Final McCain-Obama Debate Most Contentious of the Three

16 October 2008

(Candidates describe how their proposals would affect “Joe the plumber”)

By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer

Washington — In their final and most contentious debate October 15, the presidential candidates made direct appeals to American voters.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama and Arizona Senator John McCain frequently criticized each other in the debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The debate dealt with not only domestic policy issues — the night’s designated topic — but also personal character.

McCain, the Republican candidate, described himself as a proven reformer who will do what he believes is right for the country.

“It's very clear that I have disagreed with the Bush administration. I have disagreed with leaders of my own party. … I have a long record of reform and fighting through on the floor of the United States Senate.”

Saying, “We've got to take this in a new direction,” Democrat Obama said his proposals will strengthen the American economy and improve the U.S. education system.

Both candidates stressed the need to implement new initiatives to help those affected by the financial crisis. Obama said he would provide tax incentives for companies to create new American jobs. McCain said one of his top priorities would be to help Americans struggling to pay their mortgages to renegotiate the value of those mortgages.

The candidates also agreed on the importance of reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. McCain said he would do this by building 45 new nuclear power plants. Obama called for putting more resources into developing solar, wind and geothermal energy technologies.

But the candidates differed on other issues, such as abortion. McCain said abortion laws should be decided by states while Obama said that the right to have access to legal abortions should not be limited by states “any more than our First Amendment rights are subject to state referendum.”

Many legal experts believe the U.S. Supreme Court could review the case law on abortion during the next presidential administration.

Joe The Plumber

When discussing their tax and health care proposals, both candidates cited how their policies would affect Joe Wurzelbacher, an Ohio plumber.

Throughout his campaign, Obama has called for raising taxes on Americans earning more than $250,000 a year. On October 12, Wurzelbacher met Obama and told him that he is considering buying a plumbing business that would earn him more than $250,000 a year, but is leaning against doing so because he will have to pay more taxes under a potential Obama administration.

“Joe wants to buy the business that he has been in for all of these years, worked 10, 12 hours a day. And he wanted to buy the business, but he looked at [Obama’s] tax plan and he saw that he was going to pay much higher taxes," McCain said. “Joe, I want to tell you, I'll not only help you buy that business that you worked your whole life for, and I'll keep your taxes low, and I'll provide available and affordable health care for you and your employees.”

Obama said he told Wurzelbacher, “Five years ago … you needed a tax cut then.”

“And what I want to do is to make sure that the plumber, the nurse, the firefighter, the teacher, the young entrepreneur who doesn't yet have money, I want to give them a tax break now. And that requires us to make some important choices.”

Speaking about health care, McCain said that under an Obama administration, Wurzelbacher and other business owners would have to pay a fine if they choose not to provide health care benefits to their employers. Obama said small business owners like Wurzelbacher would be exempt from such a policy.

The candidates mentioned the plumber’s name about 20 times, making him an instant star of the debate. While the candidates continued to spar, media organizations published stories about Wurzelbacher as Facebook and Twitter users traded comments about the Ohio man. By the time the debate concluded, Internet entrepreneurs had established Web pages selling hats and T-shirts featuring “Joe the plumber.”

McCain, Obama Ask Americans For Their Votes

In their closing statements, the candidates touted their personal principles and asked Americans for their votes.

“America needs a new direction. We cannot be satisfied with what we've been doing for the last eight years,” McCain said. “I've asked you not only to examine my record, but my proposals for the future of this country.

“I've spent my entire life in the service of this nation and putting my country first. … And I hope you'll give me an opportunity to serve again. I'd be honored and humbled,” the Arizona senator said.

“Over the last 20 months, you've invited me into your homes. You've shared your stories with me. And you've confirmed once again the fundamental decency and generosity of the American people,” Obama said. “And that's why I'm sure that our brighter days are still ahead.”

“I promise you that if you give me the extraordinary honor of serving as your president, I will work every single day, tirelessly, on your behalf and on the behalf of the future of our children,” the Illinois senator said.

A CNN/Opinion Research Poll taken immediately after the debate found that 58 percent surveyed thought Obama won the match, while 31 percent said the same of McCain. This might be more good news for Obama, who, with three weeks until Election Day, is leading McCain in national polls and most surveys of battleground states.