?

Neither vouchers nor the status quo will truly protect Medicare. Here’s why bit.ly/TheDebateYouWo… #debates

— National Priorities(@natpriorities) October 4, 2012

4. What is Mr. Romney's plan for education funding?

To reduce spending, Romney proposes cutting education and all other discretionary programs by 5%. bit.ly/ORcomparison #debates

— National Priorities(@natpriorities) October 4, 2012

5. How much would Obamacare cost?

*Correction* Obamacare lowers deficit by $109 billion over next decade according to CBO. (Thanks @natpriorities) #debates

— Mattea Kramer (@kramervkramer) October 4, 2012

Be sure to check out our Election 2012 Voter Guide for a side-by-side comparison of the candidates' positions and fact sheets on the major issues.

Photo courtesy of DonkeyHotey: http://www.flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey/8052091470/