By Amy Balagna Posted November 1, 2008
The first presidential debate was held on September 26 at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama both stepped onto the stage confident and eager to begin.
The first and most crucial issue was the financial crisis, both candidates agreed something needs to be done but fundamental differences arose between the candidates’ views on the economy.
McCain proposed to veto every spending bill to come across his desk if he is to be elected. He accused Obama of wasteful pork-barrel spending.
McCain plans on eliminating earmarks, congressional provisions that direct approved funds to be spent on specific projects, Obama agreed on earmark revisions but opposed complete removal.
Obama disagreed with a 300 million dollar tax cut for the wealthy proposed by McCain. He proposed a tax cut for working families in his attempt to build the economy from the bottom.
McCain believes the Iraq war was somewhat mishandled but believes we are winning in Iraq and refuses to leave without a victory and stable ally.
Obama, six years ago, opposed the war. He believes Afghanistan to be the major issue.
Several other issues were discussed, however, there was no clear winner in the debate.
