In Third Presidential Debate, John McCain, Barack Obama Go at it Again

The third and final presidential debate of 2008 will be held on Wednesday, October 15, and will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, just 25 miles east of Manhattan.

Bob Schieffer of CBS will be the moderator for this event, and the topic is to be on the economy and domestic policy. Mr. Schieffer has not said what questions he will be asking during the debate, but he is looking for more details on their potential presidencies, than what has been apparent so far.

The two presidential hopefuls will be seated at a table with Mr. Schieffer, and will be questioned in their turn with 2 minute responses; followed by 5 minutes of open discussion for each question.

According to Anna M. Tinsley of the 'Star-Telegram.com, "Mr. Schieffer has been talking to regular people, professors and think tanks to pick the best mix of questions. Also according to Ms. Tinsley; Mr. Schieffer hopes to address whether Americans trust their national leaders.

Based on this information and America's current financial crisis; there are three major topics that I hope are covered during this debate. Based on their past performances, I have a good idea how each candidate will respond.

Topic #1

President Bush and congress, as well as the both of you, pressured those in the House, to pass the Bail-Out Bill even though Representatives stated to the media that their constituents at home were against it. Why?

Senator McCain: I don't feel that I pressured the Representatives to vote against their constituents; but I feel that I was voted into this office because people had faith in my judgment. I have been in Washington D.C. long enough to be able to see the 'big picture' with what's going on with America's economics. I would hope that the American people had enough faith in my judgment, to do what was right for the people.

Senator Obama: I also don't feel that I used pressure on the Representatives. But I offer a fresh new approach to the problems of this country. I have been able to see what the Bush administration has done with the economics of this country. I felt it to be in the best interests of this nation for the Bail-Out bill to pass.

* If nothing else, I would like to hear what their specific reasons were, even if they didn't admit to using pressure.

Topic #2

What do you believe is your strongest attribute, that would qualify you to be President of the United States?

Senator Obama: I am a middle class citizen, just like most of the voting people out there. I have a passion for what is best for this country. I think that if I were elected President, I could bring a fresh new approach to the issues that have become burdensome to America.

Senator McCain: My strongest attribute is my experience. I have military experience, which would qualify me to be Commander-In-Chief. How could a person with no military experience, be Commander-In-Chief to one of the strongest militaries in the world? Also, my years of experience in the Senate have given me an understanding of getting things done in Washington.

Topic #3

I think it's fair to say, the American people don't have a lot of faith in the government right now. Senator McCain, with your view on giving large corporations tax breaks; and Senator Obama, with you saying you won't raise taxes on the people making less than $250,000 - how will this instill the trust of the American people?

Senator McCain: With giving large corporations tax breaks, it will encourage them to keep their corporations here in the United States. When the American people see that my whole purpose in this, is to keep jobs here at home; they will understand and once again learn to trust those in government.

Senator Obama: I feel, that by not raising taxes on those making less than $250,000; the people will not feel like Washington is expecting the taxpayers to bail them out of the problems that the Bush administration caused. The people won't have to worry about higher taxes as well as a poor economy.

*I want to know if either one of these 'tax' issues can actually help people find and keep jobs.

This debate is the last opportunity for those 'undecided' voters to realize which man will make the best President of the United States. Hopefully, both candidates can qualify their answers enough, to be more helpful than they have been in the past, to help the undecided voters make up their minds.

Resources:

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/552463.html?RSS=local

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/tv/30864099.html

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/968541.html