US presidential nominees debate on financial woes

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-28-2008 12:53

In their first presidential debate, Barack Obama and John McCain clashed over who could better lead the United States out of its current financial woes. They also spoke on rebuilding the troubled US economy, and protecting the country from international threats.

Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (L) and Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama participate in the first U.S. presidential debate at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, September 26, 2008.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

With just over five weeks until Election Day, the nationally televised debate at the University of Mississippi on Friday offered candidates the chance to win over the large portion of undecided voters.

The financial crisis reshaped the focus of the debate. Instead of dealing exclusively with foreign affairs and national security as planned, the first third of the debate dealt with economic and financial issues.

While neither man committed to supporting bailout legislation taking shape in Congress, they readily agreed lawmakers must act to prevent millions of Americans from losing their jobs and their homes.

But the two are sharply divided on issues, such as funding for overseas US troops, and nuclear issues.

John McCain, Republican Presidential Nominee said "Senator Obama twice said in debates he would sit down with (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad, (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez and (Cuban President) Raul Castro without precondition. Without precondition. "

Barack Obama, Democratic Presidential Nominee said "Now, understand what this means: 'without preconditions'. It doesn't mean that you invite them over for tea one day. What it means is that we don't do what we've been doing, which is to say: Until you agree to do exactly what we say, we won't have direct contacts with you."

47-year-old Obama is a first-term senator seeking to become America's first black president.

McCain, who's 72, has served in Congress for 26 years and would be the oldest first-term president.

The two men were pointed but polite, although McCain sought to depict his rival as naive in response to Obama's statement that it might become necessary for the United States to pursue militants in Pakistan even without the government's permission.

The candidates are scheduled to debate twice more, on October the 7th and then the 15th.

Editor:Xiong Qu