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President Obama and Mitt Romney's campaign promises: what each said President Obama and Mitt Romney's campaign promises: what each said
(6 months later)
In this age of 24/7 chatter it's easy to underestimate the significance of a promise made out on the campaign trail. Promises, even if never fulfilled, are one of several leading indicators of presidential ambition. Promises tell us how a candidate intends to wield their presidential power and, when taken together, the kind of legacy they'd like to leave.In this age of 24/7 chatter it's easy to underestimate the significance of a promise made out on the campaign trail. Promises, even if never fulfilled, are one of several leading indicators of presidential ambition. Promises tell us how a candidate intends to wield their presidential power and, when taken together, the kind of legacy they'd like to leave.
According to Politifact's Obameter, the president has kept 38% of the promises he made voters during the 2008 presidential election. Of the rest, he's broken 21% and begun making progress on another 21%. This time around, we zeroed in on the promises the candidates have made over and over during the long campaign season, at rallies and other events.According to Politifact's Obameter, the president has kept 38% of the promises he made voters during the 2008 presidential election. Of the rest, he's broken 21% and begun making progress on another 21%. This time around, we zeroed in on the promises the candidates have made over and over during the long campaign season, at rallies and other events.
This election season, the two contenders are using different language in the way they're phrasing promises – Mitt Romney, as the challenger, makes more assertive "I will" statements, while President Obama has dialed back since 2008, instead telling us what he "wants" to do in the future. To us, either approach signifies a promise. In the end, we consider both to be statements of intent: ie promises.This election season, the two contenders are using different language in the way they're phrasing promises – Mitt Romney, as the challenger, makes more assertive "I will" statements, while President Obama has dialed back since 2008, instead telling us what he "wants" to do in the future. To us, either approach signifies a promise. In the end, we consider both to be statements of intent: ie promises.
As a matter of methodology: we cut statements of intent from campaign speeches and other election events to be as concise as possible without losing context. If a candidate couched a promise in an attack on the opponent, we separated the promise out from the attack. When choosing between similar statements, we erred on the side of specificity. Full transcripts of the candidates' speeches can be found through The American Presidency Project and, for the president, whitehouse.gov.As a matter of methodology: we cut statements of intent from campaign speeches and other election events to be as concise as possible without losing context. If a candidate couched a promise in an attack on the opponent, we separated the promise out from the attack. When choosing between similar statements, we erred on the side of specificity. Full transcripts of the candidates' speeches can be found through The American Presidency Project and, for the president, whitehouse.gov.
During the debates, our live blogger Richard Adams and NYU graduate student Nadja Popovich will add to these collections. They'll also analyze the implications of new promises.During the debates, our live blogger Richard Adams and NYU graduate student Nadja Popovich will add to these collections. They'll also analyze the implications of new promises.
Explore this list of Obama and Romney's promises:
Jobs and the economy
National security and war
Health care
Education
Energy
Immigration		Explore this list of Obama and Romney's promises:
Jobs and the economy
National security and war
Health care
Education
Energy
Immigration
President Barack Obama's promisesPresident Barack Obama's promises
On keeping jobs in America:On keeping jobs in America:
I believe in insourcing. I want to take away tax breaks for companies shipping jobs overseas. Let's give them to companies that are investing right here, investing in American workersI believe in insourcing. I want to take away tax breaks for companies shipping jobs overseas. Let's give them to companies that are investing right here, investing in American workers
– August 6, 2012, Stamford, Connecticut rally– August 6, 2012, Stamford, Connecticut rally

On manufacturing:
On manufacturing:
I want to make sure that the jobs of tomorrow, including advanced manufacturing jobs, that they're not taking root in China or Germany. I want them to take root in Colorado, in Ohio, in Michigan … I want to insource. I want to stop giving tax breaks to companies that are shipping jobs overseas. Let's give those tax breaks to companies that are investing in Colorado, investing in Grand Junction, hiring American workers, selling American products, stamping those goods with three proud words: Made in America.I want to make sure that the jobs of tomorrow, including advanced manufacturing jobs, that they're not taking root in China or Germany. I want them to take root in Colorado, in Ohio, in Michigan … I want to insource. I want to stop giving tax breaks to companies that are shipping jobs overseas. Let's give those tax breaks to companies that are investing in Colorado, investing in Grand Junction, hiring American workers, selling American products, stamping those goods with three proud words: Made in America.
– August 8, 2012, Grand Junction, Colorado event– August 8, 2012, Grand Junction, Colorado event

On infrastructure:
On infrastructure:
I'm running because I do want to rebuild our roads and our bridges. We've got hundreds of thousands of construction workers all across the country who are out of work, and all the manufacturing that goes into construction. We could rebuild our roads, our bridges, our schools, renovate our buildings so that they're more energy efficient, put a lot of people back to work, and that's good for the entire economy.I'm running because I do want to rebuild our roads and our bridges. We've got hundreds of thousands of construction workers all across the country who are out of work, and all the manufacturing that goes into construction. We could rebuild our roads, our bridges, our schools, renovate our buildings so that they're more energy efficient, put a lot of people back to work, and that's good for the entire economy.
– July 5, 2012, Sandusky, Ohio rally– July 5, 2012, Sandusky, Ohio rally

On skills for workers:
On skills for workers:
I want to give more Americans the chance to learn the skills they need to compete. We've got to invest in our workforce. And education was the gateway of opportunity for me; it was the gateway of opportunity for Michelle. It's the gateway of opportunity for many of you. It's the gateway to a middle-class life.I want to give more Americans the chance to learn the skills they need to compete. We've got to invest in our workforce. And education was the gateway of opportunity for me; it was the gateway of opportunity for Michelle. It's the gateway of opportunity for many of you. It's the gateway to a middle-class life.
– September 21, 2012, Woodbridge, Virginia event– September 21, 2012, Woodbridge, Virginia event

Governor Mitt Romney's promises
Governor Mitt Romney's promises
On government spending:On government spending:
I will reduce government spending. Our high level of debt slows GDP growth and that means fewer jobs. If our goal is jobs, we must stop spending over a trillion dollars more than we earn. To do this, I will eliminate expensive non-essential programs like Obamacare, and I will work to reform and save Medicare and social security, in part by means-testing their benefits.I will reduce government spending. Our high level of debt slows GDP growth and that means fewer jobs. If our goal is jobs, we must stop spending over a trillion dollars more than we earn. To do this, I will eliminate expensive non-essential programs like Obamacare, and I will work to reform and save Medicare and social security, in part by means-testing their benefits.
– July 11, 2012, NAACP Convention in Houston, Texas– July 11, 2012, NAACP Convention in Houston, Texas

On manufacturing:
On manufacturing:
I will help usher in a revival in American manufacturing. If we take an entirely new and different direction in energy, in trade, and in labor policies, we will see more manufacturing jobs come back to America than those that are leaving America. I am absolutely convinced that with the right policies and leadership we can see a resurgence in American manufacturing. New and emerging small businesses and so-called gazelle, or fast-growing, businesses will spring up across the country by instituting pro-growth regulations, pro-growth taxes, pro-growth intellectual property protections, and pro-growth labor policies. We will re-build our failing infrastructure by merging public investment with private initiative. And as this new direction creates new jobs, it will also create the increasing demand for workers that will produce higher wages and better benefits.I will help usher in a revival in American manufacturing. If we take an entirely new and different direction in energy, in trade, and in labor policies, we will see more manufacturing jobs come back to America than those that are leaving America. I am absolutely convinced that with the right policies and leadership we can see a resurgence in American manufacturing. New and emerging small businesses and so-called gazelle, or fast-growing, businesses will spring up across the country by instituting pro-growth regulations, pro-growth taxes, pro-growth intellectual property protections, and pro-growth labor policies. We will re-build our failing infrastructure by merging public investment with private initiative. And as this new direction creates new jobs, it will also create the increasing demand for workers that will produce higher wages and better benefits.
– May 12, 2012, Lansing, Michigan rally– May 12, 2012, Lansing, Michigan rally

On business tax incentives:
On business tax incentives:
Taxes have to be as low as possible and in line with those of the competing nations around the world, designed to foster innovation and growth, that's why I will cut marginal taxes across the board. I want to create good jobs in this country. Let's get the taxes down for employers.Taxes have to be as low as possible and in line with those of the competing nations around the world, designed to foster innovation and growth, that's why I will cut marginal taxes across the board. I want to create good jobs in this country. Let's get the taxes down for employers.
– April 3, 2012, Milwaukee, Wisconsin event– April 3, 2012, Milwaukee, Wisconsin event

On small business:
On small business:
We will champion small businesses, America's engine of job growth. That means reducing taxes on business, not raising them. It means simplifying and modernizing the regulations that hurt small business the most. And it means that we must rein in the skyrocketing cost of healthcare by repealing and replacing Obamacare.We will champion small businesses, America's engine of job growth. That means reducing taxes on business, not raising them. It means simplifying and modernizing the regulations that hurt small business the most. And it means that we must rein in the skyrocketing cost of healthcare by repealing and replacing Obamacare.
– August 31, 2012, Republican national convention in Tampa, Florida– August 31, 2012, Republican national convention in Tampa, Florida

On skills for workers:
On skills for workers:
I will focus on nurturing and developing the skilled workers our economy so desperately needs and the future demands. This is the human capital with which tomorrow's bright future will be built. Too many homes and too many schools are failing to provide our children with the skills and education that are essential for anything other than a minimum-wage job.I will focus on nurturing and developing the skilled workers our economy so desperately needs and the future demands. This is the human capital with which tomorrow's bright future will be built. Too many homes and too many schools are failing to provide our children with the skills and education that are essential for anything other than a minimum-wage job.
– July 11, 2012, NAACP Convention in Houston, Texas– July 11, 2012, NAACP Convention in Houston, Texas
President Barack Obama's promisesPresident Barack Obama's promises
On military might:On military might:
We have to make sure that not only our military, but also our diplomats overseas are protected. We've got to go after anybody who harms Americans overseas. And as long as I am commander-in-chief, we will sustain the strongest military the world has ever known.We have to make sure that not only our military, but also our diplomats overseas are protected. We've got to go after anybody who harms Americans overseas. And as long as I am commander-in-chief, we will sustain the strongest military the world has ever known.
– September 21, 2012, Woodbridge, Virginia event– September 21, 2012, Woodbridge, Virginia event

On Iran:
On Iran:
We're still threatened by an Iran that is pursuing nuclear weapons and I've been absolutely clear that our policy is not to allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon. We can't afford a nuclear arms race in the region. Obviously, there are still extremists around the world who threaten us, which is why my commitment is to continue to have the strongest military in the world. But I also want to lead with diplomacy. I also want to lead with our values and our ideals.We're still threatened by an Iran that is pursuing nuclear weapons and I've been absolutely clear that our policy is not to allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon. We can't afford a nuclear arms race in the region. Obviously, there are still extremists around the world who threaten us, which is why my commitment is to continue to have the strongest military in the world. But I also want to lead with diplomacy. I also want to lead with our values and our ideals.
– September 20, 2012, Tampa, Florida event– September 20, 2012, Tampa, Florida event

On Afghanistan:
On Afghanistan:
By 2014, the war in Afghanistan will be over … I have set that timeline. I intend to keep it, because after a decade of war that's cost us thousands of lives and over a trillion dollars, the nation we need to build is our ownBy 2014, the war in Afghanistan will be over … I have set that timeline. I intend to keep it, because after a decade of war that's cost us thousands of lives and over a trillion dollars, the nation we need to build is our own
– June 12, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland event– June 12, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland event

On jobs for veterans:
On jobs for veterans:
Building our economy is part of our national security. So my plan would take about half of the money that we're no longer spending on war, let's use it to put people back to work: rebuilding our roads, our runways, our ports, laying broadband lines into rural communities, updating our wireless networks. Let's create a veterans jobs corps so we can put our returning heroes back to work as cops and firefighters in communities that need them most.Building our economy is part of our national security. So my plan would take about half of the money that we're no longer spending on war, let's use it to put people back to work: rebuilding our roads, our runways, our ports, laying broadband lines into rural communities, updating our wireless networks. Let's create a veterans jobs corps so we can put our returning heroes back to work as cops and firefighters in communities that need them most.
– July 23, 2012, campaign rally in Oakland, California– July 23, 2012, campaign rally in Oakland, California

Governor Mitt Romney's promises
Governor Mitt Romney's promises
On military might:On military might:
I will reverse the Obama-era defense cuts. I believe a strong America must – and will – lead the future. I will insist on a military so powerful that no one would ever think of challenging it.I will reverse the Obama-era defense cuts. I believe a strong America must – and will – lead the future. I will insist on a military so powerful that no one would ever think of challenging it.
– January 24, 2012, remarks in Tampa, Florida on President Obama's state of the union address– January 24, 2012, remarks in Tampa, Florida on President Obama's state of the union address

On Iran:
On Iran:
I will enhance our deterrent against the Iranian regime by ordering the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces, one in the Eastern Mediterranean and one in the Persian Gulf region. I will begin discussions with Israel to increase the level of our military assistance and coordination. And I will again reiterate that Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon is unacceptable.I will enhance our deterrent against the Iranian regime by ordering the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces, one in the Eastern Mediterranean and one in the Persian Gulf region. I will begin discussions with Israel to increase the level of our military assistance and coordination. And I will again reiterate that Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon is unacceptable.
– October 7, 2011, remarks on US foreign policy at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina– October 7, 2011, remarks on US foreign policy at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina

On Afghanistan:
On Afghanistan:
As president, my goal in Afghanistan will be to complete a successful transition to Afghan security forces by the end of 2014. I will evaluate conditions on the ground and solicit the best advice of our military commanders. And I will affirm that my duty is not to my political prospects, but to the security of the nation.As president, my goal in Afghanistan will be to complete a successful transition to Afghan security forces by the end of 2014. I will evaluate conditions on the ground and solicit the best advice of our military commanders. And I will affirm that my duty is not to my political prospects, but to the security of the nation.
– July 24, 2012, Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Reno, Nevada– July 24, 2012, Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Reno, Nevada

On the Arab Spring and middle east:
On the Arab Spring and middle east:
We must clearly stand for the values of representative government, economic opportunity, and human rights. And we must stand against the extension of Iranian or jihadist influence. Egypt is at the center of this historical drama. In many ways, it has the power to tip the balance in the Arab world toward freedom and modernity. As president, I will not only direct the billions in assistance we give to Egypt toward that goal, but I will also work with partner nations to place conditions on their assistance as well.We must clearly stand for the values of representative government, economic opportunity, and human rights. And we must stand against the extension of Iranian or jihadist influence. Egypt is at the center of this historical drama. In many ways, it has the power to tip the balance in the Arab world toward freedom and modernity. As president, I will not only direct the billions in assistance we give to Egypt toward that goal, but I will also work with partner nations to place conditions on their assistance as well.
– July 24, 2012, Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Reno, Nevada– July 24, 2012, Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Reno, Nevada
President Barack Obama's promisesPresident Barack Obama's promises
On "Obamacare":On "Obamacare":
We'll improve any aspect of [the healthcare] law, and any recommendations and suggestions that those who actually know the health care system and aren't just playing politics put forward. But we're going to implement [the Affordable Care Act] and America is going to be better for it.We'll improve any aspect of [the healthcare] law, and any recommendations and suggestions that those who actually know the health care system and aren't just playing politics put forward. But we're going to implement [the Affordable Care Act] and America is going to be better for it.
– July 25, 2012, Ernest N Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana– July 25, 2012, Ernest N Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
We will not go back to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against people just because they were sick. We're not going to tell 6 million young people who are now on their parent's health insurance plans that suddenly they don't have health insurance. We're not going to allow Medicare to be turned into a voucher system.We will not go back to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against people just because they were sick. We're not going to tell 6 million young people who are now on their parent's health insurance plans that suddenly they don't have health insurance. We're not going to allow Medicare to be turned into a voucher system.
– July 5, 2012, remarks at a campaign rally in Maumee, Ohio– July 5, 2012, remarks at a campaign rally in Maumee, Ohio

On women's reproductive rights:
On women's reproductive rights:
We don't need another political fight about ending a woman's right to choose, or getting rid of Planned Parenthood – [applause] – taking away access to affordable birth control. I want women to control their own health choices, just like I want my daughters to have the same opportunities as your sons.We don't need another political fight about ending a woman's right to choose, or getting rid of Planned Parenthood – [applause] – taking away access to affordable birth control. I want women to control their own health choices, just like I want my daughters to have the same opportunities as your sons.
– June 12, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland event– June 12, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland event

On Medicare:
On Medicare:
I will never – I will never – turn Medicare into a voucher. No American should ever have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies. They should retire with the care and the dignity that they have earned. Yes, we will reform and strengthen Medicare for the long haul, but we'll do it by reducing the cost of healthcare – not by asking seniors to pay thousands of dollars more.I will never – I will never – turn Medicare into a voucher. No American should ever have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies. They should retire with the care and the dignity that they have earned. Yes, we will reform and strengthen Medicare for the long haul, but we'll do it by reducing the cost of healthcare – not by asking seniors to pay thousands of dollars more.
– September 6, 2012, Democratic national convention, Charlotte, North Carolina– September 6, 2012, Democratic national convention, Charlotte, North Carolina
That points to what we need to do with Medicare generally. What we need to do is to go after the waste, the fraud, and reduce healthcare costs overall. So part of what we're doing through this new healthcare law is using the power of – the purchasing power of Medicare to say to doctors and hospitals and insurance companies, you guys need to work smarter – instead of having five different tests that you're charging us for, do one test and then email it to everybody. Instead of having all kinds of administrative costs and paperwork, let's make sure that we're using health IT – information technologies – to do a better job. Let's co-ordinate care better. Let's engage in more preventive care. Because this is not just a Medicare problem. Medicare actually is a very efficient program relative to the private insurance programs. The problem is healthcare costs generally are going up. So we've got to bring down healthcare costs; that's what we're focused on.That points to what we need to do with Medicare generally. What we need to do is to go after the waste, the fraud, and reduce healthcare costs overall. So part of what we're doing through this new healthcare law is using the power of – the purchasing power of Medicare to say to doctors and hospitals and insurance companies, you guys need to work smarter – instead of having five different tests that you're charging us for, do one test and then email it to everybody. Instead of having all kinds of administrative costs and paperwork, let's make sure that we're using health IT – information technologies – to do a better job. Let's co-ordinate care better. Let's engage in more preventive care. Because this is not just a Medicare problem. Medicare actually is a very efficient program relative to the private insurance programs. The problem is healthcare costs generally are going up. So we've got to bring down healthcare costs; that's what we're focused on.
– September 21, 2012, remarks by the president to AARP Convention (via satellite)– September 21, 2012, remarks by the president to AARP Convention (via satellite)
It's wrong to ask seniors to pay more for Medicare just so millionaires and billionaires can pay less in taxes. That's not the way to reduce the deficit. We shouldn't be squeezing more money out of seniors who are just barely getting by right now. My plan is to squeeze more money out of the healthcare system by eliminating waste and going after abuse and fraud in Medicare.It's wrong to ask seniors to pay more for Medicare just so millionaires and billionaires can pay less in taxes. That's not the way to reduce the deficit. We shouldn't be squeezing more money out of seniors who are just barely getting by right now. My plan is to squeeze more money out of the healthcare system by eliminating waste and going after abuse and fraud in Medicare.
– July 19, 2012, campaign rally in Jacksonville, Florida– July 19, 2012, campaign rally in Jacksonville, Florida

Governor Mitt Romney's promises
Governor Mitt Romney's promises
On "Obamacare":On "Obamacare":
Instead of growing the federal government, I will shrink it. I will repeal Obamacare, and cut programs that we cannot afford. I will send to the states those programs they can implement with better results at lower cost.Instead of growing the federal government, I will shrink it. I will repeal Obamacare, and cut programs that we cannot afford. I will send to the states those programs they can implement with better results at lower cost.
I will be a staunch defender of religious freedom. The Obamacare regulation is not a threat and insult to only one religious group – it is a threat and insult to every religious group. As president, I will abolish it.I will be a staunch defender of religious freedom. The Obamacare regulation is not a threat and insult to only one religious group – it is a threat and insult to every religious group. As president, I will abolish it.
I will improve healthcare by getting it to work more like a consumer market, and I will repeal and replace Obamacare. Individuals will be able to buy their own health insurance policies, either through their employer or directly. And the kind of competition we see in everything from auto insurance to cell phones to broadband will finally slow the growth of healthcare costs.I will improve healthcare by getting it to work more like a consumer market, and I will repeal and replace Obamacare. Individuals will be able to buy their own health insurance policies, either through their employer or directly. And the kind of competition we see in everything from auto insurance to cell phones to broadband will finally slow the growth of healthcare costs.
By granting waivers to all 50 states, I will start the process of repealing Obamacare on day one.By granting waivers to all 50 states, I will start the process of repealing Obamacare on day one.

On Medicare:
On Medicare:
When it comes to Medicare, tomorrow's seniors will have a choice among insurance providers, including traditional Medicare. As with Medicare Part D today, the private sector will compete to offer insurance coverage at the lowest possible price. Seniors will then receive government support to ensure they can afford that coverage. And with Medicare, like with social security, lower-income seniors will receive the most generous benefits. Starting in 2022, new retirees will participate in this new system. We will gradually increase the Medicare eligibility age by one month each year. In the long run, the eligibility ages for both programs will be indexed to longevity so that they increase only as fast as life expectancy.When it comes to Medicare, tomorrow's seniors will have a choice among insurance providers, including traditional Medicare. As with Medicare Part D today, the private sector will compete to offer insurance coverage at the lowest possible price. Seniors will then receive government support to ensure they can afford that coverage. And with Medicare, like with social security, lower-income seniors will receive the most generous benefits. Starting in 2022, new retirees will participate in this new system. We will gradually increase the Medicare eligibility age by one month each year. In the long run, the eligibility ages for both programs will be indexed to longevity so that they increase only as fast as life expectancy.
– February 24, 2012, remarks to the Detroit Economic Club in Detroit, Michigan– February 24, 2012, remarks to the Detroit Economic Club in Detroit, Michigan
I have already proposed a plan that will save and strengthen Medicare and social security for future generations … My plan preserves these programs for those at or near retirement and strengthens them for future generations – without tax increases. I will gradually raise the retirement age for social security, and reduce the rate of benefit growth for tomorrow's higher income seniors. I will introduce market competition and consumer choice to Medicare, while also preserving traditional Medicare coverage as an option, so that future seniors can get higher quality care at lower cost.I have already proposed a plan that will save and strengthen Medicare and social security for future generations … My plan preserves these programs for those at or near retirement and strengthens them for future generations – without tax increases. I will gradually raise the retirement age for social security, and reduce the rate of benefit growth for tomorrow's higher income seniors. I will introduce market competition and consumer choice to Medicare, while also preserving traditional Medicare coverage as an option, so that future seniors can get higher quality care at lower cost.
– April 4, 2012, remarks to the Newspaper Association of America in Washington, DC– April 4, 2012, remarks to the Newspaper Association of America in Washington, DC
President Barack Obama's promisesPresident Barack Obama's promises
On competitiveness:On competitiveness:
I'm running to make sure that by the end of this decade, more of our citizens hold college degrees than any nation on Earth. I want to help our schools hire and reward the best teachers, especially in math and science. I want to give 2 million more Americans the chance to go to community colleges and learn the skills that local businesses are looking for right now. In the 21st century, higher education cannot be a luxury; it is an economic imperative that every American should be able to afford. And we're going to make that happen.I'm running to make sure that by the end of this decade, more of our citizens hold college degrees than any nation on Earth. I want to help our schools hire and reward the best teachers, especially in math and science. I want to give 2 million more Americans the chance to go to community colleges and learn the skills that local businesses are looking for right now. In the 21st century, higher education cannot be a luxury; it is an economic imperative that every American should be able to afford. And we're going to make that happen.
– July 23, 2012, Oakland, California rally– July 23, 2012, Oakland, California rally
I'm running to make sure that America once again leads the world in educating our kids, training our workers. Our tuition tax credit has saved millions of families thousands of dollars. I want to extend it.I'm running to make sure that America once again leads the world in educating our kids, training our workers. Our tuition tax credit has saved millions of families thousands of dollars. I want to extend it.
– July 10, 2012, Cedar Rapids, Iowa rally– July 10, 2012, Cedar Rapids, Iowa rally
I want to hire new teachers, especially in math and science. Help 2 million people go to community colleges to train for the jobs that businesses are hiring for right now. And I want to make sure that every young person can afford to go to college. We have already expanded student aid; now we need to bring tuitions down. That's why I'm running for president – to give our young people a chance.I want to hire new teachers, especially in math and science. Help 2 million people go to community colleges to train for the jobs that businesses are hiring for right now. And I want to make sure that every young person can afford to go to college. We have already expanded student aid; now we need to bring tuitions down. That's why I'm running for president – to give our young people a chance.
– August 8, 2012, Grand Junction, Colorado event– August 8, 2012, Grand Junction, Colorado event

Governor Mitt Romney's promises
Governor Mitt Romney's promises
As president, I will make it my goal to ensure that every classroom has a quality teacher. There are currently 82 programs in 10 agencies that spend $4bn on teacher quality. As president, I will consolidate these programs, and block grant them to states that adopt innovative policies. For example, states will be rewarded if they regularly evaluate teachers for their effectiveness and compensate the best teachers for their success.As president, I will make it my goal to ensure that every classroom has a quality teacher. There are currently 82 programs in 10 agencies that spend $4bn on teacher quality. As president, I will consolidate these programs, and block grant them to states that adopt innovative policies. For example, states will be rewarded if they regularly evaluate teachers for their effectiveness and compensate the best teachers for their success.
– May 23, 2012, the Latino Coalition's annual economic summit in Washington, DC: "A Chance For Every Child"– May 23, 2012, the Latino Coalition's annual economic summit in Washington, DC: "A Chance For Every Child"
I will improve schools and universities and colleges with greater choice, greater accountability, and greater application of the technologies that have transformed so much of our economy.I will improve schools and universities and colleges with greater choice, greater accountability, and greater application of the technologies that have transformed so much of our economy.
– May 8, 2012, Lansing, Michigan event– May 8, 2012, Lansing, Michigan event
As president, I will pursue bold policy changes that will restore the promise of our nation's education system. First, I will expand parental choice in an unprecedented way. Too many of our kids are trapped in schools that are failing or simply don't meet their needs. And for too long, we've merely talked about the virtues of school choice. As president, I will give the parents of every low-income and special needs student the chance to choose where their child goes to school. For the first time in history, federal education funds will be linked to a student, so that parents can send their child to any public or charter school, or to a private school, where permitted. And I will make that choice meaningful by ensuring there are sufficient options to exercise it. … Instead of eliminating the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program as President Obama has proposed, I will expand it to offer more students a chance to attend a better school. It will be a model for parental choice programs across the nation.As president, I will pursue bold policy changes that will restore the promise of our nation's education system. First, I will expand parental choice in an unprecedented way. Too many of our kids are trapped in schools that are failing or simply don't meet their needs. And for too long, we've merely talked about the virtues of school choice. As president, I will give the parents of every low-income and special needs student the chance to choose where their child goes to school. For the first time in history, federal education funds will be linked to a student, so that parents can send their child to any public or charter school, or to a private school, where permitted. And I will make that choice meaningful by ensuring there are sufficient options to exercise it. … Instead of eliminating the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program as President Obama has proposed, I will expand it to offer more students a chance to attend a better school. It will be a model for parental choice programs across the nation.
– May 23, 2012, the Latino Coalition's annual economic summit in Washington, DC: "A Chance For Every Child"– May 23, 2012, the Latino Coalition's annual economic summit in Washington, DC: "A Chance For Every Child"
President Barack Obama's promisesPresident Barack Obama's promises
On energy strategy:On energy strategy:
We want to keep investing in wind and solar and clean coal technology. We want to see farmers and scientists harness new biofuels to power our cars and our trucks. I want construction workers who are sitting at home right now – I want them building homes and factories that waste less energy, and retrofitting those that are already built to save energy. And we can develop a hundred years' supply of natural gas right beneath our feet. If we choose this path, we can cut oil imports in half by 2020. We can support 600,000 new jobs in natural gas development alone. That's how we move forward.We want to keep investing in wind and solar and clean coal technology. We want to see farmers and scientists harness new biofuels to power our cars and our trucks. I want construction workers who are sitting at home right now – I want them building homes and factories that waste less energy, and retrofitting those that are already built to save energy. And we can develop a hundred years' supply of natural gas right beneath our feet. If we choose this path, we can cut oil imports in half by 2020. We can support 600,000 new jobs in natural gas development alone. That's how we move forward.
– September 7, 2012, Portsmouth, New Hampshire event– September 7, 2012, Portsmouth, New Hampshire event
I want you guys to know I'm not going to let oil companies write this country's energy plan. I'm not going to let them keep collecting $4bn in corporate welfare from our taxpayers. The path we're offering is to keep investing in wind and solar, clean coal technology, and make sure farmers and scientists are harnessing new biofuels to power our cars and our trucks. Let's put construction workers back to work rehabbing and retrofitting buildings and factories so they waste less energy. Let's develop a hundred-year supply of natural gas that's beneath our feet. And if we do all this, we can cut our oil import in half by 2020 and support 600,000 new jobs in natural gas alone.I want you guys to know I'm not going to let oil companies write this country's energy plan. I'm not going to let them keep collecting $4bn in corporate welfare from our taxpayers. The path we're offering is to keep investing in wind and solar, clean coal technology, and make sure farmers and scientists are harnessing new biofuels to power our cars and our trucks. Let's put construction workers back to work rehabbing and retrofitting buildings and factories so they waste less energy. Let's develop a hundred-year supply of natural gas that's beneath our feet. And if we do all this, we can cut our oil import in half by 2020 and support 600,000 new jobs in natural gas alone.
– Sept 17, 2012, Columbus, Ohio event– Sept 17, 2012, Columbus, Ohio event

Governor Mitt Romney's promises

On Keystone XL:
Governor Mitt Romney's promises

On Keystone XL:
The Keystone pipeline is a real "shovel-ready" project that would put 20,000 Americans back to work. Three years of review is long enough. The president was wrong to reject it. I will approve it.The Keystone pipeline is a real "shovel-ready" project that would put 20,000 Americans back to work. Three years of review is long enough. The president was wrong to reject it. I will approve it.
– Jan 24, 2012, remarks in Tampa, Florida on President Obama's state of the union address– Jan 24, 2012, remarks in Tampa, Florida on President Obama's state of the union address

On energy strategy:
On energy strategy:
We will achieve North American energy independence by 2020, by taking full advantage of our oil, our gas, our coal, our renewables and our nuclear power. Abundant, inexpensive, domestic energy will not only create energy jobs, it will bring back manufacturing jobs.We will achieve North American energy independence by 2020, by taking full advantage of our oil, our gas, our coal, our renewables and our nuclear power. Abundant, inexpensive, domestic energy will not only create energy jobs, it will bring back manufacturing jobs.
– August 14, 2012, remarks in Chillicothe, Ohio– August 14, 2012, remarks in Chillicothe, Ohio

On offshore drilling:
On offshore drilling:
I want to make sure we can drill in the outer continental shelf where the states like Virginia want to do that. I want to make sure we use our natural gas. We have massive resources of natural gas – it's cheap, it's plentiful, we want to get it to the places that can use it. … And one more thing, I will make sure we will get that pipeline from Canada and get oil here we can use and we need.I want to make sure we can drill in the outer continental shelf where the states like Virginia want to do that. I want to make sure we use our natural gas. We have massive resources of natural gas – it's cheap, it's plentiful, we want to get it to the places that can use it. … And one more thing, I will make sure we will get that pipeline from Canada and get oil here we can use and we need.
– September 13, 2012, campaign rally in Fairfax, Virginia– September 13, 2012, campaign rally in Fairfax, Virginia
President Barack Obama's promises
President Barack Obama's promises
I want to make sure that we get comprehensive immigration reform that gives young people who've been raised here a chance to live out their own American dream.I want to make sure that we get comprehensive immigration reform that gives young people who've been raised here a chance to live out their own American dream.
– July 13, 2012, Virginia Beach, Virginia rally– July 13, 2012, Virginia Beach, Virginia rally
I've said time and again: send me the Dream Act; I will sign it right away. And I'm still willing to work with anyone from either party who is committed to real reform.I've said time and again: send me the Dream Act; I will sign it right away. And I'm still willing to work with anyone from either party who is committed to real reform.
-- June 22, 2012, Naleo annual conference, Orlando, Florida-- June 22, 2012, Naleo annual conference, Orlando, Florida

Governor Mitt Romney's promises

Governor Mitt Romney's promises
Our country must do a better job of securing its borders and as president, I will. That means completing construction of a high-tech fence, and investing in adequate manpower and resources. We must also get tough on employers who hire illegal immigrants. That means putting in place an employment verification system that is both reliable and secure. Finally, we must stop providing the incentives that promote illegal immigration … As president, I promise to lead on this critical issue.Our country must do a better job of securing its borders and as president, I will. That means completing construction of a high-tech fence, and investing in adequate manpower and resources. We must also get tough on employers who hire illegal immigrants. That means putting in place an employment verification system that is both reliable and secure. Finally, we must stop providing the incentives that promote illegal immigration … As president, I promise to lead on this critical issue.
– September 2, 2011, remarks to Republican National Hispanic Assembly in Tampa, Florida– September 2, 2011, remarks to Republican National Hispanic Assembly in Tampa, Florida
Some people have asked if I will let stand the president's executive action [on immigration]. The answer is that I will put in place my own long-term solution that will replace and supersede the president's temporary measure. As president, I won't settle for a stop-gap measure. I will work with Republicans and Democrats to find a long-term solution. I will prioritize measures that strengthen legal immigration and make it easier. And I will address the problem of illegal immigration in a civil but resolute manner.Some people have asked if I will let stand the president's executive action [on immigration]. The answer is that I will put in place my own long-term solution that will replace and supersede the president's temporary measure. As president, I won't settle for a stop-gap measure. I will work with Republicans and Democrats to find a long-term solution. I will prioritize measures that strengthen legal immigration and make it easier. And I will address the problem of illegal immigration in a civil but resolute manner.
– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida
Our immigration system should help promote strong families, not keep them apart … As president, I will reallocate green cards to those seeking to keep their families under one roof. We will exempt from caps the spouses and minor children of legal permanent residents. And we will eliminate other forms of bureaucratic red tape that keep families from being together.Our immigration system should help promote strong families, not keep them apart … As president, I will reallocate green cards to those seeking to keep their families under one roof. We will exempt from caps the spouses and minor children of legal permanent residents. And we will eliminate other forms of bureaucratic red tape that keep families from being together.
– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida
I will work with states and employers to update our temporary worker visa program so that it meets our economic needs. And if you get an advanced degree here, we want you to stay here – so we will staple a green card to your diploma. We want the best and brightest to enrich the nation through the jobs and technologies they will help create.I will work with states and employers to update our temporary worker visa program so that it meets our economic needs. And if you get an advanced degree here, we want you to stay here – so we will staple a green card to your diploma. We want the best and brightest to enrich the nation through the jobs and technologies they will help create.
– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida
As president, I will stand for a path to legal status for anyone who is willing to stand up and defend this great nation through military service.As president, I will stand for a path to legal status for anyone who is willing to stand up and defend this great nation through military service.
– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida
My administration will establish a strong employment verification system so that every business can know with confidence that the people it hires are legally eligible for employment.My administration will establish a strong employment verification system so that every business can know with confidence that the people it hires are legally eligible for employment.
– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida– June 21, 2012, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando, Florida
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