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By Nisha | October 15, 2008
 The third and final presidential debate of 2008 took place tonight in Hempstead, NY, with CBS’ Bob Schieffer moderating. If the last one was a bit boring, this one was definitely not lacking in entertainment. The debate heated up quickly, with both candidates cutting straight to the chase: economy, economy, economy. They also tackled pretty much every other issue on our minds – healthcare, energy, the middle class, tax policy, education, foreign policy, abortion, and oh, Joe the Plumber. We’re confused. When did Joe the Plumber become such a big deal?
- The first question went straight to the candidates’ economic plans: why is each one better? Mccain: “Why would you want to increase anyone’s taxes?” Obama’s response: "I want to cut taxes for 95% of Americans." McCain: "Actually, Obama IS going to raise your taxes, America." CJP: This is getting heated already!
- McCain continues to advocate a spending freeze. McCain also promises that he can balance the budget in four years. Um, we doubt anyone can do that, Democratic or Republican, unless you’re superman. We’re 455 billion dollars in debt and closing in on a trillion!
- McCain stresses wind, solar, natural gas, nuclear energy – McCain stresses energy independence, using alternative energy AND offshore drilling, which Senator Obama opposes. Obama says he is willing to look at offshore drilling. “We can’t drill our way out of the problem,” Senator Obama says.
- Bob Schieffer asked about the nasty turn the campaigns have taken in the last couple weeks. McCain says that he regrets some of the negativity, and that it has taken many “unacceptable” turns. He brings up Congressman Lewis and his comments about McCain and Palin earlier this week, saying he is very hurt, and asking why Obama didn’t repudiate those remarks. Obama responds by reminding him that some of McCain’s supporters have called him a “terrorist” and said “kill him!” and Palin didn't reprimand them.
- Healthcare: should we control costs or control benefits? Obama: we will do both. Tells a heartbreaking sob story. McCain counters with his own heartbreaking statistics about how many Americans are hurting due to high healthcare costs.
- Both candidates dodge a question about Roe v. Wade asking whether they would ever appoint a Supreme Court judge who disagreed with their position on abortion rights. Both candidates say they value qualifications over any kind of litmus test, but Obama reminded us that people have a constitutional right to privacy that has to be protected.
Our take? It was the most heated, most interesting debate so far – the gloves definitely came off and a lot of topics were addressed more openly than we’ve seen the candidates address them before. Was it the game-changer many news networks have been saying McCain needed tonight? Tell us what you think, Janes! Our post-debate poll will be up tonight – we want to know what you thought tonight!
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