Decision 2012: President Obama, Romney Mark Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, both President Barack Obama and his rival Mitt Romney honored Americans who gave everything for their country. But with the election just five months away, politics was close to the surface. Romney criticized Obama's foreign policy, saying the world is not a safe place. The president pushed again for tax breaks for companies that hire veterans, saying those who fought for their country shouldn't have to fight for a job.

Class discussion: Find news reports about issues that are important to veterans. What is likely to influence their votes? How important is their support in the election? This will be the first election since World War II in which neither candidate is a veteran. Is military experience an important qualification for the presidency? Why or why not? Several U.S. presidents led the nation through major wars despite having no or almost no military experience. Did the lack of a military background seriously hinder them?