Obama vs Romney: The Hempstead showdown TEXT

A feistier and forceful Barack Obama appeared to debate his way back into the game at second faceoff with rather 'grim' Republican rival Mitt Romney in New York on Tuesday night with one of the first verdicts branding him the winner of the debate.

Just three weeks ahead of the Big Day November 6, Obama appeared much more assertive and aggressive than he was at Denver debate and strongly defended his policies and launched sharp attacks on his rival Romney who had won the first debate.

Obama and Romney clashed over taxes, deficit, energy, pay equity for women and health care issues.

Click HERE to read the transcript of thrilling debate

Image: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and US President Barack Obama talk over each other as they answer questions during a town hall style debate at Hofstra University.

Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images