Or as some commentator said last night, All Romney had to do is look sane, reasonable, and not make any major gaffes like threatening to Nuke Lichtenstein. Needless to say he passed that test with flying colors...
I am no debate expert but, Romney knew Obama needed to be combative to gain in this debate. Romney also knew he was double teamed in the last debate and had to be wary of that again. He also knew foreign affairs are a different matter than USA economics. We have had over 200 years of economic practice and know what works. Foreign affairs ebb and flow with shifting alliances and leaders. I think Romney pointing out the main point of the apology tour by Obama framed him as an appeaser. Using the weak economy also undermined the strong America argument Obama tried to make. Getting in another Benghazi argument is what Obama was longing for and in this case Romney out maneuvered Obama.