In the third and final debate hosted at Hofstra University, McCain and Obama duked it out over domestic policy. They covered issues such as healthcare, tax relief, education and energy plans. One of the first questions was about how their proposals would change due to the ever-increasing deficit. Obama said that his cuts would equal his expenditures, and that by making investments in education, energy and healthcare he would be taking pro-active measures in keeping the deficit low. He also encouraged Americans to “embrace an ethic and culture of responsibility.” McCain focused on energy independence and his plan to veto every pork-barrel earmark project that crosses his desk. He also mentioned specifically cutting the marketing assistance program and subsidies for ethanol.

Proposals for taxes and healthcare intertwined when McCain mentioned “Joe the plumber.” McCain stated that Obama’s plan to provide tax relief to middle income families would only “spread the wealth around,” and Joe should be able to keep his money. Since Joe wants to buy the business he works in, McCain said that Obama’s tax plan would keep him from doing so due to the tax increase for Americans making over $250,000. However, Obama stated that if Joe made below that amount he should be able to make the purchase, and if the business made under that amount then Joe would truly prosper under his plan.

McCain continued to mention Joe throughout the debate, using him as an example for a small business health care benefits comparison. McCain said that under Obama’s plan if Joe wanted to buy the small business he works for he would be fined for not providing a health care plan for his employees. When he asked Obama explicitly what the fine was, Obama stated that small businesses were exempt from having to pay for health insurance. It was clear that McCain was rather surprised when he heard Obama’s answer; so, in an attempt to refute Obama’s plan McCain mockingly said “Joe, your rich congratulations.”

Leaving Joe behind for just a bit, moderator Bob Schieffer took some time to ask the candidates about slander and negative campaign tactics. McCain lamented Obama’s refusal to participate in Town Hall forums throughout the summer, while Obama claimed McCain’s campaign ads have been 100% negative. Though both recognized that Americans have become cynical due to the negativity of both campaigns, neither took the opportunity to apologize for wrongdoings or make promises for a brighter future. Instead it seemed that both just took the chance to do a little more mud-slinging.