Role Of Government

Obama: Said government has an important role in addressing the nation’s challenges in education, health care and job creation but also stressed a balance between government intervention and American innovation. Talked about the auto bailout as an example of how government policies could protect and boost the American economy. Said Americans understand the country is not about what can be done for them, but by what can be done collectively to help all citizens. Cited examples of government policies helping individuals, including a young girl who now has health insurance with no limits on her coverage.

Romney: Emphasized the role of the private sector in creating jobs and spurring economic growth. Said the greatness of the U.S. was built on the free-enterprise system and that was the best way to create prosperity. Said government regulations must be simplified and reduced and that government programs, particularly Obama’s health care overhaul, were hurting small businesses and slowing economic growth. Emphasized what he said was Obama’s over reliance on government, that for Obama, government is jobs. Contrasted that with his view that the private sector was the best engine for America’s success.

Medicare

Obama: Said he would never let Medicare be turned into a program in which seniors get a voucher that they in turn use to help buy private health insurance. Said he would reform Medicare but do it by reducing the cost of health care.

Romney: Focused on criticizing Obama’s health care overhaul, which takes nearly US$700 billion out of the program over the coming decade by lowering payments to certain providers, mainly private insurers and hospitals. Has promised to overhaul those payment cuts.

Pages: 1 2 3 4