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Romney Goes After President Obama for Imposing ‘Economy Tax’ on American People in Debate

Oct. 3, 2012 10:34pm Jason Howerton

Romney Goes After President for Imposing Economy Tax on American People in Debate

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (L) speaks as U.S. President Barack Obama (R) listens during the Presidential Debate as Democratic presidential candidate, at the University of Denver on October 3, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Credit: Getty Images)

During a prime time showdown, GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney accused President Barack Obama of imposing an “economy tax” on the American people and crushing the middle class with his failed economic policies.

What is an economy tax? Romney said the price of gas, food, health care and energy have skyrocketed under Obama, putting new costs on middle class families that don’t show up in the tax code. He also mentioned the weak economy and 8.1 percent national unemployment, which is by far the dominant issue in the race for the White House.

On the other hand, Obama accused his rival of wanting to “double down on the top-down policies” that led to the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

When responding to Romney’s aggressive attacks on his economic record, Obama reiterated that he inherited a horrible economy and was already facing huge deficits when he became president. He blamed former President George W. Bush for expensive wars and programs that were not paid for. Obama also justified his massive spending by saying he had to take “emergency measures to prevent another Great Depression.”

However, Romney kept the pressure on, telling Obama “you’ve been president for four years.” He went on to criticize the president for continuing to rack up trillion dollar deficits each year without cutting it in half as he promised, saying that kind of spending is not “morally” right.

“That’s not going to get it done,” Romney added.

The GOP contender appeared to come into the debate with the goal of turning the contest into a referendum on the past four years, while Obama argued that the country is finally headed in the right direction with him in the Oval Office.

At one point Romney got fed-up with what he perceived as Obama misrepresenting his policies.

“You’re entitled, as the president, to your own airplane and your own house, but not to your own facts,” Romney quipped.

Watch Romney deliver the zinger here:

Obama said his opponent’s plan to reduce all tax rates by 20 percent would cost $5 trillion and benefit the wealthy at the expense of middle income taxpayers.

Shot back Romney: “Virtually everything he just said about my tax plan is inaccurate.”

At this, Obama said Romney’s big idea on taxes was “never mind,” insinuating that his rival was flip-flopping on his tax policy.

The two candidates also sparred over “Obamacare,” with Romney accusing the president of forcing the health care law down the throats of the American people on a “partisan basis” because it was what he, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid thought was best.

Romney vowed to repeal Obamacare while the president argued that his rival enacted an almost identical health care law while governor in Massachusetts.

Romney ticked off the dreary economic facts of life – a sharp spike in food stamps, economic growth “lower this year than last” and “23 million people out of work or stropped looking for work.”

The two candidates each discussed what the role of government should be in America. Obama admitted that government can’t do everything but that it has an important role to play. Romney said the sole role of government is to protect the principles found in the Constitution, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for everyone.

Obama did not address the crisis in the Middle East, but that didn’t stop Romney from bringing it up, who said the developments are a “real concern” and the U.S. is in need of “leadership in Washington and someone who can get the job done.”

The two campaign rivals began the debate by clasping hands and smiled as they strode onto the debate stage at the University of Denver, then waved to the audience before taking their places behind identical podiums.

Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama (R) shakes hands with Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (L) during the Presidential Debate at the University of Denver on October 3, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Credit: Getty Images)

There was a quick moment of laughter before things got serious, when Obama opened by referring to first lady Michelle Obama as “sweetie” and noted it was their 20th anniversary.

Romney added best wishes, and said to the first couple, “I’m sure this is the most romantic place you could imagine, here with me.”

Though analysis will continue throughout the night, CNN’s John King said Obama was “rusty” in the debate while another panelist said it was Romney’s best debate.

Obama campaign spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter looked to defend Obama, telling CNN the president “scored points” by focusing on policies and the facts. However, she said Romney won the “style points” and was better prepared in tonight’s debate.

Here are some more highlights from tonight’s debate:

Romney and Obama discuss the “deficit” problem:

This story may be updated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (48)

christos
Posted on October 4, 2012 at 12:37am
…Romney is Ordained by +GOD+ to Win Romney has the Spiritual Authority of the Living +GOD+ …Our Prayers will be answered.

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- sbenard
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 7:46am
  There are many millions of Americans praying for him. I was praying for him throughout the debate last night, that he would have clarity of mind and be able to communicate effectively to the American people. Our prayers are being answered, too! While Obama verbally waded about like a Hippo in a mud pool, Romney was clear, organized, competent, and EFFECTIVE! The Boy Blunder was none of those!
  
  Report this comment
- Miguelito
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 8:49am
  America needs a CEO not a BHO! We need a leader that displays LOVE not HATE. I hope all of America wakes up. I pray daily that America will wake up!
  
  Report this comment
- skiz
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 9:34am
  This is exactly what I thought. Romney looked like he had the confidence of GOD on his side. He was not afraid! He just simply told the TRUTH and showed obama for what he is, a liar!
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 9:55am
  “You’re entitled, as the president, to your own airplane and your own house, but not to your own facts,” Romney obviously learned this trick from Rush. Claim your opponent is doing exactly what you are doing at a lame attempt to shift the focus. Virtually every so called fact Romney cited was at best a misrepresentation of the facts and most were flat out lies. Your supporting a cheap art critic and salesman. A “great american” who keeps his money in off shore accounts and in shell companies and plays IRA tricks to avoid paying taxes.
  
  Report this comment
chjaka
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:33pm
It was also very noticeable how The Man-Child and Mooshell retreated from the stage while Romney stayed to celebrate an obvious victory over a guy who was lost without his teleprompter.

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Rational Man
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:29pm
Romney took Obama to the wood shed bigtime tonight!
Romney did everything I hoped he would do….GREAT JOB!!

My hope was that we would see the Romney that hammered Gingrich in the primary debates.
I wasn’t dissappointed…………

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American_Woman
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:28pm
Please get behind Romney at http://www.mittromney.com

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USA1Patriot
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:25pm
Mitt did a great job and made it clear for all to see, that Obama got no game.

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- Shasta
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 3:17pm
  Clear to those who watched it. The rest will review the debate through the MSM filter.
  
  Report this comment
zoro51
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:25pm
evita obama tax n speech SOCIALIST has LIED to the people long enough IMPEACH N THROW OUT OF THE USA

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68Patriot
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:24pm
Romney 1 Obama 0

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- dublinthewagons
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 6:38am
  Give Obama a trophy for not showing up. Lol
  Will the Obama’s be able to live on a budget in 2013? Don’t take a check on them as it will bounce.
  
  Report this comment
- dthorny
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 11:07am
  Romney 1… The election last night
  
  Report this comment
Eraty Bab
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:21pm
I’m pretty sure if Obama had rolled his eyes one more time, they would have fallen out of his head.
Romney 1 – Nobama 0

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- hifi74
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:46pm
  BREAKING NEWS:
  
  Due to a lack of insulating material inside of the head between the ears, his eyes have been permanently attached so as to avoid such things from happening so as to not scare the bejesus out of kids who may be near by. SO I regret to inform you that because such precautions were taken, we at no time will be treated to such an event.
  
  Report this comment
pookieamos
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:21pm
Hey out there in America , wasn’t that just beautiful ???? Wow, I feel fantastic , Romney romped Obama ! MR. Telepromter is not so good without that pre written statement ,,,,

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pookieamos
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:18pm
Hey out there in America , wasn’t that beautiful ?!? Wow , I feel fantastic , right on Romney , you were great, congratulations , tou whipped Obamas buns !!!!’!

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denkat56
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:17pm
way to go mitt, no rope a dope here. tell the truth , and the truth will win out. obama go back to being a party planner.

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UnknownUser1
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:16pm
i loved how romney wouldn’t stop talking. he always looked directly at obama and obama would not look at him he totally killed it. but im already picking out parts they are going to be blasting him on like “our health care system has been in a place for.. a really long time” they’ll be cracking on him all they can. be ready.

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Atrocities
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:13pm
Obama has 3 aces at the moment. Romney has a possible royal flush. The ace of spades is still in play. If Romney doesn’t get that card, the independent vote, then Obama will win with his 3 aces. Game over. However if Romney gets that ace, he’ll win. Any one care to calculate the odds on getting a royal flush? The game is just getting interesting. Should be a good ride all the way to election day.

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adeleeeee
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:09pm
Great! I think this debate can help me and millions of us to fire Obumper!

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Crazy Times
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:07pm
I liked the term Trickle down Government.. good good job Mitt.

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beekeeper
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:07pm
“This story may be updated.”

Can’t wait! ;^)

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chjaka
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:56pm
The Man-Child’s mug showed just who he is, a spoiled, affirmative action boy lost without his teleprompter who can’t handle any criticism at all

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Fonz777
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:53pm
I thought Mitt did a good job. I like his ideas.

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Josiah13
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:52pm
Mr. Romney was prepared and knew his facts. He spoke from a position of authority on all topics. Our president looked like an newbie trying to defend what he’d done. It was exactly what Mitt needed to do and I knew he could do it. Past performance is always an indicator of future outcomes. Mitt’s never failed at anything he’s tried. Win or lose the election Romney is the smarter man and the better leader. Win or lose Barack Obama has to live with that…

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Exrepublisheep
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:51pm
Economy tax. New repub meme.

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- chjaka
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:30pm
  And accurate and true too, unlike the Demonrat memes.
  
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- hifi74
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:39pm
  It sucks when something bad said about you is true doesn’t it? Sorry chump but the comment was not only effective, but it was wildly accurate.
  
  Report this comment
Raging_Waters
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:45pm
Anyone else notice how Obuma didn’t even mention the Constitution when asked about the role of the government?

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- texrubarts
  Posted on October 4, 2012 at 1:08am
  Obama wants to burn the Constitution – he does NOT believe or stand by it!!
  Romney was AWESOME!!! Next Week – Ryan will kick Biden to the curb!!!
  
  Romney/Ryan 2012
  
  Report this comment
BenjaminsEx
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:44pm
Very hard to justify the last 3.5 years of enfoecalization by this administration…Congrats Mitt! You were strong and focused.

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freedomnetworker
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:44pm
It is clear. Romney is a conservative and Obama is nowhere near it. Obama is a Socialist and promotes socialism.. please look at this video and feel free to respond I want every American to see this before the election. .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceVBroKj6W4&feature=share&list=UUoraMikfXRAM1iETaLFPEsQ

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Pancho53
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:41pm
Mitt looked very serious and prepared, BHO streched and lied as always, and he is neck and neck? I see a flood coming.

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Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:35pm
Obama raised my economy tax everytime I fill my tank, by about $120 a month.

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