Debate Live Blog: The Token Republican
9:33 pm: Post debate reaction. In Romney’s closing remarks, he claimed that Americans have a choice between two paths that lead in different directions, really trying to set. On the stage tonight, we saw two candidates with contrasting ideas and strategies. It was evident that Obama was trying to “not lose” the debate while Romney was trying “win big.” That being said, it is hard to say who actually won the debate. Obama succeeded in not making any major gaffes, but he offered nothing in terms of substantial policies. Romney, on the other-hand, offered meaty examples and made good contrasts between himself and the President while not doing too much to improve his likability, evidenced by his interactions with the moderator. Romney outperformed Obama in the first debate, but I would be surprised if he is able to catch Obama in the polls. If Romney wins the second debate, I think he will make this election a lot more interesting.
9:31 pm: Romney says he will help create 12 million new jobs, repeal Obamacare, and keep our military strong.
9:30 pm: Romney gives closing remarks. Two paths, two different directions.
9:29 pm: Obama gives closing statement. Still hasn’t given specific policy examples yet. Obama is clearly trying to “not lose” this debate.
9:28 pm: Obama claims that Romney has been incapable of saying no to his own party. Also a valid point
9:25 pm: Partisan gridlock is a huge problem in government. Obama can only pass legislation with a Democratic Congress while Romney governed Massachusetts with a 87% Democratic State House and Senate.
9:24 pm: 3 minutes until closing statements. Romney’s chance to win is right around the corner.
9:22 pm: “You are entitled to your own house and your own airplane, but not your own facts” – Mitt Romney
9:21 pm: It is funny that Romney has been the most pro-choice candidate this debate.
9:17 pm: Romney is getting all Mormon up in here and the undecided Colorado voters are loving it!
9:15 pm: Obama can’t stop talking about teachers, but Massachusetts has the best education system.
9:09 pm: Obama claims that Romneycare in Massachusetts was the biggest private healthcare expansion. Isn’t that making Romney’s point that he is better able to deal with healthcare?
9:07 pm: “I was astonished” – Romney referring to the creativity of the American people. Private market is the optimal solution for the healthcare problem, not government mandates.
9:02 pm: Romney makes a false claim that Obamacare was passed without a Republican vote. Joseph Cao was the lone Republican to support the bill, as he was representing a liberal district in Louisiana.
8:56 pm: Onto healthcare. Romney says insurance has gone up by $2,500 and that a survey of small business owners showed that 75% won’t hire more
8:52 pm: Romney claims regulation is necessary for the economy. Says we need to repeal and replace Dodd-Frank. Two true statements
8:50 pm: Candidates clearly disagree on Medicare.
8:47 pm: Obama is a much better orator with a teleprompter.
8:40 pm: Social Security: and Obama dodges the question again…
8:39 pm: Oil companies receive $2.8 billion in tax breaks. Obama provided $90 billion in tax breaks to Green Energy companies.
8:35 pm: Both the USA and Spain are spending 42% on government. Spain needs a bailout. Point to Romney
8:27 pm: Wish I could update the blog more frequently, but Wash U needs to improve its WiFi. Romney is clearly winning the funniest quotes contest and seems to be winning the debate so far. Romney is clearly outlining his policies while Obama rambles and shares anecdotes.
8:23 pm: How many times will Obama say that Romney is trying to cut $5 trillion in taxes?
8:20 pm: We are way over our first fifteen minutes. but Romney replies to Obama with a St. Louis shout-out!
8:17 pm: Bring rates down, lower deductions, keep revenue the same. As an accounting major I can confirm that it makes sense.
8:14 pm: Oil increase has been from private land. Romney promises to drill off Alaska. Sarah Palin must be shouting “Drill! Baby, Drill!” right about now
8:10 pm: Obama claims that Romney wants to “dump taxes” on the middle class. Romney says lower wages under Obama Administration are effectively an “economy tax.” Seems like Mitt has a point.
7:58 pm CST: First off, let me say that I am not a “Token Republican.” I am a “Token Wash-U Republican.” I am watching this debate not as a fan of Mitt Romney, but as a proponent of economic conservatism and a critic of the current Obama Administration. Romney is a long-shot to win the election, but a strong performance tonight could put Mitt Romney’s campaign train back on the train tracks.