Obama Strikes Back

After a lackluster performance that demoralized his base two weeks ago, President Obama came back with a strong showing and bested his opponent. He made all the points that his supporters wanted him to make. He didn't let the suddenly "moderate" Mitt get away with his pose that he will not cut taxes on the wealthy. He reminded us that Romney said that it's "fair" that he pays a 14% tax on capital gains. He pointed out that Romney remains vague about tax loopholes. He stated that Romney's tax plan numbers don't add up. He pointed out that Romney plans to eliminate Planned Parenthood. Obama cited his own signing of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, while the Romney campaign waffled on it. On immigration, the president referred to his support for the Dream Act in the face of Republican obstructionism.

There were two points where Obama particularly nailed it. He heatedly expressed his offense at Romney's accusation that he played politics regarding the attack in Benghazi. Kudos to moderator Candy Crowley for fact-checking Romney on the spot regarding Romney's false assertion that Obama didn't refer to it as a terrorist attack the next day. After she said, "He did call it an act of terror," every Obama supporter must have cheered Obama's request, the best line of the night: "Can you say that a little louder, Candy?" Following Romney's closing remarks about being president to 100% of the people, Obama reminded him about his 47% comment–and about the people who compose the 47%.

The race will remain close until Election Day. President Obama, though, struck back tonight and gave his prospects and his base a tremendous boost.