Washington D.C., Oct 4, 2012 / 16:38 pm
Economic issues dominated the discussion at the first presidential debate of the election season, reflecting the widespread concern among Catholics, along with other American voters, about the national economy.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of Gallup, told CNA that when American voters are asked to rank election issues in order of importance, "the economy swamps everything else."
Oct. 3 marked the first presidential debate of the 2012 election season. President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney squared off in a 90-minute debate at the University of Denver in Colorado.
The debate had a largely economic tone, as candidates talked about the nation's struggling economy, high unemployment levels and soaring debt. They also discussed the role of government, health care reform and aid programs such as Social Security and Medicare.