Obama appeals to working women
AN energetic President Barack Obama went after his Republican challenger in their second presidential debate, attacking Mitt Romney’s business record and accusing him of offering a ‘‘me, too’’ to conservative Republicans in Congress.
‘‘ Governor Romney says he’s got a five- point plan. Governor Romney doesn’t have a five-point plan; he has a one-point plan,’’ Obama said during his answer to the debate’s first question.
Mr Romney’s plan was to ‘‘make sure that folks at the top play by a different set of rules’’, he added, making quick references to lower tax rates for the wealthy, companies sending jobs overseas and corporate takeovers that ‘‘ strip away’’ workers’ pensions and ‘‘ still make money’’ for owners.
Within the first six minutes, Mr Obama had twice accused Mr Romney of saying things that were ‘‘not true’’.
Mr Romney, who had dominated the first debate two weeks ago, often appeared defensive.
He made efforts to return the debate to Mr Obama’s economic record.
‘‘The President has tried, but his policies haven’t worked,’’ he said, citing the nation’s high unemployment rate. ‘‘That’s what this election is about.’’
Mr Obama delivered a long list of policies that his administration had designed to help women in the workplace and said Mr Romney’s plans would deprive many working women of contracep- tive coverage on their health plans.
Mr Romney stressed his desire to help small businesses and reduce their taxes and government regulations.
Mr Obama’s task at the debate was to revive the enthusi- asm of his supporters to drive up voter turnout and begin wooing back some of the undecided who had drifted Mr Romney’s way.
Aides said they were particularly focused on female voters.
Mr Obama’s lead over Mr Romney in September had depended in large part on strong support from bluecollar women.
Polls showed him losing ground with them since the first debate.