What Does Obama Need to Do Tonight? Defend His Record.

prospect.org — The genius of Mitt Romney’s vague tax plan is that it allows him to mount any defense that sounds plausible. Indeed, if there is anything Romney is ready for, it’s attacks on his tax proposals. Rather than get stuck in this mud, President Obama should avoid the issue altogether. Instead, he should return to the rhetoric he used to great effect in the spring and summer—a firm explanation of what the Romney/Ryan budget would cost in terms of national investment, environmental commitments, and aid to the less fortunate. One more thing: If there’s anything striking about Barack Obama’s campaign for re-election, it’s his unwillingness to defend his record on the merits. So far, Team Obama has been focused on the (many) flaws of Mitt Romney and the Republican Party, which gives people a reason to vote against the opposition, but doesn’t provide much for those who want something to vote for.

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