Romney Sets the Tone in First Debate

Actually seemed confident and in command

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney took the offensive in the first presidential debate Wednesday night, forcing President Obama to defend his record in a series of sharp exchanges in which Romney charged that the President's economic policies have "crushed" the middle class.

Appearing more vigorous than he often is on the campaign trail, Romney painted Obama's first term as a time of rising poverty, slowing economic growth and struggle for millions of Americans. He pushed his own plans to lower taxes and bring down the federal deficit, saying his approach would revive the sputtering economy.