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Obama & Romney Busy Before And After Debate

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – While the fireworks were saved for the stage during Monday night's presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, there was plenty going on off camera before, during, and after the actual debate.

Before the debate, President Obama had steak and potatoes, which was the same meal he had before the second debate. Romney had a lunch full of a veggie burger, Cajun-spiced fries, and a vanilla milkshake.

CBS News' Bob Schieffer asked the crowd to be quiet as mice so the debate, "would be worthy of the presidency of the greatest country in the world." As the two candidates made their way onto the stage, Romney told Obama, "Good to see you again."

The crowd did let out a few chuckles from time to time, including when Romney said he wouldn't give Russian president Vladimir Putin "more flexibility" after the election and when Obama batted away Romney's criticism of the Navy by saying "we also don't have as many horses and bayonets."

As the two rivals stood at the end of the debate, both told Schieffer he did a "nice job" hosting the third and final debate. After hugging their wives simultaneously, the Romney family began to greet the president and first lady.

After exchanging pleasantries, Obama and Romney both waved to the crowd before leaving Lynn University. But in just 90 minutes, they changed the path of the presidential campaign and gave a small school in Boca Raton international attention.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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