Debate 1: Domestic policy
The first debate focused largely on economic policies. Both candidates spoke extensively about their respective plans for job creation and the economy in general. The debate had four segments: jobs, the federal deficit and debt, entitlements, and the role of government.
The debate began with Gov. Mitt Romney criticizing President Barack Obama for the deficit and raising taxes. Obama stood by raising taxes and cited programs that would have been cut if taxes were not raised. Romney also criticized Obama for providing $90 billion in tax breaks to green energy companies such as Solyndra. Obama criticized Romeny’s plan to restructure Medicare and make it more of a voucher program.
Moderator: Jim Lehrer, former anchor for the PBS NewsHour, was criticized for allowing the candidates to exceed their time limits and control the debate.
Debate 2: Foreign and domestic policy — om a town-hall format
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Undecided voters submitted questions for this debate. The candidates answered questions about job creation, alternative energy, income tax reform, integrating more women into the workplace, immigration, the crisis in Libya and gun rights.
Moderator: Candy Crowley of CNN’s “State of the Union” was criticized for fact-checking during the debate and confirming that Obama’s statement was factually accurate.
Debate 3: Foreign policy
The segments in this debate were fighting terrorism, the United States’ role in the world, Israel and Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan and the rise of China.
Romney said that despite the Arab Spring, there are still problems in the Middle East, specifically in Syria and Libya. Romney said the Middle East needs more economic development, better education, gender equality and the rule of law. Obama said the Middle East needs better leadership in order to maintain stability. The candidates discussed the crisis in Syria and how involved the United States ought to be. Romney discussed the trade imbalance between China and the United States and the issue of American jobs being sent to China. Obama said Romney’s proposed changes to taxes would create 800,000 jobs, but they would not be in the United States.
Moderator: Bob Schieffer of CBS News was praised for moderating the debate well and keeping the focus on the candidates.
