The two major party candidates for the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, are campaigning heavily to win the election this November.
Although the majority of our students cannot vote yet, it is a good idea to form an opinion on political issues and know what is going on in the world. Southern Lehigh’s social studies teachers stay up to date on the election, and have some words of wisdom for students developing their own political opinions.
“I don’t think most Americans understand the complexity of global politics and global economics, so they assume that there will be quick fixes,” Mrs. Katie Quartuch said. “I do not think that is true.”
Mr. Tom Beaupre encouraged new student voters to raise their awareness of current events. “I think they have to start paying more attention to the news,” he said. “I mean taking interest in issues, not thinking that those are problems for older people.”
With this advice in mind, here is an overview of the 2012 presidential candidates.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama is the current U. S. President and the Democratic nominee, with Joe Biden as vice president.
On economic affairs, Obama wants to lower taxes for middle to lower class families. Obama also supports the small business owner over corporations.
“Change means a tax code that rewards the American workers and small businesses who deserve it. I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and start giving them to those that create jobs in America,” Obama said. “I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses that create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes for 95% of all working families. In an economy like this, the last thing we should do is [raise]taxes on the middle-class.”
Obama also supports current social services, and, as president, would keep welfare and The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) as it is. Obamacare provides near-universal health coverage to Americans, welfare helps those struggling below the poverty line to make ends meet.
For social rights, Obama is pro-choice, and supports women’s health needs, like sponsoring a bill providing contraceptives to low-income women. He also supports legalizing gay marriage.
“I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry,” Obama said. “I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.”
Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney is the Republican nominee, with Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential candidate.
For his economic policy, Romney supports a more “hands-off” economy, with less government intrusion.
“My agenda would make government simpler, smaller, and smarter. As President, I will repeal unnecessary regulations and restore our good credit rating,” Romney said. “I will reduce tax rates and simplify the tax code, especially for middle-income Americans.”
Romney would also change several social services, including the repeal of Obamacare and replacing it with Romneycare, a modified version of the health care program Romney put in place as governor of Massachusetts. The main difference between Obamacare and Romneycare is that Romneycare is state mandated, instead of federally mandated. As president, Romney would also required welfare recipients to work.
On social rights, firmly remains pro-life and believes that gay marriage is unconstitutional.
“I agree with 3000 years of recorded history. I believe marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman and I have been rock solid in my support of traditional marriage,” Romney said. “Marriage is first and foremost about nurturing and developing children. It’s unfortunate that those who choose to defend the institution of marriage are often demonized.”
