In Today's Times:
- The presidential race received a surge of intensity Thursday after the candidates' first debate, with President Obama striking back against Mitt Romney to try to make up for a listless debate showing and Mr. Romney's aides saying that the contest isn't in the bag yet, Jim Rutenberg and Peter Baker report.
- With an antipiracy force of mercenaries abandoned by its sponsors, Somalia is offering a case study in the dangers of outsourcing war, Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt report.
- Tea Party favorites like Representative Steve King of Iowa are facing some new challenges this election, campaigning in districts far less hospitable than they once were, Jennifer Steinhauer reports. Mr. King is defending his seat against a well-known, well-financed Democrat in a tough race that highlights the liability of building a national profile on Tea Party credentials and incendiary r emarks.
- F.B.I. agents visited the ruins of the American diplomatic compound in Libya on Thursday, escorted by Special Operations soldiers to allay security concerns as they collected evidence and sifted through the wreckage, Elisabeth Bumiller and Michael S. Schmidt report.
- As political analysts expected, Mr. Romney moved to the center in Wednesday's debate, offering perspectives to appeal to more moderate voters - but possibly sowing confusion about how he would actually govern, Michael Cooper, David Kocieniewski and Jackie Calmes report.
Happenings in Washington:
- September's job numbers are out Friday.
- Mr. Obama holds campaign events at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio.
