Campaign Trail Results: Game #764248
Play The Campaign Trail
This Game:
- Year: 2012
- Player Candidate: Mitt Romney
- Running Mate: Rob Portman
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Winner Take All Mode?: Yes
- Game Played:
5417calvin
View overall results, or a specific state:
| Candidate | Electoral Votes | Popular Votes | Pop. Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| ---- Mitt Romney | 364 | 69,434,957 | 53.95 |
| ---- Barack Obama | 174 | 58,164,105 | 45.20 |
| ---- Gary Johnson | 0 | 806,057 | 0.63 |
| ---- Jill Stein | 0 | 288,607 | 0.22 |
Visits:
- New Mexico:6
- Oregon:3
- Michigan:2
- Connecticut:1
Answers:
- What is your opinion on the detention center at Guantanamo Bay? Would you consider closing it after the election?It's a difficult issue, but given the dangerous nature of these detainees, the center should remain open.
- Some observers have argued that an embargo of Cuba makes little sense in a post Cold War environment. What do you think?Current policy against Cuba, while obviously not perfect, is on the right track and we should continue it.
- Some involved with the space program have suggested sending astronauts to Mars, or even forming moon colonies. What is your take?Absolutely. We need a return to the days when America dreamed big, and when children were inspired to reach for the stars.
- A recent Supreme Court decision affirmed an Arizona law allowing officers to check suspected illegal immigrants for proof of immigration status. Do you think this law is a good idea?I don't want to comment on an issue that is best left to the voters of Arizona.
- Should the federal government continue to finance newer companies that attempt to develop alternative energy resources, such as solar power and electric car manufacturers?We have the example of Solyndra staring us in the face, and people want to do the same thing again with other companies? We should end this program as soon as possible.
- What is your position on gay marriage?I'm opposed this personally. I think that, you know, different states have different opinions on this matter and it's best left to them to decide on the issue.
- Do you support allowing the Bush Tax Cuts to expire for high-income households at the end of 2012?We should keep the tax cuts as is for the foreseeable future. I don't think it's sound economics to rise taxes on this group.
- What do you think we should do next in regards to Social Security?With minor changes like an increase to the retirement age and means testing after a certain benefit level, we can ensure the solvency of this program long into the future.
- We have now had 10 years to analyze the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act. Do you think it is time for a change?There is a danger of 'teaching to the test'. We do need some testing in place, but to do so on an annual basis is too frequent and interferes with good educational practice.
- What is your opinion on directing some Department of Education funding towards a school voucher program?This is a good idea and it should be expanded.
- The Affordable Care Act (i.e. 'Obamacare') will cap annual premiums, require minimum coverage levels, and outlaw discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. What do you think?This is the wrong way to reform the American health care system. We should be focusing on malpractice reform and on cutting red tape for private insurers.
- Should the DEA prosecute medicinal marijuana growers in states where that practice has been legalized?We might disagree with these laws, but it is the responsibility of the DEA to uphold them. I do think we can look into reducing the penalties, which should decrease the strain on our prisons and allow people a second chance to lead productive lives.
- The budget for the Department of Housing and Urban Development was cut by nearly $4 billion in 2012. Do you think subsidized housing for the poor is a good place to begin reducing the federal deficit?We have to make difficult choices. I don't like this any more than most people, but small cuts are necessary to put us on a fiscally sustainable path.
- Should large banks like Chase, Citibank, and Bank of America be broken up to reduce the risk of another financial crisis?That's not the best solution for us to take. The last thing we need right now in the financial sector is some kind of arbitrary, destabilizing government action.
- Should military spending be cut to help reduce the deficit? If so, by how much?Undermining our national security is not the best way to address our government deficit. I support a strong defense under any circumstances.
- The most recent data (for 2010) on Pell Grants indicate that 60% of all college students receive one. In that same year, the program cost $36 billion. What changes, if any, would you recommend to this program?These programs should only aid the truly needy. It seems like the criteria is a little loose to me.
- Is there too much regulation of the American logging industry?We need some rational management of our nation's resources, but I think too often we err on the side of caution when it comes to utilizing our nation's timber.
- Do FEMA insurance payouts encourage real estate developers to build in disaster prone areas?It would be inhumane to suggest that we shouldn't be giving payouts to people who lose everything in a natural disaster.
- Over half of all sexual harassment complaints filed in 2011 were dismissed -- an increase from previous years. Do you think enough is being done to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace?I don't think we should jump to any conclusions based on one or two years of data. I'm glad you bring this up though. It's a subject worthy of further study by an official panel.
- If elected, what will you do to repeal Obamacare?I will offer an alternative health care reform plan which doesn't regulate private insurers to such an unrealistic extreme. I will work for malpractice reform as well, so that unnecessary litigation does not continue to drive up the cost of health care.
- Would you nominate any Democrats to your cabinet if elected?It's too early to say who exactly will be included in my Cabinet when I win this election. In all cases I will nominate the most qualified individual.
- Recent reports have highlighted the large amount of money that you and your wife spend on racing horses. Have you ever bet more than $10,000 on a horse race?Absolutely not. I wouldn't think of making a bet this large.
- What will be the overriding theme of your nomination speech at the Republican Convention?I will emphasize the point that the Republican Party has a big tent. We are the party for anyone who tries to work hard and get ahead in America.
- What is your guiding foreign policy philosophy?American Exceptionalism -- Providence has given America to the world as an inspiration, and we must vigorously defend the ideals of peace and freedom wherever they may be threatened.
- In the most general terms, what will be your overall campaign strategy against Obama?I will reach out to moderates and conservative Democrats and attempt to build an all-encompassing coalition. It's time that America had a true leader in charge.