U.S. President Barrack Obama (R) and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney attend their second presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York state, the United States, Oct. 16, 2012. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney faced off Tuesday night in the second presidential debate, and sparks have been flying since the start of the debate.

Obama, who is under pressure to perform, led the charge. He aggressively attacked Romney's economic proposals as a "one-point plan" to help the rich, while saying his own plans would grow the economy and help the middle class.

Romney didn't hesitate to hit back when answering a question on energy. He attacked Obama and repeatedly asked him how many permits to drill oil his administration had revoked.

At one point, Romney prevented Obama from interjecting, saying "you'll get your chance in a moment," drawing gasps from the audience. He later flouted debate rules, prompting moderator Candy Crowley to cut him off.

The town-hall-meeting-style face-off, with high stakes for both candidates, took place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, featuring questions from an audience composed of 82 uncommitted voters selected by Gallup.

The first question was from a 20-year-old college student who asked if he can support himself after graduation. Both Romney and Obama touted their plans to put Americans back to work. The questions span from economy, jobs, education, energy and women's rights.

Romney came into the debate with clear momentum behind his back and rising polling numbers, following his commanding performance in the first debate in Denver on Oct. 3.

Commentators said Obama needs to do well in the second debate in order to stop Romney's surge, or the incumbent could see the election slip away.