Voters' Views: Andrea Economos

Voters have questioned Barack Obama and John McCain in a town hall-style debate dominated by the financial crisis and foreign policy.

Here Republican and Democratic voters from across the US reflect on how the candidates performed.

Andrea EconomosFull-time mother | Republican

John McCain was much stronger on defence

Age: 51 Lives: New York Occupation: Full-time mother Last election voted: Republican In 10 words or fewer: Friendly, generous, fun-loving, disciplined, inquisitive and persistent Voters' Views: main page

I liked McCain's focus on stabilising the housing market and keeping people in their homes. Obama's middle class tax cuts would also be helpful, but his suggestion of a stimulus package - such as investment in roads - is unrealistic right now.

Neither was specific on the sacrifices we'd be asked to make. McCain said we'd have to do without our pet projects and government largesse. Obama's idea of sacrifice seemed to be allowing off-shore drilling.

On health care McCain favoured consumer choices and didn't trust the effects of government intervention - an opinion I share.

McCain's prudence in using our military forces is in direct contrast to Obama's naive belief we have an 'obligation' to intervene, whether or not we can favourably impact the outcome. Likewise Obama's call for 'mobilising the international community to lead' has a hollow ring - no country has stepped in to stop recent genocides.

McCain correctly highlighted that Russia is setting its sights on former Soviet countries. Obama's response on Russia was very weak, and his offer of financial assistance to those countries was unrealistic.

McCain's position on Israel was a direct offer of support. Obama seemed to offer hypothetical support based on other countries' involvement.

McCain was able to provide specific examples of how he had acted in support of his positions - for example by cutting defence spending. Obama spoke of controlling spending, yet he has never opposed spending increases before."

You can add your comments and questions on Andrea's views using the form below:

Your comments:

Andrea, I very much enjoyed reading your response to the debate. Though I am a supporter of Obama, I can appreciate your well-reasoned and rational views. These are the kinds of discussions we should be having - ones based on facts and issues with an understanding that neither side has all the answers, rather than a discussion founded purely in emotion.
Katherine, Arizona, USA

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The readers' panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.

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