TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (August 19, 2012)—Both the Obama and Romney campaigns have sharpened their critiques of the other's Medicare policies in recent days and planned to intensify them yet again on Sunday, as the already acrimonious race for the White House reached a new level.

Spokespeople for both presidential contenders are ready to challenge the record of the other.

Romney's running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, told seniors Sunday on Florida's western coast that he sees parallels with Europe's debt crisis that cut seniors' benefits and warned the same could happen right here at home if U.S. debts aren't brought down.

Campaigning in New Hampshire, Mr. Obama said it is a sure thing that Romney would tear apart Medicare.