First
Presidential Debate
Ford Center for the Performing Arts,
University of
Mississippi, Oxford, MS.
Friday,
September 26, 2008.
Transcript
from: http://www.olemiss.edu/debate/debate_news/details.php?id=58
Lead Question 1.
Let me begin with something General Eisenhower said in his 1952
presidential campaign. Quote, "We must achieve both security and
solvency. In fact, the foundation of military strength is
economic strength," end quote. With that in mind, the first lead
question. Gentlemen, at this very moment tonight, where do you
stand on the financial recovery plan?
...to
Obama
Lead
Question 2.
All right, let's go to the next lead question, which is
essentially following up on this same subject. And you get two
minutes to begin with, Senator McCain. And using your word
"fundamental," are there fundamental differences between your approach
and Senator Obama's approach to what you would do as president to lead
this country out of the financial crisis?
...to
McCain
Lead
Question 3.
All right, speaking of things that both of you want, another lead
question, and it has to do with the rescue -- the financial rescue
thing that we started -- started asking about. And what -- and
the first answer is to you, Senator Obama. As president, as a result of
whatever financial rescue plan comes about and the billion, $700
billion, whatever it is it's going to cost, what are you going to have
to give up, in terms of the priorities that you would bring as
president of the United States, as a result of having to pay for the
financial rescue plan?
...to Obama
Lead
Question 4.
Let's go another subject. Lead question, two minutes to you, senator
McCain. Much has been said about the lessons of Vietnam. What do you
see as the lessons of Iraq?
...to
McCain
Lead
Question 5.
Afghanistan, lead -- a new -- a new lead question. Now, having
resolved Iraq, we'll move to Afghanistan. (LAUGHTER) And it goes
to you, Senator Obama, and it's a -- it picks up on a point that's
already been made. Do you think more troops -- more U.S. troops
should be sent to Afghanistan, how many, and when?
...to Obama
Lead Question 6.
...New lead question. And it goes two minutes to you, Senator
McCain, what is your reading on the threat to Iran right now to the
security of the United States?
...to
McCain
Lead Question 7.
New lead question. Russia, goes to you, two minutes, Senator
Obama. How do you see the relationship with Russia? Do you
see them as a competitor? Do
you see them as an enemy? Do you see them as a potential partner?
...to Obama