First presidential debate airs on Front Campus

Ally Maisano

Jim Lehrer of PBS moderated the 90-minute event and also prepared topics of discussion for the candidates to discuss. President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney went head-to-head on the most important topics that affect the U.S.

The debate started with Obama calling attention to how it is he and Michelle Obama’s 20th anniversary, calling her “sweetie.”

The first segment revolved around the economy and jobs, and Obama began with a line about how “America does best when the middle class does best.”

Obama noted how he would help the middle class and small businesses, and improve the economy as a whole by lowering taxes. Romney responded with how he would cut taxes for each social class, no matter what, without more government spending.

Later, the candidates told of their respective plans are to recover from the $1 trillion deficit. The candidates then debated health care. Romney worked on health care in Massachusetts and made it clear how his ideas are different than those of “Obamacare.”

“The right answer is not to have the federal government take over health care. The private market and individual responsibility always work best,” Romney said.  The role of government was also mentioned. Romney said that “it is time for a new path,” and Obama talked about how education was “where budget matters.” The debate wrapped up with closing comments from each candidate.

“Four years ago, I said I am not a perfect man and I would not be a perfect president. … I also said I would fight every single day. I’ve kept that promise and if you’ll vote for me, I’ll fight again,” Obama said.

Romney took a different tact with his closing argument. He spoke of what he would do if elected and also of what would happen if Obama were re-elected.

“There really are two different paths, but they lead in very different directions. It’s not just looking at the words, it’s the actions,” Romney said.  Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan face off in a debate on Oct. 11, and the next presidential debate will be Oct. 16.

Posted by Marilyn Ferrell on Oct 4 2012. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.