9OYS Viewers' Voice
Are you better off now? The hot button question that may decide 2012 election
Reporter: Marcelino Benito
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Are you better off than you were four years ago? Then candidate Ronald Reagan asked the country that question as he tried to oust President Jimmy Carter. Thirty-two years later Mitt Romney hopes the same question can help him win the White House.
9OYS reporter Marcelino Benito put the question to Tucsonans.
"Absolutely better off," said David Maron.
"Absolutely not better off," said Roma Blevins.
Tucsonans like most Americans are divided on the question. It's all about how each person measures "better off." For some it's all about the financial outlook.
"I've lost a great deal of money," said Norman Ross.
For others, it's healthcare that makes the difference.
"The health care changes have made a complete difference in our lives," said Tom Potter.
9OYS wants to know is it a fair question for the GOP to ask. Should Democrats answer it?
"It's a good meter of where country is and the President's success rate at paying attention to who we are in the trenches," said Johanna Lockhart.
9OYS viewers are sounding off on the question online too, posting hundreds of comments. Here's a sampling:
Vicki King (via Facebook): "We used to have a house. Now we are the definition of homeless."
Sarah Bell (via Facebook): "Higher gas prices, highest ever national debt... No not better off at all"
Rene Anderson (via Facebook): "Definitely yes, finally feel like we can crawl out of the dark whole Bush put us in."
Kate Thayer (via Facebook): "Thanks to President Obama and the stimulus money I was able to keep my home."
Dominique Fredericksen (via Facebook): "The simple answer to that question is a question. Are you kidding? My family can't handle another 4 years ...."
Cory Driggs (via Facebook): "Ahhh...let me see...today we announced 46.7 million people on food stamps and the National Deficit surpassed $16 trillion...so I'm safe to say no....not to mention that gas prices are at the highest in over 4-years this weekend (should I keep going?)."
John Arrington (via Facebook): "Simple fact..... Bush screwed it up, Obama made it worse! Time for a real change!"
Heidi Matheny (via Facebook): "Obama is such a compassionate speaker, he has charm, like a salesman. I fell for a salesman with my first child, and 5 years later, he has never once even bothered to visit her or pay child support. I well not be fooled again. Romney, you have my vote."
Since the president's been in office, the national debt has skyrocketed to 72.5 percent of GDP. Unemployment has slightly gone up to 8.3 percent. But the Obama administration stopped the job losses and there has been months of steady job growth. Critics say the recovery is just not good enough.
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