3 Key Questions for the First Presidential Debate

If I were a betting person, I believe I would place a bet, that the presidential debate will be the most watched program on television tonight. I know that I am looking forward to it.

People from all over the world will be watching as John McCain and Barack Obama debate the issues of foreign policy. They will be able to see for themselves how each man reacts under pressure, his ability to communicate with people, if he has a sense of humor, and his ability to think quickly. The demeanor of Senators McCain and Obama will be on trial tonight.

The presidential race between John McCain and Barack Obama is very close. How they will handle specific issues of foreign policy concerning; immigration, global trade and the embargo with Cuba, the war in Iraq, instability and aids in Africa, and support of the nation of Israel, could very well determine which man becomes the next president of the United States.

I am looking forward to hearing what each man has to say on these issues, but the ones that I am most concerned with are:

1. Immigration

John McCain - I would like to hear what Mr. McCain plans to do with the illegal immigrants that are in the United States. I realize that they are here illegally, and they broke the law when they came here. That is the difference between these immigrants and our forefathers.

Is there a way that this issue can be handled in a humane manner? I would be in favor of a fine, and then they be given so much time to get their citizenship. We can't just throw them out because we, as a nation, turned a blind eye and allowed them to be here so long.

Barack Obama - I would like to hear what his plan is to strengthen our borders. It will take a strong leader to implement a plan to keep people out. His answer to this would help me to see if he would make a strong leader.

2. The War in Iraq

John McCain - I want to hear what Mr. McCain's plan is to get the War in Iraq over. Mr. McCain stated in a speech to the World Affairs. I am not doubting the importance of some of our U.S. troops being in Iraq. What I need, is for him to show me a plan as to why so many troops now, but why he thinks we might need more.

I have one son in Iraq, and a second son scheduled to go in less than 60 days for his second tour there. I need to know why this is still going on and when you can bring all the sons and daughters home.

Barack Obama - I would like to know what his plan is to be able to bring thousands of troops home in 16 months, without it causing an economic hardship. We have thousands of National Guard troops in Iraq, and there are thousands more slotted to go in 2009.

I am concerned about jobs, housing and financial help for these men if too many come home at once.

3. The Middle East

For years now it seems that the Middle East has been on the brink of another 6-day War (1967) or Yom Kippur (1973). I would like to hear what Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama have planned on easing tensions in the Middle East. Also; I would like to know what each man had as a plan of action to not enable one country to take advantage of the other.

I have a lot of respect for both of these men. I look forward to the debate tonight.