What are the strengths/weaknesses of the candidates statements? Listening to the two candidates for president's opinions and views allowed us to form opinions and analyze the strength and weakness of each candidate. Mitt Romney begins his speech with staggering statistics: the number of people on food stamps for example. His approach is to reduce the national debt which will fix the economy and help the less fortunate. He also plans to create 12 million new jobs, which he believes will create more opportunities. He will make cuts to the national budget, and will stand for faith-based organizations. He concludes with, "You have my word. I will proceed carefully." Romney's statement has strengths and weaknesses. For example, Romney plans to create new jobs for those that are struggling to find work. However, I believe that Romney should make sure to include a plan to train people for the jobs that they want to find: to prepare them for going out in the world and working. Barack Obama begins his speech by stating that he cannot "sit idly by" when he hears devastating stories of a single mother struggling to put food on the table, or a child born into poverty. He stands to protect other's faiths, and insists it comes first, even among the budget crisis. He believes in massive tax cuts, and states that the government can't solve every problem. Overall, Obama has a plan of action and has many great components of his plan. However, he must be sure to assist directly in the issue of poverty and hunger, instead of focusing on tax cuts and the budget crisis.