SECOND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE OF 2012
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan Reporter: Sharon SmithTuesday, October 16, 2012, began just like any other weekday, but on this day, the people of the United States were anxiously awaiting a live town hall debate that would take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, our two Presidential candidates. Both men had large expectations placed on them during this debate and the public was ready to see how that would play out.
We were able to eagerly greet the President as he stepped off Air Force One this sunny day in New York. He was smiling and well prepared for what the evening would hold. One young girl, Jilia Hyancinthe, was thrilled to have had the opportunity to shake the President’s hand and in her words, “it was surreal”.
This debate was one of ferocity and vigor. Both candidates were aggressive and there was no interrupting either one once they got started. The discussion focused on important issues such as education, gas prices, employment, oil production, taxes and each got right to the heart of the matter very quickly. 
The ruthless killing of the four Americans in Libya was a subject that received considerable attention. While Romney squarely laid the blame on Obama, Obama criticized Romney for politicizing the issue. Romney accused Obama’s administration of an increase in oil prices while Obama fired back stating that when he entered office and the gas prices were at a record low, we were also on the brink of one of the worst recessions to hit the country. Since that time, the auto industry has made a comeback and unemployment is down across the country.
Both men were determined to give a heavy blow to their opponent. Undecided voters were the ones that were on stage with them and putting out the questions for the candidates to answer and offer their rebuttals. Both candidates touched on women’s equality in the workplace. Romney wants to help women in America get good jobs by getting a stronger economy going while President Obama was quick to make known Romney’s plan to end Federal Financing For Planned Parenthood. Obama also reminded us that evening how his ‘ObamaCare’ covers contraception.
Both men came out swinging while President Obama used his closing remarks to remind voters about Romney’s ‘47%’ statement a few weeks back. Candy Crowley (CNN Chief Political Correspondent) was the one with the difficult task of debate moderator.
It seemed to be a tension-packed evening so it was a welcome and refreshing break when both men attended the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner that took place on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City for an evening of philanthropy and humor. They were joined by many high-profile individuals such as Katie Couric, Chris Matthews, Henry Kissinger, Ray Kelly, Christine Quinn, Ed Koch, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor Andrew Cuomo and many more.
Both candidates poked a bit of humor at themselves and each other. President Obama gave out a joke or two on his performance in the first debate. On this night, differences were put aside and it is estimated that approximately $5 million was raised this year which will go to support programs for the ill, the elderly and the poor in the New York City area.
Next and final stop will be Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida on Monday, October 22, 2012 for the last debate before the big election day in just a couple of weeks. The focus will be on foreign policy and Bob Schieffer, host of ‘Face The Nation’ on CBS, will moderate. Florida is considered one of the swing states and going into this debate, Mitt Romney holds a slight lead with 49% of the voters as compared to President Obama’s 48%.
The American public will see what this next debate holds and who will rule the evening.
PHOTO CREDITS: George Whylie, www.zimbio.com, Gary Coronado of The Palm Beach Post
