Obama accuses Romney of dishonesty in debate

Which candidate&#39;s tax claims are right?
Which candidate's tax claims are right?


    Which candidate's tax claims are right?


Which candidate's tax claims are right? 02:58

Story highlights

  • Ryan, Romney say debate offered voters a clear choice
  • The Obama campaign says Mitt Romney was dishonest
  • Republicans crow about the first debate; Democrats downplay it
  • Analysts and a snap poll say Mitt Romney won the opening round


"If you want to be president, you owe the American people the truth," Obama said at a campaign rally Thursday in Denver. "So here's the truth: Governor Romney cannot pay for his $5 trillion tax plan without blowing up the deficit or sticking it to the middle class. That's the math."

Romney's pledge: No tax cut for the rich

The president's top aides were even more blunt.

"Romney's performance was one that's probably unprecedented in its dishonesty," senior adviser David Plouffe told reporters.

Analyst: Election now &#39;a horse race&#39;
Analyst: Election now 'a horse race'


    Analyst: Election now 'a horse race'


Analyst: Election now 'a horse race' 01:40
Obama and Romney debate in Denver
Obama and Romney debate in Denver


    Obama and Romney debate in Denver


Obama and Romney debate in Denver 03:24
Best &#39;zingers&#39; from debate night
Best 'zingers' from debate night


    Best 'zingers' from debate night


Best 'zingers' from debate night 01:50
Rubio: Obama uncomfortable at debate
Rubio: Obama uncomfortable at debate


    Rubio: Obama uncomfortable at debate


Rubio: Obama uncomfortable at debate 02:17

Still, senior campaign adviser David Axelrod acknowledged Obama will examine his debate strategy for the next two contests -- on October 16 in New York and October 22 in Florida.

The president opted against "serial fact-checking with Governor Romney, which can be a never-ending, exhausting pursuit," Axelrod said. "Obviously, going forward, we're going to have to look at this, and we're going to have make some adjustments."

What's next: Can Obama recover or will Romney run up the score?

Meanwhile, Romney continued to push his debate theme that there's been much federal spending under Obama, complaining of "trickle-down government" that has failed to solve the nation's economic woes.

"Trickle-down government that the president proposes is one where he will raise taxes on small business, which will kill jobs" he said in an unannounced visit Thursday to a conservative conference in Colorado. "I instead want to keep taxes down on small business so we can create jobs."

He and his vice presidential running mate, Paul Ryan, then appeared together Thursday night in Fisherville, in western Virginia. Ryan touted the National Rifle Association's endorsement earlier in the day of the GOP ticket, adding that he's looking forward to when "after we elect Mitt Romney president, I can take my daughter deer hunting."

Both the Wisconsin congressman and Romney, who followed him onstage, referenced the previous night's debate as demonstrating "a clear choice" for voters.

"Last night was an important night for the country, because people got the chance to cut through all the attacks and the counterattacks and all the theatrics associated with the campaign, and instead they were able to listen to substance," said the former Massachusetts governor.

Analysis: Five reason the president fumbled the debate

"As a result ..., the American people recognize that (Obama) and I stand for something very different," he said, before vowing, "I am going to help the American people get good jobs and a bright future."

His supporters crowed about his debate performance, saying it reshaped a race that Romney had appeared in danger of losing.

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, who played the role of the president in debate rehearsals for Romney, said the GOP candidate had a "terrific night" in discussing Obama's record, talking about his own policies and setting "the record straight on ... misleading ads."


To Ed Gillespie, a senor adviser to Romney, the GOP challenger brought focus to the sharp contrast between the candidates by showing voters that "we can't afford four more years like the last four years."

While both sides were in full spin mode Thursday, it was widely felt that Romney won the debate itself.

Analysis: Romney seizes the story





Obama joked Thursday that a different Romney appeared at the debate from the conservative candidate who won a grueling primary campaign to challenge him on November 6.


In Denver and later in Wisconsin, Obama also went after Romney's pledge during the debate to cut funding for public broadcasting, referring specifically to the popular Sesame Street character Big Bird.

"He'll get rid of regulations on Wall Street, but he's going to crack down on Sesame Street," Obama joked about Romney's pledge to repeal the Dodd-Frank Act that reforms the financial sector.


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