Local Reaction to Final Presidential Debate

By Angela Monroe

CREATED Oct. 22, 2012

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  • During this final debate on foreign policy, President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney argued over whose tactics would best benefit America and keep the country safe. Valley Democrats and Republicans both accused the other candidate of t Video by kmir6.com

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Here in the Coachella Valley, local Republicans and Democrats watched the debate at separate parties.
During this final debate on foreign policy, President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney argued over whose tactics would best benefit America and keep the country safe.
Valley Democrats and Republicans both accused the other candidate of telling lies.

"Statements that Mitt Romney has run on, are one day one thing, the next day another thing, and they are not consistent, and especially on the foreign policy stage, it's really detrimental to the security of our country," said Greg Rodriguez with Democrats of the Desert.
"The things he's speaking about are really not completely so, and of course he failed miserably in Libya," said Joan McCarley with East Valley Republican Women Federated.
Both candidates argued they could better keep America safe, Democrats say President Obama has proven it.
"He has kept us safe, he has gone after the bad guys, he went after Osama bin Laden, he ordered him to be killed, he was killed, he has gone after al-Qaeda," said Robert Westwood, Vice President of Democrats of the Desert.
But Republicans argue Governor Romney's plans would better benefit Americans.
"He cares for the people, he cares for the country, and that's what I want to see, I want to see America to be strong and for the people, and just lets get back to business," said Bette Myers with East Valley Republican Women Federated.
The Middle East was a big topic -- from conflict in Libya, to Syria, and Iran.
Democrats say the President has handled the tension well.
"Our reputation in the world under President Obama's leadership and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is so much more improved than it was when George Bush left office," said Rodriguez.
But Republicans say the President has not managed the issues the way they would like to see.
"He talks about democracy on the streets in Cairo, that is not true, it is mostly Muslim Brotherhood and sent over by Iran," said McCarley.
Now that the third and final Presidential Debate is over, it is up to the voters to decide who will be the nation's Commander-in-Chief.