U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are spending Tuesday preparing for their first nationally televised debate of the 2012 presidential race.

After several days of preparation in his home state of Massachusetts, Romney arrived Monday in Denver, Colorado, the site of Wednesday’s debate. The former governor told cheering supporters the debate is about “something bigger” than whether he or the president outduel each other.

“These debates are an opportunity for each of us to describe the pathway forward for America that we would choose,” said Romney. “And the American people are going to have to make their choice as to what kind of America they want. And so I look forward to these debates, I’m delighted that we’re going to have three debates, it’ll be a conversation with the American people that will span almost an entire month. We’ll get to describe our respective views, and I believe the people of Colorado will choose a better way forward for our country. We can’t afford four more years like the last four years.”

Obama will spend another day with his campaign advisors at a resort in Nevada, where he arrived Sunday for his debate preparations.

Wednesday’s debate at the University of Denver will be devoted to domestic issues, such as the economy and health care.

Foreign policy issues will be covered in the second and third debates, scheduled for October 16 and October 22.

Recent public opinion polls indicate Obama has a significant lead over Romney in many of the so-called swing states expected to decide the November 6 election.

The Republican candidate’s standing has fallen since a video surfaced earlier this month showing him telling wealthy supporters that 47 percent of Americans pay no taxes and consider themselves “victims” entitled to government support. He said these Americans will vote for President Obama “no matter what.”

Source: VOA News