President Obama came out swinging with caustic zingers aimed at painting GOP challenger Mitt Romney as an international novice, but in the end, the 90 minutes of mostly foreign policy topics at Lynn University in Boca Raton on Monday night was a subdued affair.
With a slight lead in many national and state polls, Romney took a softer tone, downplaying expected attacks from Obama that he was a war hawk. Instead, the former Massachusetts governor presented a more moderate peace-through-strength tone.
The Mideast and China dominated the international talks, with passing references to growing opportunities in Latin America and the looming Euro crisis.
On social media sites it was apparent that people were watching two different debates, with both sides -- as expected -- claiming victory and that their candidate of choice had scored points all night.
The election is two weeks away. Early voting in Florida begins Saturday.
How did Floridians view the debate? Here's an early look:
Gov. Rick Scott
Tonights debate sealed the deal for Mitt Romney. A strong foreign policy is ineffective without a strong economy at home. Mitt Romney has now made the case for both. As Ive said throughout the 2012 campaign, the candidate who spells out a compelling vision for fixing Americas economy will win not just Florida, but the White House and leadership of the free world.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, chair of the Democratic National Committee
Someone needs to tell Mitt Romney that "Me Too" is not leadership. We already have Barack Obama leading the way.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland
Romney calm, poised and balanced. Presidential.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater
We can't afford a president who apologizes and ignores Israel. We need a president who shows strength. The choice is clear: Mitt Romney.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry
Tonight, Mitt Romney drove home his argument that America has struggled over the past four years to maintain its place as a world superpower, but he forcefully explained his vision for how to restore Americas strength at home and abroad. We can do better with Mitt Romney at the helm.
Eric Jotkoff, former Florida Democratic Party spokesman
Barack Obama proved that he is a leader with a strong and steady hand. Mitt Romney -- nothing but shaky.
Florida Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa
Undecided voters bored by "nonconsequential" things like Syria. #Sad
Florida Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary,
Romney killed it on the answer on the trade war with China. Very presidential. Obama's response? Not so much.
Florida Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota
Obama looks like he knows he is getting a spanking.
Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fort Lauderdale
Governor Romney sounding and looking more presidential than President Obama.
Nick Egoroff, Florida director: Gary Johnson Libertarian for President campaign
Hey Ron Paul Republicans, you hearing anything from Mitt Romney during foreign policy presidential debates that you can support? Me neither!
Aaron Sharockman, Tampa Bay Times.
Charlie Crist with Michelle Obama and Rick Scott with Ann Romney. Interesting.
El Sharko, The Shark Tank
Romney schools Obama Smack!
Joy Reid, The Reid Report
So far, Romney's foreign policy: peace, leadership, peace, strength, freedom, and whatever Obama is doing only with peace.
Eve Samples, Stuart News
Utter lack of specifics on both sides tonight. They can get away with it because voters don't do specifics on foreign policy.
Stacey Singer, The Palm Beach Post
And here all these months I had thought Mitt Romney was the hawk and Barack Obama the dove.
Peter Schorsch, SaintPetersblog
Obama, Romney have occupied enough of our time without saying anything important.
Instead of focusing on Egypt/Iran/Israel/Syria the U.S. should be focused on Brazil/China/India/Russia.
The Crowley Report
Did we learn anything new tonight ... nope.
No real winner tonight ... undecided tuned out
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
Tonight's debate highlighted President Obama's weak foreign policy, which Americans have had to suffer through for four years. Mitt Romney is a strong and principled leader. As our next President, he will reclaim our standing as a world leader and foster world peace from a position of strength.
House Speaker-designate Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel
Great debate tonight. I thought Gov. Romney showed substance, style and a firm grasp of America's opportunities!
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
