The first Presidential debate held on
October 3, 2012 covered issues concerning domestic policy. The economy,
healthcare and the role of the government were the main topics discussed
between the candidates. These more general issues encompass taxes and the
deficit, government involvement in healthcare, and the Dodd-Frank legislation.
The debate
began with Obama addressing his economic views and aspiration. Initially the
President defended his previous policies which he claimed, “Over the last 30
months, we’ve seen 5million jobs in private sectors created. The
auto industry has come roaring back. And housing has begun to rise”. Upon
further investigation the Bureau of Labor Statistics report that the president
was nearly half a million jobs short of what he said (factcheck.org). Obama then continued by explaining how
education and training were the tools that he plans on using to strengthen the
economy. Mitt Romney followed up by clearly and concisely outlining his plan to
improve America’s failing economy. “My plan has five
basic parts. One, get us energy independent, North American energy independent.
That creates about 4 million jobs. Number two, open up more trade, particularly
in Latin America. Crack down on China, if and when they cheat. Number three,
make sure our people have the skills they need to succeed and the best schools
in the world. We're far away from that now. Number four, get to us a balanced
budget. Number five, champion small business. It's small business that creates
the jobs in America, and over the last four years, small business people have
decided that America may not be the place to open a new business because new
business startups are down to a 30-year low” (www.debates.org). He also was sure to
express his concern with the president’s view on bigger government, spending
and taxing.
Later in the
debate the moderator segued into the candidates respective positions on
healthcare. Romney illustrated his views by clarifying his plans for changes to
Medicare and his wish to repeal Obamacare. He continued by revealing the
president’s plan to cut Medicare by $716 billion, which would affect current
retirees. Romney then assured listeners that he had proposals to ensure
Medicare and social security for them. He talked about American’s having a
choice between the current Medicare program or a private plan and how
competition would create lower costs and better quality. Obama began his
rebuttal by bringing up a study that showed Medicare has lower administrative
costs. Obama then mentions how AARP supports his stance on healthcare and
claims that Romney’s plan would only weaken Medicare. Replying quickly Romney
brings home the point that “the private sector is often able to provide a
better product at a lower cost”.
Through the
discussion of the above topics it is made clear to the viewer that the major
difference between the candidates was there view on the role government should
take in America. Obama, for instance, through his policies would like to see government
and federal control increase. Romney on the other hand shows repeatedly that he
wished to give the power back to the states and the people and keep the
government and its spending accountable.
The Dodd Frank
legislation was an issue that came up between the candidates. Romney claimed
that the President was kissing up to the big banks rescuing them with
governmental funds while he let smaller community banks fail. Romney pushed for
the replacement of the Dodd Frank law because of its proven and predicted
negative effect on the American people.
Another issue
that sprung up was the government’s role in healthcare. The President is in
favor of Obamacare, which would require that all citizens obtain healthcare
from the government. Governor Romney however wishes to put more money into the
Medicare system and give citizens the right to pick a private healthcare
provider if they so choose.
Finally, the
National deficit was a huge topic and is a concern for many Americans. The
president has put forth that he plans on reducing the deficit by $4 trillion in
the next decade by taxing the rich, cutting some government spending and
increasing revenues. Romney on the other hand claims that as a business man he
is able to heal the national debt by using practical steps to decrease
government spending without decreasing American national security.
Mitt Romney
was better prepared and clearly better spoken in the first presidential debate.
He came ready to win over his viewers while the President got easily agitated
and misspoke on more than one occasion.
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