Ms Bligh and Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman took each other on at the Queensland Media Club Leaders' Great Debate on Monday, which was broadcast live on commercial TV and the ABC.
It was one of the premier's last opportunities to turn around diabolical polls that suggest Labor could be left with only a cricket team of MPs in parliament.
Ms Bligh started the debate after losing the coin toss and some in the audience felt she stayed on the back foot for nearly all the hour-long event.
She said Labor's strong record of delivery could be seen from Cairns to Coolangatta.
Queensland would be the strongest and fastest-growing state in the country by next year.
"I have been a premier that has made things happen," she told the audience.
She acknowledged that the global financial crisis and the double impact of Cyclone Yasi and the floods had hurt families, who may want to punish Labor at the polls.
"When tough economic times hit families then it can become very difficult for incumbent government and I acknowledge that," she said.
She spruiked Labor's 2012 election promises, including an education trust built with gas royalties, a green belt across the state for conservation, and new apprenticeship initiatives.
But Ms Bligh's performance lacked vigour and fight.
Delivered in front of the 850-strong audience - heavy with business and industry heads - her attacks on Mr Newman appeared to fall flat.
However, her questions over how the LNP intends to fund its $4 billion in promises struck a chord, especially when she noted the party had not ruled out raising taxes.
But it was Mr Newman who won the loudest and longest applause, especially when he said Labor had been too personal with its attacks on his and his family's integrity.
The premier's performance didn't appear to win over the audience members who spoke to AAP.
Redlands local Annabelle Alexander, who described herself as bipartisan, said Ms Bligh looked defeated.
"She's just worn out," she said. "I think she's extremely brave but she is flogging a dead horse, sadly."
Others said Mr Newman looked more confident, enthusiastic and ready to go.
But the president of the United Voice union Nev Swan said Mr Newman failed to answer crucial questions, especially on costing his promises.
The premier is in damage control, traversing 50 electorates in five days in an attempt to save some seats from LNP obliteration.
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