The
final presidential debate from Tuesday night seemed a bit repetitive, according
to many Harriton High School students. “I think both sides did well, but
I personally did not see a clear winner; much of what was discussed seemed to
already be addressed in the previous debates,” says senior Caroline Dooney.
With that being said, there were still memorable moments.
Both candidates were constantly on
their toes, ready to dispute any topic. For example, in response to Romney’s attempt to portray President Obama as unwilling to spend necessary funds when he said that the military currently has the fewest number of ships since World War I, Obama returned, “Well governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because
the nature of our military has changed.” Obama continued to deliver such barbs, whereas Romney seemed a bit on the defense.
While Romney has no issue exclaiming
that Obama’s policies are bad, he has neglected to clearly address the ways in
which his policies will be better. Obama, in return, called Romney out
on being a “flip-flopper,” as many believe he continues to shift positions.
This debate was meant to discuss the
foreign policy, yet the candidates somehow found a way to discuss education. In
addition to having trouble staying on topic, according to social networking
sites, the candidates did not seem to have swayed the undecided voters much.
According to NPR, each candidate focused on the flaw’s in their opponents
plans, rather than the hope they had for the future.
With that being the last official
chance for the candidates to gain the undecided voters, anything could happen.
As of October 22, Ohio now has a
50-50 chance of deciding the election (according to Nate Silver’s election-prediction blog, http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/). Although Obama won Ohio by a clear
margin in 2008, it will be a decisive state this year, which is basically as important enough
as all 49 states put together. With the undecided voters coming to a
conclusion, whether taking part in the election or not, all will be revealed in
less than two weeks.