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DENVER — The public has a lot of questions for Barack Obama and Mitt Romney as the first debate tonight in Denver approaches.
From coast to coast, Americans told Scripps television stations and newspapers what they most would like the candidates to address as they joust over domestic issues.
Kellee Adams, 41, of Klamath Falls, Ore., wants to know if either candidate would be willing to "stand alongside your soldiers on the front line of war … with them in the trenches."
Others want to ask what the contenders would do about climate change, the cost of higher education, Iran, illegal immigration, gas prices, getting out of Afghanistan and ending partisan gridlock.
Several readers responding to Scripps websites' requests for debate questions want specific and credible answers to how either candidate would create more jobs in a still-struggling economy.
"I don't want a politician's answer. I don't want you to go around Jack's barn; just give me a straight answer," demanded Kathryne Pochop, 69, of Redding, Calif.
Some still question Obama's birth certificate and Romney's Mormonism, but others, frustrated at a dysfunctional Washington, would ask the candidates if they'd endorse specific policies.
"To solve our massive unemployment problems and put so many skilled and trained people back to work, would you push for a new form of (Depression-era Works Progress Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps) and (the 1973 Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) job opportunities?" asked Mike Evans of Anderson, Calif.
Self-described independent voter and Akron, Ohio, restaurant owner Scott Malensek, 43, had a more immediate concern and posted his question on the WEWS-TV Facebook page in Cleveland. He wants the candidates to say how they'll address the "fiscal cliff" of tax hikes and automatic spending cuts looming in January and avoid another Great Depression.
Pamela A. McIlhargey posted her question to Detroit TV station WXYZ's Facebook page: "What will you do to help the drought-stricken states (the wheat, corn and food belts of the U.S)?"
Some prospective questions appeared aimed directly at each candidate's perceived vulnerabilities. Mary Keck, of Houston, wants to know why Romney bumped up his income tax rate from 9 percent to 14 percent by not claiming the entire value of his charitable deductions last year.
"Is this an example of the integrity we can expect?" Keck asked.
Darin Bergstrom, 43, of Redding, wants Obama reminded of his prediction that, if he didn't end the financial crisis in three years, his presidency would be "a one-term proposition."
"Why are you running again?" Bergstrom asked.
Sports management professor Robin L. Hardin in Knoxville, Tenn., 42, wants to test whether the candidates have feet of clay and "to see how tuned (in) they are with America and the middle class: How much for a loaf of bread? How much for a gallon of milk? … What was the last movie that you saw?"
Walter Monk wrote on Tampa's WFTS-TV Facebook page that he wants both candidates asked if they're concerned about "the rising number of dogs shot by the police."
__ Contact Scripps Howard News Service Washington correspondent Bartholomew Sullivan at sullivanb@shns.com
Marco Art Center gets a facelift
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 11
KlausStoertebeker writes:
There is something indicative about his character because it seems like Mitt Romney was kind of a bully. This was not the only bullying thing he did. He also took poor kids' lunch money -- oh, I'm sorry, that's his present-day economic policy.
I will ask Mitt Romney
"Why is your political agenda for this great nation so antisocial?"
And my question to
GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA will be:
"Is it not a shame for a man of your outstanding class, big dignity and seriousness to be challenged by a second class American with no background, vision, value and political standing?"
August8 writes:
I know you are a hero, still can't figure out of what?
My quetion to Obama, why have the middle class been buried like Biden said for the last four years????
2nd quetion, why not just quit and take his bufoon vp with him, do us all a favor we need the money !!
KlausStoertebeker writes:
There are unpleasant questions that are on the table of Denver's women: "If you're for less State, why do you then determine what I can do with my vagina?" And: "Where I should get my pill, if you withdraw the money planned parenthood?"
Good questions! Where are your answers Mitt Romney?
Here is one. Very confusing:
"ROMNEY: And then with regards to contraceptives, of course, Republicans, and myself in particular, recognize that people should have a right to use contraceptives. There's absolutely no validity whatsoever to the
GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
effort to try and bring that up."
Really? Republicans, including Mitt, recognize the right to use contraceptives? Is that why the party had a complete and total meltdown trying to block coverage for contraception earlier this year? Is that why Mitt supported after not supporting because he didn't understand a simple yes-or-no question the failed Blunt Amendment to allow employers to deny health care to employees if they think said health care is icky or wrong or makes Jesus cry?
Is that why Mitt promised he'll get rid of Planned Parenthood? Because he's so supportive of the right to use contraception?
GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
has the right answers for modern America. No doubt about that.
MarcoBiker writes:
Everyone bring your airsickness bags ... idiot Klaus is back off his meds. Heil mein Fuhrer ODUMDUM!!
For a valid comment, see Bergstrom's in the article.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"For a valid comment, see Bergstrom's in the article."
You see that is your problem. You understand some wording as question but not the subject behind.
Darin Bergstrom, 43, of Redding, wants Obama reminded of his prediction that, if he didn't end the financial crisis in three years, his presidency would be "a one-term proposition."
"Why are you running again?" Bergstrom asked.
Answer:
GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA solved already big parts of the problem. That is the reason why he will not be lame duck.
Just for your level:
Crisis over, soon, no problems, all is good!
Well, the presidential race is getting interesting. In an effort to clear up his reputation as a flip-flopper, Mitt Romney will give a speech on health care. And then, right afterward, he'll give a five-minute rebuttal.
RayPray writes:
"There is something indicative about his character"
Robot Romney is lower than a dog turd.
From now on all his speeches will be in pidgin since he decided to outsource his speech writing to Chinese Communist functionaries.
Tonight it will not be the great OBAMA vs Robot Romney, because he has outsourced his forensic duties to his Chinese laundryman.
In November, the sublime OBAMA will carry all 57 states!
After that it will be Food Stamps for everyone and extra stamps for their pets.
Unemployment will go to zero as the 8% will be drafted into the TSA to combat the dire threat of neighborhood terrorism.
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot writes:
Klaus, You can do what ever you want with your vagina! Just like every single woman in America can now, and will be able to in the future.
Your pill can be found at the nearest asylum!
MarcoBiker writes:
Ray, at times I think you and Klaus are one and the same person. You've disproved that. I do wonder at times in which of the 57 states (or on what planet) Klaus lives. Cheers!
August8 writes:
Hey, Biden's plane at our expense was diverted emengency twice, " sure glad all is ok" Geese !!
I will sleep good tonight !!!
KlausStoertebeker writes:
KlausStoertebeker writes:
I am not a Republican con-head (Concrete-head).
But GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA had not his best day yesterday night in Denver.
Result:
1: 0 for Mitt Romney. The Challenger from great President Barack Obama has won the first TV duel. Mitt Romney was well prepared and aggressive. Great President Barack Obama felt uncomfortable during the match. Unfortunately everybody has from time to time a bad day.
The ex-Governor of Massachusetts went on the offensive against great President Barack Obama in from the outset, attacked him because of high debt (based by the politics of George W. Bush), rampant unemployment, and one - as he put it out - wrong turn in the health system. This is "expensive and expensive things pain the families."
Great President Barack Obama, pushed before 60 million viewers on the defensive was wooden. He felt not quite well in this debate which turned mostly to jobs, debt and tax issues. He found them cumbersome, looked mostly down on his cheat sheet, and had to be improved more than once by Mitt Romney> YES! Mitt Romney was very well prepared. No doubt about that. But was it really the "REAL" Mitt Romney? Or just the election-campaigner Mitt Romney?
Great President Barack Obama used not the vulnerable, providing abundant Romney's. Don't forget, Mitt Romney had derided last week to 47 percent of Americans as a social parasites. Great President Barack Obama did not responded to this flop, which important points in the polls cost Mitt Romney and was analyzed, from major newspapers as possibly choice crucial yesterday evening.
However, self-critical Mitt Romney was more media effective. Maybe Clinti Eastwood was with his sheet metal balls helpful. He has a lot of experience of dealing with the media.
Finally,
GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA lost a battle but he will win the war. I mean of course I remember
historically the TV duel Ronald Reagan vs. Jimmi Carter.
Debates should not be overvalued.
Mitt Romney s success is above all that he could to give this appearance new impetus to his election campaign. A defeat against great President Barack Obama last night would have made probably destroy the chances of a victory.
I warn to overestimate the effect of a televised debate. Many interesting viewers like me can remember, how Ronald Reagan 1980 could bring a turnaround by six percentage points as a challenger in his debate with incumbent Jimmy Carter.
It was only ONE TV duel, and that took place just a week before the election. This time follow two more duels. And less than five weeks remain until election day.
And most important - Mitt Romney is not Ronald Reagan (and will never be it) and GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA is not Jimmi Carter.
Great President Barack Obama is the most valuable President America has today. That is the truth.
MarcoBiker writes:
Rolo, you've got to be kidding. Klaus not only rode the short bus, it's run him over repeatedly.
That's why we keep getting the Great Odumdum garbage. Maybe we can get him a Michelin tire man outfit so he can't hurt himself (or others).
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