Democratic politicians, Ohio University students and Athens residents joined together with a common interest Tuesday night — to cheer on President Barack Obama as he squared off against Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the first presidential debate.
Obama cited his record on the economy and foreign policy as cause for voters to give him a second term in office, while Romney said his record as governor of Massachusetts showed he could take over the presidency.
Local politicians watched the debate at an Organizing For America Ohio-hosted watch party at The Pigskin, 38 N. Court St. They included Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-92nd; Athens City Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward; and Charlie Adkins, the Democratic challenger for Athens County Commissioner.
Many in attendance had high expectations, including OU College Democrats President Shannon Welch, who said she was especially eager to hear both candidates’ views on education, health care and energy.
“It’s imperative to me that (Obama) gets elected, especially as a student,” Welch said. “Romney won’t help students and the middle class.”
Obama often referenced a “middle-out” economic plan, which he said would give tax breaks to the middle class instead of wealthier Americans, and his comments were met with cheers from those at The Pigskin.
But Romney criticized Obama’s tax policies and said he wouldn’t raise taxes on any Americans if he were elected president because of the lagging economy.
Still, Phillips said she supports Obama’s outlook on creating jobs in Ohio.
“The middle-out philosophy strengthens our economy in the long run,” she said.
In his closing statement, Obama said that he would continue to fight for the American people, adding that the country needs to make sure “everyone gets their fair share and that everyone is playing by the same rules.”
Another four years of the Obama administration would result in cuts to military and a rise in health care premiums, Romney said. Despite Romney’s critiques of Obama, morale was still high for local Democrats.
“I think (Obama) did pretty well,” said Jake Fenzl, a freshman studying history. “I’m always so happy to see him speak.”
Adkins also said Obama did well at the debate and that he praises the Obama administration for providing funds for Ohio retirement systems.
“I’m glad he talked about Medicare and how important that is,” Adkins said, adding that he was impressed with the turnout at The Pigskin.
“The diversity in this room was unreal to me,” he said. “For me, it just reinforces Democrat values.”
As the campaign continues, future debates will benefit Obama because he relates to many Ohio voters, Fahl said.
“I think it’s going to be a similar conversation with less expectations from the Romney campaign,” she said. “If he carries Ohio, he carries the country.”
sh335311@ohiou.edu
