opinion
Second debate failed on key issues
- Article by: EDITORIAL , Washington Post
- Updated: October 19, 2012 - 8:46 PM
Why won't the candidates talk about the looming fiscal cliff?
Moderator Candy Crowley talks to the audience before the second presidential debate at Hofstra University, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, in Hempstead, N.Y.
- 6
- comments
resize text 
- buy reprints
The second presidential debate was snappier than the first and useful in illuminating contrasts in personality and political philosophy between President Obama and Mitt Romney. But as a guide to actions either man might take in response to the biggest challenges he will face, the debate -- like most of this campaign -- was close to useless.
Someone tuning in for the first time Tuesday night might have assumed that the principal conundrums of the next term will be how to lower taxes and how to mine more coal.
The reality is starkly different. On Jan. 1, even before the next president is inaugurated, a series of tax hikes and spending cuts is due to take effect, and the Congressional Budget Office has flatly warned it would send the nation back into recession.
This so-called fiscal cliff is only the most immediate test in the longer-term challenge that will surely consume much of the president's term: how to get the nation's fiscal house in order.
- 6
- comments
- resize text
- buy reprints
ADVERTISEMENT
about opinion
The Opinion section is produced by the Editorial Department to foster discussion about key issues. The Editorial Board represents the institutional voice of the Star Tribune and operates independently of the newsroom.
- Submit a letter or commentary
- Sign up for the Opinion newsletter
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters
