Courtesy: CBS NewsDENVER, Co. - With only 34 days left until Election Day, President Obama faced off against presidential hopeful Mitt Romney at the University of Colorado Wednesday night.
So far, the nominees are very close in the national polls. Officials say Wednesday's debate could very well swing the election in either nominee's favor.
President Obama and Mitt Romney shook hands at the start of their first debate. The primary focus for was centered on domestic policy.
"Are we going to double down on the top-down economic policies that got us into this mess," said Obama. "Maybe it's time for a new economic patriotism."
But Mitt Romney said Obama's plan did not sound like it was leading the country in the right direction.
"I know what it takes to get small businesses growing again." said Romney. "I'm concerned that the path we've been on has just been unsuccessful."
The President and Romney also sounded off on taxes. Obama said it seems like Romney is backing away from his original tax plan.
Each of them also argued their plans for the future of Medicare.
"What I support is no change for retirees or near retirees," said Romney. "The president supports taking $716 billion from the program."
But the president said the voucher system Romney suggests will make it worse for seniors.
"When you move to the voucher system, you are putting seniors at the mercy of those insurance companies." said President Obama. "If Medicare falls apart, they are stuck."
The candidates will debate two more times, starting with a town hall meeting in New York. The vice presidential nominees will debate next week.
