The foreign policy debate confirmed the candidates' world views are worlds apart.
They look at the attack on our consulate in Libya…
The nuclear threat in Iran…the Arab Spring…
The capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden…the end of the war in Iraq…
And come to opposite conclusions:
"The world needs a strong America, and it is stronger now than when I came into office," Obama said.
"Nowhere in the world is America's influence greater than it was four years ago," Romney said.
Their debate personalities differed as much as their policies.
The president took it right at Romney, accusing him of…
"Wrong and reckless leadership that is all over the map."
He ridiculed Romney:
“I know you haven't been in a position to actually execute foreign policy — but every time you've offered an opinion, you've been wrong…”
"Governor, when it comes to your foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s," the president said.
And talked to him like he was a child:
“You mentioned the Navy, for example, and that we have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well, Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because the nature of our military's changed. We have these things called aircraft carriers, where planes land on them,” the president said.
Romney did not return the fire. He seemed satisfied to stay cool as the president got hot, and his response was simple:
"Attacking me is not an agenda," Romney said.
Just to make sure the president heard it, he said it again:
"Attacking me is not talking about an agenda."
I know the president's supporters cheer when he slams Romney, but I wonder what independents and undecided voters think.
Is the president convincing or condescending?
Does he sound big or small?
Tell me that and I think I can tell you who's going to win the election.