NEW YORK, October 17 (Itar-Tass) — A discussion of the unemployment issue on Tuesday night ushered in the second round of debate between the US presidential candidates -- incumbent occupant of the White House, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney.
The debate, which is broadcast by all leading TV networks of the USA, is taking place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The debate is dealing with both domestic and foreign policy matters.
By the drawing of lots, an answer to the first question was awarded to Romney. Obama is to speak last. The current debate is held in the format of the so-called urban assembly: questions addressed to the candidates are asked by constituents themselves, not by leading professionals. In all, wihin the 90-minute debate Obama and Romney are to answer about 15 questions. Each has two minutes for reply.
The debate is being moderated by Candy Crowley, an authoritative American broadcast journalist, CNN's Political Correspondent. She became the first woman to get this role in the past 20 years.
When answering a question asked by a student from the audience about a high rate of unemployment in the USA, Romney promised that upon becoming president he would create 12 million jobs within four years.
Obama, for his part, emphasized that he also intends to create jobs, primarily in the processing industry. As an example, he cited the post-crisis successful rehabilitation of the American automobile industry.
Exactly three weeks remain before the presidential polls. The candidates seek to do everything possible to win over the votes of the still undecided constituents. Upon suffering a setback in the first round of debate, held in Denver, Colorado, on October 3, Obama intends to get even and is acting more forcefully and aggressively. The present debate is no less important to Romney either. He expects to secure the advantage gained in the first round.