Croton's Mayor on Obama-Romney Debate

Patch asked Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Leo Wiegman (D) what he thought about last night's debate. Here's what he had to say.

The best policy section of the debate was on women's issues that started as a pay equality issue. Governor Romney said after he become Governor,  "Gosh, can't we find some women qualified for the cabinet. ...I asked why no women had applied. They brought me whole binders full of women.  My state had more women on staff." And ended with "we need flexible work schedules."

President Obama took that question and broadened into a discussion of women's health, starting with pay equality directly, "The Lillie Ledbetter bill was first bill I signed."  To "Other issues that help women in the workplace; for example, health care!" To "Child care is a pocket book issue. What's make us grow as an economy is when every one participates. I have 2 daughters and I want to make sure that they participate."

Grand slam for the President, with the Governor's worst episode yet to come and entirely self-inflicted. 

The President clearly connected on almost all the questions. Then he managed to turn the only that he clearly and initially dodged--on Benghazi--into Governor Romney's worst moments. 

Worst Barack Obama lines (he actually turned into Romney's worst debate moment). Who denied extra security denied in Benghazi?: "I am responsible for those diplomats because I greet the coffins when they come home."  (It's a good line, but up to this point on this topic the President had not directly answered the question, "Who denied extra security denied in Benghazi?" which addressed pre-attack events, but then Romney completely blew it by questioning "act of terror"  day after. A true gaffe, that the moderator had to correct the Governor. To which the President said, "Please proceed, Governor. Get the tape." Moderator: "He did in fact." President: "Could you say that a little louder, Candy?"

Best Mitt Romney lines: What have you done to earn my vote: If you elect President Obama you know what you're going to get, four more years like the last four. The economy is growing more slowly this year than last year, and slower last year than the year before.

Worst Mitt Romney lines: What is biggest misconception we have about you?:  I care about 100% of the American people.On pay equality: They brought whole binders full of women.

Best Barack Obama lines: On taxes: He can't tell what deductions. We haven't heard any specifics from Gov except for Big Bird.On difference between MR and GWB (and trade as follow up):  Governor, you're the last person who is going to get tough on China. What have you done to earn my vote: "I cut taxes and did, end the war in Irag, Al Qaeda, health insurance, rein in Wall St reform, we saved an auto industry."Who denied extra security denied in Benghazi?: "The suggestion that anyone on my team would play politics and mislead when we have lost ones of our own is offensive.

That moment showed a very direct stand by the President that called Romney's actions post-Benghazi as offensive.  On offshore investment in China: Governor Romney: "Any investment has been managed by blind trust. Have you looked at your pension?President Obama: "I don't look at my pension very often, it's not as big as yours."