Obama and Romney lock horns on jobs

Oct 17 2012

President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney offered their jobs agenda at the start of the second presidential debate, responding to a college student concerned about finding employment after graduation.

Mr Romney told the student his question was one that's being asked by college students across the nation. He said his administration would try to make it easier for students to afford college and promote economic growth to help students.

Mr Romney said the nation faces more debt and fewer jobs. He said: "I'm going to change that."

Mr Obama said he would build upon the five million private sector jobs created during his first term, pushing for more manufacturing jobs.

The president said his policies aimed to improve the education system and promote a variety of energy sources.

During their first debate, Mr Obama did not mention Mr Romney's videotaped remarks that 47% of Americans are dependent on the government. This time it was his closing argument.

Obama brought it up during the final question of the second debate, preventing Romney from answering.

Asked about public misperceptions of their candidacies, Mr Romney said Mr Obama's campaign tried to turn him into something he's not. He said: "I care about 100% of the American people."

Obama responded that when Romney said "behind closed doors" that 47% of the country considered themselves victims, "think about who he was talking about".

The president said that group included the elderly receiving Social Security retirement benefits, veterans, students and soldiers. He said: "If they succeed, I believe this country succeeds."