A day after Rick Santorum's exit from the GOP race, the Obama and Romney campaigns opened their head-to-head battle for the presidency.
Romney attacked Mr. Obama on spending and big government, while the president ignored the blows and argued again for raising taxes on the rich, accusing Republicans of having the wrong priorities.
"The president's campaign slogan was, what, hope and change. I think that's changing now to, let's hope for a change," said Romney.
The president didn't directly answer the attacks. Instead, at the White House, he argued again for raising taxes on the rich and charged, Republicans have the wrong priorities.
"If we're going to keep giving somebody like me or some of the people in this room tax breaks that we don't need and we can't afford, then one of two things happens: Either you've got to borrow more money to pay down a deeper deficit, or you've got to demand deeper sacrifices from the middle class and you've got to cut investments that help us grow as an economy" said Obama.
Quotes
"The president's campaign slogan was, what, hope and change. I think that's changing now to, let's hope for a change," - Mitt Romney.
Warm Up Questions
1. What is a general election?
2. What is a political campaign?
3. What are some ways politicians gain votes?
Discussion Questions
1. What are your thoughts about political candidates attacking one another?
2. Do you think it's better for candidates not to respond to attacks? Why or why not? Discuss.
3. If you're eligible to vote, will you vote in the 2012 presidential election? Why or why not? If you're not eligible, what kinds of things would encourage you to vote?
Additional Resources
