Obama, Romney Compete for Undecideds, Stoke Base
Obama dug in on his populist arguments, casting Ryan as the epitome of wrong-headed budget policies that will benefit the rich over the middle class. His campaign challenged Romney to prove his assertion that he had not paid less than 13 percent in taxes over a 10-year period.
“They’re asking you to pay more in your taxes, not to reduce the deficit, or grow jobs, or invest in education, but to give another $250,000 tax cut to people making $3 million a year or more,” Obama said.
The tax rhetoric is a hit with the Obama faithful, but it is also designed to cast doubt among undecided voters who are seeking a reason to support Romney. Even as Romney tried to sour Obama’s personal appeal, the president countered with images of marital affection as he campaigned with his wife, Michelle.
These undecided voters, called “the persuadables” by the campaigns, represent about 6 percent of the electorate, according to recent polls. About 19 percent of voters said there was a chance they could change their minds, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll last month. That’s compared with about 10 percent undecided and 25 percent who could still have changed at this point in 2008.