DEBATES DONE – OFF TO THE POLLS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThe debates are behind us now and it isn’t long before voters will be off to the polls.
Leading up to the final debate at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, South Florida was abuzz with political frenzy as Presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney spent the weekend close by in Delray Beach. Anne Romney gave a powerful speech on Saturday evening, October 20, 2012, in Palm Beach County’s trendy Mizner Park in support of her husband. She drew in a huge crowd to cheer her on.
Palm Beach Post – Allen Eyestone
President Barack Obama spent the weekend at Camp David getting ready for what he was optimistic would be another successful debate.
Meanwhile, Lynn University was eager to host the Monday night event and had spent months making all the preparations to carry off the evening and show the world their Southern hospitality. With the focus of the debate being foreign policy, Lynn University was the perfect choice. The university takes pride in accommodating and educating international students from 47 states and 77 nations. It also has a strong commitment to create a more sustainable campus, community and planet.
Monday, October 22, 2012 arrived and so did the Presidential candidates.
It was an evening of some surprises as Romney seemed more subdued and agreeable while Obama was firm but forceful in his answers and seemed to enjoy challenging his opponent. Bob Schieffer, host of ‘Face the Nation’ on CBS, was ready to accept the role of moderator.
The evening was divided into segments and questions were asked on the new face of terrorism in the Middle East and the Libya controversy, the war in Syria, President Mubarak and the Egyptian turmoil, America’s role in the world, Israel and Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. All bases were covered when it came to the foreign front. Both men pulled the attention to the domestic situation here at home whenever possible.
Romney has had a lack of consistency over the past few months and President Obama is very strong in the area of foreign policy which gave him the upper edge to the point that most have designated him the winner of this third debate. Both candidates made valid points but most had been brought up before. Romney continues to offer the prospect of change while Obama prides himself on his accomplishments of winding down the war, getting bin Laden and striking at the core of al Qaeda. Both men tried to persuade with closing comments. Obama wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to America by rewarding companies and small businesses that invest here in the United States. He wants to make sure that we have the best education system, control over our energy by developing oil and natural gas and the energy sources of the future. Reducing the deficit will be an ongoing task while still maintaining the strongest military in the world. Governor Romney seeks peace, has plans to stimulate the economy by creating 12 million new jobs and looks forward to Democrats and Republicans working together to get the job done.
At the end of the 90 minute debate with all three debates behind them, both candidates put differences aside and shook hands.
Obama continued building on the momentum down in the South the very next morning with an energetic campaign rally at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. Over 11,000 enthusiastic supporters were present along with former Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, and former West Palm Beach Mayor and Senate contender, Lois Frankel, among others. The President promises strong and steady leadership in the face of challenges along with nation-building at home. He once again highlighted his plan for the next four years should he be re-elected. He reminded Floridians that early voting begins this coming Saturday, October 27, 2012, so get out and vote!
From there it was on to the airport to begin his whirlwind non-stop campaign trip to try and influence voters in some of the swing states.
He was seen in Los Angeles on the ‘Jay Leno Show’ and in Dayton, Ohio and in Las Vegas, Nevada and then back to Florida to give a speech in Tampa. Mitt Romney continued his campaign trek as well with passion and persuasion.
For both Presidential hopefuls, it doesn’t end until the last ballot is cast. To date, over $1.5 billion has been spent on the Presidential campaign by both parties. At this point, the debates seem to have had the most influence on undecided voters. President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are neck in neck in the polls for the highest office in the nation for the next four years. It is hard to believe that it is just about 10 days until the final decision is made and a triumphant leader emerges in 2013.
PHOTO CREDITS INCLUDE GETTY IMAGES – Joe Raedle
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