Obama Vs. Romney Debate: Will You Watch?
Do you plan to tune in to Wednesday night's televised presidential debate? What are you looking for from each candidate? Who do you expect to 'win' the debate?
It may seem like the 2012 presidential campaign season has been going on for a long time, but the candidates have yet to debate.
That changes Wednesday, Oct. 3, when President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney square off in the first of three televised debates.
An estimated 50 million people are expected to tune in Wednesday, as the candidates address domestic policy issues.
Our question is: Will YOU be watching?
Do you care about Wednesday night's debate?
What are you looking for from each candidate? Is there something you need to hear from either candidate before you make up your mind on how to vote?
Who do you expect to "win" the debate?
Let us know by posting in the comments section below.
How to Watch
The debate airs from 9-10:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, plus on cable news channels C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. The debates also will be streamed live at 2012presidentialelectionsnews.com.
Domestic policy is the topic of Wednesday's debate, which will take place at the University of Denver. Jim Lehrer of PBS' "NewsHour" will moderate.
It will be followed by two more debates on Oct. 16 and 22, plus a vice presidential debate Oct. 11.
Hosting a presidential debate watch party in your town? Post a comment about that, too!
Mark
6:39 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
47 % remark has done Romney in
splinter
9:17 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Really? I've seen Romney at fundraising events and impressed that he fields questions from everyone and answers without a teleprompter. He was right to say "47%" would favor fed income tax reforms, but confused/mixed up with people getting "free rides" vs hard workers just not paying fed income tax.
Romney is much more stiff on tv vs Obama and both can be sloppy. But I think more important factors...
Reason No. 546: Obama spent ALL his mandate pushing congress to push through obamacare BEFORE addressing the house market. If those insurance reforms were urgent, why 3 years to implement?
No. 547: Obama's focus on housing was to spend resources on folks who could never afford their homes to try to help them keep their homes they couldn't ever afford. Namely, the folks the Democrats say were "tricked" into mortgages they couldn't afford (e.g. no income loans etc.) were helped INSTEAD of helping folks who could afford but needed to re-finance but couldn't since LTV too high since value dropped. These people want to stay in homes, can pay, never took out more then can chew, but should have gotten relief first since played by the rules.
No. 548: Not letting the market bottom and rebound. Slowing down foreclosures, etc. has just prolonged the pain and increased uncertainty. The President doesn't have ANY IDEA of how markets work. ZIP. Nice guy, great at basketball, fantastic speaker and very smart in a lot a ways, but appears utterly clueless about markets.
Jasminetea
3:19 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Don't think so. Think the 2007 video where Obama is channeling his Rev. Wright might just do him in. Obama is a phony and a poser.
Anthony D'Amato
6:09 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Your right mark. Tried to tell that to the rich right wing Sarasota voters. They care less about the middle class and the poor
David Thoms
6:52 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I'm a retired college debate coach and I watch all of the Presidential and V-P debates. I am a strong believer in them as the only time when the voters (who watch) are exposed to both candidates on the same platform, answering the same questions put by journalists, in civil tones. Even though this year especially the $Billion SuperPac ad blitzes have poisoned the well for rational arguments, without the debates, that would be all we as voters ever get in the way of information upon which to base our decisions. Not that anyone in America is left who hasn't already made their decision. Oh, well.
Anthony D'Amato
6:13 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Mr Thomas great comment. However, remember Gore vs bush. Gore won both debates. Need I say anymore?
Steve Merchant
7:51 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I am planning on watching the debate until I can't stand any more of the verbal fighting. I will be watching to hear their views on same sex marriage. I expect Obama to win this debate.
Leigh
8:19 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Oh, very wise, totally tuned in Mark ... how very far-sighted you are with your 47% remark. Or not. Grow up. Look at the big picture. And try to be the U.S. citizen who appreciates what others from the beginning did to provide the liberties and freedoms that we know in this country. It's called HISTORY. If you do this then, hopefully, you will see the course that this beloved nation has been taken under the management (not leadership) of the current administration and you will be smart enough to realize that it has been wrong, embarrassing, dangerous and unremarkable.
George Gould
9:03 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Oh, very wise, totally tuned in Leigh ... how very far-sighted you are with your great American mythology screed. Or not. Grow up. Look at the big picture. And try to be the U.S. citizen who appreciates that you have been fed a steaming, stinking pile of B.S. It's called HISTORY but in reality is propaganda justifying the rule of those who wrote or paid for the writing of the history. Mark may be incorrect in his diagnosis of what did or will do Romney in. Your reliance on the blaming of everything on the current administration and your failure to place our current problems in the context of the last 50, 100, or 200 years (take your pick) reveals you to be a shallow twit who not only eats the B.S. you have been fed but also likes it. Take your meds.
cherylwithac
11:17 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I agree with Mark. The 47% remark has done Romney in.
O tee
9:19 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Not so fast Leigh, If from what you are posting and backing it up with history, then Mark is right. What The republican nominee has presented to the public is the tried and failed dwindle down economics. It has not worked under three administrations and yet you state history. I wouldn't say that the 47% comment did Romney in, but I will say in defense of Mark's post, it may very well be the final nail in the coffin.
I doubt if anything from Romney will change the distaste of the man to sway voters. He has offered nothing in terms of implementing his policies other than tax cuts for the top 1% and repealing the Affordable Health Care Bill. A rehearsed debate will give no credibility to him if he now tries to come off as a steward for the needs of the middle class. I will watch the debate tonight, I will be watching to see after all the debacles if Romney can at least, for once come off looking Presidential.
Chuck R
10:11 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
What about the other candidates in the presidential race? People like Gary Johnson and Jill Stein? People who represent real change. People who are not bought and paid for by the establishment. I can't think of a single GOOD reason why these candidates are not in the debate. In the end, it all boils down to money. <SIGH>
Michael D.
10:18 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Good reason, no good reason. Reason they are not like you said Money. I would love to hear new ideas outside the established garbage in the debate. There are at least 7 candidates on the ballot, but only two debating.
George Gould
10:42 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Chuck R, it all boils down to the fact that the two major parties are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Wall Street investment banks, the health insurance industry, the oil companies, Big Pharma, and the Military Industrial Complex. Obama and Romney are the designated dealers this year. They run the game and the game is rigged. The system works on the basis of Heads they win, Tails, we (the people) lose.
Jen Frost
3:18 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I agree, it would be great to see other candidates debate. Unfortunately, the so-called non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates is really a bi-partisan committee that sets such stringent rules that it's nearly impossible for anyone else to participate (mainly that a candidate must achieve 15%+ electoral support in the average of at least five polls). When you lack the funds, it's difficult to be recognized like the political duopoly is heard/seen/etc. (And not that all or any of either party is unqualified in their positions...personally, I vote for the best prospect for the job) Such a shame, because there is at least one other candidate who is definitely qualified for POTUS.
Grace
11:18 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Personally I am still deciding. I mean I don't have rubber boots for all of the b.s. coming out of Romney's mouth and am sure the President will have some hot air and I can't afford my light bill for the a/c as it is.....
cherylwithac
6:22 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
You're still deciding?!? The two candidates are polar opposites in regard to their world views. Which of the two views appeals to you? It shouldn't be a difficult question.
Watts
11:57 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Obama is a great public speaker, but not the strongest debater. Romney is a terrible public speaker, but a fairly strong debater. I'd like to say that this is going to come down to substance, but the reality is that the low-information voters that are left out there aren't likely to suddenly become seekers of substance. This is going to be more about appearances.
And the one negative that both candidates have when debating is that they can cross over into a level of condescension that is not becoming of either of them. The goal of each will be to walk the fine line of beating up the other, without looking like a bully. I don't expect to see any "substance" (as in hearing anything new) from either candidate. The only thing that I might expect is a swing toward the center from Romney. But for every step that he takes toward the center, Obama will be able to lay him out by reminding everybody how the center is quite different from what Romney has been providing so far in the campaign.
Watts
12:11 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Looks like the firm may have known of Republican voter fraud for weeks before it coming out:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/firm-hired-by-florida-gop-knew-weeks-ago-of-possibly-fraudulent-voter/1254517
Time has done a very thought provoking piece on how the voter fraud issue backfired on the GOP in Florida:
http://swampland.time.com/2012/10/03/did-the-anti-voter-fraud-crusade-undermine-the-gop-in-florida/
Joe King
2:39 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I'll watch until 0bama's lies make me throw up
Michael D.
2:48 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Joe, why don't you wait a little longer. Like until the first one is telling the truth. You might go the whole debate without that happening.
Trace Taylor
2:40 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I am very excited. The debate is one of my favorite moments in a presidential campaign. How exciting!
Paige Farr
2:49 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Are you kidding? Of course I will watch the debates! I hope Mitt Romney comes out swinging and proves what a fraud the President is.
Michael D.
2:52 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
with this statement you are saying one is a fraud, but not the other. You don't reach this level of political career without being a fraudulant backstabber.
Jasminetea
3:23 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I with Paige.:)
Paige Farr
6:13 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Do you have any proof of that, Michael D.?
Linda
6:15 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I don't think Mormons are allowed to swing, especially it.
Michael D.
9:31 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
plenty Paige. Plenty. That is why before I do government work they make me sign NDA's and a lot of my friends are lobbyists. The stories I'm not legally obligated to tell.
Brian
3:10 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
So you have a choice between two liars. Um what a choice the American s have. Can we not do better than these two. What does no one have that ba--s to stand up and do what is needed for the country... probably no one wants to help. Everyone is asking what is in it for me. The new American way.
Tina Marie
4:18 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I wish they would both get hooked up to a lie detector and given truth serum before the debates begin :(
Michael D.
5:07 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Hooked up to a lie detector this is what the debate would sound like:
Moderator: 'QUESTION"
Candidate 1: bbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppp
Candidate 2: bbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppp
Moderator: "Question"
-Ed Harris-
5:07 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I am hoping to watch an actual debate. I doubt I will be watching anything of the like but I can still hope.
Torena Bar
8:26 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Mormons are allowed to swing, that is why they have a dozen wives. That is how they get to heaven. Once he takes away all women's rights he can make sure all the babies are adopted by good Mormon families and the whole country can convert. We will have a new Mormon army.
vera charles
10:15 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Mr/Ms Bar, as much as I dislike Romney (on human decency and policy grounds), and as low a regard as I have for the Mormon religion, I still find your response over-the-top in both ignorance and intolerance.
His faith is no reason, by itself, to distrust Governor Romney. I would say the same thing about radical fundamentalist Christians, or extremists of any faith. Any President is duty-bound to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and he/she must place that obligation over any religious beliefs.
There are, however, plenty of objective reasons to not trust Romney, totally unrelated to his faith.
RD
8:56 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Debate implies that that each candidate will discuss specific points and back them up with fact but neither is capable of doing that. They'll both ignore the questions and say whatever they want. I'll be happy with any gaffs so at least I can laugh. The best news would be one of them announcing a new law that goes into effect tonight that all political advertising has to be shown in one lump at a certain time of day so I don't ever have to accidently watch any of them ever again.
ronald renfroe
11:00 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
well it is over and rommy looked like a leader and obama looked weak and ,smart but no leader
Eileen
11:16 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Just watched the debate in my opinion Obama did not do well and I support him. Whoever coached him forgot to tell him NOT TO NOD and make agreeable noises while Romney was speaking!!! Jeez! Romney appears more animated, more "happy to be here". The Prez looked tense, strained and "let's get this over with". Thank God the vast majority of voters don't watch the debates. I hope the President gets a new coach and does better in the next round.
Watts
3:42 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
South Florida reaction to the debate, appears to be split...
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/10/03/south-florida-voters-weigh-in-on-first-presidential-debate/
Paige Farr
6:19 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Well, the results are in and Romney was by far the more animated, down with his facts and presidential. Obama looked tired and like he wished he was far away from there. Without a teleprompter he seems lost. Noticed dark circles under his eyes also. Go Mitt!
Linda
8:10 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Who says it dosen't pay to go to the beauty parlor, when you have the money you can live in one, and strertching the facts doesn't make them true.
Paige Farr
9:40 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
To Michael D: I'm not asking you release national security secrets! LOL Just asking you to back up your statement, which obviously you cannot do.
Michael D.
10:03 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Paige,
The NDA are specifically written to cover all conversations. And the stuff my lobbyist friends say is under the obvious trust on both sides. Lets just say both men have made promises to companies which go directly against what is coming out of their mouths in commericals and the debate. So they are being fraudulent to either the people or the companies. One is taking care of them and the other isn't. Who do you they are being fraudulent to?
JS
9:44 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Substance 1, Chair 0.
Paige Farr
10:20 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Michael, the fact that you say you sign NDAs doesn't resonate with me. If you won't back up your statements why comment at all? It just make you sound all puffed up like you know more than us mere mortals.
Watts
1:06 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Fact checking the debate:
http://factcheck.org/2012/10/dubious-denver-debate-declarations/
"Romney sometimes came off as a serial exaggerator."
Trace Taylor
1:20 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2012
We are no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people but rather, of the corporation, by the corporation and for the corporation. What little I know, ALEC is a wonderful point of reference on this topic. This being the case any politician is forced to, if not happy to do so, make promises to the governing body of corporations in some form or fashion.
So, the question becomes, who is the least corporate owned among the lot. My vote is Obama all they way. He wasn't born with a silver spoon up his backside and so, has a personal understanding of what it's like to not own everyone and everything, of what it's like to be disenfranchised and hated for whatever the reason of the day is, typically decided by the GOP, the highest bidders and the fanatics, typically, all one in the same. He has an understanding of the difference between want and need. He isn't trying to put women back on their knees and under male thumbs. He cares about more than the job's perks and golden parachute.
Obama, all the way!!!
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BOMX55
8:36 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sure what's another train wreck? I love to see "shooting fish in a barrel". This time, they are getting Obama prepared, should at least be interesting - maybe even two-sided on plans....NOT!!
BOMX55
8:39 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012
When is the car industry going to realize - you didn't get help, you got a band-aid and that will fall off, what then? How to cover the wound when the money is gone and no more band-aids? You LOST the chance to get the country back and business booming, you my Friends are on a free-fall and dragging the rest of the country with you unless you turn this around. Haven't you ever heard "nothing is free, everything costs something?!?
Walt Kowalski
9:17 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012
A lot of people ALSO don't realize that helping GM essentially resulted in millions of taxpayer dollars going overseas to help GM owned subsidiaries stay afloat and to pay down their debts and the resulting cash flow out of the USA does exactly what the administration wanted to accomplish. Worldwide socialization. I'm STILL waiting for outrage by GM pensioners who got screwed by this whole process and not one word!
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