Who Won the Debate: Summary and Winner of Second Presidential Debate

Impact

Tonight, at 9 p.m., President Obama and former Governor Romney will share the same stage as they take part in their second general election presidential debate. As of today, the candidates are tied, each polling at about 47%, causing the intro to “Eye of the Tiger” play perpetually in my head.

With many interruptions and lots of eye rolling, it appears that little time was left in the first presidential debate and the vice presidential debate to, well, debate.

Here are just three critical issues that have been overlooked in the debates thus far

1) Women's Health

I’m talking about substantive, policy debate on abortions, Planned Parenthood, birth control — you name it. The one mention of women’s health came in the form of a weird uterus anecdote from Ryan and a brief mention of Roe v. Wade by Biden.

In a year where Obama has changed the landscape of health care, let’s hear the word “woman” said more than just when commentators are praising Candy Crowley.

 2) Gay Marriage

The issue of gay marriage and gay rights never reached the stage last Thursday, or during the first debate. Gay marriage could be up next on the turntables of the Supreme Court, and the country remains divided on the legality of the issue. You’re telling me the first sitting president to call for same-sex marriage, and a Mormon have nothing to say about this?

Please ask, please tell!

 3) Climate Change

Fighting season in Afghanistan? This is the closest we’ve gotten so far to discussion on climate change in either debate.

One of the most evident differences between the Obama and Romney campaigns are their views on global warming. The contrast is akin to my views on the existence of Santa Claus when I was six versus 16. Guess who's the 16-year-old in this situation?

While these are my top three issues, I can still think of a bunch more. What else do you want to hear during tonight's debate?

Hit REFRESH for updates!

10:41 p.m. 

10:40 p.m. Thanks for tuning in everyone! 

10:38 p.m. YES. 47% gets a shout out. 

Great, great answer to the final question by President Obama. 

10:37 p.m. "I believe everybody should have a fair shot...that's how we built the world's greatest middle class."  

10:36 p.m. No questions on gay marriage or gay rights yet...

10:35 p.m. Mittens, did you go to the Olympics?

10:35 p.m. "I care about 100% of the American people." just subtract 47% from that and you've got it! 

10:34 p.m. "Government does not create jobs! Government does not create jobs!" -Romney 

10:33 p.m. This:

 

10:26 p.m. Hoping BO brings up "the 47%" to bring it home. Make David Axelrod smile a bit more, Barack. 

10:24 p.m. Romney blaming single parents for gun violence #BringingBackBush 

10:23 p.m. 

10:22 p.m. Romney turns a gun law debate about "cultural violence" into the same talk the nun at my school gave me in 9th grade of high school: leave room for the holy spirit before you're married! Amazing. 

10:21 p.m. Me when Candy Crowley calls out Romney on Rose Garden assertion: 

10:18 p.m. Gun control FINALLY makes its way onto the national stage. Great questions continue to flow in at the debate. 

10:15 p.m. "It's offensive...that's not what I do as president. That's not what I do as commander in chief." -Obama

10:14 p.m. Hill and Barry back each other up. Dream team. 

10:11 p.m. Yes: http://bindersfullofwomen.tumblr.com/

 

10:10 p.m. "When folks mess with Americans, we go after them." -Obama

10:06 p.m. "Have you looked at your pension President Obama?" "Yes, it's not as big as yours" BOOM. 

10:03 p.m. First mention of the phrase "gang-bangers" in presidential debate? 

10:03 p.m. "We can fix this [immigration] system in a comprehensive way." -Obama 

10:01 p.m. This exists: 

9:56 p.m. Reagan! Drink the rest of the bottle!

Yes: 

http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/04/24/470541/mitt-romney-versus-george-bush/

9:54 p.m. Obama has now mentioned Planned Parenthood three times. Finally an issue that has been marginalized in the last two debates comes to the forefront.

Thank you:

9:49 p.m. Obama taking on Romney in women's issues: 

9:45 p.m. Obama hits it home in talking about women. Romney tries to say he thinks "every woman in America should have access to contraceptives." 

9:44 p.m. "These are not just women's issues. These are families issues." -Obama

9:44 p.m HERE WE GO.

9:43 p.m. "That's not the kind of advocacy women need in any economy." -Obama 

9:40 p.m. Ah, the female Armageddon of Romney's campaign comes. Gov. Romney says he was able to "find some good women." He is also showing his generous side in allowing flexible hours so women are able find time to cook. 

9:37 p.m. Obama talks about glass ceiling. Helen then passes out. 

Mention of the Lilly Ledbetter Act. "We fixed that...an example of the kind of advocacy that we need, because women are increasingly the breadwinners of the family." Finally, finally! My feminist senses are tingling! 

9:34 p.m. First mention of Big Bird. The drinking games begin. 

9:33 p.m. President Obama brings it home with the mention of Romney not paying taxes over 14%.

9:31 p.m. NOW Gov. Romney decides he cares about women? Really?

9:29 p.m. Obama makes brilliant point on growing the economy. Mentions small businesses hiring veterans, rather than the tax-cuts Romney just spoke of. 

9:23 p.m. YES, Crowley! That's what I call a moderator! 

9:22 p.m. According to new poll, Obama is winning debate: http://www.intrade.com/v4/markets/contract/?contractId=766621

9:21 p.m. Obama is absolutely right to attack Romney in being anti-coal. 

9:19 p.m. Obama's standing up and setting Romney straight:

9:16  Romney is breaching the touchy subject of birds...don't forget, Big bird is still recovering from the first debate.

9:10 "Gov. Romney has a one point plan: to make sure the folks at the top don't play by the same rules." First great line of the night by Obama. 

9:07 Major ups to Candy Crowley for bringing up long-term unemployment.

9:05 p.m. Romney promises even more government spending. Flip-flops on Pell Grants #classic

9:05 p.m. Tie color swap. Is this a sign?

7:50 p.m. Mitt's hypothetical answer when asked if it's right that he does not women to have control over their own bodies: