President Barack Obama said the occupant of the White House must "work for everyone, not just for some", in a jibe directed towards Republican rival Mitt Romney, who stated he does not worry about the 47% of the country which pays no income taxes.
Mr Romney neither disavowed nor apologised for his remarks, which included an observation that nearly half of the country believe they are victims and entitled to a range of support.
Instead, Mr Romney cast his comment as evidence of a fundamental difference with Mr Obama over the economy, adding the government should not "take from some to give to the others".
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