So, those, like me, who are still on the fence about the election, are expected to play a major role come November. The article “McCain, Obama in tight race as debate looms,” written by a CNN journalist, talks about how although Obama has a slim lead in nationwide polls, McCain has a slight lead in Florida, Ohio and Missouri—three states that have a combined total of 58 electoral college votes and that have proven to be very important in past elections. Approximately 10 percent of voters nationwide are still undecided on who will get their vote in the upcoming election. The debates, therefore, will be crucial in swinging these undecided voters one way or another.

I feel as though it’s my duty, not just for this class, but as a citizen and a voter to intensely watch these debates. Extremely important issues will be covered throughout each debate and will hopefully help me and people like me make a decision on who should run this country for the next four years. Also, those who have already decided who they will vote for in November should reexamine their decision. Make sure they’re informed on what they have decided and either confirm or reassess their initial choice. It’s so exciting that one of these debates is taking place on the Ole Miss campus—forcing me and other students to look it in the eye and listen to what the candidates have to say. This is the first presidential election that I have a voice in and it’s my duty to be informed, and having the first presidential debate on this campus will help me learn about each candidate and their various views.

As CNN’s senior political analyst, Bill Shneider, said, “Debates are like a restart button in the campaign. That's where viewers say, wait a minute, I don't have to make up my mind until I see them both in an equal footing in an unscripted situation.”

Both McCain and Obama’s responses and reactions during these three debates will be scrutinized by political analysts, the media, and voters around the nation. This is a critical time for all voters to either make up their hesitant minds or to reassess, or confirm, their steadfast minds. With the prospects from the polls showing such a close election, each decision will surely affect the outcome.