Presidents Bush, Obama at center of Virginia Senate debate

Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat from Virginia, former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, left, speaks as Republican candidate, former Sen. George Allen, right, takes notes during a debate at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012. / AP Photo/Steve Helber

In the last of five debates between the two Virginia Senate candidates -- former Republican Sen. George Allen and former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine - each tied the other to less-than-revered presidents and policy proposals

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Virginia Senate debate: Partisanship

"Tim wants to be President Obama's senator," Allen said of Kaine, pointing to his support of Obamacare, environmental regulations and tax increases for the wealthy.

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"I do not think it's anti-Virginia to support the president of the United States," Kaine shot back. "I will always work the president of the United States to be a partner."

Allen also criticized Kaine, who also served as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2009 to 2011, for neglecting his responsibility as governor, a position he held from 2006 to 2010.

"He had a choice to make," Allen charged, adding that "he chose to leave to raise money and advocate for policies harmful to Virginia."

Kaine turned the tables on Allen for supporting President George W. Bush "96 percent of the time." Allen served one-term in the Senate from 2001 until 2007 but was beat by Democrat Jim Webb -- who is retiring after one term -- by less than 10,000 votes after being caught on camera calling a Democratic operative "macaca", which is considered a racial slur.

Kaine said Allen's Senate votes led to ballooning deficit and a recession. He pointed to Allen's votes for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, for expanding the Medicare prescription drug program, which Kaine described as a "$25 billion giveaway" to pharmaceutical companies, and the Bush-era tax cuts - and argued all were passed without the funds to pay for them.

"George's record when he was a United States senator was fiscal irresponsibility and harsh partisanship," Kaine said.

"I have worked across party lines and I want to work with Republicans and Democrats to get this economy going," Allen said in defense.

The race between Allen and Kaine has been closely contested and the outcome is crucial for both parties as the Republicans seek a Senate majority while Democrats are hoping to maintain control.

[ERAppleby]

Speak for yourself there Moronman! Would you rather have a president who disrespects other leaders. Oh never mind, you republicans have no respect for the highest office in this land or any other, unless it's one of your own. Even if he was elected by an almost 60% majority. Looks like you republican's need to re-examine what it means to be a patriot. You can't just run around the world starting wars with anyone that looks at you cross-eyed....seriously get a grip.

[attygilbert]

The President of the United States Obama represents this country and every move he makes is watched by the worlds. So, (1) when he bows to the King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah -- this sends a message. NU has contracts with Arab Countries, we never would bow to the King. So, it was not a gesture of good will. It was naive. Obama bows to Emperor Akihito (Japan)
President Barack Obama greets Chinese President Hu Jintao with a bow. (April 12, 2010), Again, he was naive. He also criticized previous American foreign policy in Europe. He intervenes in Boston for a Harvard Professor, and then in a Florida criminal case, when thousands of whites, blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans are killed every year. Millions of Christians are killed and tortured and he does and says nothing. We want a President who represents all of the people regardless of their race.