The pivotal moments that sealed debate win for Mitt Romney

BY JONATHAN LEMIRE / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

How the debate was won -- and lost. Some of the pivotal moments from the debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney in Denver on Wednesday:

9:04 p.m., ET

In his opening statement, Obama gave a shoutout to his wife:

“I just want to wish, Sweetie, you happy anniversary,” he said.

The audience - warned not to cheer - was silent. Did this awkward moment throw Obama off his game?

9:11 p.m.

Romney unleashed a blizzard of stats to belittle Obama’s handling of the economy.

“Middle-income Americans have seen their income come down by $4,300,” Romney cried.

Obama never fought back, seemingly accepting the numbers -- a pattern that occurred all night.

9:16 p.m.

Obama suggested Romney’s tax plan favored the rich and would explode the deficit.

“I'm not looking for a $5 trillion tax cut,” Romney shot back. “I won't put in place a tax cut that adds to the deficit.”

Obama never pushed Romney to say which tax deductions he would end to replace lost revenues.

9:26 p.m.

Romney cited PBS as an example of a program he would cut, even though, he said, “I love Big Bird.”

Obama did not point out that PBS funding is just .012% of the federal budget, not even a drop in the bucket.

 9:37 p.m.

Obama vowed to eliminate tax credits for companies that move business overseas.

“Look, I've been in business for 25 years. I have no idea what you're talking about,” Romney said.

Obama never explained what he meant - making his attack seem off base.

9:45 p.m.

Romney said he wanted to turn Medicare into a voucher plan for future seniors.

Obama pounced: “If you're 54 or 55, you might want to listen 'cause this - this will affect you,” he said.

Obama cautioned that it could cost seniors an extra $6,000 a year.

A victory for Obama -- but it was too little, too late.

10:25 p.m.

Obama ended his closing statement -- letting the night pass without talking about the video in which Romney claimed that he did not care about 47% of Americans who receive some government help.

Obama had several chances all night to question whether Romney cared about the less fortunate. He did not.