Romney disagreed, trying to make an appeal to elderly voters who rely on Social Security checks to make ends meet.
“Our nominee has to be someone who isn’t committed to abolishing Social Security, but someone committed to saving Social Security,’’ he said. “We have always had, at the heart of our party, a recognition that we want to care for those in need, and our seniors have the need of Social Security. I will make sure that we keep the program and we make it financially secure.’’
With pressure building as they try to differentiate themselves, the barbs flew among the eight candidates during the liveliest GOP debate to date. The stakes have gotten higher as President Obama’s polling numbers have continued to drop, making him seem more vulnerable.
Last night’s debate put the differences among the candidates on sharp display, illustrating the stark choices that Republican primary voters will begin making in five months.
The debate had barely begun when Romney and Perry, the leaders in recent polls, clashed over their job-creation records. “We created more jobs in the last three months in Texas than he created in four years in Massachusetts,’’ said Perry.
He later added, referring to the former Massachusetts governor and Democratic presidential nominee, “Michael Dukakis created jobs three times faster than you did, Mitt.’’
“As a matter of fact, George Bush and his predecessor created jobs at a faster rate than you did, governor,’’ Romney retorted to Perry, who has stolen Romney’s mantle as the GOP front-runner.
Romney’s record on health care came under renewed scrutiny, with no candidate on the stage approving of Romney’s decision to support a mandate that Massachusetts residents obtain health insurance. When asked if anyone thought the Massachusetts health care law was a good model for other states, no one raised a hand.
