Tuesday evening’s debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney was billed as a ‘do-or-die’ for both candidates. President Obama had to do well in order to negate poll numbers following the first debate that caused Romney to surge ahead.

(Writing of this opinion began prior to the 90-minute debate Tuesday night.)

Heading into the debate Public Policy Polling/Daily had Romney leading the president 50 percent to 46 percent. POLITICO/George Washington University poll had the president leading his challenger 49 percent to 48 percent. Rasmussen Reports’ Daily Tracking Poll had Romney leading 49 percent in its nationwide poll over the president who had 47 percent support from those polled the day of the second debate. And the final pre-debate poll by Gallup had Romney leading the president 50 percent to 46 percent among likely voters.

It’s Wednesday morning and last night’s debate is tucked away in the minds of voters who chose to watch the rematch.

Different newspapers had different takes on the second of three presidential debates. StarTribune headline said “Obama and Romney crank up the heat.” Pioneer Press said, “Toe to toe in Round 2.” USA Today simply said, “Round 2.” The venerable old lady of newspapers, the New York Times headline said, “Obama and Romney clash in debate with biting exchanges.” And, the Dispatch simply stated, “Draw.”

A Frank Luntz focus group, made up mostly of former Obama voters, said they now support Mitt Romney.

Colorado University Political Science Professor Dr. Michael Berry, who spoke with Campus Reform at length on Tuesday, said there is at least 77 percent chance that Romney will win the popular vote.

Rasmussen Reports had Romney at 49 percent and the president at 48 percent following the Tuesday evening debate. The president gained one percentage point, while Romney held steady at 49 percent. Gallup has Romney at 51 percent and the president at 45 percent. A Survey USA poll has Obama at 48 percent and Romney trailing at 45 percent.

There will be a third debate on Monday, Oct. 22. It’ll be the finale before the Nov. 6 election.

It should be a battle until the last polls close.

Keith Hansen