U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are spending Tuesday preparing for their first nationally televised debate of the 2012 presidential race.
After several days of preparation in his home state of Massachusetts, Mr. Romney arrived Monday in Denver, Colorado, the site of Wednesday's debate. The former governor told cheering supporters the debate is about “something bigger” than whether he or the president outduel each other.
Mr. Obama will spend another day with his campaign advisors at a resort in Nevada, where he arrived Sunday for his debate preparations.
Wednesday's debate at the University of Denver will be devoted to domestic issues, such as the economy and health care.
Foreign policy issues will be covered in the second and third debates, scheduled for October 16 and October 22.
Recent public opinion polls indicate Mr. Obama has a significant lead over Mr. Romney in many of the so-called swing states expected to decide the November 6 election.
The Republican candidate's standing has fallen since a video surfaced earlier this month showing him telling wealthy supporters that 47 percent of Americans pay no taxes and consider themselves “victims” entitled to government support. He said these Americans will vote for President Obama “no matter what.”
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