WALL STREET JOURNAL
Candidates Tangle in Fractious Debate
President Barack Obama, seeking to regain momentum in his campaign, battled with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney during a tense and highly anticipated rematch Tuesday marked by repeated confrontations.
In contrast to their first debate, they repeatedly interrupted each other, accused each other of lying and appealed to the moderator for more time. Tension was evident as they paced toward each other and pointed.
Mr. Obama, who was under intense pressure from supporters to be more aggressive after his lethargic performance in the first one on Oct. 3, began attacking Mr. Romney less than four minutes into the debate, noting his opposition to the federal auto bailout. “Gov. Romney says he’s got a five-point plan…He has a one-point plan,” Mr. Obama said of Mr. Romney’s economic agenda. “And that plan is to make sure that folks at the top play by a different set of rules.”
CNN
Obama Comes on Strong, Romney Stands Ground
President Barack Obama fought back and Republican challenger Mitt Romney mostly stood his ground.
The second of three presidential debates on Tuesday night brought the desired energy from the president sought by worried Democrats after a lackluster performance in the first encounter nearly two weeks ago.
A forceful Obama defended his policies and challenged Romney on shifting positions on key issues while arguing his Republican rival’s proposals would favor the wealthy if elected in three weeks.
NATIONAL JOURNAL
Plenty of Fight, But No Knockout
Who won? The answer may be Obama, because his goal following a catastrophically sluggish first debate was so clear: Show some life. And, indeed, the president aggressively criticized Romney, labeling him a hypocrite and a liar who favors the rich at the expense of the middle class and poor.
WASHINGTON POST
Obama Turns It Around
A very different President Obama showed up to tonight’s debate than the one who got trounced by Mitt Romney two weeks ago. Obama absolutely had to turn in a performance that would make his base happy — and he did that, by demonstrating a willingness to get in Mitt Romney’s face and in his space, and by not flinching from calling out Romney’s lies. Will Obama’s performance appeal to independents, swing, and undecided voters?
THE NATION
Obama Outsources Romney
Mitt Romney’s first name is Willard, which means that he is actually “W. Mitt Romney.” And it was a “W” that did him in Tuesday night. In the middle of the second presidential debate, the one where Barack Obama had to do better and did, moderator Candy Crowley invited a question from Susan Katz, an undecided voter.
THE WEEKLY STANDARD
Obama Scores Points, but Romney Remains Solid
Some quick thoughts on the debate
a.) Obama was aggressive on debating/rebutting/getting points in. It was a big improvement over last time. In particular, Obama had a lot more facts at his fingertips this time around.
NEW YORK TIMES
Rivals Bring Bare Fists to Rematch
In a charged and clenched debate, President Obama portrayed Mitt Romney as a former corporate raider, while Mr. Romney kept bringing the discussion back to Mr. Obama’s record.
For the President, Punch, Punch, Another Punch
President Obama emerged from the second debate with Mitt Romney having settled nerves within his party and claimed a new chance to frame the presidential race with just three weeks until Election Day.