US 2nd presidential debate: President Obama 0r Mitt Romney

Obama and Romney, talking over each other. (John Moore/Getty Images)

   

As the November US presidential election draws closer, the two main candidates, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney continue to slug it out in fiercely contested debates to convince the electorate of their suitability for the top job.

President Obama was under pressure to perform dramatically better at the secone presidential debate—held at Hofstra University in Long Island, N.Y than the one held two weeks ago.

Gov. Romney's energetic performance at that first debate quickly boosted him in the polls, with some recent measures showing he and the president in a virtual tie among likely voters.

Romney kept up his Denver demeanor, attacking Obama on his jobs record, failure to pass immigration reform, policies in the Middle East, and other issues. But this time, instead of simply repeating portions of his stump speech, Obama was ready with specific retorts and counter-attacks. The president frequently accused Romney of twisting facts, occasionally interrupting him as he spoke. At one point, the debate almost became a shouting match over whether President Obama had cut back oil extraction from public lands. 

Both candidates appeared comfortable with the more intimate town hall-style, during which an audience of 80 undecided voters, handpicked by polling organization Gallup, watched and asked questions. Audience members picked by Crowley asked the candidates about immigration reform, jobs, gun control, the gender pay gap, and other issues.

By the end of the debate, Romney spoke for nearly 41 minutes, Obama a little over 44 minutes.

The final debate of the election is Monday in Boca Raton, Florida, and will focus on foreign policy.

Wish them both luck..