The American people have been reacting to last night's second live televised debate between President Barack Obama and the man who wants to take over in the hot seat, Republican nominee, Mitt Romney. The 90-minute debate at the Hofstra University on Long Island it was moderated by the CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley.

And while the first debate saw President Obama somewhat on the ropes, the latest Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll shows him leading Romney 46% to 43%. The President came across much more assertive than last time, as the two men clashed with Romney on domestic issues, including the contentious matter of job losses across the US car industry.

Romney says: "Well, the president took Detroit bankrupt, you took General Motors bankrupt, you took Chrysler bankrupt, so when you say that I wanted to take the auto industry bankrupt, you actually did. And I think it's important to know that that was a process that was necessary to get those companies back on their feet so they can start hiring more people, that was precisely what I recommended, and ultimately what happened."

Obama replies: "Candy, what Governor Romney said just isn't true. He wanted to take them into bankruptcy without providing them with any way to stay open. And we would have lost a million jobs. Don't take my word for it, take the executives at GM and Chrysler, some of whom are Republicans, may even support Governor Romney. But they will tell you his prescription wasn't going to work. And Governor Romney says he's got a five-point plan, Governor Romney doesn't have a five-point plan he has a one-point plan. And that plan is to make sure that folks at the top play by a different set of rules. That has been his philosophy in the private sector, that has been his philosophy as governor, and that has been his philosophy as a presidential candidate."

Here's the reaction from diners, who were watching the debate in this packed out restaurant in Washington D.C.

First woman says: "I think Obama came out super strong. He was really on it; he was really aggressive and came out so much stronger than last time. And I think that Romeny came out quite fluffy. He kept repeating the same talking points over and over again and I'm just not convinced that he has anything concrete there that can actually help people."

Second woman says: "I thought that there were a few points scored here and a few points scored there but I didn't find either candidate captivating and it's hard for me to say that either one was the winner."

Next Monday, it's Battleground Florida for their third and final debate. And the Presidential Election Day for real is November the 6<sup>th.

Written and presented by Marverine Cole.