Talk about friendly fire.
Former Mayor Ed Koch called President Obama’s performance in Wednesday’s debate against Mitt Romney a “debacle.”
Koch, an Obama supporter, said the president had better lift his game in the next debate or “he’s really in trouble.”
“It was a debacle for the president,” Koch said.
“Romney was absolutely superb. I was not surprised.”
Koch, a Democrat, said Obama looked embarrassed and humbled as Romney picked him apart.
“He knew what was happening. He looked down at the lectern. It was a sign that he was not a happy person,” Koch said of the president.
“I felt very sorry for him.”
Koch said it reminded him of 1977, when he first ran for mayor and got creamed in a debate by Mario Cuomo. But, he noted, he recovered and won the mayoralty.
“His greater problem is getting back his ego and confidence before the next debate. He’s not accustomed to this. Everyone has a fragile and vulnerable side,” he said.
“My advice to Obama is to have a few dinners with his wife and children and go see a good movie,” added Koch, who said he still supports the president.
“There’s a lot of love for him out there. I’m pulling for him. I’m on the bus!”
But Koch warned that Obama has to do better.
“If he doesn’t come back strong in the next debate, he’s really in trouble. I certainly hope he rebounds,” he said.
He said Romney’s superior debate performance is a “game changer” that has re-energized his campaign.
“I never believe it when the media said the race was almost over. The race has been neck and neck. This brings Romney’s neck a little closer. The debate performance has given Romney supporters more heart. It gave them a tremendous uplift in terms of fund-raising,” Koch said.
Koch said that “the left-wing media” has been “unfairly knocking Romney around” and that the debate showed how formidable a candidate he really is.