• Obama comes out swinging in attempt to avenge defeat in first debate

• President repeatedly accused challenger of lying as Romney tried to stop his opponent from interrupting

• Painted GOP candidate as extreme on social issues such as abortion

• Moderator Candy Crowley intervenes in fiery exchanges

• Will Obama’s spirited performance be enough to turn around campaign?

 

A bristling Barack Obama went on the attack in the second presidential debate, but his rival Mitt Romney gave no ground as the two men clashed again and again amid angry and at times electric exchanges.

Clearly coming with a different game plan after his lacklustre performance in Denver, Obama assailed Romney on his tax rate, his tax plan, his stance on the auto bailout and his plans to stand up to China.

The pair even appeared physically aggressive, taking advantage of the lack of any obstacles between them to go almost toe-to-toe as they angrily gestured and showed their passion through their body language.

But while Obama’s spirited performance was a huge improvement on his display two weeks ago, it was unclear whether or not it would be enough to arrest his slide in the polls which has been threatening to destroy his re-election chances.

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