Excitement, Expectations Build for First Presidential Debate; Locals Weigh In
By: Homa Bash
Updated: October 3, 2012
The countdown is in full swing -- we're just over a month away from the 2012 Presidential Election and the stakes are high.
President Obama and Mitt Romney are taking the stage in Denver Tuesday night for their first head-to-head debate -- the first of three before voters hit the polls on November 6th.
And for many in the Big Country, it's one that matters.
"I just don't want either of them to stumble, but I do want them to be truthful," said Irma Henson, an Abilene resident and Romney supporter.
The key topics on Tuesday night -- healthcare, jobs, and of course, the great divide on taxes.
For local Republicans, the hope is for Romney to clarify his position -- and get a much-needed boost in the polls.
"They're portraying Romney as a rich man who doesn't care about that 47%," said Henson. "Listen, he cares and he wants to get them up out of where they are."
"At the Republican National Convention, you have all Republicans and they take some jabs at the Democrats. At the Democratic National Convention, same thing, you have all Democrats and they take jabs at the Republicans," said Kyle McAlister, Treasurer of the Taylor Co. Republican Party. "But here, you have them side by side and they can look at each other and ask each other questions and make pointed remarks."
And for Taylor County Democrats -- it's more of a watch and wait.
"I think there will be a bump to be had from it and I think the challenger usually gets the bump," said Johanna Miller, office manager for the Taylor County Democrats. "Romney's had more experience doing this, he's had 20 debates since the campaign started and this is Obama's first in four years -- hopefully, he's practiced."
"It's very easy to say, 'Well we're going to create a million jobs,' but...How? It's never actually said how so I would love to see some specifics coming out of the Republican side," said Linda Goolsbee, president of the Big Country Texas Democratic Women.
While it's clear both candidates will try their best to come out on top, most experts agree -- debates are not typically a "make or break" moment. Oftentimes, it's difficult to even determine a clear winner -- or loser.
An estimated 50 million people are expected to tune in to the debate Tuesday night.
President Obama and Mitt Romney are taking the stage in Denver Tuesday night for their first head-to-head debate -- the first of three before voters hit the polls on November 6th.
And for many in the Big Country, it's one that matters.
"I just don't want either of them to stumble, but I do want them to be truthful," said Irma Henson, an Abilene resident and Romney supporter.
The key topics on Tuesday night -- healthcare, jobs, and of course, the great divide on taxes.
For local Republicans, the hope is for Romney to clarify his position -- and get a much-needed boost in the polls.
"They're portraying Romney as a rich man who doesn't care about that 47%," said Henson. "Listen, he cares and he wants to get them up out of where they are."
"At the Republican National Convention, you have all Republicans and they take some jabs at the Democrats. At the Democratic National Convention, same thing, you have all Democrats and they take jabs at the Republicans," said Kyle McAlister, Treasurer of the Taylor Co. Republican Party. "But here, you have them side by side and they can look at each other and ask each other questions and make pointed remarks."
And for Taylor County Democrats -- it's more of a watch and wait.
"I think there will be a bump to be had from it and I think the challenger usually gets the bump," said Johanna Miller, office manager for the Taylor County Democrats. "Romney's had more experience doing this, he's had 20 debates since the campaign started and this is Obama's first in four years -- hopefully, he's practiced."
"It's very easy to say, 'Well we're going to create a million jobs,' but...How? It's never actually said how so I would love to see some specifics coming out of the Republican side," said Linda Goolsbee, president of the Big Country Texas Democratic Women.
While it's clear both candidates will try their best to come out on top, most experts agree -- debates are not typically a "make or break" moment. Oftentimes, it's difficult to even determine a clear winner -- or loser.
An estimated 50 million people are expected to tune in to the debate Tuesday night.
