DENVER, COLORADO – Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama met Oct. 3 for the first Presidential Debate at the University of Denver, in Denver, Colorado.  Jim Lehrer, former anchor of the “NewsHour” on PBS, was the moderator for the event, which featured a new format along with many other surprises.
The debate, divided into six 15-minute conversations, only loosely stuck to structure.  Still, a wide variety of topics were covered, with jobs first on the agenda.
Obama opened by addressing the economic situation at the beginning of his current term; millions were out of work, the auto industry was plummeting and the financial system was anything but healthy.
“And because of the resilience and the determination of the American people, we’ve begun to fight our way back.” Obama said.  “Over the last 30 months, we’ve seen five million jobs in the private sector created.  The auto industry has come roaring back and housing has begun to rise.”
Romney answered the same question by describing recent situations where citizens have reached out to him and his wife, Ann Romney, soliciting their help in finding jobs.
“And the answer is yes, we can help, but it’s going to take a different path.” Romney said. “Not the one we’ve been on, not the one the president describes as a top-down, cut taxes for the rich. That’s not what I’m going to do.”
The candidates discussed much about the economy and taxes, but also delved into The Affordable Care Act, (nicknamed, “Obamacare”) as well as Medicare.
Romney stated that he would eliminate programs by asking whether it is worth borrowing money from China.  If it is not worth it, the program will be cut.  Romney addressed the moderator, stating his plans if elected.
“I’m sorry Jim, I’m going to stop the subsidy to PBS,” Romney said. “I’m going to stop other things.  I like PBS, I love Big Bird.  Actually, I like you too. But I’m not going to keep on spending money from China to pay for it. That’s number one.”
In regards to Medicare, Obama argued that, with his plan, Medicare funds would no longer go to overpaying insurance company providers, but will instead go toward lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and also help to cover preventative care.
Romney followed by saying he does not agree with cutting any funds from Medicare, especially for current seniors.  He would rather put those funds back into the system, as well as gather new funds to include a prescription plan if needed.
“And with regards to young people coming along, I’ve got proposals to make sure Medicare and Social Security are there for them without any question,”  Romney said.
The candidates had similar views on Social Security, with Obama citing that the program needs no large structural changes, and Romney highlighting that no changes for near or current retirees need to occur.
A coin toss preceding the debate decided the speaking parts, with Obama opening, and Romney closing.  In between, however, there seemed to be little reigning in by moderator Lehrer. Both opponents vied for more time, with Romney often talking over Mr. Lehrer, and Obama addressing Lehrer’s warning on time retorting, “No, I think–I had five more seconds before you interrupted me.”
Romney dominated most of the debate over a stammering President Obama.  However, some of Romney’s plans for change were not clearly outlined.  Instead he focused on the idea that current plans are not up to par.
For further details, videos and transcripts of the debate may be found online.  The Vice Presidential Debate will follow on Oct. 11, taking place at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.