The Final Debate: What Do We Need to Know?

Hampstead, New York, home of Hofstra University, is the site for the third and final debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. Currently, the polls are showing Barack Obama ahead in most places. John McCain has stated he has a surprise for this debate.

Will both Obama and McCain come out swinging for this last chance to make their appeal to America? No One is sure about the potential outcome of this debate, but all Americans are anxiously awaiting the debate to see if we can get a final gauge of the ability of these two men to lead this country out of the past 8 years.

Whether you are Republican or Democrat, the possibility that you are experiencing the effects of the financial crisis or the devastating results of not having health care, is overwhelmingly likely. Both parties are praying that their pick will let it all hang out and will be an example of the leader they want us to believe they are.

I think America wants to know several things. My top three picks for what America wants to know from John McCain and Barack Obama are:

1. Will you face America in this debate and point blank, no excuses, explain in detail your involvement or your VP's involvement with people of despicable character? Both candidates. John McCain says character is at the top of important things. This applies across the board for this election.

I feel that this question will come up. According to the Huffington Post, John McCain has said he will bring up the situation with Bill Ayers. I think that Barack has already answered this question satisfactorily, but I think he will once again state his participation with this man.

I do hope that in the conversation, John McCain will answer for his involvement with Gordon Liddy of which I have read various statements he made in previous years supporting him. I don't know if John McCain will answer this at the debate. I think he should. I also think he should explain Sarah Palin's involvement with the Alaskan Independent Party. I truly don't think that he will answer this question. I think he should.

2. The economy and jobs are the main question America wants answers on. They want to know what is going to happen under each President's term that will benefit the economy and will provide jobs for Americans.

I think the answers to this question will be basically the same as we have heard in the last few days. Both Barack Obama and John McCain have in the last few days submitted detailed plans on what they think needs to be done. In answering this question, both will more than likely explain their plan and give Americans who have not heard more information can get the plans from the horse's mouth.

Barack's idea to have a moratorium on mortgage foreclosures for 90 days and his idea for getting jobs going are both things he will talk about. John McCain wants to give seniors a way to withdraw money from their 401's up to $50,000 without penalty. Barack's plan is for $10,000 for two years. McCain has some other ideas that he will give more details on during the debate.

3. The last question that is on the forefront of America's mind is National Security and Iraq. I think John McCain feels this is he strong suit. We have been hearing about an "October Surprise". The Huffington Post has reported that this surprise may be McCain's belief that he is an expert in the field of War and National Security. He plans according to The Huffington Post to perhaps unveil a big plan to make us safer and to appear to be in charge in this area.

The Huffington Post also says that Barack will be well served by making a defensive move to disarm McCain's October Surprise in national security. Odds would say that Barack Obama will be highlighting John McCain's true record of being a national security hero as exaggerated to the point of no having any roots.

Arrianna Huffington of The Huffington Post said in her article: "The McCain Doctrine, if there is such a thing, basically boils down to two core beliefs: 1) you don't sit down and talk with your enemies (and sometimes you don't sit down and talk with your friends, either -- see Spain) 2) the surge was the greatest, most successful strategy ever, and should be exported to Afghanistan."

That is how I think John McCain will continue to answer. Barack Obama has stated and will probably state again his position on talking to our enemies and will most likely bring the comments of Gen. David Petraeus concerning Afghanistan into the debate.

In order for both candidates to get America's attention and make their cases for running this country, I think most of all they need to be very honest. I think they need to stop with the lies and the half truths. If either one gets up in this debate and spends this precious time throwing punches vs being real and being painfully truthful, I think America is going to speak out on Thursday like never before.