Sitting in the production truck during the debate was such an amazing experience. I could see McCain and Obama from every angle and could hear them very clearly. The production truck was silent except for the director making calls, so it made it feel like I was in the debate hall. It was great seeing the behind the scenes action of the production of the debate, but it was also great seeing a completely unbiased live shot. There were no news networks putting in a biased opinion, and there was no manipulation of the shots shown. I could see everything and hear everything, which allowed me to make my own judgment without being influenced by the news networks.

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) originally hoped for Jim Lehrer to ask nine questions and possibly an extra tenth question. Because the candidates ran over on time, Lehrer was only able to ask eight questions. The first forty-five minutes of the debate was devoted to the economic crisis. Obama emphasized protecting the taxpayers, helping homeowners, developing better oversight, giving money back to the people and not promoting “golden parachutes,” and focusing on the middle class. McCain emphasized the need for Republicans and Democrats to come together, the need for transparency, oversight, and accountability, and the need to limit dependency on foreign oil. Both pointed out together that for our economy to get better we need more regulation, accountability at all times, and better tax policies. Neither candidate was very specific, which seemed to be theme of much of the debate. Both candidates spoke in general terms and did not introduce much new material that could help sway a voter’s choice.

Other issues discussed included government budgets and spending, alternative energy, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, foreign relations, Russia, and U.S. security. The CPD’s mission is “Voter Education.” I believe that McCain and Obama’s lack of detail did not help voters make a definite choice of whom they will vote for, but I do believe that the debate did promote voter education. I, for one, understood many of the issues better than I had before. I did not make a decision of whom I support more or whom I think won the debate, but I can definitely say that I understand more clearly, what is going on with the economy and with international issues. Understanding is the first step, forming an opinion is second, and making is choice is the final step. At least I am on my way, and the debate did aid in that.