In the final question of the town hall debate, the candidates were asked what they thought the greatest misconception was about them. President Obama used the opportunity to explain his views on free enterprise — and to go after Mitt Romney’s secretly recorded comments about ’47 percent’ of Americans. With it being the final question of the night, Romney did not appear to have any chance to respond.
“I think a lot of this campaign, maybe over last four years, has been devoted to this notion that I think government creates jobs, that that’s somehow is the answer. That’s not what I believe. I believe that the free enterprise system is the greatest engine of prosperity the world’s ever known. I believe in self-reliance and individual initiative, and risk-takers be rewarded. But I also believe that everybody should have a fair shot, and everybody should do their fair share, and everybody should play by the same rules, because that’s how our economy is grown.
He went on to take on Romney: “I believe Gov. Romney is a good man — loves his family, cares about his faith. But I also believe that when he said behind closed doors, that 47 percent of the country considered themselves victims, who refuse personal responsibility — think about who he was talking about. Folks on Social Security who have worked all their lives; veterans who sacrifice for this country; students who are out there trying to hopefully advance their own dreams, but also this country’s dreams; Soldiers who are overseas, fighting for us right now; people who are working hard every day, paying payroll tax, gas taxes, but don’t make enough income.
“I want to fight for them. That’s what I’ve been doing for the last four years. Because if they succeed, I believe the country succeeds. When my grandfather fought in World War II and came back, he got a G.I. bill that allowed hip to go to college. That wasn’t a handout — that advanced the entire country. I want to make sure that the next generation has those same opportunities. That’s why I’m asking for your vote and asking for another four years.”
