| Two Campaign Trails And Ron Paul’s Message Tonight is the first of four 2012 presidential debates, with only 34 days left until the election. Both candidates have been campaigning for many months, attending rallies and fundraisers, pressing the flesh, remaining constantly on message. Their political philosophies may differ, but the process of successfully campaigning is remarkably similar across parties, as evidenced by this series of photos comparing Romney and Obama events out on the campaign trail. |  |
It's the nasty undercurrent to the US election, but could racism put Mitt Romney in the White House?
While Barack Obama abandoned the campaign trail earlier this week and retreated to Washington to oversee the storm-relief effort (doubtless hoping to persuade wavering voters of his leadership qualities in the process), the man who could blow him out of office next Tuesday knew exactly where he needed to be.
For more than a month now, Mitt Romney has been virtually encamped in Ohio, the too-close-to-call ‘swing-state’ that history decrees he must win if he is to reach the White House. And it was there I found him — blue-check shirt open at the neck, sleeves rolled up ready for work — collecting donations for flood victims, in a high-school gym.
As part of his brilliantly calibrated autumn push that — together with Obama’s curiously disengaged and uninspiring performance on the stump — transformed the Republican challenger from no-hoper to narrow leader in the latest polls, Romney’s sense of place and timing was unerring.
Chiming effortlessly: Mitt Romney accepts food and supplies for storm victims at a rally in Kettering, Ohio
And though he was born to privilege as the son of a Detroit auto-industry tycoon and made his fortune as a supposedly hard-hearted, asset-stripping venture capitalist, as ever he chimed effortlessly with the small-town, blue-collar folks whose votes will decide this election.
‘Thanks for your generosity, ma’am; real kind of you, sir,’ he repeated endlessly, his flinty eyes brimming with sincerity as he received clothes parcels, tinned food and other essentials for families left destitute by Superstorm Sandy.
Each donor was rewarded with the simple twin-courtesies that go such a long way in the Mid-West, a firm handshake and a broad smile. And everyone I spoke to after they left the gym in Kettering, Ohio, was convinced they’d just met the next President of the United States.
Overturning expectations: Romney has countered portrayals of him as a hard-hearted asset-stripping businessman
‘Isn’t he charming? Quite handsome, too,’ coos one middle-aged woman in shapeless blue jeans and a sensible, chunky-knit sweater — the standard outfit for Ohio mums.
‘Mighty impressive, sweetie,’ allows her gruff, baseball-hatted husband, who works at the huge Wright-Patterson US air force base and fears Obama’s military spending cuts could throw him on welfare.
Some 18 months ago, when I began covering the long battle for the Republican nomination, the idea that Romney (who has promised to bolster America’s defence programme) might stir such adulation seemed unthinkable.
Autumn push: Once unelectable, Romney has transformed himself into a serious contender for the presidency
Though not so patently unelectable as some of the oddballs and extremists who first set out on the long road to the White House, the notion that this cheesy-grinning Mormon might garner enough support to deny Obama a second term was preposterous.
Even among his own party he was widely derided as a goofy, wooden character — Democrats claimed he was devoid of political or social convictions and would say whatever it took to win popularity, a tactic some suggested he’d learned as a door-knocking missionary in his youth.
But as I returned to America a few days ago to follow Romney on the stump in the final stages of the campaign — a worryingly nasty and polarised ideological showdown that will profoundly shape the long-term future for us all — I barely recognised him as the same candidate.
'Obama is a shadow of the messianic leader who promised a new dawn for America'
As someone who abhors many policies of the American Right — particularly on their opposition to issues such as abortion, gun-control and gay rights — I euphorically abandoned journalistic impartiality to cheer Obama’s ‘change has come’ victory speech on that epoch-making November night in Chicago in 2008.
The following day I even wore one of the cheap souvenir T-shirts being hawked by street-sellers outside the city’s Grant Park. Now it is stuffed away in a bedroom drawer.
For much as it pains me to say it, Obama today is a shadow of the messianic leader who promised a new dawn for America. And I am starting to understand why it is the Republican contender who is being hailed as the saviour now, especially in the beleaguered American heartland if not the big metropolitan melting pots where many still abstractedly believe in ‘hope’ and ‘change’.
How has this extraordinary transformation come about?
Let’s start with presentational style — crucially important in a nation where the president makes so many televised personal addresses and it is said people invariably elect the candidate who fits most comfortably into their living rooms. When Obama emerged on the scene, with his electrifying oratory, towering intellect, easy bonhomie and film-star looks, his appeal was almost universal. But watching him perform this week — greying and careworn — the charisma had faded.
Worse, many who backed him last time are actively hostile. In Ohio, I have heard time and again that he is ‘arrogant, aloof, superior, out of touch’ — ironic, given how he pledged to remove power from the Washington elite and hand it to ordinary people.
Peggy Noonan, a respected Wall Street Journal columnist, even ventured this week that the most exciting U.S. statesman since JFK has become ‘boring’. Obama ‘drones, he is predictable, it is never new’, she says, concurring with the veteran Watergate journalist Bob Woodward, who writes in a critical new book that the President’s ‘arrogance is greater than his grasp’.
A shadow: Barack Obama has gone from the contender with film-star looks and near-universal appeal (left) to a greying and careworn president who many think has failed to deliver (right)
By contrast, there is something rather intriguing, even endearing, these days about Romney. The antithesis of Obama in almost every conceivable way, he has cleverly capitalised on their differences.
While the President wears cool designer suits, Mitt’s clothes seem to come from a five-and-dime store. He sports a neat (and suspiciously jet-black) short-back-and-sides haircut, and he meanders off into homespun yarns about patriotic Boy Scouts and heroic astronauts — his words occasionally punctuated with a husky, Reagan-esque chuckle.
If all this makes him seem outdated, a throwback to the Fifties, that suits the folks of Ohio and other key states such as Wisconsin and Colorado, because they’re old-fashioned, too — and proud to be so.
‘I really like it that he’s clean-cut and traditional,’ says Abby Pytosh, a big-haired, snakeskin-booted account executive attending the storm fund-raising event in Kettering.
‘I’m 25 years old and I live in the 21st century but I don’t think that means we’ve got to give up on old-fashioned values. And, for me, Mitt Romney, not Barack Obama, represents those values.’
She says she is talking about issues such as abortion (Romney is pro-life, Obama pro-choice), and the government-funded Planned Parenthood birth-control programme to which many Mid-Western conservative women are vehemently opposed.
It's the economy, stupid: Voters will choose the candidate they think most able to restore America's prosperity
But in an often-echoed sentiment, she says she will also vote for Romney because he has the ‘hands-on business experience’ needed to turn the economy around, unlike Obama who has only ever worked as ‘a community activist’ and career politician.
For all the emotionally charged side-debates about immigration, terrorism, Afghanistan and the deeply divisive new health-insurance scheme for the poor, known as ‘Obamacare’, this election is all about the economy, of course.
The winner will be the man the electorate judges is best-equipped to restore America’s prosperity.
Exactly how the average voter is expected to make an informed choice, however, when rarely an hour passes without one candidate making some grandiose claim by way of a radio or TV commercial, only for the other to rubbish it, is anyone’s guess.
For example, will the newly resurgent Chrysler really throw Obama’s $80 billion federal auto-industry bailout back in his face by shifting its Jeep production to China, as Romney (who famously argued that the industry should have been left to go bankrupt) claims in one of his latest ads?
Or rather, as both the President and the company itself insist, is this just baloney?
'In many places the spirit of integration has vaporised...it seems race could be a significant factor in the result'
In Ohio, where motor manufacturing provides one in eight jobs and unemployment is only slightly below the 7.8 per cent national average, this is a matter of great importance.
Yet, as so often in this mud-slinging campaign, voters are being presented with two contradictory ‘truths’ and so, in their confusion, they revert to old partiality and prejudice.
This spells more trouble for Obama. Four years ago, a sizeable proportion of the white electorate — sick to the teeth of George W. Bush and hoping the economy had bottomed out — bought into his dream.
But in many places the spirit of integration has vaporised and, as the U.S. media are reluctantly beginning to acknowledge, it seems race could be a significant factor in the result.
This sorry assertion isn’t based on solely the ugly slogans one sees all too often at Romney rallies (such as the sickening favourite: ‘Put the White back In the White House’). It is supported by hard facts.
In 2008, Obama won 43 per cent of the white vote; this time just 37 per cent support him, according to the latest polls, and pundits believe his re-election is in serious jeopardy unless he can increase that figure.
CNN political analyst L.Z. Granderson says: ‘What we’re beginning to see is that the Republicans are increasingly white, while the Democrats are losing the white people.’
Explaining this racial schism, Mark Anthony Neal, cultural and black studies professor at Duke University in North Carolina, says white voters have allowed Obama less time to turn the economy around than they would have given a white president.
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‘It’s not so much that they are voting for Romney because he is white, but the economy protects them [from charges of being racist],’ he says.
‘They don’t have to feel guilty because of the economy. The economy lets them off the hook.’
This may be true, but in the school gyms of Ohio this week the bigotry was more visceral. ‘Better a Mormon than a Muslim!’ snapped Phil Eldridge, a 53-year-old construction worker, when I asked what he thought of Romney’s religion.
Another Mitt supporter, a 50-year-old mother of four complained she was not only paying to put her children through college but, thanks to Obama’s inclusive education programme, she was paying for ‘millions of poor [subtext black] kids, too’.
Then there was my waitress Tabitha at KC’s Steak and Rib House in Bellville, Ohio. Another mother of four, she regaled me with outlandish conspiracy theories. Obama, she said earnestly, was ‘not even American’ — he had been born overseas and sent by Islamic terrorists to ruin the country.
This would doubtless amuse black leaders, who ironically accuse the President of being so unfailingly impartial that he has failed to do enough for their various social causes.
I was tempted to laugh at Tabitha’s McCarthyite mumbo-jumbo, but it really wasn’t funny because in the backwoods towns where the election will be won and lost it has become alarmingly mainstream.
Does Obama, despite his many failings, deserve a second chance?
Hamstrung for the past two years by an antagonistic Republican Congress, has he made the best of the bad hand he was dealt by President Bush, as he insists?
Did he set our expectations so high, with his message of hope and change, that we have overlooked his achievements, as laid out in the Democratic Party circular I received this week that listed no fewer than 39 of them, from improving women’s rights to killing Osama bin Laden?
Or rather, is it time to give the other guy a go: the old-fashioned one who knows a thing or two about turning around ailing businesses and promises to do the same for USA Inc.?
Three days from now, America will make its choice. The smart money says Obama will scrape home, saved perhaps by the great storm that has given him the opportunity to reassert his command on camera, just when it matters.
But if Mother Nature fails to save him from the ignominy of a one-term presidency, history will trace his demise to the anger and disillusion voiced in dozens of school gyms in places like Kettering, Ohio.
The two candidates for president of the the United States, from left: President Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate, and the Republican candidate, former governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney. Here, Obama is speaking at a campaign event in Lions Park in Golden, Colorado, on September 13, 2012, and Romney is campaigning at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax, Virginia, on September 13, 2012. (Obama: Brendan Smialowski, Romney: Win McNamee/Both photos: Getty Images)
| Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally at the Farm Bureau Live arena, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on September 27, 2012. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Democrats unveiled a party platform at their national convention Monday that echoes President Barack Obama's call for higher taxes on wealthier Americans while backing same-sex marriage and abortion rights. Delegates will vote Tuesday to adopt the platform that reflects the president's argument that his work is unfinished and he deserves another four years to complete the job. |  |
"Today, our economy is growing again, al-Qaeda is weaker than at any point since 9/11, and our manufacturing sector is growing for the first time in more than a decade. But there is more we need to do, and so we come together again to continue what we started," the platform said.
The document is a sharp contrast from the Republican blueprint that the GOP adopted at its convention last week. The Republican plan would ban abortion and gay marriage, repeal Obama's health care overhaul law and shift Medicare into a voucher-style program.
Democrats acknowledged that divergent views.
"This election is not simply a choice between two candidates or two political parties, but between two fundamentally different paths for our country and our families," the Democrats said.
___
TAXES
The Democratic platform calls for extending the middle-class tax cuts for the 98 percent of American families who make less than $250,000 a year, and makes a promise not to raise taxes on them. The platform claims a typical family has saved $3,600 during Obama's first term. "Now he's fighting to stop middle-class families and those aspiring to join the middle class from seeing their taxes go up and to extend key tax relief for working families and those paying for college, while asking the wealthiest and corporations to pay their fair share," the platform says.
The Republican platform would extend the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, pending reform of the tax code. It also says the party would try to eliminate taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains altogether for lower- and middle-income taxpayers. It also would work to repeal the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax.
___
ABORTION
The Democratic platform states that it "unequivocally" supports Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal, and "supports a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay."
The platform states: "Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way."
The Republican Party platform bans abortion in all cases, even rape, incest and when the life of the mother is endangered. Republicans say "the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed." It opposes using public revenues to promote or perform abortion or to fund organizations that perform or advocate abortions.
___
GAY MARRIAGE
The Democratic platform supports the movement to get equal treatment under the law for same-sex couples.
The platform says: "We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference." The platform opposes "federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection under the law" to same-sex couples.
The Republican Party platform affirms the rights of states and the federal government not to recognize same-sex marriage. It backs a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
___
IMMIGRATION
The platform states that "Democrats are strongly committed to enacting comprehensive immigration reform." Immigration overhaul would include bringing "undocumented immigrants out of the shadows," requiring illegal immigrants "to get right with the law, learn English and pay taxes" to get on a path toward citizenship. It also calls for a visa system that meets the country's "economic needs, keeps families together and enforces the law." It acknowledges that administrative fixes are not permanent. "Only Congress can provide a permanent, comprehensive solution."
The Republican platform opposes "any form of amnesty" for those who intentionally violate the immigration laws, demands a halt to Justice Department lawsuits against states that have enacted tough immigration measures, would deny federal funding to universities that provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants and advocates making English the official national language.
___
MEDICARE
Democrats say the new health care law makes Medicare stronger by adding new benefits, fighting fraud and improving care for patients. It notes that nearly 50 million older Americans and those with disabilities rely on Medicare. Over 10 years, the law will save the average Medicare beneficiary $4,200, the platform says. "Democrats adamantly oppose any efforts to privatize or voucherize Medicare," the platform says.
The GOP platform pledges to move Medicare away from "the current unsustainable defined-benefit entitlement model to a fiscally sound defined-contribution model." It supports a Medicare transition to a premium-support model with an income-adjusted contribution toward a health plan of the enrollee's choice.
___
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
The Democratic platform criticizes the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which lifted restrictions on independent political expenditures by corporations and unions, and calls for "immediate action to curb the influence of lobbyists and special interests on our political institutions" — with a constitutional amendment, if necessary, in the cause of campaign finance reform.
"We support requiring groups trying to influence elections to reveal their donors so the public will know who's funding the political ads it sees," the platform says.
The Republican platform supports the Citizens United decision as a free speech issue.
___
HEALTH CARE
The platform pledges to continue building on the new health care law. It says accessible, affordable, high-quality health care is part of the American promise, that Americans should have the security that comes with good health care, and that no one should go broke because they get sick. "No law is perfect and Democrats stand willing to work with anyone to improve the law where necessary, but we are committed to moving forward," the platform says.
The GOP platform says that a Republican president on his first day in office would use his waiver authority to halt progress in carrying out the health care act. It calls for a Republican plan based on improving health care quality and lowering costs and a system that promotes the free market and gives consumers more choice.
___
DEFENSE
The platform says Democrats have responsibly ended the war in Iraq, put the al-Qaida terrorist organization on the path to defeat with the killing of Osama bin Laden and reversed the Taliban's momentum to set the stage for the drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
"As a consequence of the president's decisions and the brave work of our military and intelligence professionals, bin Laden can no longer threaten the United States and al-Qaida's senior leadership has been devastated, rendering the group far less capable than it was four years ago," the platform said. "The al-Qaida core in Afghanistan and Pakistan has never been weaker."
Democrats back further reductions in the nuclear weapons stockpile, building on the hard-fought U.S.-Russia treaty that Obama got through the Senate in December 2010. Democrats also say they have an "unshakable commitment to Israel's security," and Obama will do all in his power to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Democrats say they want to maintain a strong military, but argue that in the current fiscal environment, tough budgetary decisions must include defense spending. They noted that Democrats and Republicans agreed last summer in the deficit-cutting plan to reduce military spending.
Republicans, in their platform, criticizes the Obama administration as holding weak positions toward such countries as North Korea, China and Iran and for reductions in military spending.
| Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver, Colorado, on October 1, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) In his 1994 Senate campaign, Romney called for the "virtual elimination" of the federal Department of Agriculture[1] and for reductions in farm subsidies.[2] In 2007, when questioned about these views, a Romney for President Iowa campaign spokesman responded: "Governor Romney believes that investing in agriculture is key to our economy and families."[3] During the 2012 presidential election campaign, Romney took positions on agricultural subsidies that some media reports characterized as vague and somewhat contradictory. |  |
In May 2011, just days after rival Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty had declared that federal subsidies for the production of ethanol fuel should be phased out, Romney said that he was a supporter of ethanol subsidies.[7] Five months later, while speaking on agricultural subsidies at a roundtable discussion with Iowa farmers and business leaders, Romney said, “I’m not running for office based on making promises of handing out money....
Automotive industry
During the 2008 presidential primary campaign, Romney had distinguished his prescription for the automotive industry from rival candidate John McCain's by calling for $100 billion in federal stimulus funding over five years to support retraining of automotive workers and to help promote the industry's transition to a green tech economy.[11] As the automotive industry crisis of 2008 arose amidst the near collapse of the private-sector credit market and banking industry in late 2008, Romney argued against a bailout with direct government loans of the auto industry. He proposed that struggling auto manufacturers should undergo managed bankruptcy, after which they should seek loans from the private-sector credit market with government-backed loan guarantees. Writing in an op-ed article published in the New York Times in November 2008 (his original title had been "The Way Forward for the Auto Industry" but the editors published the article under the title "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt"),[12][13] Romney said, "If General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye."[14] The Obama Administration ultimately implemented a managed bankruptcy reorganization of the General Motors and Chrysler corporations in combination with the direct government financing that Romney had opposed,[11][15] after which Romney said that he deserved credit for the auto industry's recovery.
Budget
In March 2012, Romney endorsed the House Budget Committee proposed budget for the fiscal year 2013, a newer version of Paul Ryan's The Path to Prosperity.[19][20]
[edit] Campaign finance
In his 1994 Senate campaign, Romney advocated spending limits on congressional campaigns and suggested abolishing political action committees.[21] In his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Romney proposed taxing private political contributions in order to finance publicly funded campaigns.[21] In 2007 Romney began criticizing the McCain-Feingold Law, saying "We step into dangerous territory when politicians start eviscerating our fundamental freedoms in the name of amorphous principles, like campaign finance reform."[21] He wrote in 2007: "The original intent of McCain-Feingold was to reduce the role of money and special interests in our political system. But on this too it has been a failure. Political spending has been driven into secret corners and more power and influence has been handed to hidden special interests. What is really needed is greater transparency, and disclosure, of campaign contributions – not more restrictions on political speech."[22]
In November 2011, Romney said that the U.S. Supreme Court had made the right decision in its 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling, but that he did not like some of the consequences of it: "I'm not wild about the idea of corporations making political contributions as a concept. I think their decision was a correct decision.
Defense spending levels
_Commanding_Officer,_Capt._Dennis_E._Fitzpatrick,_gives_the_Massachusetts_Gov._Mitt_Romney_a_tour_of_the_conventionally_powered_aircraft_carrier%27s_flight_deck.jpg)
Governor Romney received a tour of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in May 2005 as part of celebrating Armed Forces Day.
Romney has proposed to increase the size of the military by at least 100,000 troops.[25] He has called for spending priorities that include an expanded Naval armada estimated at $40 billion.[26] But he has not specified how he would pay for this spending under the current tight Federal budget.[27] He has singled out the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey as a program that will require "very careful inspection",[28] but has called for a billion dollar restart of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor production line.[29] This billion dollar cost does not include the costs and delay of updating the Raptor design to the same standard as modern fighters such as the F-35 or the actual construction costs of these aircraft.[30]
The Obama 2013 budget would have defense spending go from about 4.5% of GDP in 2012 to about 3% of GDP in 2013 to which Romney states that he wishes to have defense spending have a "floor" of 4% of GDP[31][32] In September 2012 interview with David Gregory, Romney stated he would like to keep the current defense spending level of GDP.[33]
[edit] Deficit
Romney (like several other Republican candidates) signed the "cut, cap and balance" pledge, under which an increase in the federal debt ceiling would be contingent on major cuts in spending, caps on spending, and a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution.[34]
Romney opposed the Budget Control Act of 2011 that was passed to resolve the United States debt-ceiling crisis as part of a deal struck between President Obama and congressional leaders, including his future running mate, Paul Ryan.[35][36] Romney later criticized Obama for failing to specify the true impact of the resulting sequestration, as required by law.[
President Barack Obama boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on September 20, 2012, en route to Florida. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #
Mitt Romney boards his campaign plane at the Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama arrives to speak at a campaign event at Lions Park, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, in Golden, Colorado. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #
Mitt Romney takes the stage at a campaign rally in Denver, Colorado, on September 23, 2012. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)
Financial industry regulation and Occupy Wall Street
Romney says a major contributor to America’s faltering economy has been what he views as excessive regulation.[73] He has promised to repeal the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Act implemented Wall Street reform with goals that included "improving accountability and transparency in the financial system" and protecting consumers. Romney criticized the Act as being "overwhelming" in length, but he said that one provision, distinguishing between home mortgages and high-risk securities in terms of the capital requirements, "does make sense",[74] and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was enacted to prevent accounting scandals such had occurred with the Enron corporation, with plans to eventually replace them with more streamlined regulations.[75][76][77] He also proposes instituting measures that would make it more difficult for federal agencies to impose new regulations.[73][78]
Regarding the Occupy Wall Street protests, Mitt Romney has stated he favors growing the middle class but said blaming Wall Street bankers is the wrong way to go.
Early in the 2012 presidential campaign, in June 2011, Romney said, "I don't speak for the scientific community, of course, but I believe the world's getting warmer. I can't prove that, but I believe based on what I read that the world is getting warmer. And number two, I believe that humans contribute to that. I don't know how much our contribution is to that, because I know that there have been periods of greater heat and warmth in the past but I believe we contribute to that. And so I think it's important for us to reduce our emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases that may well be significant contributors to the climate change and the global warming that you're seeing."[56][57] Several weeks later, in October 2011, he said, "My view is that we don't know what's causing climate change on this planet. And the idea of spending trillions and trillions of dollars to try to reduce CO2 emissions is not the right course for us."[58] He expressed his opposition to cap and trade plans and to regulation of carbon emissions.[59] In June 2012, Romney's domestic policy advisor Oren Cass told the Los Angeles Times, "He's a supporter of renewable energy, as long as it's anything that would be economically competitive. He doesn't know the extent to which climate change is occurring or that human activity is causing it.... What you won't see are mandates or taxes or regulations that interfere with economic activity."[#
US Secret Service agents watch as President Barack Obama (left) greets supporters at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, on August 11, 2012. (Yuri Gripas/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney is surrounded by US Secret Service agents as he speaks during a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum on October 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama speaks in the rain during a campaign rally in Glen Allen, Virginia, on July 14, 2012. (Reuters/Jason Reed) #
Mitt Romney hugs a supporter as he campaigns in the rain at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, on September 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Taxation
As the new Governor of Massachusetts in 2003, Romney declined to publicly support the federal tax cuts proposed by the Bush Administration.[119] (Romney reportedly told members of the state's congressional delegation that he would not "be a cheerleader" for proposals he did not agree with but that he felt he needed to "keep a solid relationship with the White House."[119]) Romney also said he was open to increases in the federal gasoline tax, to support transportation construction projects.[119] In 2007, after leaving the governor's office and deciding to seek the party' presidential nomination, Romney said that he had supported the Bush tax cuts overall.[124] In that same year, Romney signed the anti-tax pledge put forth by Americans for Tax Reform, pledging no new taxes or increases of existing taxes.[125] (In 2002, he had refused to sign an anti-tax pledge because he considered them "government by gimmickry.")[126]
Romney opposed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, the compromise tax package between President Obama and the Republicans Congressional leadership that centered around a two-year extension of the Bush tax cuts.[127] He said, "because the extension is only temporary, a large portion of the investment and job growth that characteristically accompanies low taxes will be lost. [And] It will also add to the deficit
Barack Obama greets supporters at a campaign rally at Desert Pines High School on September 30, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (John Gurzinski/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney greets the crowd after a campaign rally at the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) #
Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 22, 2012. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #
Mitt Romney speaks at a campaign fundraising event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, on September 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #
Barack Obama holds a baby during an Independence Day celebration including a barbeque, concert and a view of fireworks for military members and their families and members of the administration the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney holds a baby after making a campaign stop at American Legion Post 176, on September 27, 2012, in Springfield, Virginia. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) #
Supporters hold up signs as Barack Obama speaks at a campaign rally at the Henry Maier Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 22, 2012. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #
Supporters cheer as Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign rally at SeaGate Convention Center in Toledo, Ohio, on September 26, 2012. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) #
A Secret Service agent perspires as he keeps watch on Barack Obama during a campaign event at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 6, 2012. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #
A Secret Service agent stands guard as Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign event at LeClaire Manufacturing in Bettendorf, Iowa, on August 22, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama takes a sausage sample during a visit to Usinger's Famous Sausage following campaign events in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 22, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney poses for a photo with workers as he makes an unscheduled stop at a Chipotle restaurant in Denver, Colorado, on October 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #
Barack Obama arrives at Miami-Dade International Airport, on September 20, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney boards his plane in Cleveland, Ohio, before taking off for Boston on September 14, 2012. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) #
Supporters of Barack Obama cheer in the audience at an election campaign rally in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on September 27, 2012. (Reuters/Jason Reed) #
Supporters cheer as they listen to Mitt Romney speak during a Juntos Con Romney Rally at the Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, on September 19, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama embraces First Lady Michelle Obama after speaking during a campaign event at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, on September 7, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney is joined by his wife Ann at a campaign fundraiser in Beverly Hills, California, on September 22, 2012. (Reuters/Brian Snyder) #
Barack Obama pauses during a campaign speech at the Bowling Green State University on September 26, 2012 in Bowling Green, Ohio. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney speaks during a rally at Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) #
Barack Obama greets supporters after speaking at a campaign rally at the Kent State University on September 26, 2012 in Kent, Ohio. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney campaigns at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida, on September 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #
Barack Obama uses an iPhone to make a phone call to a supporter during a visit to the Obama for American campaign field office in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on September 9, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney works on his iPad before attending a fundraising event on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 in Little Rock, Arkansas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) #
Barack Obama walks on the tarmac upon his arrival in Swanton, Ohio, on September 26, 2012. (Reuters/Jason Reed) #
Mitt Romney is reflected on the side of his vehicle as he leaves The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on September 2, 2012. (Reuters/Brian Snyder) #
Barack Obama delivers remarks during a campaign on the campus of St. Petersburg College in St Petersburg, Florida, on September 8, 2012. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney campaigns at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax, Virginia, on September 13, 2012. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama carries boxes of pizza as he arrives for an unannounced stop at a campaign office October 1, 2012 in Henderson, Nevada. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney carries boxes of pizza for firefighters in New York, on May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) #
Barack Obama jokes with Scott Van Duzer, owner of Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant during a visit to the restaurant in Fort Pierce, Florida, on September 9, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney and running-mate Paul Ryan share a laugh as they are introduced at a campaign rally at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio, on September 25, 2012. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama makes a heart shape with his hands as he arrives to speak during a campaign event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 9, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney thanks supporters at the end of a campaign rally September 24, 2012 at Pueblo Memorial Airport in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 24, 2012. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama wipes perspiration from his face as he speaks in a sweltering gym during a campaign stop at Windham High School in Windham, New Hampshire, on August 18, 2012. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #
Mitt Romney wipes sweat from his face during a campaign rally at Absolute Style furniture on August 12, 2012 in High Point, North Carolina. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama hugs a supporter after speaking at a campaign event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 9, 2012. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney hugs a supporter as he campaigns in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #
A light shines behind Barack Obama as he speaks during a campaign event at Bayliss Park, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on August 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #
Mitt Romney takes part in a roundtable discussion on manufacturing at American Spring Wire in Bedford Heights, Ohio, on September 26, 2012. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama stops to talk a greet two young supporters at a campaign event at Farm Bureau Live, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on September 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) #
Mitt Romney greets supporters after speaking at a campaign rally at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, on September 14, 2012. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) #
Mona Renee Johnson listens as Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 12, 2012. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) #
Supporters of Mitt Romney attend a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver, Colorado, on October 1, 2012. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Barack Obama speaks to supporters during a campaign stop on September 12, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Isaac Brekken/Getty Images) #
Mitt Romney speaks at a campaign rally in Fairfax, Virginia, on September 13, 2012. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images)
| This year it was likely that Ron Paul could have been president. Congress would have paralyzed everything he wanted to do and he was choked out by political parties, both of which are highly corrupt as those who really watched the conventions saw. Both parties were hopelessly unAmerican. America has been stupid and has made things worse. Bush was a nightmare and I oppose Romney because he has tied himself to criminal elements that plan on profiting from broad warfare in the Middle East. He is a very shallow individual. That Paul, one person, for so many years, sat nearly alone when he should have been one person in a majority party saying what most Americans want is a clear demonstration of the failure of our political system. The whole thing has to go and nobody wants the “gravy train” to stop. We can’t start killing each other though many Americans advocate it and they aren’t crazy. We do have to deconstruct our political system from the ground up, start petitions in each state to eliminate state constitution’s, the rules systems, the courts as they exist, the civil and criminal law systems and every American has to be educated to do this. For this we need a national media owned and run by “elites,” those who love and believe in this country and the world and are willing to give their lives like our Founding Fathers really were, not those who wrote our flawed constitution, but those who, for a very short time, freed America from foreign tyranny. Foreign tyranny is back, and in a big way. We should talk of nothing else, allow talk of nothing else. Everything else is a lie and liars need to be tarred and feathered even if we need to do some “house cleaning” in every county seat, state capitol or newsroom in America. One has to wonder what went wrong with a nation that has all the fundamentals to be a great nation, great with its ideals of freedom and liberty for its people and the world, a right nation that abandoned its people to poverty, unemployment, lack of health care, expensive higher education, deteriorating infrastructure and abandoned and run down urban cities and rural areas that has seen better times even in the Great Depression. We became a nation where middle class citizens pay more in taxes than multi billion dollar corporations and where Congress and Wall Street declared war on the nation and its citizens. America is a nation that can boast the best in higher education (albeit expensive and unaffordable to families and students) in the world with the majority of American universities in the top 500. While 85.5% finish high school only 22% earned bachelor degree, nothing to boast about. America is a nation that boasts of the best of medical colleges and institutions attracting kings and heads of states p from around the world. Great institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, among many private clinics and hospitals yet the majority of citizens hardly could afford medical care fit for this nation. America is a nation that boasts the best business schools in the world such as Harvard, Yale, Michigan, Stanford, Chicago, Indiana, yet the leading crooks, thieves and corrupt leaders on Wall Streets are among the top graduates of the best business schools in the country. Wall Streeters, bankers and lawyer that took the nation and the people to ruin while earning tens if not hundreds of millions in salaries and bonuses. I wonder whatever happened to “business ethnics” courses we studied while in graduate schools? I guess greed and lost value system became the model of a corrupt and corrupting Wall Street. America is a nation with best law schools in the world colleges such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, UCLA, Berkeley, Michigan, Chicago and Indiana with great constitutional scholars with many of the graduates heading to Wall Street to earn multi million dollars in annual fees charging corporations hundreds of millions of dollars in legal fees for single merger and acquisition, public offering among other services. Consumers of course end up paying for these billions charged by Wall Streets in the form of added costs to products and services. One has to question the rates and fees charged by these Wall Streeters without any added value to products or services. For America, individual responsibility as to health maintenance and life style needs government support. Obama care and Medicare must be supplemented with a low cost program of health maintenance which includes use of highly trained nurses and other professionals. Every school system should offer a dental program for those who economically can’t afford care. This is never spoken of and vital. It will require the training and employment of thousands of new workers, tax payers and help guarantee the health of a generation. As a people, we must control information. Currently our media is not free but controlled. Following the “Newsroom/HBO” model, freedom of information must return. The “anti-imperialists” I often find so irritating are right about one thing, we lie about our history. We can’t build a responsible electorate if they are lied to every day and educated to be morons. We have to reform education and eliminate rule by money, wild rumors and be willing to sift through the “conspiracy theories,” admit which are true and keep secret the few we must. Secrecy and “security clearances” are not democratic and have to be cut back 80%. Individual freedom based on the real constitution, which falls short in many areas, has to be restored. When terrorism starts, we will fight it. What if we find our own government involved or friendly governments or industries that profit from terrorism are involved in terrorism? We are going to find that. We have a time of “settlement” coming, and some “bloodletting.” America has been conned, played for suckers and those involved are going to be sacrificed. They cannot live in a free society. Money in politics is at an end, not just Citizens United but the Super PACs and the Romney foreign cash, already a felony we are ignoring. Toward that end, term limits, end to the committee system, and, especially, reapportionment based on geography and not denying Americans the right to fair government. If you don’t know what I am talking about, learn. Your rights have disappeared and lawyers and sneaks have done it over the past two decades. It has to be “undone” immediately. A constitutional amendment has to be written to protect gun ownership once and for all. Existing language involving “militias” is too vague and leaves open a political game that is hurting America. Criminals will always have guns, free Americans should have unrestricted gun ownership. The cost of education has to be examined. Colleges have taken on a disease of greed. We need total reform of education to build a working America, where everyone is expected to hold a job, can expect to work all their lives and also expect a secure future for themselves and their children
 The New Hampshire voted in the GOP primaries and Mitt Romney once again came out on top. Mitt Romney and Ron Paul have been the top two candidates among Republican voters in Iowa and New Hampshire and many are saying Mitt's nomination is inevitable. Some argue that Ron Paul's message has not changed and his consistency is what America needs. Matt Welch, editor in chief for Reason Magazine, joins us to find out why Ron Paul's message seems to be more mainstream in these primaries. Ron Paul says U.S. is turning into a 'fascist system' dominated by government and businessesRon Paul has warned the U.S. is 'slipping into a fascist system' dominated by government and businesses. The Republican presidential candidate made the bold claim as he held a rally on Saturday - upstaging other nearby Republican Party banquets. The Texas congressman drew thousands to Kansas City's Union Station while the party's establishment dined on steak across the street at the Missouri GOP's annual conference.
Bold: Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has said the U.S. is dominated by businesses and government and is suppressing individual rights Kansas Republicans were holding a similar convention in a suburb across the state line. Paul staged his rally near the nation's World War I museum, asserting that the U.S. got off track about 100 years ago during the era of President Woodrow Wilson. Wilson led the nation through World War I and unsuccessfully advocated for the nation's involvement in a forerunner of the United Nations. 'We've slipped away from a true Republic,' Paul said. 'Now we're slipping into a fascist system where it's a combination of government and big business and authoritarian rule and the suppression of the individual rights of each and every American citizen.'Although campaign aides were aware, Paul told reporters after his speech that he did not know his rally was coinciding with long-established Missouri and Kansas Republican Party events, where Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell - a vice presidential prospect - was the keynote speaker.
Clash: Paul's rally coincided with long-established Missouri and Kansas Republican Party events - but some of their attendees slipped away to hear him speak Several Republicans slipped away from the banquets to join the Paul rally. Among them was Ralph Munyan, a Republican committeeman in Kansas City's home county, who said he agreed with Paul's warnings of a 'fascist system' and his pledge to the end nation's involvement in wars overseas and against drugs.  'His foreign policy is one of peace,' Munyan said. Paul repeatedly denounced President Barack Obama's recent enactment of a law requiring military custody of anyone suspected to be associated with al-Qaida and involved in planning an attack on the U.S. Obama said when he signed the legislation that his administration would not authorize the indefinite military detention of American citizens without a trial.
Going Viral: Is this the secret to Ron Paul's success?Watch out Romney, Ron Paul is fast becoming a big story in the GOP presidential candidate race. The 76-year-old got 21 per cent of the vote in Iowa and 23 per cent in New Hampshire. He certainly commands a strong and highly committed following, including a group of woman determined to spread his message via unusual means - a girlie calendar. Is Pinups for Ron Paul - an extremely unofficial calendar - the Texas congrassman's secret weapon? 20 per cent of all sales does go to his campaign after all.
'I was the only candidate who didn't kiss his ring': Ron Paul says he was lone GOP hopeful not fawning for Donald Trump's endorsement
Presidential hopeful Ron Paul said he missed out on an endorsement from real estate mogul Donald Trump because he ‘didn’t kiss his ring.’ Instead, it was Mitt Romney ended up garnering The Donald’s support and official endorsement, days before the Nevada caucuses. Save Utah Republican Governor Jon Huntsman, all of the GOP candidates besides Mr Paul met with Donald Trump in 2011.
Opinion of a billionaire: Ron Paul said he would not play Donald Trump's game to get an endorsement
Endorsed: Donald Trump announced his endorsement of GOP hopeful Mitt Romney on February 2 ahead of the Nevada caucuses On the day before the Nevada caucus primary, Mr Paul told Fox 13 in Elko that he was simply not impressed. ‘I don’t think he has that much credibility,’ Mr Paul told the station. ‘I never went up to see him. I don’t understand why people pay any attention to him.’ Mr Paul attacked Mr Trump in a statement directly following his endorsement of the former Massachusetts governor.The statement read: ‘Please explain to Republican voters in Nevada why they should consider the opinion of a billionaire from New York who endorsed the arch enemy of all Republicans in Nevada, and really the enemy of all Republicans in the U.S.’
A large crowd: Ron Paul speaks during a campaign stop at Bethel University today in Arden Hills, Minnesota Mr Huntsman and Mr Paul were outspoken about their thoughts on The Apprentice star after he was slated to moderate a presidential debate. Mr Paul called the idea ‘wildly inappropriate.’ The debate was later cancelled. As CNN noted in September when Mr Romney and Mr Trump met in an unusually secret encounter – the two men are much alike. Both are incredibly wealthy businessmen who say their primary concern is the economy and the creation of jobs.
Verbal sparring: Paul said he didn't think Trump has much credibility Mr Trump’s approval means an endorsement from one of the country’s most powerful and arguably influential businessmen. As a Republican staple, Mr Trump is also something of a kingmaker, bringing buzz and media attention to most anyone with whom he’s associated, the State Column noted. His endorsement was somewhat unexpected, as he spent a significant amount of time on air bashing the presidential hopeful. In August of last year, he told Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren: ‘I wasn’t in love with the job he did in Massachusetts. He was a one-term governor… (and) the Romneycare was obviously not a good situation.’ He also labelled Mr Romney as a ‘small business guy.’
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Making their final campaign pushes with Election Day closing in, President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney criss-crossed the nation, giving speeches and holding rallies.
Electoral placards supporting US President Barack Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney are seen near Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, on October 20, 2012, where the third and final presidential debate was hosted on October 22. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney with his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), on their campaign plane en route from Las Vegas to a campaign event in Denver, Oct. 23, 2012. In Monday night's debate, President Obama Barack and Romney each sought to portray the other as an unreliable commander in chief in a dangerous era. (Stephen Crowley/The New York Times) #
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama embrace during a campaign rally at the University of Iowa September 7, 2012 in Iowa City, Iowa. This is Obama and Biden's first day of campaigning after accepting the nomination for president yesterday at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
U.S. President Barack Obama greets supporters during a campaign rally on the campus of St. Petersburg College September 8, 2012 in St Petersburg, Florida. Working with the momentum from this week's Democratic National Convention, Obama is doing a two-day campaign swing from one side of Florida to the other on the politically important I-4 corridor. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
A young supporter of U.S. President Barack Obama leaves after attending a campaign rally on the campus of St. Petersburg College September 8, 2012 in St Petersburg, Florida. Working with the momentum from this week's Democratic National Convention, Obama is doing a two-day campaign swing from one side of Florida to the other on the politically important I-4 corridor. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
U.S. President Barack Obama waves to supporters during a campaign on the campus of St. Petersburg College September 8, 2012 in St Petersburg, Florida. Working with the momentum from this week's Democratic National Convention, Obama is doing a two-day campaign swing from one side of Florida to the other on the politically important I-4 corridor. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
Supporters cheer for U.S. President Barack Obama at a campaign rally at the Kissimmee Civic Center September 8, 2012 in Kissimmee, Florida. Working with the momentum from this week's Democratic National Convention, Obama is on a two-day campaign swing from one side of Florida to the other on the politically important I-4 corridor. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
President Barack Obama greets attendees during the September 11th Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Va., Sept. 11, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) #
A supporter of U.S. President Barack Obama cheers during a campaign stop on September 12, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Obama is focusing his speech on economic policies during his two days of campaign events in Nevada and Colorado. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images) #
President Obama's hand pokes out from behind the podium as he resumed campaigning, Thursday September 13, 2012, at Lions Park in Golden. President Obama has traveled to Colorado 12 times since the start of his Presidency. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney campaigns at Van Dyck Park September 13, 2012 in Fairfax, Virginia. Romney and U.S. President Barack Obama are spending significant time competing in Virginia, one of the primary battleground states. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) #
Supporters cheers for US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at a campaign rally in Miami on September 19, 2012. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) talks with his running mate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) (L) in their campaign bus after a campaign rally September 25, 2012 at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio. Romney and Ryan continued to campaign for the upcoming presidential election. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) #
People listen as U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event at the Century Village Clubhouse on September 28, 2012 in Boca Raton, Florida. Biden continues to campaign across the country before the general election. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) #
U.S. President Barack Obama waves to supporters as he arrives to his campaign rally at Desert Pines High School on September 30, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Obama is scheduled to be in Henderson, Nevada through Wednesday preparing for his first presidential debate against Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (Photo by John Gurzinski/Getty Images) #
A young supporter of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney attends a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum on October 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Mitt Romney arrived in Denver ahead of his first debate with U.S. President Barack Obama which will be held on Wednesday October 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney hold signs during a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum on October 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Mitt Romney arrived in Denver ahead of his first debate with U.S. President Barack Obama which will be held on Wednesday October 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets supporters during a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum on October 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Mitt Romney arrived in Denver ahead of his first debate with U.S. President Barack Obama which will be held on Wednesday October 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets supporters during a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum on October 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Mitt Romney arrived in Denver ahead of his first debate with U.S. President Barack Obama which will be held on Wednesday October 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney boards his campaign plane on October 5, 2012 in Bristol, Tennessee. Mitt Romney is campaigning in Virginia coal country and Florida. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
Members of the media stand on a press riser as storm clouds move by during a campaign event for Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on October 6, 2012 in Apopka, Florida. Mitt Romney is campaigning in Florida after a visit to the state of Virginia yesterday. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
A supporter of US President Barack Obama uses a cell phone to photograph the motorcade of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney near Tradition Town Square on October 7, 2012 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Mitt Romney is campaigning in Florida before traveling to Virginia where he is scheduled to give a foreign policy speech at the Virginia Military Institute. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #
People walk in line to see Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Republican vice presidential candidate, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan during a campaign event on October 12, 2012 in Lancaster, Ohio. Ryan debated U.S. Vice President Joe Biden the evening before and Romney is scheduled to debate U.S. President Barack Obama for the second time on October 16. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Republican vice presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) speak to a crowd at the town square on October 12, 2012 in Lancaster, Ohio. The two were campaigning a day after Ryan's debate with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) #
Republican vice presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), greets supporters during a campaign rally at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, on October 16, 2012 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Tonight U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will face off at the second presidential debate being held at Hofstra University in New York. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) #
People listen to Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speak during a campaign rally at Tidewater Community College on October 17, 2012 in Washington, DC. This is Romney's first campaign appearance since his debate with President Barack Obama last night. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) #
Thousands of people stand in a light drizzle on a wooded path winding through the George Mason University campus while waiting to attend an Obama campaign rally October 19, 2012 in Fairfax, Virginia. U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak to the rally about the economy. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #
First lady Michelle Obama arrives for a campaign rally at Memorial Hall on October 19, 2012 in Racine, Wisconsin. The first lady has stops in Racine and Wausau today while former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to attend an event in Green Bay as the democrats make a push for early voting in the battleground state. Early voting in Wisconsin starts Monday October 22. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama boards Air Force One at McCarran International Airport September 12, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. US President Barack Obama is on a two-day campaign trip where he will attend events in Nevada and Colorado. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages) #
A armored limousine waits for US President Barack Obama outside The 40/40 Club during a fundraiser September 18, 2012 in New York, New York. Obama was in New York City to attend fundraisers and appear on "The Late Show with David Letterman". (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages) #
US President Barack Obama is seen through a window as he meets with supporters about voter registration at OMG Burgers on September 20, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Obama is traveling to Florida for the day to participate in a taping for Univision in Miami before attending a campaign event in Tampa. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney arrives at a campaign rally at the Ringling Art Museum in Sarasota, Florida, on September 20, 2012. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/GettyImages) #
Supporters cheer as US President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, September 21, 2012. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages) #
US President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 22, 2012. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages) #
US President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at the Henry Maier Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 22, 2012. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages) #
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney(R) walks across the tarmac to the terminal before boarding his campaign plane September 24, 2012 shortly before departing Denver International Airport. Romney is heading to Pueblo, Colorado for a campaign rally and then to New York City. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GettyImages) #
US President Barack Obama greets supporters after speaking at a campaign rally at the Kent State University on September 26, 2012 in Kent, Ohio. Obama and Romney clashed on trade with China, the giant Asian economy, at dueling political events in Ohio, a key midwestern swing state which has seen thousands of blue collar jobs migrate to low cost economies abroad, including China. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks during a fundraising event at the Union League Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 2012. With 39 days to go for the election and polls showing an narrowing path to victory for the Republican nominee, Romney warned a second Obama term would be subsumed by economic malaise as he tried to draw the battle away from his own perceived missteps and back to the president's economic record. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney listens to a question as he talks to journalists about his phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah on board his campaign plane on September 28, 2012. With 39 days to go for the election and polls showing an narrowing path to victory for the Republican nominee, Romney warned a second Obama term would be subsumed by economic malaise as he tried to draw the battle away from his own perceived missteps and back to the president's economic record. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) #
Supporters cheer as US President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign rally September 30, 2012 at Desert Pines High School Campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) #
The presidential limousine carrying US President Barack Obama is seen as it pulls out of a hotel in Henderson, Nevada on September 30, 2012. US President Barack Obama was headed to Desert Pines High School for a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GettyImages) #
US President Barack Obama visits the Hoover Dam October 2, 2012 in Nevada. Obama took time out from debate preparation at a resort to visit the Hoover Dam. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (C) walks from his campaign plane to his campaign bus on October 5, 2012 in Clearwater, Florida. Fresh from a much-needed debate victory, Republican challenger Mitt Romney said his earlier remarks dismissing 47 percent of Americans as government dependents were "completely wrong." The admission came amid a campaign reset that shocked Democrat Barack Obama at Wednesday's debate, in which his invigorated rival for the White House vowed to fight for middle class families that Romney said were being "crushed" by the president's policies. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife Ann greet supporters as they arrive at a a campaign event on October 5, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fresh from a much-needed debate victory, Republican challenger Mitt Romney said his earlier remarks dismissing 47 percent of Americans as government dependents were "completely wrong." The admission came amid a campaign reset that shocked Democrat Barack Obama at Wednesday's debate, in which his invigorated rival for the White House vowed to fight for middle class families that Romney said were being "crushed" by the president's policies. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign event on October 5, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fresh from a much-needed debate victory, Republican challenger Mitt Romney said his earlier remarks dismissing 47 percent of Americans as government dependents were "completely wrong." The admission came amid a campaign reset that shocked Democrat Barack Obama at Wednesday's debate, in which his invigorated rival for the White House vowed to fight for middle class families that Romney said were being "crushed" by the president's policies. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) #
Notes are seen on the podium after US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addressed supporters during a campaign rally in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, on October 7, 2012. US President Barack Obama's campaign intensified attacks Sunday on Romney's honesty as it tried to halt the Republican challenger's momentum after a strong first debate performance. Romney's people hit back, and did so sarcastically, depicting Obama's people as childish sore losers after he came across as flat, nervous and unassertive during their first face-to-face encounter in Denver, Colorado. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GettyImages) #
People listen as US President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California on October 7, 2012. Obama is on a three-day trip during which he will campaign in California and Ohio as well as attend the establishment of the Cesar Chavez National Monument. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (C) delivers a foreign policy speech at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, on October 8, 2012. Romney called for a change of course in America's Middle East policy, accusing President Barack Obama of sitting on the sidelines in the face of a "profound upheaval" across the region. (JIM WATSON/AFP/GettyImages) #
People attend an event where US President Barack Obama spoke at the establishment of the Chavez National Monument October 8, 2012 in Keene, California. Obama is on a three day trip where he will campaign in California and Ohio as well as attend the establishment of the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to US President Barack Obama, waits on the tarmac at San Francisco International Airport on October 8, 2012. Obama is on a three-day trip during which he will campaign in California and Ohio as well as attend the establishment of the Cesar Chavez National Monument. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages) #
Aides tack up an American flag to a barn at the James Koch Farm in Van Meter, Iowa, October 9, 2012 ahead of US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's arrival for a rally. As the election draws nearer, the press pool and staff member work around the clock in plain sight, as well as behind the scenes, as US Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney travels across the country to deliver his message. (JIM WATSON/AFP/GettyImages) #
Supporters hold up placards as US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney arrives in his bus to speak at Shelby County Fairgrounds during a victory rally in Sidney, Ohio, October 10, 2012. (JIM WATSON/AFP/GettyImages) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (C) speaks to an overflow room during a victory rally in Asheville, North Carolina, October 11, 2012. As the election draws nearer, the press pool and staff member work around the clock in plain sight, as well as behind the scenes, as US Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romeny travels across the country to deliver his message. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (C) speaks during a victory rally in Asheville, North Carolina, October 11, 2012. As the election draws nearer, the press pool and staff member work around the clock in plain sight, as well as behind the scenes, as US Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romeny travels across the country to deliver his message. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) #
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney picks up a baby as he campaigns at The Golden Lamb restaurant in Lebanon, Ohio, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney delivers remarks at a victory rally in Lebanon, Ohio, on October 13, 2012. (JIM WATSON/AFP/GettyImages) #
A supporter of US President Barack Obama waits to listen First Lady Michelle Obama's speech during a campaign rally at the Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, on October 15, 2012. Three weeks before election day, the White House race between US President Barack Obama and his Republican foe Mitt Romney remains statistically tied, with Obama maintaining just a slight advantage, a new opinion poll found Monday. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama speaks during a rally at Cornell College October 17, 2012 in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Obama pounded Mitt Romney Wednesday, accusing him of offer a "sketchy" deal to Americans, as he tried to lock in gains from his fiery second debate with his Republican foe. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney greets supporters as he holds a campaign rally at The Grove, in Chesapeake, Virginia, October 17, 2012. (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney supporters attend a campaign rally at The Grove, in Chesapeake, Virginia, October 17, 2012. (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at Ohio University October 17, 2012 in Athens, Ohio. Obama is traveling to Iowa and Ohio to attend campaign rallies in the two swing states. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama during a rally at Cornell College October 17, 2012 in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Obama is traveling to Iowa and Ohio to attend campaign rallies in the two swing states. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gives the thumb up to pilots greeting him prior to board his campaign plane at Norfolk International Airport in Norfolk, Virginia, October 17, 2012. (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) #
A crowd gathers as President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at Ohio University, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in Athens, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #
Members of the Secret Service watch as US President Barack Obama speaks during a rally at Veterans Memorial Park October 18, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Obama is traveling to New Hampshire and New York to attend campaign events before appearing on the "Daily Show" and attending the 67th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner in New York City. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
A helicopter carrying US President Barack Obama flies over New York City October 18, 2012 in New York, New York. Obama is traveling to New Hampshire and New York to attend campaign events before appearing on the "Daily Show" and attending the 2012 Al Smith Dinner. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama walks to Air Force One at John F. Kennedy Airport October 18, 2012 in New York, New York following his appearance at the Al Smith Memorial Dinner. Obama and Republican foe Mitt Romney mixed punchlines and self mockery at the event with a layer of collegiality barely disguising their bitter rivalry just 18 days before a razor's edge election. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) #
US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney supporters attend a rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, October 19, 2012. (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) #
US President Barack Obama greets supporters during a campaign rally at the George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, on October 19, 2012. After a one-night truce that saw Obama and his rival Mitt Romney trade jokes at a charity dinner, the two dashed back onto the trail Friday before prepping for their third and final debate. Each heads to one of the hotly contested political battleground states just 18 days before an election that by all accounts is on a knife edge. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) #
President Barack Obama boards Air Force One at Akron-Canton Regional Airport in North Canton, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) #
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan arrive in Denver on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post #
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan speaks during a rally at Red Rocks in Morrison on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post #
Logistics manager Bobby Batts carries a photo-realistic painting of an Obama family portrait off Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base after a day of campaigning in Florida and Ohio, Oct. 23, 2012. The painting was given to President Obama by a former campaign volunteer in the audience at a rally in Dayton, Ohio. (Damon Winter/The New York Times) #
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the Republican vice presidential candidate, arrives to give a speech at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2012. (Eric Thayer/The New York Times) #
President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at City Park in Denver, Oct. 24, 2012. On Wednesday, Obama continued a furious two-week effort to beat back a late surge by Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and hang on to battleground states where many voters are already casting ballots. (Damon Winter/The New York Times) #
The shadow of Air Force One, with US President Barack Obama aboard, is seen as the plane prepares to land at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. Obama is traveling to attend campaign events and fundraisers. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)
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