Obama's opening statement at the next debate:
I have been amazed at the length Mr. Romney will go to win the election. Mr. Romney has run a cynical campaign that is un-serious and void of any evidence that it is operating with a conscience. His campaign has shown nothing but contempt for the American people and the democratic process.
After nearly five years of running for president, we have no idea what Mr. Romney stands for. The only thing that has been consistent is his refusal to release more than two years of his tax returns while requiring more than 10 years from his running. And now he refuses to tell the American people what he will do to their taxes. On virtually every other issue, Mr. Romney has left a trail of changed positions and proclamations that are quickly refuted by his campaign. It is unclear if we should be debating Mr. Romney or members of his campaign team who seem to know more about his positions than he does.
Three weeks ago, a new Mr. Romney appeared on stage in Colorado. The new Mr. Romney walked away from nearly every position he campaigned on for five years.
Today, I am prepared to have an open and honest debate on the paths for building the middle class here at home and protecting our interests around the world.
My vision for America includes:
1) continuing to strengthen the middle class
2)protecting our interests around the world
3)work with Congress to reduce our debt
4)Work with Congress to pass legislation to
rebuild our nation's infrastructure.
However, we cannot have that open and honest debate as long as Mr. Romney hides his true beliefs, his tax returns and his tax plans. The office of the president and the American people deserve more than Mr. Romney's chest thumping rhetoric, hazy plans and ever-changing positions. We know how he feels about senior citizens, veterans, hard-working Americans and young people. We have the tapes. The American people we shocked to hear how denigrates those on fixed or limited income who pay little to no federal income taxes while he uses off-shore accounts to avoid paying little or no federal income tax.
Tonight's debate is the second opportunity for the American people to compare our visions for the future. Mr. Romney, the Office of the President requires more from those who seek it; when will you will release your tax returns?; when will you tell the American people what you will do with their taxes?; how will you pay for the new spending on defense?; and if you're going to reduce the tax rates to 20 percent across the board for everyone as you stated just the other day, how will you pay for that?
Mr. Romney, you want to be president. I am the president. The office and the American people demand a higher standard of transparency, honesty and truth.
