Project Red, White & Blue
Presidential debate: What Obama, Romney said about jobs, deficit and healthcare
Majority of KGUN9 viewers: Romney won debate
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) – First it was print, then radio, then television; but these days, politicians also have to worry about reaching out to a whole new tech-savvy generation of voters through social media.
You can’t beat President Barack Obama, at least when it comes to Facebook and Twitter. Governor Mitt Romney has been trailing behind him on Facebook with roughly 8 million “likes” versus Obama’s 29 million “likes.”
KGUN9 asked viewers to post some of the most pressing issues that they wanted covered during the debate.
Lori Dzuban-Oien said on Facebook: “Economy, jobs, the ongoing recession…”
During the debate, the President spoke about his plan involving energy independence, opening up trade, balancing the budget and helping small businesses. Romney said he would invest in education, find new sources of energy and help small business owners.
Another issue of concern to 9 On Your Side viewers: the budget deficit. Autumn Trimble writes: “The debt crisis – not my favorite subject but very important.”
Romney said he wants to lower spending and encourage economic growth: “What I would cut from is spending. I will eliminate all the programs by this test: Is the program so critical it’s worth borrowing money from China to pay for it? If not, I’ll get rid of it.”
Obama said his plan involves making cuts and simultaneously raising revenues: “The way we do it is $2.50 for every for every cut, we ask for $1 of additional revenue paid for by those who have done very well in this country to contribute a little more to reduce the deficit.”
A third concern for viewers: healthcare.
Justin N Cassandra Nash listed that as one of the most important issues in the presidential debate.
The President said it was a bipartisan effort that has helped families: “If you’ve got health insurance, it doesn’t mean a government takeover. You keep your own insurance but it does say insurance companies can’t jerk you around.”
Romney responded: “The right answer is not to have the federal government take over healthcare and start mandating providers across America, telling patients and doctors what can of treatment they can have – that’s the wrong way to go. Private market and individual responsibility always work best.”
The overwhelming majority of those who responded on Facebook believe Romney gave the President a run for his money.
The Oct. 11 debate will cover both domestic and foreign policy.
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