Here’s a negative assessment from Daniel Pipes at National Review:
Barack Obama has a weak record in the Middle East, but one would not learn this from the debate, in which Mitt Romney praised Obama’s achievements (“It’s wonderful that Libya seems to be making some progress”), agreed with Obama more than he disagreed, and rarely pointed out the president’s failings. Presumably, Romney took this mild approach to establish his likability, competence, and suitability for the top office.
When asked about Egypt, Romney digressed and moved to discussing the U.S. economy. When asked about American’s role in the world, he touted the achievements of fourth-graders in Massachusetts during his governorship. Perhaps his recurring emphasis on the economy will win over the elusive undecideds, but it left this viewer frustrated.
