Obama: Romney's plan creates jobs overseas

• Tweet

CINCINNATI, July 16 (UPI) -- A tax plan backed by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney would create jobs -- overseas, President Obama told a crowd Monday in Cincinnati.

Obama, stumping in the Ohio River city, cited a Tax Notes report that said Romney's tax plan would create 800,000 jobs beyond America's borders.

Obama noted Romney wants to keep President George W. Bush's "tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans indefinitely" as part of his economic policy in part because cuts would help create jobs.

"We have not found any serious economic study that says Governor Romney's economic plan would actually create jobs until today. I've got to be honest," Obama told the crowd of 1,200 inside Cincinnati Music Hall and an overflow crowd of about 420. "Today we found out there's a new study out by non-partisan economists that says Governor Romney's economic plan would in fact create 800,000 jobs. There's only one problem: The jobs wouldn't be in America."

Obama said "everything I've done" since he assumed the presidency has been focused on pulling the country out of its economic malaise and building an economy that lasts.

"And, you know what, part of the reason I'm here today -- part of the reason that I'm here today is I want to remind everybody that the challenges we face are solvable," Obama said. "The problem is not a lack of big ideas. It's not a lack of technical solutions to our policy issues. The problem is we've got a stalemate right now in Washington between two fundamental ideas about how we move the country forward."

"This election is about more than just two candidates or two political parties. It's about two different visions about how do we build a strong economy. ... The choice is up to you."

During a question-and-answer session, Obama answered questions on gay rights, fracking, aid to small businesses, strengthening the educational system and the need to change the tone in Washington.

Asked by a teenager about whether her father, a construction worker, would find employment when his jobless benefits run out, Obama said, "[The] first thing I want to do is put your dad back on the job rebuilding America."

"Now, if your father still doesn't get a job, though, part of what I'm also looking for is making sure that unemployment insurance is there for folks who want to work but are having trouble finding work," Obama said.

He also answered a question about his favorite Girl Scout cookie. The answer: Thin Mint.