Facial recognition technology shows President Obama better in second debate

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - CBS News is reporting President Barack Obama came out ahead in the second presidential debate at Hofstra University. A Purdue University professor agrees.

Dr. Chris Kowal once again used his facial recognition technology to track both candidates' facial expressions.

According to his initial calculations, Dr. Kowal said President Obama did much better the second time around. Kowal said the President was more confident, showed a wider range of emotions and made a stronger emotional connection with the audience.

Kowal also said President Obama did miss a couple opportunities to possible "I feel your pain" moments, however, Kowal went further to say the President did non-verbally express large amounts of sadness during discussions about the recent Aurora, Colorado shootings and a possible assault weapons ban.

"He was practically on the verge of tears but was able to pull it back," explained Kowal.

As for Gov. Mitt Romney, Kowal said he did express strong emotions, particularly of disgust. Kowal said Romney exhibited pride when talking about his record as Governor of Massachusetts. Kowal further explained that Romney overall displayed a more limited range of motions than in the first debate. Kowal credited Romney with performing better during the first debate but not this time.

"He was more uncomfortable... out of his comfort zone," said Kowal.