The funny thing about debates is it really doesn't matter how either candidate performs, voters will defend or applaud the person they support. Obama supporters will say the first time around, he was "too nice" or "acting presidential." Critics will say the President was "lackluster" or "his head wasn't in the game." The same goes for Romney. In the end, we hear what we want to hear and vote how we want to vote.

Two down, one to go. The second debate between President Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney took place on Long Island last night in a town-hall style format. The two sparred repeatedly on the economy, gas prices, equal pay for women, and the terror attack in Libya.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released today found a majority of voters felt President Obama performed better than his Republican rival last night. But his strong performance followed a lackluster debate two weeks ago that led to a bounce in the polls for Romney. What do you say?

What have been the highlights and lowlights of the first two debates? Have your opinions of the candidates changed because of them? What issues do you want to see addressed in more detail? Are the debate formats effective in helping you form an opinion on who to vote for?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

Romney maintains a slight lead. Obama was in full campaign mode and lied about the Rose Garden terrorism remark and has made the economy worse than did Bush. I choose Romney only because Obama is worse.

I haven't been happy with a President since Jefferson.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

Sorry, but I don't watch, I don't care, it doesn't matter anymore. It's who's who and what's what....no matter what who we DONS want to win, will ultimately WIN...

I am not going to vote anymore!

Ms. J.
New Rochelle, NY

My opinion hasn't changed. Mr. Romney still doesn't have a plan. All he does is attack the President of the United States and blames him for the economy gone sour and not recovering fast enough. Hell, it took us 8 years to get to this point. It is not going to be fixed overnight. Mr. Romney kills me with the constant attack on jobs yet his company Bain is shipping jobs overseas through Sensata. He has no definite plans. Its like Paul Ryan washing a clean dish at a soup kitchen when he has no clue what a soup kitchen does and he's never been hungry. I know, I've been through that phase and I am retired.

Jeanne,
Brooklyn, NY

Obama can't keep promising what he promised to do when he was elected to his first term. How can we trust him a second time.

Also a battery company has claimed bankruptcy and this is our money once again being loaned out and we never get paid back.

The name of this company is A123 which is another green company that just doesn't cut it. This is only one company amidst many other losers.

Also I feel that he spends to much time campaigning and this was in full force in the last two years and his wife is always on some sort of vacation. Maybe some beg to differ with me but this is what I observe and it's only my opinion. That's all I have to give because I surely don't have any money.

maxxiee
mp

IF THE ELECTORATE IS SANE AND CAPABLE OF CONCEPTUALIZING THE FOREST FROM THE TREES- HE PROBABLY INSURED HIS RE-ELECTION SINCE HIS OPPONENT IS FUNDAMENTALLY LACKING IN COMMON SENSE AND IN HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMMON MAN AND SINCE OBAMA MADE THE CASE PERSUASIVELY. I ALREADY VOTED FOR THE PRESIDENT. YOU CANT BLAME HIM FOR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND HIS CONTROL AND SCENARIOS HE INHERITED. HE DESERVES ANOTHER TERM; THE OTHER GUY CAN PERUSE HIS BINDERS FILLED WITH WOMEN.

JS
fLUSHING

Mitt Romney in my book stood toe to toe with President Obama at the debate and spoke the truth. Where as the middle class has been bury and President Obama had four years to bring the change he has promise. Now is the time for a new plan, a new dream and a new leader with vision like Romney. As for me let me say to Mitt Romney," Kudos, for a job well done."

Frederick
Glen Oaks Village, N.Y.

I prefer sit down spaced apart debates with a town hall audience for questions also with lose a turn policy if you waver from an original topic or question.

Jimmy. The Bronx.

Mitt Romney was arrogant and disrespectful towards our President. If Romney treats his own President in this manner, how will he treat other heads of state if he becomes President. President Obama won the debate.

Vanessa
Columbia Heights Waterfront District
Brooklyn

Both candidates are master debaters, and each one held his own in this vigorous and stimulating back and forth on the issues and the hard decisions that each will face if either of them is able to pull ahead and firm up his election in November. But, with one more presidential debate to go, the climax is yet to come. ;)

BIG ANDY
Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn

Romney stated that Reagan managed to take the unemployment rate down and Obama could not. Well, Reagan had 8 yrs to do so and at the 4yr mark Reagan was just about even with Obama now...

Carolyn

Mitt romney stuck his foot in his mouth 2 times first time about what he said of the 47% and 2nd about woman in binders also obama was definetly on point.

Lee
The Bronx

There were several points during the debate where Romney was so disrespectful to the President. His tone and put down attitude was more obnoxious and arrogant than debate like in demeanor.

His attack was ugly and made me see him as an undesirable leader.

Also Romney's closing remarks about families strength revolving from married couples was disturbing to hear.

Nile

My thought:

Obama was weak the 1st round and Romney came in striking and pointing out everything that went the wrong path for the last 4 years.

2nd round, Obama gave details and was much more on target. Romney, became vague and lost me, by not digging into the details of how he will, instead he kept pointing and pointing out issues that actually, kind of, bit him back, for not having the facts down.

I have never voted and I believe I will probably go with Obama, I would consider Romney if he just got more detailed about what he can do, and start convincing me about it.

Sal from the upper west side

I don't understand why people keep saying that the President didn't describe his plans. His plans are already in the works. It takes time for things to turn around, especially the things he's been saddled with. It's also quite confusing to me how people can consider themselves qualified to vote if they are basing their vote on 3 silly, reality show-like debates on tv - in between commercials.

Nancy from Hell's Kitchen

President Obama definitely won the debate last night. I was most impressed with his passionate, firm and strong statement to Governor Romney about his cabinet's handling of Libya -- he was presidential and a serious commander in chief. I trust wholeheartedly President Obama's leadership in foreign policy. The baseless facts surrounding Mitt Romney's remarks about Libya would be comical if they were not serious. Facts are relevant in extreme situations as Libya and should not be used to score political points as Romney's team clearly did. However, I do not believe that President Obama's performance last night -- although much stronger and concise -- will make up for his first debate spectacle in Denver. If President Obama had come up swinging in the first debate this election would essentially be over. e was ahead in the polls and unfortunately he let Mitt Romney get too much momentum in this race.

But now Mayor Bloomberg and his Super PAC team with his agendas of same sex marriage, gun laws and education. His agendas are worthy but has anyone noticed that this PAC money will be used to back mostly republican candidates. If Mayor Bloomberg is truly for same sex marriage and gun control he would be backing more democratic candidates. The KOCH BROTHERS -- is he kidding -- they are all for guns, the 2nd amendment, the NRA and they are absolutely in no way for legalizing same sex marriage!!! I distrust his motives more than I have ever before. He is only in this to upset the senate races that are leaning toward democratic candidates.

THE KOCH BROTHERS HAVE ENOUGH AND THEY ARE DOING ENOUGH DAMAGE TO THESE RACES!!!

Lisa

Barack Obama came from a single parent household. HE BECAME THE PRESIDENT!!!

Nancy from NYC

The president has a plan for the country Mitt Romney says he has a plan but so far he has not spelled it out as far as I am concerned.

Joann

How can a caller say Obama had no cooperation? During the first two years of his presidency the entire federal government was Democratic. Instead of fixing the economy,
he passed healthcare reform (socialized medicine).

John
Upper West Side

Mitt Romney doesn't know it yet, but he has assured President Obama's reelection. As the first debate lifted him among women, Obama effectively portrayed him as out of touch with women- and all Americans. I predict polls will show a slight resurgence for Obama, where he will squeak out a narrow electoral college victory. Good for him.

Nick
Harlem

Is anyone paying attention to Romney’s proposal to cap tax deductions at $25K?

Carolyn – Upper East Side

I personally did not like the debate format; however, that said, voted for Obama 2008, am voting for Romney 2012. Obamacare is going change my health insurance to cut rate medical care. I have good drs. refusing my Aetna insurance thanks to Obama.

Am sick of "woman's" rights; I feel that I have more rights than men; pro-choice equals stupid women acting irresponsibly. Shut Up
already.

Realize my email bit off topic.

Kate
Midtown East

People of NY, I've listened to a lot of people say Romney has been unable to describe what he will do to create jobs. These folks are looking for the "how" if you will...What has Obama said that makes you so much more comfortable? Based on actions and results any logical person can conclude he is not the man to create more jobs.

Why is that when posed with a question he is unwilling or unable to answer Obama asks the moderator to move on? If he were in court the judge would make him answer the question. Cowards run, hide, and sling mud when they can't win a fair fight.

Try to see what is folks... not what you want to believe...

John - Who suspects this will not be posted.

The debate meant nothing. No one wants to admit it is. all about race. The Congress said on the first day this is a one term president.

Anonymous

Bush took 8 years to head us in turmoil and Obama got half that time to to rebuild and create an inclination in our economy. Its pathetic to see how a part of America are so ignorant to the natural laws of consequences created by Bush and now intended to go full throttle into hell by Romney.

Radha

I would just. Like to say that. Mitt romney. Is just! Crazy,.he's options. And solution. And demanoir is crazy. I cant. Believe. People. Are actually. Considering. For Our. President.. obama. Is the best. Mitt. Romney. Can't not even talk. Obama. Is the best. Solution. Mitt. Romney. Is just stupit....... Thank. You.

Melody. From elmhurst. Queens

I am a Republican and yet an Obama supporter. And am so glad to have seen a come back from the first debate. What I would like to see, as well as many others, is the human element. A shake of the hands where physically possible would have been wonderfull to see. And more individual eye contact.

During President Obama's first campaign, Mrs. Obama happened to visit the child care center where my grand-daughter happened to be attending in North Carolina. Families were notified in advance and the mother's were invited to this visit. My daughter-in-law upon coming home was so excited and could not get over not only how lovely and gracefull Mrs. Obama was, but how down to earth she was. At the end of the visit, Mrs. Obama made a promise that if her husband were elected into office all parents would be invited to a luncheon at the White House. With great doubt, and ecstatic surprise, approximately one and a half years from Mrs. Obama's visit, an envelope came to their home from the White House containing an envitation with a R.S.V.P. card enclosed.

I bring up this story only because how warm, lovely, down to earth and personable Mrs. Obama was and that it wouldn't hurt if this same warmth were extended through President's Obama's responses not only to present audiences at the debates but, to the nation in general. Because President Obaama must be as loving a man as Mrs. Obam is and their children appear to be. After all, we are united as a nation, we are united as a people, and the uniting factor is love. I would like to feel that same love that the Obama family have cultivated, come across and shared with the American People.

Respectfully submitted,
Christna
From the Lower East Side
(Born & raised right here, 57 yrs; 1st generation American;
Grandparents & my mother came over on a boat from Poland approx.1947)

Hi John, I watched the debate last night and was very impressed with Ms Gillibrand. Whats wrong with the republicans that Long woman was terrible. Rude, interrupting. Romney the same way. they are overbearing. Don't they know that turns the public off ".MANNERS; we learn that in play school.Don't be a BULLY

D.