Obama On Debate: 'I Was Just Too Polite'

Obama: 'I Was Just Too Polite' At The Debate

WASHINGTON -- In addition to refiguring his approach to and preparation for the next debate, part of President Barack Obama's task is to reassure a base in despair.

During a radio interview with Tom Joyner Wednesday morning, Obama tried to do just that, telling the hugely popular host that he understands he has to go for the jugular when he meets Mitt Romney again next Tuesday.

Below is a transcript sent out by the Tom Joyner Morning Show:

Well, two things. I mean, you know, the debate, I think it’s fair to say I was just too polite, because, you know, it’s hard to sometimes just keep on saying and what you’re saying isn’t true. It gets repetitive. But, you know, the good news is, is that’s just the first one. Governor Romney put forward a whole bunch of stuff that either involved him running away from positions that he had taken, or doubling down on things like Medicare vouchers that are going to hurt him long term.

…And, you know, I think it’s fair to say that we will see a little more activity at the next one.

This could very well be a bluff on the president's part. For all the talk of Obama failing to push back hard enough against Romney in their first debate, his favorability numbers did improve after the fact, suggesting there are some benefits to not engaging too hard.

That said, Democrats are predisposed to devolve into emotional distress at the first sign of political trouble, instinctively rushing to plot out their post-election moves to Canada. With Obama currently facing an enthusiasm gap against Romney, he may very well find it necessary to not just soothe these concerns but get his base charged up again during the next debate.

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