In the next debate ...

[Onlooker]

I think Obama should
- Confront Romney's lies with quips and zingers, nothing more.
- Repeatedly refer viewers to a website that will feature only clips of Romney debating Romney.
- Say that Romney's economic plan -- fewer regulations, less government, and lower taxes -- is the same one that Reagan had in 1980 before unemployment skyrocketed to 10.8% and Reagan changed course and raised taxes on the wealthy and increased spending.
- Explain that the only way to fix a recession is to stimulate the economy with cash. It worked for Roosevelt, Reagan, and is working now.
- Explain that alternative energy and health care will generate new market opportunities the same way technology did in the 1990s, and give rise to a stronger economy.
- Say that a huge share of the money government spends, even food stamps, ends up in the hands of small businesses. If those programs are cut, small businesses will sink.
- Point out that the wealthy have done very well in the recovery, but they have failed to create jobs, thus forcing the government to raise taxes on the wealthy.
- Remind people that Democrats are far more committed than Republicans to protect government programs like Medicare and Social Security.
- Point out that the American economy is doing better than virtually all of the other western economies in this global recession.
- Tell people that Romney is unAmerican for hiding his money in places where dictators and crooks have traditionally hid their money -- in Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.
- Remind people that Romney is a big government Republican, citing Massachusetts as an example.
- Explain that if we're worried about our kids and grandkids, then we should be investing more in education and lowering the costs of college.
- Point out that if Republican plans to increase the retirement age (when one collects Social Security) become law, then people will work longer, which would deprive young people of jobs.
- Talk about the role of government as helping give everyone a chance to succeed.
- Point out that Bain employed only a few thousand people (even today they only have 5,000 employees) and made its money by eliminating tens of thousands of American jobs.
- Talk about Democrats standing up to the severe conservative wing of the Republican Party, which Romney said he's part of, by protecting the privacy rights of women, providing greater equality for gays, doing more for our veterans, and protecting the right to vote for all Americans.

[Life Long Dem]

1. Why don't you take Obama's place

You seem like you have it covered pretty good.

[Onlooker]

2. Frankly the way he debated ...

... I think a lot of people could have taken his place. I'm not alone in thinking that even in here.

[Life Long Dem]

3. You said what you wanted to say

Obama you did a bad job on the debate. But it's over, and the below 8% unemployment rate is up. In which the pukes lost a talking point.

[987will]

4. I believe and I hope

I BELIEVE that the repubs are actually afraid of their position in this election; regardless of the debates monday. I believe they know they hardly have a leg to stand on; why would they, I'm mean really, take a sober look at their campaign. As I cited in another blog that's why one of their own, just a few weeks ago, called the campaign a "rolling catastrophe". That's why they were even amazed at the fact that Obama gave romney a pass the other night.

Therefore, I HOPE that Obama makes connections to romney's indecisive, pandering, and patronizing nature by talking about his gaffs and backtracking with the olympics, his comments regarding the Lybia terrorist attack, and then with his latest back track on the "47% remarks". Romney's talked about Obama's choices and now Obama can illustrate to the country that romney can't even seem to make a decisive choice so therefore, how could he even begin to lead the country?

I HOPE that Obama makes it clear that in addition to touting today's job's report, that he makes it clear that the manufacturing sector added 600,000 jobs during his administration, which by the way is unprecedented, and had to be done because the sector was decimated with the Bush economic fiasco.

I HOPE Obama comes back and responds to romney's "I have five boys" comment and tell romney that he must be hanging around his boys too long if he really believes that he can get away with the fiction he was spouting on monday.

I HOPE Obama let's lose on the zingers.

I HOPE Obama really sticks it too romney, he has to. He doesn't need to be a bully, but he has to be intense, because romney will be intense. Romney currently will be hard pressed to win, but by being mr nice guy, Obama can lose valuable ground. i know Obama doesn't want to appear too aggressive, but he won't. He'll appear to be excited, energized, and hungary for his position as president which will totally energize the base and give those people on the fence who are waiting for a reason to come over - to come over.

I HOPE you stick it to him Obama; I BELIEVE you will.

[Onlooker]

6. I agree

Obama can't be so wonkish, and needs to use all his charm, and reconnect with the roots of his campaign, about empowering people, giving people opportunities, make our society more equal, protecting those who truly need assistance, and helping those who can live the American dream.

But, I also think that Rmoney is a slippery salesman, so rather than engage Rmoney in his lies, he should simply say, "That's a new position for you, and I believe you're taking it only because you're behind in the polls." And then simply refer people to website where his campaign can contrast the Romney of the debate with the Romney of the last few months. Frankly, if Obama calls Rmoney on a lie, Rmoney will simply respond by lying more. That's what he did in the first debate. So, instead of dwelling on Rmoney's lies, point people to where they can find truth, and then dwell instead on Obama's goals of making our nation a better place for all.

[Life Long Dem]

5. Just saw The Daily Show

Even with the sound off Romney won. That cracked me up laughing.