SkimIt
Young Voters Speak Out: Each day, RR.com will spotlight politically minded youth writers from throughout the U.S. speaking their minds on Election 2012. First-time voters, student journalists and new graduates will debate the Obama vs. Romney race to the White House. Young Democrats, Republicans and ‘Undecided’ Americans are eager to play politics and choose the next Commander & Chief.
Read Justin Tepper's thoughts from a moderate perspective:
Oh Bubba
When Bill Clinton walked out onto the stage at the Democratic National Convention, I tried to suppress a smile but could not. He is the leader of the Democratic party, Barack Obama is president, but Bill Clinton is the patriarch. He spoke brilliantly and outshined everyone, be it at the Democratic or Republican convention. Can we elect him again? Substantive and Inspiring
The former President was not only personable but addressed issues of real substance. He spoke of the lies the Republicans were telling in Tampa Bay. One constant mantra of the GOP has been that they are the party of private enterprise. As our 42nd president pointed out, since 1961, the Democratic party has created 42 million private sector jobs to the Republican 24 million!
The Republicans have claimed Obama has cut $716 billion dollars from Medicare. Once again, that's simply not true. The President did not take away benefits or services from individuals but instead took it away from providers and health insurance agencies. Clinton also pointed out that the VP candidate, Paul Ryan advocated for a similar plan. Furthermore, Medicare would disappear faster if Mitt Romney and his running mate are elected to the oval office.
The work-for-welfare program, which Bill Clinton signed while in office, has also been in the news recently. The GOP has said that Barack Obama loosened the requirements and just handed out checks. Once again, that's not actually the case. Republican governors went to the president and asked for exemptions, so they can put their own plans in place. In return for the political opportunity to put in their own plans, Barack Obama asked the governors to increase employment 20%. The president wanted welfare recipients to work more, not less!
Most importantly, our former president spoke about the hate and partisanship the Republicans have displayed towards Barack Obama. He reminds us that cooperation is better than constant conflict. Not everyone is right all of the time and working together is not a sign of weakness. Clinton lashed out at the right-wing extremists who have taken over the GOP and who live in an alternate reality. His words were harsh, dismissive, and so good to hear!
Truth Teller
Bill Clinton's nearly 50 minute speech was one of the best I have ever heard. He spoke to the audience but not in an overly impassioned emotive way. He wanted the crowd and the people at home to understand what he was saying. He clearly defined the message of both candidates and actually offered numbers and arguments to support the Democratic cause. In Tampa, the Republicans served us emotions and rhetoric to blind us and steer us away from the real issues. Clinton told us the truth.
