Time for Obama to up his game

I would like to address the challenge facing Barack Obama in the coming month.

On the back of what has been considered a victory for Mitt Romney in the first debate, despite his gaffs, his support levels are growing. This is a candidate whose campaign has been afflicted on several occasions by foot-in-mouth syndrome. Despite this, Obama has still to tackle his opponent on these issues.

Obama failed to bring up the much publicised “47%” remark, Romney’s role at Bain Capital or the proposed 14% tax rates. Whilst winning the debates is not a surefire way of winning the election, strong performances can lead to bounces in support of up to 3%, and given the tight margin in the current race, if Obama continues with below par performances, Romney may win out. With Romney rising to a 51% positive standing as opposed to Obama’s 56%, it would appear that Obama is being pushed to the ropes as Romney’s campaign gains momentum.

By not tackling Romney out of the blocks on such topics mentioned above, Obama is negating one of his finest attributes – his ability to inspire and motivate people through his speeches. If Obama wishes to secure his return to office, he is now in a position where he must fight for it. Over the summer months, Obama’s support rose but as we near polling day, Romney is eating into his lead. It had become apparent that this could well be Obama’s election to lose, especially after the rape controversy surrounding comments made by Congressman Todd Akin in August.

The news that unemployment figures have dropped below 8% for the first time since 2009 to 7.8% is huge. It has been estimated that 873,000 jobs were gained in the last month, the most since 1983 (Reuters). If Obama can harness this, he can prove his plans for the future of the American economy are working. The issue of unemployment is one that could determine the outcome of the election and this news must be utilised properly. Obama has hammered home this new information as he tours the country.

It is often said that a week in politics is a long week. In this case, a month may seem like an eternity to both candidates. Ultimately, the winner of this contest may well be the candidate who utilises his opportunities in the best way. Obama may plan to broach key issues and Mitt Romney’s record in the coming weeks, but if it is not done soon Obama may find himself fighting from second place, at which point it may be too late.

Ronan Minnock

Dundalk

Co Louth