(New York) – US President Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney clashed repeatedly on jobs, energy and Libya in their second US Presidential debate, with Obama moving aggressively to challenge his opponent. Obama was much sharper and more energetic than in their first encounter held two weeks ago.
In one spellbinding exchange, Obama stared directly at Romney and rebuked him over his criticism of his White House for its handling of an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi on September 11, which killed four Americans. In another heated exchange over energy, Romney charged the president with miserably failing to restore speedy jobs growth and to cut ballooning deficits.
Romney also furiously accused Obama over debt. “We’ve gone from $10 trillion of national debt to $16 trillion of national debt. If the president were re-elected, we’d go to almost $20 trillion of national debt. This puts us on a road to Greece,” he said.
Obama hit back that Romney had invested in companies in China that were pioneers of outsourcing US jobs. “Governor, you’re the last person who’s going to get tough on China.” When Romney tried to counter-attack, asking Obama if his pension scheme included investment in low wage economies abroad, president openly mocked him. “I don’t look at my pension. It’s not as big as yours. I don’t check it that often.”
Both candidates were able to roam the stage to talk directly to the questioners, and at times they circled each other warily.