Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney said Wednesday that if President Barack Obama is re-elected it will usher in an era of falling household incomes and chronic joblessness.

"If the president is re-elected will you see a middle-class squeeze," Romney said in a televised debate. "You will see chronic unemployment -- 43 straight months with unemployment above eight percent."

Romney finished looking the more confident of the two contenders, but the debate never caught fire. Obama concluded with a vow to continue to fight for middle-income families in tough economic times.

"You know, four years ago, I said that I'm not a perfect man, and I wouldn't be a perfect president, and that's probably a promise Governor Romney probably thinks I've kept," Obama said.

"I also promised I would fight every single day on behalf of the American people, the middle class and all of those striving. I've kept that promise, and if you will vote for me, then I promise I'll fight as hard in a second term."

There will be two more set-piece debates between the candidates before the November 6 election.