Is Romney getting trounced, or does he have a few tricks up his sleeve?

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- After losing ground to U.S. President Barack Obama's relentless attacks, Republican challenger Mitt Romney in recent days has stepped up his game with a bold pick for vice president and more concrete promises on the economy.

Critics have panned Romney for not getting down and dirty with the president in an eye-gouging, ear-biting brawl. When Obama throws a devastating left hook, Romney returns with a mere jab; when Obama throws a brutal head kick, Romney simply blocks.

But the challenger made a bold move on Aug. 11 in choosing as his running mate Rep. Paul Ryan, a controversial pick for Ryan's big plans to shake up the system and his message that cutting spending is needed to avert a fiscal nightmare.

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