President Obama, who put himself into a must-win situation because of his lackluster performance two weeks earlier, brought a more confrontational approach to Hofstra University for the second of three debates with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
The final debate is set for Oct. 22 at Lynn University in West Palm Beach.
How did Floridians see Romney-Obama II: (Did you see the same debate?)
Gov. Rick Scott
"This election is going to come down to one thing -- who will offer a better jobs plan for America. Governor Romney stood out again tonight as a leader with a vision for a thriving American economy, where everyone who wants a job can get one, and where people believe in our country again. He is the clear choice for voters in November."
Former Gov. Jeb Bush
"Mr. President, if you said the murders in Libya were an act of terror, why did you let your team say otherwise for two weeks?"
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston
Libya question left #Romney Exposed as a candidate who is not in command of the facts -- or foreign policy.
Eric Jotkoff, former Florida Democratic Party spokesman
"That exchange on Libya was Romney's Gerald Ford moment. He was lost and not presidential at all."
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
Obama keeps talking about what he is going to do ... What about what has he done in last four years? We can't afford four more years!
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater
Mitt Romney clearly has the experience to tackle our nation's challenges. Obama's record: high taxes, out of control spending and more debt.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry
"Barack Obama needed a knockout punch tonight, but instead he spent most of the night trying to pick himself up off of the mat from the last debate. That's what happens when you campaign on fixing the economy and you fail to deliver. He's out of gas, his campaign is stalling, and he couldn't offer anything new. In contrast, Mitt Romney stood tall as the candidate who can change our economic outlook and get America working again, just as Governor Scott has gotten Florida back on the right track."
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami
After tonights debate, the choice in this election is even more clear than before -- as is the fact that Governor Romney is the only candidate who can turn the economy around. The president couldnt explain to the American people how the next four years would be better than the last. With so many still suffering, we cant afford more failed policies. We cant afford a president whose top priority during the recession was Obamacare instead of helping to create good jobs and getting our fiscal house in order. Tonight, Mitt Romney once again showed that he has a plan to restore our economy, one based on principles that have worked before and can work again.
U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers
"Tonight Mitt Romney demonstrated once again he is qualified and ready to lead from day one as president. I am so proud of his positive, issue-based vision."
David Mica, Florida Petroleum Council
POTUS makes me crazy when he said we sit on leases ... We pay the govt rent every month on leases ... Absolutely no reason to sit on a lease.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach
The key clip from this debate might just be Obama lecturing Romney on foreign policy.
Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples
Gov. Mitt Romney: "Government does not create Jobs" could not agree more! A clear difference between Mitt and the Pres.
Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa
Not only was Crowley's handling of the forum atrocious, she waded into the debate and tried to play court reporter. Key word, TRIED
Florida Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa
Please notice how all our "neutral" reporters for Florida newspapers are tweeting their hearts out for Obama. #Every.single.one
Frank Cerabino, The Palm Beach Post
"How does assault weapons question get to the importance of two-parent families? Mitt is off his nut."
Peter Schorsch, SaintPetersblog
That screeching sound you're hearing is whatever momentum @MittRomney had coming to an abrupt halt.
Joy Reid, The Reid Report
Romney has essentially answered every question with the words "I know what it takes."
The Crowley Report
Good debate ... slight edge to Obama"
Bettina Inclan, political commentator formerly worked with Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.,
Obama gets 44 minutes to Romney's 40? And that's not even counting Candy's interjections on Obama's behalf.
Brian Burgess, RPOF
CNN takeaway: Obama vastly improved, Romney solid. In short, most improved player doesn't = MVP.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
