5 reasons Obama fumbled the debate

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney finish their debate in Denver on Wednesday, October 3. View behind-the-scene photos of debate preparations. Romney stands with his wife, Ann, and family following the first presidential debate. President Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after the debate Wednesday. It took place on their 20th wedding anniversary. Jim Leher of PBS moderates the 90-minute debate on Wednesday. It was the candidates' first time debating face to face. Obama defended his record and challenged his rival's proposals. Romney was more aggressive Wednesday in criticizing Obama's vision. People watch the debate at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, New York. The event was expected to draw the candidates' largest nationwide audience to date. Romney answers a question from the moderator. Obama argues his view. Both candidates said the other's proposals won't work. Michelle Obama listens to the debate. Romney said Obama has failed to bring down high unemployment and get the economy surging again. Obama reacts to Romney's remarks on Wednesday. Obama listens during the debate in Denver. Romney, who has been unable to catch the president in most polls to date, sought to generate enthusiasm for a change in the White House. Romney's shadow is projected beneath text from the Declaration of Independence at the University of Denver's Magness Arena. The first of three presidential debates focused on domestic issues: the economy, health care and the role of government. Obama and Mitt Romney clashed over the economy on Wednesday. Romney speaks during Wednesday night's debate. The candidate called for a new economic path. Obama called for "economic patriotism" and said Romney's plan of tax cuts for the rich failed before. Romney and Obama wave to the crowd at the start of the presidential debate. Obama greets Romney on Wednesday. The candidates meet on stage less than five weeks before Election Day. Obama and Romney shake hands Wednesday night. The presidential race has been dominated so far by negative advertising as both camps try to frame the election to their advantage. Leher takes the stage Wednesday. It's his 12th time moderating a presidential debate. Michelle Obama points to Lehrer before the start of the debate. Ann Romney and first lady Michelle Obama hug on Wednesday. The candidates wives were in attendance for the most highly anticipated campaign event to date. Michelle Obama sits with White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, right. Rapper Will.i.am, left, speaks with Jarrett before the debate on Wednesday. View behind-the-scenes photos of debate preparations. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 CNN's Jessica Yellin analyzes President Barack Obama's debate performance Obama's team had him cling too hard to his nice-guy image, Yellin observes Yellin also points out the president didn't engage in enough debate prep Finally, the president doesn't take criticism well, and that hurt him, Yellin says Editor's note: Jessica Yellin is CNN's chief White House correspondent, based in the network's Washington bureau. She was named to the position in June 2011. Yellin contributes to CNN's America's Choice 2012 election coverage, reporting on President Barack Obama's administration and his re-election campaign. Denver (CNN) -- President Barack Obama turned in a less-than-stellar performance Wednesday night in his first debate this election season. On Thursday, his campaign aides said former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney came armed with distortions. But if the president believed that, he barely brought them to the viewers' attention during the debate. Instead, he turned in a distracted, passionless performance. Here are five reasons he fumbled: 1. His nice-guy image: The Obama team believes the president's biggest asset is his likability. They want him to preserve that at all costs. They're convinced undecided voters don't want to see him engaged in verbal combat -- so he rose above it. That meant he passed on openings to attack Romney. He also missed openings to defend his own record and didn't challenge what his campaign is now labels Romney "distortions." It let him stay the nice guy, but isn't there a saying about the nice guy and where he finishes? 2. Misjudging the room: They decided this wasn't about the debate. Instead, it was an opportunity, like the speech at the Democratic National Convention, to speak directly "to voters at home, not the people in the room." Viewers saw that tactic a few times when the president looked directly into the camera to deliver his message. But a debate is about engaging with at least two people in the room -- the opponent (Romney) and the moderator (Jim Lehrer). By reaching beyond them (and at one point snapping at Lehrer), the president seemed disengaged and disinterested -- and no doubt that matters to the people watching at home. Obama: 'The real Mitt Romney' The best from the Denver debate Debate: Jobs fact check 3. Not enough prep: The president held more strategy sessions about the debate than actual mock debates. His debate boot camp turned into a cram session full of facts, figures and data rather than streamlined messaging. It's no doubt harder to find the time to prep when you're a sitting president and not a candidate, but to get rehired, he needs to find the time. 4. Incumbency syndrome: Did you get the sense the president did not want to be on that stage, that other things were on his mind? He appeared impatient with the experience, not unlike other incumbent presidents, including George W. Bush 2004. It read almost as if the president is dealing with too many other domestic and global issues to stand there and volley about campaign promises when he has -- in the mind of the incumbent -- more pressing matters. He seemed to have a bad case of it Wednesday night. 5. Doesn't take criticism well: It's no secret Obama is a confident man. He wouldn't have a lot of patience for advisers talking about how to score style points. But as Al Gore's sighing debate performance in 2000 proved, how a candidate looks when he's not speaking can be as important as what he says. Sources tell CNN that during debate prep, only the president's inner circle was allowed to stay for the critique of the president's performance after the mock debates. Others were asked to leave. Even then, it didn't seem to make enough headway to calm the president's impatience with this process. Maybe next time they'll show the president tape of his downward gaze and grimacing during Romney's answers -- and let him provide his own self-criticism, before he shows up in Hempstead, New York, for the second debate at Hofstra University. Three things we know about the president: He's fiercely competitive, hates losing and he is disciplined. After last night's experience, he will no doubt adjust and come in ready with a different performance for round two. Day after: Obama accuses Romney of dishonesty in debate Analysis: Romney seizes the story Five things we learned from the first debate

NHL cancels 2 weeks of regular season

The Los Angeles Kings celebrate winning Stanley Cup in June after defeating the New Jersey Devils. NHL calls off first 82 games of the 2012-2013 season Players' rep says league should lift the lockout and let season begin on time League official tells website two sides have lost $100 million so far (CNN) -- As a result of its ongoing player lockout, the National Hockey League is canceling regular-season games through October 24, the league announced Thursday. The season was scheduled to start October 11, but recent meetings between representatives for the players union and the NHL have failed to produce a collective bargaining agreement. "If the owners truly cared about the game and the fans, they would lift the lockout and allow the season to begin on time while negotiations continue," said Don Fehr, the executive director of the players' union. "A lockout should be the last resort in bargaining, not the strategy of first resort. For nearly 20 years, the owners have elected to lock out the players in an effort to secure massive concessions." The cancellation wiped out 82 games from the schedule and comes one week after the league called off preseason games. NHL.com reported Tuesday that NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the players and owners had lost $100 million due to the cancellation of the preseason. NHL cancels preseason games Russia mourns hockey players killed in crash

Teen denied Eagle Scout award because he is gay

Courtesy of the Andresen family Ryan Andresen had completed the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout award, but his mother, Karen, said his Scoutmaster said he wouldn't get it because he recently came out as gay. The Boy Scouts of America said later Thursday that Andresen was no longer eligible for membership in Scouting because of his sexual orientation and since he does not agree to the BSA's principle of "Duty to God." By Miranda Leitsinger, NBC News Updated at 5:30 p.m. ET -- Ryan Andresen had recently completed the requirements to earning his Eagle Scout award, including building a "tolerance wall" for victims of bullying like himself, but his Scoutmaster would not sign off on honoring him with the Boy Scouts' highest ranking because he is gay, his mother said. The Boy Scouts of America have a longstanding policy denying membership to gay leaders and Scouts, which they reaffirmed earlier this year after a two-year confidential review of the controversial ban. Andresen's father, Eric, resigned as an assistant Scoutmaster after the Scoutmaster for Troop 212 in Moraga, Calif., confirmed Tuesday night that Ryan wouldn't get the award, Karen Andresen told NBC News. "I want everyone to know that [the Eagle award] should be based on accomplishment, not your sexual orientation. Ryan entered Scouts when he was six years old and in no way knew what he was," said Karen Andresen, 49, a stay-at-home mother of three. "I think right now the Scoutmaster is sending Ryan the message that he's not a valued human being and I want Ryan to know that he is valued … and that people care about him." Ryan, 17, came out in July. Andresen said Scoutmaster Rainer Del Valle knew about Ryan's sexual orientation and they had no idea he wouldn't sign off on the official paperwork. It was "a total shock," she said, adding that Ryan was led all along to believe he would be able to get the award. Eric Andresen, a 52-year-old owner of a property management company, is working on an appeal of the decision, said Karen, who has also started an online petition calling for her son to receive his award. Other assistant Scoutmasters supported Ryan's bid for the Eagle Scout ranking, she said. Del Valle did not immediately respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment. Andresen recently "notified his unit leadership and Eagle Scout Counselor that he does not agree to Scouting's principle of 'Duty to God' and does not meet Scouting's membership standard on sexual orientation," Deron Smith, a spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America, told NBC News in a statement. "While the BSA did not proactively ask for this information, based on his statements and after discussion with his family he is being informed that he is no longer eligible for membership in Scouting." To earn the Eagle rank, which is in its 100th year, Scouts must progress through five lower ranks, earn 21 merit badges and serve six months in a leadership position, among completing other tasks. More than two million young men have earned the rank. Courtesy of Andresen family Ryan Andresen stands in front of a "Tolerance Wall," his final Boy Scouts' project that he worked on with elementary school children. It consists of 288 tiles that depict acts of kindness. Dozens of Eagle Scouts said after the Boy Scouts, a private organization, reaffirmed its policy banning gays that they had returned their medals, badges or membership cards in protest. But other Eagle Scouts said they agreed with the policy. At the time, BSA spokesman Deron Smith said there were no plans to revisit the membership guidelines. Eagle Scouts return badges to protest policy banning gays Boy Scouts: We're keeping policy banning gays Boy Scouts review controversial anti-gay policy Eagle Scout son of lesbian moms: Boys Scouts must end gay discrimination Gay mom upset after dismissal by Boy Scouts Activist groups stepped up their campaign to end the policy after Jennifer Tyrrell, den leader of her son's Tiger Cub pack in Bridgeport, Ohio, was removed from her post in April because she is a lesbian. A number of troops have said they don't follow the policy, and some companies and charities have recently said they would not contribute to the Boy Scouts because of the ban. Technology giant Intel Corporation recently told NBC News that since Jan. 1 it has required troops and councils to sign a document verifying that they comply with their non-discrimination policy in order to receive donations. The United Way of Greater Cleveland, which last year gave nearly $100,000 to the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Cleveland Council, recently said under its new diversity policy the local chapter would no longer qualify to receive such funding. If you are a current or former member of the Boy Scouts and would like to share your thoughts on the membership policy, you can email the reporter at miranda.leitsinger@msnbc.com. More content from NBCNews.com: 7 bears killed in Montana after becoming dependant on humans for food Philadelphia student wearing Romney shirt told to 'get out of the class' Heated political argument results in Florida husband's arrest Cop seen hitting woman on video is suspended Nearly 100 dogs found abandoned in Texas, police say Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Scout denied award because he is gay, mom says

Courtesy of the Andresen family Ryan Andresen had completed the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout award, but his mother, Karen, said he was told by his Scoutmaster he won't get it because he recently came out as gay. The Boy Scouts of America have a longstanding policy banning gay Scouts and leaders. By Miranda Leitsinger, NBC News Ryan Andresen had recently completed the requirements to earning his Eagle Scout award, including building a "tolerance wall" for victims of bullying like himself, but his Scoutmaster would not sign off on honoring him with the Boy Scouts' highest ranking because he is gay, his mother said. The Boy Scouts of America have a longstanding policy denying membership to gay leaders and Scouts, which they reaffirmed earlier this year after a two-year confidential review of the controversial ban. Andresen's father, Eric, resigned as assistant Scoutmaster after the Scoutmaster for Troop 212 in Moraga, Calif., confirmed Tuesday night that Ryan wouldn't get the award, Karen Andresen told NBC News. "I want everyone to know that [the Eagle award] should be based on accomplishment, not your sexual orientation. Ryan entered Scouts when he was six years old and in no way knew what he was," said Karen Andresen, 49, a stay-at-home mother of three. "I think right now the Scoutmaster is sending Ryan the message that he's not a valued human being and I want Ryan to know that he is valued … and that people care about him." Ryan, 17, came out in July. Andresen said Scoutmaster Rainer Del Valle knew about Ryan's sexual orientation and they had no idea he wouldn't sign off on the official paperwork. It was "a total shock," she said, adding that Ryan was led all along to believe his Scoutmaster would do so. Eric Andresen, a 52-year-old owner of a property management company, is working on an appeal of the decision, said Karen, who has also started an online petition calling for her son to receive his award. Other assistant Scoutmasters supported Ryan's bid for the Eagle Scout ranking, she said. Del Valle and the Boy Scouts of America did not immediately respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment. To earn the Eagle rank, which is in its 100th year, Scouts must progress through five lower ranks, earn 21 merit badges and serve six months in a leadership position, among completing other tasks. More than two million young men have earned the rank. Courtesy of Andresen family Ryan Andresen stands in front of a "Tolerance Wall," his final Boy Scouts' project that he worked on with elementary school children. It consists of 288 tiles that depict acts of kindness. Dozens of Eagle Scouts said after the Boy Scouts, a private organization, reaffirmed its policy banning gays that they had returned their medals, badges or membership cards in protest. But other Eagle Scouts said they agreed with the policy. At the time, BSA spokesman Deron Smith said there were no plans to revisit the membership guidelines. Eagle Scouts return badges to protest policy banning gays Boy Scouts: We're keeping policy banning gays Boy Scouts review controversial anti-gay policy Eagle Scout son of lesbian moms: Boys Scouts must end gay discrimination Gay mom upset after dismissal by Boy Scouts Activist groups stepped up their campaign to end the policy after Jennifer Tyrrell, den leader of her son's Tiger Cub pack in Bridgeport, Ohio, was removed from her post in April because she is a lesbian. A number of troops have said they don't follow the policy, and some companies and charities have recently said they would not contribute to the Boy Scouts because of the ban. Technology giant Intel Corporation recently told NBC News that since Jan. 1 it has required troops and councils to sign a document verifying that they comply with their non-discrimination policy in order to receive donations. The United Way of Greater Cleveland, which last year gave nearly $100,000 to the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Cleveland Council, said the organization would no longer qualify to receive such funding after it revised its diversity policy to include sexual orientation. If you are a current or former member of the Boy Scouts and would like to share your thoughts on the membership policy, you can email the reporter at miranda.leitsinger@msnbc.com. More content from NBCNews.com: 7 bears killed in Montana after becoming dependant on humans for food Philadelphia student wearing Romney shirt told to 'get out of the class' Heated political argument results in Florida husband's arrest Cop seen hitting woman on video is suspended Nearly 100 dogs found abandoned in Texas, police say Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

FBI visits site of attack in Libya

An FBI investigative team arrived at the site of last month's deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in eastern Libya. The FBI team arrived Wednesday and worked through Thursday The FBI visit had been stalled over security concerns The incident spawned scrutiny of Libya and a political uproar in the U.S. The killings occurred on the 11th anniversary of the al Qaeda attack on the U.S. Washington (CNN) -- An FBI investigative team arrived at the site of last month's deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in eastern Libya, a senior administration official tells CNN. Arriving late Wednesday and working through Thursday, the team examined the outpost, located in the city of Benghazi, the official said. Read more: CNN finds, returns journal belonging to late U.S. ambassador A U.S. military security force accompanied the FBI team to the site and provided security for them as they traveled there. Officials said it was an indication of the ongoing security concerns in the region. The September 11 consulate attack killed U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. 'Investigators have to go' to Libya GOP calls on Clinton to answer for Libya Warning signs missed on Libya attack The incident fueled increased global scrutiny of the North African nation, led by a government that toppled dictator Moammar Gadhafi last year. Read more: U.S. gathers information about possible targets in Libya It also sparked political debate over whether the Obama administration has been forthcoming about its understanding of events. The FBI visit to Benghazi had been stalled for more than three weeks because of security concerns at the site. FBI and military officials have said they would need proper military protection in case of another attack on the U.S. Consulate. The official described the support as both visible and more covert, suggesting the use of intelligence assets to monitor communications and the surrounding areas. The military team was "relatively small," the official said. Read more: In revision, U.S. intelligence believes Libya attack a terror assault The visit happened after the Libyans approved the presence of the FBI and the U.S. military in Benghazi. The U.S. military force providing security also was approved by Libyan government, the official said. Kevin Perkins, FBI associate deputy director, said at a congressional hearing on September 19 that there are a "significant number of FBI agents, analysts and various support employees assigned" to the case. "We are conducting interviews, gathering evidence and trying to sort out the facts, working with our partners both from a criminal standpoint, as well as in the intelligence community, to try to determine exactly what took place on the ground that evening," he said before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Read more: US, Libyan officials meet to assess what went wrong The failure of investigators to visit the site in the immediate aftermath of the attack has raised questions about the integrity of the FBI investigation and concerns that sensitive documents were left unsecured. CNN discovered Stevens' journal during a visit by senior correspondent Arwa Damon to the unguarded abandoned compound three days after the attack. This week, a Washington Post reporter visiting the site found sensitive documents, including personnel records of Libyans who were contracted to provide security, emergency evacuation protocols and details of U.S. weapons collection efforts. But a State Department official told CNN the compound did not have any classified documents on the premises. In the days after the assault on the Benghazi consulate, U.S. administration officials offered conflicting assessments on what led to the fatal security breach. Some top officials said the violence erupted spontaneously amid a large protest about a U.S. made film that mocked the Prophet Mohammed. But the U.S. intelligence community eventually revised its assessment, saying it now believes it was a deliberate terrorist assault. The intelligence community now believes it was "a deliberate and organized terrorist assault carried out by extremists" affiliated or sympathetic with al Qaeda. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said he believed the attack was "clearly" conducted by terrorists who planned it, and said that it "took a while" for there to be information to reach such a conclusion. But a senior U.S. official told CNN that within a day or so of the attack, the U.S. intelligence community began to gather information suggesting it was the work of extremists either affiliated with al Qaeda groups or inspired by them.