Monday, October 15, 2012



Good Evening fellow Political Scientists.  Tonight's Town Hall debate format gives us an excellent opportunity to share our opinions in real time without the influence of the news or the media. Please share your opinions with your colleagues as the candidates debate.  Please respect the opinions of others and enjoy democracy in action.


445 comments:

  1. The debate will focus on domestic policy and be divided into six time segments of approximately 15 minutes each on topics to be selected by the moderator and announced several weeks before the debate.

    The moderator will open each segment with a question, after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a discussion of the topic.

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  2. 5 minutes here we go... #debates at twitter will give you some insights as well.

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  3. Mitt Romney says he knows what it takes to give college students jobs after they get out of college, but didn't explain how. His answer to Mr. Epstein's question was very vague.

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  4. Going to college soon and because i am going to need a job in the next 4 years, I liked Romney's ideas of giving out loans although all he said about creating jobs was that he knew what it took to do it and that he would. He was way too vague in his response.

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  5. Andrea Purick

    Glad to hear that your're going to give jobs to young people, Romney what are you going to do?

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  6. I think Obama was very clear in how he explained his plan for expanding jobs whereas Romney didn't really proposed an actual plan...though i do like his idea of making college more affordable
    -Angelica Tesoriero

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  7. While Mitt Romney's answer to the student's question did not reveal a solution to the problem in question, Obama's answer clearly lists precisely what he plans to do to find a solution to the issue of unemployment and the youth of America. Romney seemed evasive when answering the question.

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  8. Im wondering if that 10.7% unemployment rate is accurate, but the fact that unemployment is the same as it was 4 years ago is eye opening for sure.

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  9. i was thinking the same thing as Kiera. Obama is giving a much more detailed answer

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  10. I agree with Lauren way too vague... There was no clear answer. I think Romney gets off topic a little but I like his examples/references.

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  11. Obama, unlike Romney did introduce actual policies to implement in the aid of college students. Obama was more personable and to the point than Romney.

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  12. I think how Romney continuously addressed Jeremy specifically, while Obama talked in more general terms. Since Jeremy will be able to vote in the 2012 election, the president who addresses his specific concerns will most likely receive his vote.

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  13. I agree with Kiera. It's nice to hear that Romney knows how to create jobs for college grads but it would be nicer if he would elaborate on how.

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  14. The average American is unable to fact-check every single detail, who's figures are correct? Romney's making one statement and Obama's refuting it, and vice versa.

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  15. Romney relied immediately on the anecdote from an average person, and Obama went on the attack. No surprises there. Not loving the simplistic, class warfare rhetoric from Obama. One point plan? I don't know about that.

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  16. I can definitely relate to Jeremy Epstein's problem, being as though I am a prospective college student. I think Mitt Romney's plan that involves loans for college students and the creating of jobs post college could be a good idea, however, he was not specific enough in his response. Yes, he has a plan, but he has yet to expalin what that plan entails.

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  17. I really liked Obama's point, Romney is solely interested in helping the .01% of upper class American citizens.

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  18. Andrea Purick

    I agree with Steve that Obama is being more personable. These topics seem to be directed straight towards us tonight!

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  19. HOW is Romney going to create new jobs? I'm glad he says that he's going to, but he needed to explain how he was going to do it.

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  20. In my opinion, Obama is much more appealing in his answers in that he provides facts and tactics. Romney is way too general in his responses - I promise this and I will do that will not cut it against a series of plans and proposals. -Jon Grant

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  21. In the initial response to the student, Obama provided a little more substance about what he was going to do in regards to adding jobs for recent college graduates (tax cuts, promote small business, 5 million jobs in 30 months). Romney talked more about the student debt and educational aspect, although incredibly important, did not answer the student's question about finding a job after college with facts, just that "he knows what to do."

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  22. I agree with Liz Doherty. Romney responded to the initial question on a more personal level with Jeremy, as if he was having a personal conversation with him. Obama did not specify his response to Jeremy himself, who can vote in the upcoming election. In a way, Romney gave Jeremy more respect by referring to him specifically.

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  23. I agree with Rachel in that Obama had clear points that gave you hope that he actually had a plan on how to increase jobs.
    Also, Obama continually talks about being eco friendly energy sources, hybrid cars, etc. in his answers, which I think is very important.

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  24. Obama is clear about his goals and how he plans on achieving them whereas Romney states he has these "plans" and knows how to create jobs but doesn't go into detail on how he will accomplish these things.

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  25. what does it matter if you can go twice the distance if your still paying record high amounts... obama put a moritorium on new oil wells and also shut down half the oilo rigs in the south coast and also shut down aid to the big oil companies

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  27. I think that Obama relating both Jeremy's question and the question on gas was a good idea. It shows that he is constantly looking at the bigger picture.

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  28. I agree with Lauren in that Romney states he knows how to create jobs but doesn't give a clear explanation of exactly how he's going to do so. As a graduating High School student it is important to know I am going to be able to make a future for myself after I graduate college and look for a job. I like how Obama looks to take the money we've been spending on war overseas and put it towards rebuilding America from creating jobs to assuring employment for the youth.

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  29. Obama is definetly doing a better job than he did last debate. He is refuting Romney and describing his strategies efficiently. However Romney is using a great strategy of using real life scenarios to emphasize failures under Obama's presidency.

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  30. Although Romney was somewhat general in his addressing the creation of new jobs, he only has two minutes to get his point across and must be concise as possible within this time limit.

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  31. I agree with Romney, domestic energy production is crucial to help our economy along. We have to stop buying from the Middle East.

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  32. Oil production down 14% due to president's cuts--that's a strong figure from Romney to put the focus on Obama's record rather than his rhetoric. I appreciate the respect each man has shown each other thus far. I don't miss seeing Biden's childish laughter from last Thursday night.

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  33. I agree with Kiera... Obama is doing a very nice job relating to the bigger picture and tying in other aspects to the question.

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  34. Romney is doing better, stating more specific tactics dealing with the "how" on this fuel question.

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  35. Both men want us to be energy independent, but gas prices have gone up significantly since Obama took office. How does he plan on changing it now?

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  36. Obama is emphasizing that he is a people-orientated person and also stressing that Romney will do what is best not for the people, but for big corporations and businesses.

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  37. I agree with Obama's enthusiasm to use to clean energy. He is thinking about the future of our planet and economy. However, Romney does point out that Obama has failed to create clean energy jobs

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  38. Along with his being personable, Obama definitely seems to have stepped up his game this round. He seems more confident and reassuring, even just in regards to his body language and hand gestures.

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  39. Romney doesn't seem very concerned with the environment...I feel like the "20 or 30 birds killed" because of coal is possibly an understatement....what's this mans problems with birds?

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  40. No answer from Obama on is 4.00 gas the new normal

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  41. I don't know if i agree with Obama, if he's created so many jobs than why is unemployment still so high?

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  42. I agree with Joe. Both of the candidates are being very respectful to each other. Wait, they just starting fighting over oil.

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  43. They look like they are going to brawl at this point

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  44. I appreciate that Romney brought up the oil drill issue. Obama let that opportunity slip through his fingers, and instead China may take over the project.

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  45. Obama is not so subtly avoiding Romney's question about cutting oil licenses...

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  46. Obama's also definitely on the offensive in this debate, while in the last debate, he was backing down from Romney's challenges more.

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  47. Andrea Purick

    Obama's oil speech sounds a little too good to be true... He's making it sound as though gas is $2.50 not $4.50

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  48. Obamas answers are more clear cut he has a goal and be knows what he wants to achieve he his back on his game. However Romney is my opinion is being a lot more vauge like when talking about coal and oil. Where is romneys solution to these problems?

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  49. I feel that Obama answered the question about jobs better than Romney. He gave more insight as to what he would do to help employment whereas Romney sort of went around the question and didn't give an exact answer the first time around. He lists out more statistics than saying how he would go about fixing it. Romney's just too vague on his answers.

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  50. Obama is not addressing Romney's question and is instead using his past lawyer experience to answer the question in a way that makes his actions seem positive.

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  51. Caragh, I believe Obama has made a point that he has in fact created many jobs, but it is going to take time for the nation to get back to where it was

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  52. Obama made a good point in returning the manufacturing and energy industries to the United States. Romney also addresses the possible fallacies in his point, but fails to recognize that there must me some environmental regulations upon such energy productions. Romney also seems to like to interrupt Obama but then is annoyed when he attempts to answer his questions...

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  53. Lmao @romney's direct question to Obama. That was some good TV. Obama says he has furthered our domestic energy but the facts seem to suggest otherwise. Gas and electric prices way up, and production on federal lands down...

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  54. I like how Mitt Romney did his research on gas prices in nassau county. It makes him see more personable.

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  55. Andrea Purick

    A little close there guys........

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  56. So much for being respectful. On the other hand I like the Nassau County refernce from Romney. He's really trying to connect with his audience.

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  57. Obama is being rather disrespectful by constantly interrupting Romney. Let the man speak.

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  58. Romney seems a lot more detail oriented this time- he mentions the gas prices in Nassau, unemployment rates, and oil price stats

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  59. in the past four years the price hasnt gone down if there was more of a supply then a demand then the price would decrease

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  60. I agree with Joe - Biden's childishness was horrible. Hopefully, the interruptions will be limited by the moderator and a calmer nature from both men.

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  61. The moderator is very good and trying to get answers out of both the candidates.

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  62. I like how Obama talks about creating more efficient clean energy and an increased oil drilling while also keeping in mind the health of the environment. I also liked how Obama related this back to the economy and the ability for Jeremy to get a job.

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  63. I agree with Romney's stance. Obama is claiming to create a more efficient America, meanwhile what has been going on these last four years? America has not been able to produce its own oil because of laws set in place to prevent it under the Obama Administration. Romney wishes to make use of this land's resources, which will save more money in the long-run.

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  64. The environment may have to take a back seat sometimes to practicality. If a pipeline hurts the environment a little bit but puts more money into the economy, that is how it has to be.

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  65. Obama seems to be dodging the mediator's question as to why gas prices are still so high. He is talking about what he is going to do, but has already had 4 years to do something.

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  66. Romney, I don't think gas in Nassau County was $1.85 in 2008....

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  67. Obama is preaching reality-- we were about to drop into a depression, and Romney acts as if it would take a quick amount of time to fix

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  68. Obama and Romney just bickering at each other at the moment in regards to fuel. Obama taking a different approach this debate... not sitting back, more aggressive.

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  69. Mitt Romney's research on gas prices in Nassau County shows that he came into the debate prepared and researched. It makes his argument more relatable for the local people living on Long Island.

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  70. While both candidates are discussing their opinions and what they want to do in regards to oil and the economy, neither one has addressed the issue of gas prices going up, and how they are going to resolve the issue. Both seem to be ignoring the original question about gas prices.

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  71. Romney's pretty disreputable in his tendency to squeeze in his word and interrupt; funny how he reprimands Obama. Starting to look like a debate!

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  72. Why is Romney so rude sometimes...who cares who gets the last question? Be respectful

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  73. I think candy crawler could take them both

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  74. Tori has a very good point. the moderator is doing a very good job at trying to keep them on point.

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  75. Obama made a very good point saying that the gas prices were low because the economy was on the verge of a depression.Obama is NOT responsible for the higher gas prices.

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  76. Candy is so much more assertive than Leher. Oh wait, Romney is still speaking...

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  77. Candy has set up a very strict and rigid way in running this debate, unlike the last one where the moderator was constantly interrupted. However, this hasn't stopped either of the candidates yet.

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  78. I agree with Obama in investing more in clean energy. It can create more jobs and will benefit America more in the long run. Obama seems much more lively then the last debate.
    Jessica Doughty

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  79. they should. stop bickering. like teenage girls. and focus more. on what they can. do about. renewable energy. rather than traditional American resources. -Obama impression

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  80. I agree with Caragh and Tori. The moderator's doing a very good job switching between topics.

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  81. Yikes, things are getting heated.

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  82. Allie Latini

    Romney's pointing out that if the president's energy policy is working, gas prices would not have doubled since he took office. Obama just blamed the economy. He's basically saying that if Romney's plan works, it wasn't his fault. He seems like he's trying to get rid of the responsibility.

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  83. Yes I don't remember the gas prices being $1.85 four years ago here in Nassau, it was definitely higher than that.

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  84. I like this format of the debate, it is made more personal by having the audience be able to ask questions. This gives them a say in the debate.

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  85. Both men are interrupting each other, it isn't just Romney. Obama has accused him of lying in the middle of his point a few times.

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  86. Obama is defiantly much more aggressive this time. He is sure to impress people a lot more than the last debate.

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  87. Candy Crawler is not letting Romney and Obama constantly bicker back and forth. She's actually controlling the debate, unlike Jim Leher, who moderated the last debate.

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  88. Eye contact with the people asking the questions is a key component of an effective debater. Both candidates are doing a great job of doing that. However, Romney is doing a better job.

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  89. I agree with Emily Smith. Romney is taking the approach of "All Politics is Local" as we learned of in class and if he continues to relate his future plans to Nassau County individuals, he will win their vote.

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  90. The unemployment rate stood at 7.8% at the beginning of Obama's presidency. Today, it still stands at 7.8%. If you include the amount of people who have dropped out of the workforce this number stands at 10%.

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  91. Romney may have become too cocky from winning the last one that he thinks he runs the show here.

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  92. i like how both of the candidates are keeping the answers related to the people asking. makes them seem much more personable and attentive.

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  93. Romney keeps saying that the middle class has been buried in the last four years- but he does realize that American history and the policies that still affect us today last from earlier administrations, doesn't he?

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  94. Once again Romney did not say anything specific about the tax deductions he would eliminate.

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  95. There seems to be alot of questions realated to college-this is good for the class of 2013!!

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  96. Romney answered the question about deductions rather straightforwardly, unlike both men in the earlier question about gas prices. They both need to be able to answer the questions asked and not hint around it without giving a straight answer. I think Romney using all these facts and statistics are going to help him very much in this debate.

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  97. Romney seems promising on not raising taxes on the middle class and not lowering upper classes taxes which he says will lead to jobs.

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  98. ANDREA PURICK

    I agree with Amanda, this form of debate is much more entertaining and relatable, keeping a bigger audience who actually understand what's going on

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  99. I highly doubt that either of them will lower taxes. They both talk about relief to the middle class because that's where the votes are.

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  100. Long Island is primarily middle class so Romney's focus on the middle class is his best strategy to gain NY votes.

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  101. The only way the economy can get back to normal is to raise taxes or cut spending. Romney wants to cut spending on medicare, social security etc. Obama wants to raise taxes on high income families. It seems like this is a debate on who can sugarcoat their tax raises or spending cuts more....

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  102. Lowering taxes on the middle class, the highest percentage of the country's population, but plan to reduce borrowing of money, hmm... sounds a lot like what we learned in government. State taxes it is!

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  103. I really agree with Romney helping out the middle class and promising to not cut any taxes for the top 5% because they are the one that can afford it. Tax cuts for the middle class would really make a difference, and I agree with the way he plans to do it.

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  104. I agree with Amanda, it also gives the candidates the opportunity to be direct and personable as opposed to being stuck behind a podium.

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  105. In Romney's response, he established what is actually considered to be middle class. Romney states that anyone earning less than $200,000 will be given a tax break. Obama never seemed to expand on what he considered to be a middle class, and many people here in Massapequa who are considered to be middle class actually had their taxes raised.

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  106. Romney wants to give the middle class a tax break...easier said than done. He makes a convincing argument, though, his delivery is in point.

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  107. "I'll just pick a number." I don't think this is helping to clarify your tax plan, Romney.

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  108. Though the taxes are cut on a federal level, people are paying the same amount of taxes, if not more because taxes are raised on the state and local level.

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  109. I am tired of hearing about these studies...each candidate has discussed studies that has disaproved each other. I don't know what facts are true anymore.

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  110. please explain where these tax cuts are?? the harder people work the more people pay for all the people who do not work

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  111. True domination and poise shown by Romney when Obama responded to one of his comments abruptly. "That wasn't a question Mr. President. It was a statement."

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  112. Compared to the last debate, Obama has definitely stepped up his game. In the last debate, he lacked eye contact and his body language was slowly deteriorating as the debate went on. This debate, however, he presents himself as a stronger debator, while maintaining eye contact. He seems more relaxes and involved than in the last debate.

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    1. I agree with Emily. Obama's performance so far has been stronger than the last debate. At the same time, he is a little too aggressive in his attack of Romney and interruptions.

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  113. Tori, Obama has been just as general with his policies too. Its pretty hard to get into specifics when you only have two minutes to answer.

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  114. No taxes on savings on investements heavily favors the upper class; not many middle class people have that much in savings or investments, yet the question was based on the middle class

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  115. Obama is emphasizing his quality of campaign promises

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  116. Both candidates seem to be promising changes either without explaining how they will make them happen or giving only vague and non specific descriptions on how they will do so.

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  117. Notice independents reaction whenever Obama mentions Clinton

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  118. Obama is still trying to compare himself to Bill Clinton? At least he seems more animated and engaged this time.

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  119. they're both saying that they're planning on lowering taxes but who says they're actually going to?

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  120. Obama's standpoint on cutting the taxes for the middle class and small-businesses is appealing to my family. I like how Obama states the wealthy's taxes can go back to the rates they were when Bill Clinton was president. This makes it appealing for both the wealthy and middle-class.

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  121. By using Nassau County's numbers and facts, Romney's definitely making voters feel like he knows what we need here. It makes him seem more personable. I agree with Liz and Emily. By using the "All politics is local" tactic, people on Long Island feel like they'll get economic relief in the months to come because Romney's talking specifically to us.

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  122. The republican congress (romney's allies) are to blame for not supporting president obama's tax cuts for the middle class. Which would have benefited the MAJORITY of the population.

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  123. I agree with Danielle, if Romney can somehow get the people on Long Island to connect to some of his plans, he will gain many votes.

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  124. Obama makes a great point that his biggest roadblock on instituting the tax raises is Congress not passing the bill. Both candidates are making a lot of promises, but they can't fulfill them without Congress's help.

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  125. Moshe Kasher: ‏@moshekasher tweeted
    "Obama was back stage listening to Eminem 100% for sure. #debates"
    Obama seems like he came more prepared and on fire in this debate than last time and he definitely listened to some pump up music before this. Eminem for sure.

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  126. Andrea Purick

    I really like that Obama is sticking to what he has been saying about tax rate cuts for the past four years, even though that is the reason why most people are voting for Romney.

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  127. When I listen to Obama, he sounds more like he is giving an official speech rather than answering the questions and talking to us. Oh and the moderator has some humor...

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    1. I guess when you under-prepare, you over-prepare next time..

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  128. I think it is commendable that President Obama is not attacking Mitt Romney's ideas as harshly as Mitt Romney is. He is being the "bigger person" and it shows that he is cool and collected in this debate.

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  129. A tax break for the middle class, you say? I'm listening Romney.

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  130. Romney needs to calm down with the sass and let obama speak. Also when it comes to the middle class obamas plan is a lot better then romneys.

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  131. Romney is right; small business is the key to everything. If they can succeed, the economy will definitely go right along with them.

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  132. Mitt Romney is disappointed with the last four years of this country :0 gasp

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  133. Romney keeps focusing on increasing the number of jobs in the U.S.-that would be really awesome especially for students. He wants to bring jobs back to the U.S. which could be hard since so many companies are outsourcing jobs to countries without labor laws.
    We need more U.S. jobs-we need jobs when we graduate from college!

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  134. Mr. Bachman always says that only one politician admitted to increasing taxes and that really didn't end well for him. Unfortunately, everyone is promising to lower taxes but that's not going to happen anytime soon. It's already been 4 years with Obama and the economy really hasn't changed much.

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  135. Amanda made a great point regarding Massapequa voters. I wonder how many people here think of themselves when the candidates talk about the middle class, when in reality they are (by these definitions) not middle class. They will see higher taxes over the next 4 years under Obama, and probably have over the last 4 years, and yet we do not seem to fit the super rich stereotype Obama has thrown out there.

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    1. People on Long Island, mainly the richer areas, have a lot of money, but so much is taken out in taxes and how expensive everything is to live here. Many people do not realize how much money they really make in the end, even if they don't see it.

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  136. "No it is not settled!" A little sass shown by Obama in that reply

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  137. I agree with Lauren... Definitely seems more on his game this debate than the last one.

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  138. Romney seems well prepared with specific statistics; however, the average person will not research the accuracy of the numbers Romney is using. It makes us wonder: is his plan feasible?

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  139. Why do the democratic candidates always find the republican response so comical?

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  140. Romney using all these statistics seems to make his arguments much stronger and show how Obama hasn't done all that he should have while he was in office to help the poverty rates and unemployment.

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  141. but if taxes are lowered, people can make more money later because they keep more money and then they invest. so lower tax rate on a larger money pool is still more money for the government, thats basic math

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  142. taxes is obviously a topic both candidates are very passionate about. they are both giving very detailed answers unlike their earlier answers.

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  143. Eddie, Romney stated he would eliminate tax loop holes but never said which ones. He had plenty of time to explain that at least especially since it is so important. Obama is being very specific about how much Romney's tax plan will cost and he has the same amount of time to speak.

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    1. But like you said, he's pointing out apparent flaws in Romney's plan, not talking about what he is going to do. Obama had 4 years to prove himself and he failed.

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  144. Obama's argument that "if Romney cuts tax rates across the board, it will cost $5 trillion" has been calculated to be false and he has previously argued this point in the last debate.

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  145. I can sort of see where Romney is going putting more money into defense with the rising threats of nuclear weapons from Iran and North Korea. I do think 2 trillion dollars is a bit excessive.

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  146. bringing up Big Bird, there you go, Obama. Tugging on America's heartstrings.

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  147. Why should people be taxed more because they are successful? It really is unfair.

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  148. Last debate Obama continuously mentioned Romney's "5 Million Dollar" plan, yet this time he said it's 8 million... Obama's math just doesn't add up.

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  149. Katie Cooke
    Obama is rightfully taking advantage of Romney's lack of specifics on his plans. I love that Obama just said "sketchy".

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  150. im pretty sure the Libyan embassy would ask for more money for defense...

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  151. Romney is being extremely disrespectful. I understand that this is a debate however he seems out of control and is simply attacking the president every time he speaks whereas Obama is calmer and more collected. He (Romney) has interrupted both the president and the moderator on several occasions and it is very irritating.

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  152. I want to hear about the military tax cut more in depth, and the continuation of the bush tax cut...Obama is merely saying that he will with no proof, and it is very easy for Romney to deny

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  153. i agree with Emily that to lower a deficit spending must be decreased and taxes must be increase, but what Romney said about lowering taxes for the middle class and small businesses makes sense because they can expand their business and hire more people, therefore helping the economy.

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  154. If Romney is doing this for small businesses, why is he giving tax cuts to major corporations?

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  155. In using the moderator's name I feel Obama is more "kissing up" rather than being polite. But that's just my opinion.

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  156. I'm tired of "proving that I'm not a robot" on every comment

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    1. and by the time i finally type the code in right, i'm like 20 comments too late.

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  157. Allison Latini

    Romney keeps focusing on his amount of experience-first with the coal industry, and now in the private sector. This makes him seem more like the average American. However, this doesn't change the fact that he is wealthy.

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  158. Is it just me or did Romney roll his eyes when Obama spoke? Romney seems insincere with his responses at times.

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  159. The moderator is doing a much better job keeping the debate under control and keeping keeping a balance between each candidate while staying on topic this time

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  160. Yeah, $4 Trillion isn't great in four years, but with Romney, another $8 Trillion wouldn't be too great either....

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  161. Romney continuously relates back to his business in Massachusetts, which is good and gives him credentials. What America needs is a businessman, like Romney, not a politician.

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  162. Obama speaks of Romney's potential plan "blowing up the deficit," meanwhile, what has he done to this country's economy--the deficit has doubled. Romney is a businessman who knows how to and has controlled a countless number of budgets.

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  163. on a side note, who is this moderator? im pretty sure both parties signed a legal agreement that the moderator would have a limited role in the debate and the questions asked would control the debate, which is the point of a town hall style debate

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  164. Mitt Romney is coming off rude when he keeps interrupting the moderator when she is asking question, as well as interrupting the President.

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  165. Obama has already spoken on this issue and still chose to stand-up while Romney was speaking, signaling that he desired to interrupt.

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  166. Romney needs to respect the rules of the debate, as well as Obama's opposing viewpoints. The fact that he is smirking, laughing, and interrupting both Obama and Candy Crawler is completely disrepectful and unprofessional. I'm sure whatever Romney has to say can wait until Obama finishes his sentence.

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  167. I like how Obama is relating his personal life to the questions being asked.

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  168. I'd like to see Obama and Romney throw some 'bows. The ratings for the third debate would be historic, and voter turnout would soar.

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  169. Barack Obama will "put us on a road to Greece." Bold words spoken. This could in fact be true if he continues to increase the deficit.

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  170. Obama is really trying to connect with the American people by telling personal stories, like the one about his grandmother right now.

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  171. Obama's mother and grandmother were white.

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  172. i agree with Jean.
    by Romney talking about today's deficit and where it's going was a very good tactic

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  173. A much more heated debate this time around, I like seeing each other's reactions to the opposing side's claims. BTW is it just me or does Candy look like a Rosie O'Donald - Judge Judy Hybrid...just saying

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  174. Allison Latini

    I hate all of this negativity...its so unproductive.

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  175. Personal anecdote by Obama about his single mom and grandmother; very nice. Making his argument much more personal and relate-able.

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  176. Andrea Purick

    I completely agree joe..... and I don't know how i feel about Obama changing the issue from women to families

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  177. Each candidate is bringing up statistics that totally contradict the other's point, especially with the issue of energy. I really cannot tell which one is telling the truth, when they are each saying that the other is lying.

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  178. Jean, I agree that Romney is a successful businessman-- but the country is not a business. Running Staples and Sports Authority is nothing like running a country

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  179. I agree with Danielle Glaser, it seems as though Obama is trying to sway the audience, including Candy, with his smile.

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  180. Obama makes himself really relateable when talking about his background and being raised by a single mom. He then goes on to explaining how he has fixed the problem of women not receiving as much money in the work place and its immediate importance in doing so.

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  181. I have been trying to log on for 45 minutes. Next time can we just write it down and hand it in next time? That being said I feel like these guys are having more of a yo mamma battle than debating. I also think that Romney has been pretty vague in many of his answers. "We need this and We need that" but can you please elaborate more

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  182. I agree with Jean, how can Obama say that anything Romney's plans to do is going to raise the deficit, when he did just that when he was in office? how can we know if it will really fail?

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  183. Obama's personal anecdotes are definitely appealing to the emotions of the voter.

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  184. Obama's personal anecdotes help him be seen as more relatable

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  185. Republicans complained about Joe Biden being rude? Did they just see Romney's display?

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  186. Katie Cooke
    I agree with Elizabeth! All I'm seeing from Romney is rudeness, yet after the last debate everyone called that "feisty" and said he was "on fire". I just find it disrespectful.

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  187. I think President Obama starting his response off with the fact that he was raised by a single mother and his grandmother's role in her job is a good way for him to connect with the people. Mitt Romney on the other hand is talking at a much quicker pace, showing he feels insecure about his answer.

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  188. Romney looking for qualified women for his cabinet will be VERY helpful to get that group of voters

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  189. Romney saying "important topic" talking about the women's question.. Well yeah.. It's a social debate. They're ALL important topics...

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  190. It's going to be interesting to see how Massachusetts polls in this election. It will tell us how much people really like Romney being in power.

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  191. I agree with Shannon, that Obama's reference to his grandmother makes him more relatable. Also how he addressed it as a "family issue" not just an issue for women. It seems like the undecided voters liked what he had to say.

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  192. Personal stories are another necessary component in a debate, Romney and Obama are both doing a great job with relating to the issues at hand.

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