Obama and Romney aggressive in second presidential debate

A far more aggressive President Obama showed up for his second debate with Mitt Romney, and at moments their town-hall-style engagement felt more like a shouting match than a presidential debate.

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Oct. 16, 2012

As with a boxing match, Republican nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama shook hands before taking to their neutral corners in the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

Reporter Candy Crowley of CNN acted as moderator of the debate, but at some points had to be more of a referee.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

Romney and Obama frequently verbally jousted during the debate, interrupting each other to counter points.

Shannon Stapleton / European Pressphoto Agency

Oct. 16, 2012

There were moments when one side or the other did sit passively in the background.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

Obama was much more aggressive during the second debate, a change from his much criticized performance in the first debate.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

The town-hall-style debate allowed members of the audience to ask the candidates questions. The audience was made up of uncommitted voters.

Win McNamee / Getty Images

Oct. 16, 2012

Finger-pointing was a common gesture during the debate. Sometimes the fingers were pointed to the audience, other times at the opposing candidate.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

In the first debate, Obama often looked down and smiled as Romney spoke. But in Tuesday night’s debate, there was less smiling from the president.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

At several points during the debate, the candidates challenged who should get the last word in on an question.

Emmanuel Dunand / AFP/Getty Images

Oct. 16, 2012

Ann Romney is all smiles as she listens to her husband at the debate.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

As was first lady Michelle Obama. While their husbands exchanged opposing viewpoints onstage, both women seemed to agree that pink was the color of the night.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

Obama and Romney both got to close with statements addressing misconceptions that they think voters have about them.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

A Hofstra University student watches the debate.

Andrew Burton / Getty Images

Oct. 16, 2012

Romney hugs family members following the debate.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

Obama hugs Michelle after the debate.

Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post

Oct. 16, 2012

People watch the debate on television screens at the Electric Avenue electronics store in Miami.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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