THE FIRST 2012 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanAs we look forward to a new week and a Vice-Presidential debate to be held at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, we certainly have to look back on the talk of this departing week, the first Presidential debate held at The University of Denver.
The word has traveled quickly that the victor as far as preparation of facts and style of delivery was Mitt Romney, hands down. Perhaps President Obama was ironically stiffled by his ease of confidence and slight lead in the polls going into the evening. The topic up for debate was domestic policy. Voters rank this as the number one issue on their minds as we enter another four years for a Presidential choice.
After Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Romney welcomed each other with a hug, it was time for President Obama and Governor Romney to shake hands and square off in a 90-minute debate. The questions were delivered by moderator, Jim Lehrer, host of ‘NewsHour on PBS’.
Romney looked at ease in front of the world while Obama appeared less than comfortable. The mission for both men was to convey their positions and policies and outline why their plan is the winning solution to get this country back on track. Verbal attacks were certainly kept to a minimum.
There were six segments which included three on the economy, one each on health care, the role of government and governing. Then a 2-minute closing statement summed up the viewpoints of each candidate and brought the evening to an end.
The President concentrated on investing in education and training and focused quite a bit on teachers and their importance to society. His theme was to develop new sources of energy in the United States, help small businesses with the tax code changes and try to reduce our deficits as we wind down the war abroad.
Romney would like to make the United States energy independent and by doing that, plans to create 4 million jobs. He wants to open up more trade especially with Latin America but crack down on China when they cheat. Like Obama, he wants to make sure that Americans have the skills that they need to succeed which also means we must have the top schools as well. Assisting small businesses and balancing the budget are top items on his agenda.
Both men agreed on lowering the corporate tax rate and provide tax breaks for companies investing in America. Medicare was also touched upon.
Romney’s answers continued to reverberate his statement of “We can’t afford another four years of this.” President Obama repeatedly questioned Romney’s position on cutting taxes by $5 trillion and adding $2 trillion in additional spending to the military. He felt that the numbers and the plan seemed to be somewhat unrealistic.
A CNN/ORC International poll released on Thursday found that 67% of registered voters who watched the debate attested to the fact that Romney fared better as compared with 25% for Obama.
The biggest question still on voters’ minds is how are we going to get there. There are two more chances to answer the questions and detail out the plan. Both candidates are back out on the campaign trail making their way to swing states meeting and greeting voters, taking a stab at their opponent and getting their point across to try and sell themselves for the winning vote.
Romney seemed to connect with his audience while Obama will need to get back on track as they meet again on October 16, 2012 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York for a debate on foreign and domestic policy.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images
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