Classroom Publication

Issue date: 11/10/08 Section: Presidential debate

Media Credit: New York Times Senators John McCain and Barack Obama debate at the University of Mississippi.

Friday September 26, 2008 Republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama go toe to toe in the first U.S. Presidential debate of this year. Senator McCain believed that the debate be postponed, until a decision is made on the $700 million bail-out plan. An idea Senator Obama refuted stating, "This is the time if any the American people should hear from the candidates." So the debate went as planned.

The debate began with the discussion of the economy's fiscal crisis, Jim Lerher, debate mediator, asked each candidate if they would support the bail-out plan. McCain stated he would vote in favor of the plan, while Obama on the other hand, said he was in favor but didn't give a clear view on which way he would be voting.

Another question directed towards the candidates is how the current financial crisis would affect any decision making on the economy, once elected in into the White House. "What would you do to cut spending?" asked Jim. McCain talked about government spending freeze, only allotting money to defense, national arms and Medicare for seniors. Obama felt that idea was basically using a hatchet on the ill patient (economy) instead the surgeon using a scalpel. Obama's plan included closing government loopholes and changing the tax system for lower and middle class.
He also feels that the government spending on war needs to be put to a halt, Obama stated, "The government is spending $10 billion a month in Iraq when Iraq has a $79 billion surplus,…we need to bring this war to a close." Obama is in favor of bringing U.S. troops home from Iraq in 16-18 months.

Sen. McCain doesn't favor Sen. Obama's deployment of troops. He thinks it will be a dangerous move to leave Iraq premature sending signals of defeat and a job incomplete. In his opinion the recent surge of troops has been effective.

Sen. McCain revealed a question asked by a supporter who asked the Senator would he please wear the bracelet of her son whom was killed in Iraq, and not allowed his death to be in vain. Sen. Obama revealed he'd been asked to also wear a bracelet, of a soldier in the war, but the mother's words were different in she asks that not another mother go through what she has endured. He went on to say that no soldier ever dies in vain because they are carrying out the mission of their commander-in-chief, and that is what keeps the American fabric together.

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