Foreign policy was theme of last debate , but economic issues also received attention . Barack Obama and George engaged in sharp exchanges , but were less contentious overall . Obama played ' commander - in - chief ' role to highlight foreign policy decisionmaking . Romney talked about vision for country without having to defend a foreign policy position .
Foreign policy was theme of last debate , but economic issues also got attention . Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in sharp exchanges , but showdown less contentious overall . Obama played 'commander-in-chief ' card to highlight foreign policy decisionmaking . Romney talked about vision for country without having to defend a foreign policy record .