McCain VS Obama Debate Part II

There is some discussion about who won the first Presidential Debate. In fact, many objective viewers agreed that both candidates, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain "seemed to be on their game." Since there doesn't seem to be a clear winner, people all over the country anxiously awaited another round of battle strategies and hot topics. On October 7, 2008 many Independent voters sat on the edge of their seats as they watched the second debate, listening for defining points that will ultimately guide them in the voting booth.

The debate was about the economy and foreign affairs. The first half of the debate focused on the economy. Both candidates started strong having excellent answers to difficult questions. For example, the first question focused on the fastest, most positive solution to bail Americans out of an economic ruin. The question mentioned retired citizens and workers who are losing their incomes.

Obama opened the discussion with a excellent "rescue package" for the middle class which would include tax cuts, help for homeowners so they can stay in their homes, road and bridge projects that keep people in their jobs, and a reliable health care system. McCain's "reform package" included energy independence, eliminating contributions to countries "that don't like us very much", reduce government spending, low taxes for all Americans, and a new government home loan. According to McCain's plan, he would "order the secretary of the treasury to immediately buy up the bad home loan mortgages in America and renegotiate at the new value of those homes—at the diminished value of those homes and let people be able to make those—be able to make those payments and stay in their homes."

Later, the moderator, Tom Brokaw asked the candidates to prioritize the following issues—health care, energy, and entitlement reforms such as Social Security and Medicare. While McCain believes that he could work on all three at once, Obama insisted that government, like families need to prioritize. Obama would focus on energy first, followed by health care, and then by education. Though the two candidates were running neck to neck up to now, Obama took the lead. Primarily, McCain's answer seemed vague and Obama appeared decisive.

McCain made a comeback when the questions focused on foreign affairs. Sparring toe to toe, both candidates made valuable points when it comes to affairs like Afghanistan, the Russia and Georgia predicament, Iraq, and diplomacy. However, one question determined the tie breaker. It focused on whether the candidates would commit US troops to support and defend Israel should they be attacked by Iran despite American efforts. Though McCain opened the discussion with talk of diplomacy, he stated with great enthusiasm "…we obviously would not wait for the United Nations Security Council…we can not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon."

Though Obama agreed that we cannot allow Iran to get Nuclear weapons, he did not directly state whether we would wait for the United Nations Security Council before defending and supporting Israel. Instead he talked about diplomacy and working more effectively with other countries. Like the priority question, the candidates' answers gave a slight lead. Obama's answer seemed vague and McCain's appeared decisive.

Overall, this debate was disappointing. The candidates were not asked to elaborate their plans for our future. They were not forced to explain the details of their proposals. For example, will McCain's $5,000.00 tax credit cover the annual expenses of reliable heath insurance? Is the $5,000.00 tax credit a one time deal, or will Americans get it every year? How can the government afford to give American's a $5,000.00 tax credit when we have the expense of the war, Stock Market bailout, an enormous deficit, homeowners rescue plan, and the promised tax breaks for all Americans? How will Obama reduce 95% of American taxes under the same conditions? How will he implement and pay for his health care promises? What about implementing a ceiling on health care, pharmaceutical companies, and physician care? This debate seemed to be "more of the same" finger pointing campaigns—basically, a recap of the first. Since the presidential race is so close, the candidates should be asked truly tough questions—questions that will define them.

As it stands, the Democrats/Liberals will support and defend Obama. The Republicans/Conservatives will do the same for McCain, leaving the Independent—the central voters to figure out whether to swing left or right.

Sandie RH Hart

Beaumont, TX