October 17, 2012 at 9:39 AM

That, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call a smackdown. President Obama decisively won Tuesday's debate. He and his supporters should be as giddy as Mitt Romney's dancing horse.

 Throughout the night, the president gave specifics. He defended his accomplishments and promised to build upon his record over the next four years. Romney, on the other hand, gave platitudes. He promised “more jobs and less debt” without saying how.

The most defining moment of the night was on foreign policy. When the candidates were asked about the attacks in Libya, President Obama came across as an intelligent and capable Commander-in-Chief. Romney blatantly lied about this issue — and had to be fact-checked by the moderator herself.

The first question was about education and the job market. Romney said he would make college affordable, but his plan would slash Pell Grants. He also promised the questioner he would have a job after school.

But during Romney's time as governor, Massachusetts was 47th in the nation in job growth. He even admitted he would have let Detroit go bankrupt. Encouraging, right? Meanwhile, President Obama has created more than 5 million jobs over the past 31 months.

Romney was all over the place. He said he loves wind jobs, yet he doesn't support the tax credits that boost that industry. He said the rich will pay the same under his plan, but wants to reduce all taxes by 20 percent.

He said he would reduce the tax burden on the middle class, but independent experts have concluded his plan will raise their taxes by $2,000. President Obama has cut taxes for working families and small businesses 18 times, and will continue that much-needed relief.

One of the night's great questions: What are the differences between Romney and George Bush? Romney said he would crack down on China and reduce the deficit. The reality is that Romney has invested in Chinese companies and his unfunded tax plan will cost $5 trillion.

President Obama made a strong appeal to women. He reminded us that the first bill he signed was the Lily Ledbetter Act, which ensures equal pay for equal work. He also reminded us that Romney wants to end funding for Planned Parenthood.

Romney hurt himself by saying two-parent households reduce gun violence. I was raised by a single mother. Last time I checked, I don't have an AK47.

Bottom line, tonight was a very good night for President Obama. He was strong and clear, and Mitt Romney was vague and erratic. Nov. 6, here we come!

By Taj Magruder, administrative vice-president of the College Democrats.