Barack Obama and Mitt Romney squared off for their second live presidential debate last Tuesday. This debate, unlike the first, provided those in the audience the opportunity to ask both candidates a question. And first up was Jeremy Epstein, a 20-year-old student in his junior year at Adelphi University.

Epstein stood up and asked, “What can you say to reassure me, but more importantly my parents, that I will be able to sufficiently support myself after I graduate?” In my opinion, neither candidate answered Jeremy's question in a compelling way or offered any real reassurance. Romney, who answered first, spoke about a woman he met who asked him a similar question. He then spoke about scholarships and grants, which actually have nothing to do with a college graduate landing a job.

Obama answered Epstein by explaining his job plan. He started off explaining how he wanted to build manufacturing jobs in America again. He continued to rattle off elements of his job plan, but once again, he didn't really answer Jeremy's question.

First and foremost, I thought Epstein's question was pathetic. Jeremy, you are 20 years old. Stop worrying about people trying to reassure you and your parents and recognize the fact that you are an adult. Start acting like one. You are responsible for your success. Not your parents. Not the next president. Wake up.

I would also tell Jeremy that he better work on his confidence if he ever plans on getting a job. Jeremy, you looked like you were going to cry when you asked your question. How do you expect anyone to believe in you, when it looks like you don't believe in yourself? Also, you are asking one question. Do you really need to write your question on a piece of paper and read it? President Obama and Mitt Romney did a disservice to Jeremy and every other student who was watching the debate. They supported and communicated a sense of entitlement to Jeremy and others in his generation, and that is disturbing.

Here is how one of the candidates should have answered Jeremy's question.

Jeremy, there is nothing I can say to you or your parents to reassure them that you will be able to support yourself after you graduate. That is your responsibility. We live in a country that provides equal opportunity to everyone. If you work hard, go above and beyond and have a burning desire to succeed, you will. But you first have to make that commitment. You have to be willing to make sacrifices. You have to be willing to work harder than the person sitting next to you. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.

Jeremy, you are shaking in your shoes. Why are you so nervous? Stand up straight. Be confident. Believe in yourself. And don't expect anyone to do anything to help you be successful in life. It is your responsibility. Accept it. Own it. And don't make excuses and blame others if it doesn't work out the way you want it.

In my opinion, Jeremy and those like him are a problem in our country and our work force. They make excuses, have a sense of entitlement and lack the confidence, drive and passion to stand out. I wish I had the opportunity to respond to Jeremy in that forum. But I suppose this is the next best way.

Christopher Thompson (cthompson@catch22solutions.com) writes Closing the Deal weekly for the Sunday News.