Just the facts
By BRANDON A. PERRY
Millions of Americans have already decided who they will vote for in the presidential election between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.
Still, a sizeable number of voters remain undecided, wanting to know what Obama has done for them, and what Romney can do for them.
Why, they ask, does Obama deserve a second term? Moreover, why does Romney deserve a shot at the presidency?
In a campaign where negative attacks have sometimes overshadowed a needed discussion about the candidate’s abilities, the Recorder is offering a helpful look at the accomplishments of both.
Obama’s Most Cited Achievements
– The economy has steadily grown jobs for the past 30 months, after losing more than 4.9 million of them in 2009.
– Pushed for congressional passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as “the stimulus package.” The loss of jobs began to stop when Obama convinced Congress to authorize this allocation of $787 billion in stimulus funds. The legislation halted the economic decline caused by the 2008 financial crisis, preventing unemployment from climbing and supporting a modest but sustained economic recovery that has brought unemployment down to 8 percent.
– Oversaw passage of the Affordable Care Act, a set of private-sector and government reforms designed to address the need for health insurance among 40 million Americans, including those who have pre-existing conditions. The law has expanded access to medical care and provided subsidies for people who cannot afford it.
Ended America’s unpopular and costly military operations in Iraq.
Overhauled the credit card industry, making it much more consumer-friendly.
– Increased the strength of America’s intelligence capabilities, which played a key role in the elimination of Sept.11 terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden and several leaders of his organization, Al-Qaida.
– Supported loans and managed bankruptcy restructuring for General Motors and Chrysler, both of which are now stable, have started repaying their loans and have helped lead a revival of the automotive industry, which has led to the return of thousands of jobs.
– Signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Law, which restores basic protections against pay discrimination. The President has continued to push for the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which helps women fight pay discrimination.
– Within days after taking office, signed an executive order calling for an audit of government contracts to combat waste and abuse.
– Expanded the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Overhauled the federal food safety system.
To read more on President Barack Obama’s accomplishments, visit barackobama.com or obamawatches.com.
Romney’s Most Cited Achievements
– Romney helped launch the investment firm Bain Capital, which is known for starting or reviving several well-known companies that have created thousands of jobs.
Bain’s first major success was the office supply company Staples, which began with one store in Massachusetts, and now has over 2,000 stores that employ more than 90,000 people. With Romney’s guidance, Bain also helped turn around companies such as Domino’s, Sealy, Home Depot, Burger King and Warner Music Group.
– Romney left the private sector to become president and CEO of the 2002 Olympic Games, based in Salt Lake City. At the beginning of Romney’s tenure, the Olympics was struggling with a scandal, a $379 million shortfall and a reduction in sponsors. Romney was credited by many for helping the Olympics eliminate the debt, bring in new sponsors, increase revenues up to $1.32 billion, organize over 23,000 volunteers and launch an unprecedented security mobilization, an important factor considering that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had occurred only months beforehand. The Olympic Games were a success.
– When Romney was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2002, the state was facing a $3 billion budget deficit, increasing unemployment and a reduction of investment by businesses. Although his budget cuts were sometimes controversial, many observers credit Romney with making the tough decisions needed to restructure state programs, pare down non-essential government functions and reduce spending.
– By the time Romney left office in 2007, Massachusetts had a surplus with a $2 billion “rainy day” fund, a reduction in the unemployment rate from 5.6 percent to 4.7 percent and modest but sustained economic growth. Supporters say he balanced the state’s budget without borrowing or raising taxes.
– In April of 2006, Romney signed into law health reform legislation known now as “Romneycare,” which requires residents to buy some kind of health insurance or lose certain tax exemptions. Supporters have hailed the program as a market-based initiative designed to provide access to health care for more Massachusetts residents without higher taxes or significant government involvement.
For more information about Mitt Romney’s accomplishments, visit mittromney.com and mittromneycentral.com.
