From pure tactics, he's gamed the Democrats. In the first debate, that was a stunningly effective fake from their camp. Everyone was expecting him to be exposed for Mr. Severe Conservative, the Tea Party captive. But what they got was someone that looked like a stud, and looked like a president (lying, but he didn't sound like he was lying, and at that time viewers were not provided any opportunity to think he was lying). Obama stands out when he appears reasonable, calm and cool in contrast with an unhinged (McCain), or unreasonable (GOP Congress) or frustrated (Hillary) looking opponent.
But he switched, like expecting Cactus Jack and getting Dude Love instead. Romney came smooth as butter TO THE LEFT!! of many mainstream Democrats on many issues. Not only that, but I think he projected some sort of reassuring, commanding, "protector of the household" or "protector of the meek" vibe. See TPM below on how women related to him. I predict tommorow, Romney will go all in on empathy on overdrive. Obama needs to counteract this. Doesn't mean calling Romney a liar. But ask what Biden did -- "show me the policies! Where are the policies?". Also it means clearly defining what Obama as a Democrat is, and what Romney as a Republican represents. Ryan Budget, Tea Party, Akin, etc. Why not hang all of that on Romney? Don't get in a liar tit-for-tat (even though Romney is), but more damaging IMO, is that Romney is blurring differences between himself and Obama.
Here's TPM on Obama losing in battleground states. Romney apparently leading by 5 in Swing States:
"In every poll, we've seen a major surge among women in favorability for Romney" Democratic pollster Celinda Lake told the paper about the race after the first presidential debate. "Women went into the debate actively disliking Romney, and they came out thinking he might understand their lives and might be able to get something done for them."