The Daily Orange political columnists focus on keys to success for either Obama, Romney as New York primary draws near

For Barack Obama to be successfully re-elected, he will need to emphasize his successes in the economy and foreign policy during his first term. This race will not be won by swaying Republicans or Democrats who are set in their ideologies. Rather, the 2.4 million newly registered independent voters need to be persuaded.

In the economy, Obama oversaw an improvement. Employment increased. He advocated for fairness in taxation by taxing the wealthier more – a policy that seven of 10 Americans favor, according to CNN.

Mitt Romney argues Obama ‘didn’t cause the recession – he made it worse.’ Romney provides no evidence. Romney’s insistence Obama damaged the economy shows his desperation to find a way to criticize Obama. Romney says Obama is not a leader, but he does not explain what leadership looks like.

Obama has the advantage of withdrawing from the costly Iraq War. Romney stated in debates he wanted to remain longer.

Obama shows his restraint and skill in being open to negotiation with Iran. While Iran is thought to be capable of making a nuclear weapon in several years by most estimates, Romney has advocated for a more aggressive approach.

If anything, Romney seems to be the candidate without true leadership because of his willingness to threaten using the American people’s money to wage another war.

Obama’s successes will likely overshadow Romney’s criticisms. Rational, independent voters can be convinced to re-elect Obama if this strategy is pursued.

Harmen Rockler is a junior newspaper journalism and political science major. His regular column appears every Monday. He can be reached at horockle@syr.edu.    

Published on April 22, 2012 at 12:00 pm