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.