Obama Campaigns In NH While Romney Attends Fundraisers In Mass.
WINDHAM, NH (CBS) - President Obama made two stops in New Hampshire Saturday, drawing large crowds and opening a newer, more aggressive attack against his opponent Mitt Romney and Romney's new running mate Rep. Paul Ryan.
A fired up and enthusiastic crowd greeted Obama at his first stop in Windham. They cheered as he outlined his accomplishments and booed at the first mention of Ryan.
"He put forward a plan that would let Governor Romney pay less than one percent in taxes each year and here's the kicker: he expects you to pick up the tab," the president told the crowd of 2300 supporters.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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In the week since Ryan entered the race, the campaign rhetoric has shifted. Obama still accuses Romney of cutting taxes for the rich. But Medicare is the newest campaign fight as both sides seek to gain the upper hand on an issue where Rep. Ryan has offered controversial plans.
The president accused Romney and Ryan of wanting to turn Medicare into a voucher system.
"My plan has already extended Medicare by nearly a decade. Their plan would put Medicare on track to be ended as we know it."
It's an issue that hits home for the 13 percent of New Hampshire voters who are over 65. Thousands of baby boomers join their ranks each year.
"It's more of a worry because you know we're not sure what's going to be cut, what's going to be there. what the changes are," said Avril Giddarie, a retiree.
Medicare is a new weapon in Obama's fight to convince the middle class his plans work for them and to paint Romney as out of touch.
"They have been trying to sell this trickle down snake oil before. It did not work then. It will not work now. It will not create jobs. It will not reduce the deficit. It will not move this country forward," Obama said.
The president gave a similar speech in Rochester, NH before 3800 people. He also stopped at a farmer's market in Londonderry and thanked residents for their hospitality toward his daughters. Obama revealed that Sasha and Malia spent a month in New Hampshire at summer camp.
Romney spent the day attending private fundraisers in Massachusetts. He planned to visit New Hampshire on Monday.
