Despite Lack Of Differences, Education Repeatedly Discussed In Presidential Debates

An article in Slate Magazine (10/26, Butrymowicz) notes that the presidential candidates, in all three of their debates, repeatedly pivoted from the topics at hand to education. "The surge of interest in education in the final weeks of the campaign, including campaign ads that attack Romney's views on class size and sidetracked answers during debates, follows months in which both candidates mostly ignored the subject. Education's sudden popularity has to do mainly with Obama, who has pounced on it as a way to draw a contrast between himself and Romney on the most important issue in the campaign-the economy." The piece notes that the two candidates have few substantial differences on education policy, adding, "Romney has praised US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, raising speculation that he might even appoint him to his Cabinet if elected."