Debate begins on lighter note with candidates praising each other . Obama questions Romney 's pro - life commitment . He made similar comments when he kicked off his campaign last month and had to backtrack then under heavy Republican criticism , and on Monday night he moderated his stance by supporting the overall proposal with some modifications . Bachmann announces she filed papers to run for president . Speech begins with praise of President Obama .
Debate begins on lighter note with candidates praising each other . Obama questions Romney 's pro - life commitment . Bachmann announces she filed papers to run for president . Speech begins with praise of President Obama .