During a stellar debate performance last night, President Obama hit Mitt Romney with Romney’s remarks on the 47% of Americans who don’t make enough money to pay income taxes (but do pay payroll taxes, sales taxes, etc..This group includes the groups mentioned by President Obama, such as military personnel, retirees on social security, students, et al.), emphasis mine:
“I believe Governor Romney is a good man. Loves his family, cares about his faith. But I also believe that when he said behind closed doors that 47 percent of the country considered themselves victims who refuse personal responsibility, think about who he was talking about. Folks on Social Security who’ve worked all their lives. Veterans who’ve sacrificed for this country. Students who are out there trying to hopefully advance their own dreams, but also this country’s dreams. Soldiers who are overseas fighting for us right now. People who are working hard every day, paying payroll tax, gas taxes, but don’t make enough income. And I want to fight for them. That’s what I’ve been doing for the last four years. Because if they succeed, I believe the country succeeds. When my grandfather fought in World War II and he came back and he got a G.I. Bill and that allowed him to go to college, that wasn’t a handout. That was something that advanced the entire country. And I want to make sure that the next generation has those same opportunities. That’s why I’m asking for your vote and that’s why I’m asking for another four years.”
I’ll have the debate video and the transcript up shortly, so check back if you’re interested.
Image credit: Saul Loeb (AFP/Getty Images)
