Candidates leave much to be desired

In the final presidential debate, the nation finally got a few definitive answers from our cumbersome candidates. This year's election is going to be a choice between the lesser of two evils, may the best man win.

President George W. Bush and Senator John F. Kerry battled it out last night about basic homeland issues, including taxes, health care and the lack of jobs.

It is said 90 percent of all statistics are made up, and the statistics were certainly flying in Tempe, Ariz. on Wednesday. Bush and Kerry spewed numbers on Kerry's voting record and how often he shows up to the Senate, and Kerry changed those numbers to reflect positive voting changes from years ago.

Kerry took the opportunity to blame Bush for the lack of jobs and the economic downturn America is currently experiencing. He attempted to show his fiscal responsibility by comparing himself with Bush, by saying that Bush has not vetoed a single spending bill during his time in office. However, Kerry had a hard time convincing the audience that he could fund his proposed programs without raising any taxes and still reduce the deficit.

In response, Bush again referenced Kerry's Senate voting record, saying that Kerry has voted to increase taxes 98 times. "Fuzzy numbers" abound as candidates argued about the economic downturn. Bush sidestepped the blame saying the economy was doing badly when he came into office and that his policies have helped boost consumerism.

Kerry also referenced past presidents multiple times, citing Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan and others. It felt as if he wants to name himself among the greats, but is struggling for the chance.

Bush was able to alienate Kerry from voters by saying his ideas are farther left than Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, whom the public knows as a liberal.

Where more serious topics like abortion are concerned, Kerry furthered Bush's accusation by saying he would not appoint an anti-choice judge to the Supreme Court, something that Bush would likely do. Bush has consistently made pro-life decisions regarding a woman's right to choose. This will be an important point in light of the recent Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.

The candidates lucked out and were not asked any questions regarding the environment or energy conservation. This is where Kerry and Bush really differ in policy. These two topics would have really showed Bush and Kerry's stand on the political spectrum. Another interesting topic that was not mentioned was stem-cell research, an especially relevant issue after the death of Christopher Reeves.

Both candidates leaned on their religion to buy votes. Kerry mentioned in both the previous debate and the last one that he was an alter boy and was raised as a Catholic. Many of Kerry's views have objectively been separated from his Catholic upbringing, specifically his views on abortion. The American public sees that Bush has trouble separating church and state.

Mentioning his strong feelings towards religion is one matter, but when those same beliefs are pushed onto American citizens through the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Constitutional interpretation concerning the mention of God in the Pledge of Allegiance and his appointment of Supreme Court judges show his difficulty separating the two. His religious passion is one of the things voters find appealing, but objectivity is crucial for a president.

Kerry again touted his health care plan, without really saying how he planned to put it into effect. The idea that everyone can choose a health care plan is nice in theory, but how does he plan for everyone to afford it? It would be nice if everyone had access to the same plans as senators, but realistically health care coverage is decided between individual businesses and health companies, and that is a choice that workers make. Bush touted the word socialism when referring to Kerry's plan, saying Kerry would make health care equal for everyone, and citizens would be worse off.

Overall, both candidates came out about even in this last debate, leaving Americans to decide which group of policies is more agreeable. After all, the presidential administration has the ability to make many changes. Citizens must be aware of the ideals a candidate would bring to the White House and how those views will affect legislation.