During
presidential elections, it is customary that the two main candidates, Barack
Obama and Mitt Romney, debate against one another upon a set of questions given
to them by the moderator during the debate; a total of three presidential
debates. The questions that are formulated are instrumented by a moderator asking both candidates
on controversial issues during their candidacy. As the United States population
focus on the two leading
representatives of the Republican and Democratic Party, both Barack Obama and
Mitt Romney must prove that they are qualified to be the next President of the
United States of America.
According to the American news media, Mitt Romney’s behind closed door comment about the 47% population not paying taxes made prior to the debate, seemed to have had a negative effect on his campaign.[1] President Obama capitalized on Romney’s comments, and most Americans were intrigued by the controversy surrounding Romney would have an effect during the first debate.
Few
days prior to the first presidential debate, the polls showed a polarized
nation with the electorates divided across party lines. According to the CNN polling,
on October 2nd, Obama was polling 49% of the population vote as
against Romney’s 46%.[2]
However, NBC/Wall Street Journal national poll released on the Tuesday showed
voters were divided nationally. Survey detailed voter concerns on which
candidate was better prepared in creating jobs and improving the economy,
alongside the voter support and the centralized topics during the debate, was
soon going to be determined.[3] Americans
were asked whether the economy would be better or worse in the four years, if either
of the two candidates won the 2012 election. The Gallup showed that 50% of the
people asked, said that they would be in better hands if Romney was elected. However,
35% also believed the economy would be worse.[4] US
concerns regarding the economies finances mainly encloses on the candidates
capability, based on experience and skills, in steering the United States
economy. The Americans’ overriding concerns on the state of the economy
provides an advantageous leeway for Romney to be a possible leader, although
that alone is not enough for him to win the election. Other social issues were
equally important.
On
the night of the debate, which was held in the Magness Arena at the University
of Denver, Obama and Romney spent a whole 90mins debating. They focussed more
on domestic issues. The debates were broken down into categories: economy,
deficit, social security, medical care and role in government. Economy was
discussed in further detail regarding changing in jobs, war savings, middle
class taxes, household income, and oil production. The second segment, defici,t
was discussed in further detail on the premises of $5 trillion tax cut, 23
million jobless, rises in food stamps, and federal debt. The third segment,
social security, was broken down into $4 trillion in cuts, Medicare cuts, and
Medicare plans. The fourth segment, medical care, discussed Dodd-Frank, Deficit
and HealthCare; and lastly, role in government, discussesd Massachusetts ranking
and green companies.
90mins
quickly went by as both candidates debated against one another. Approximately
67.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the first debate. Majority of Americas
in virtually every major poll predicted Obama to come on top in this year’s
presidential debates; however, based on the outcome of the first debate Romney
came on top proving his own strengths.[5] News
coverage of both CNN and Fox news headline two different stories from the first
debate. CNN news coverage headline emphasized the clear winner in the first
presidential debate; Romney winning the first debate. The importance of this
debate was to show both candidates strengths and weaknesses, critical thinking,
during the live discussion. CNN elaborated on current issues such as
the 47% population comment Romney made last spring at a fundraiser in Florida,
was not taken into account during the debate. The lack of performance by Obama
led Romney to have a stronger argument during the presidential debate. Analyst would
argue, “Romney was direct, confident and black-and-white”.[6]
This particularly made Obama defensive while at the same time allow Romney to
take over discussion, regardless if his arguments were right or wrong. On the
other hand, FOX news focus on Romney’s PBS “Sesame Street” comment regarding
Big Bird advertise all over social network such as twitter and Facebook. Big
bird's “claimed” menace to the United States economy.
Although,
the media is classified as non-partisan the collection of public opinion
regarding the attitudes on issues, questions concerning candidates have
important implications. The political socialization of the media is a complex process
by which people acquire their political values.[7] People
become more aware of politics and learned facts in shaping their own political
values. The question on whether public opinion should be taken into
consideration is important because possible voters are greatly influenced by
the television shows, blog posts, new coverage etc… On the other hand, polls
serve importance in determining statistics on party lines but at the same
time it does not pay attention to the bigger picture (politics).
CNN
polls showed, after the debate, Romney was polling 48% of the population vote as
against Obama’s 47%. The Gallup also indicated that half of voters were likely
to now support Mitt Romney with Romney polling 50% and Obama with 46% of the
population. A decrease in polls statistics shows Obama to have a more negative
impact which increases Romney’s support. The use of social networks influence,
voice opinions and those involved manipulate the populations support level.
Regardless,
Romney seized the first win. Less than 3 weeks left of the presidential campaign.
Next on the candidates agenda will be the second round of debates.
Work
Cited
Kenneth,
Janda & et. “The Challenge of
Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions.
Eight Edition. 2012 p.111-146
Newport, Frank Vice President and Editor of Chief of the
Gallup Organization http://www.gallup.com/poll/157544/voters-reaction-romney-comments-tilts-negative.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Politics
Newport, Frank Vice President and Editor of Chief of the
Gallup Organization http://www.gallup.com/poll/157826/romney-maintains-economic-edge-heading-debates.aspx?ref=more
CNN: Analysis: Romney seizes the story
Article http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/04/politics/debate-analysis/index.html?iref=allsearch
Fox News: Romney energizes campaign
with feisty debate performance Article http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/04/romney-energizes-campaign-with-feisty-debate-performance/?intcmp=related
Fox News: Social media weighs in
on 2012 presidential debate http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/10/04/social-media-weighs-in-on-2012-presidential-debate/
New York Times: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/polls-show-voters-divided-ahead-of-debate/
New York Times: The First Presidential
Debate Video: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/10/04/us/politics/20120804-denver-presidential-debate-obama-romney.html?ref=politics#/?annotation=6691f48a0
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