Voters' Views: Elizabeth Lamasney

Barack Obama and John McCain have clashed in a fractious final TV debate before the US presidential poll.

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

Elizabeth LamasneyFull-time mother | Republican

I still don't think either candidate has an adequate grasp of economics

Age: 34 Lives: Renton, Washington Occupation: Full-time mother Last election voted: Democrat In 10 words or fewer: I love husband, kids, home, travel, learning, problem-solving, dogs Voters' Views: main page

I don't believe either candidate will balance the budget. Both believe in spending money for their pet causes!

I would have loved to hear a candidate say, 'I will take on the powerful banking and credit lobbies, and push for reforms which protect borrowers'.

As a former Democratic voter who is thinking of voting Republican, all I can say is that McCain did not completely alienate me. McCain's shortcomings are some of the policies in his platform, while Obama's shortcomings are his inexperience and indecisiveness.

But I believe that McCain will stop trying to please arch-conservatives the minute he's elected, while Obama will still believe that endless talking is an acceptable alternative to leadership.

McCain defended himself in the debate saying he would not be another George W Bush. I'm not afraid that McCain will be another Bush. I don't think it's even possible - in the current political and economic climate - for McCain to continue many Bush administration policies.

While I can appreciate the world's interest in a non-threatening presidential candidate, I just can't see Obama dealing effectively with foreign leaders - whether they are allies or dictators.

We need a president who can make decisions, carry them out and occasionally even take responsibility for them.

McCain makes decisions, Obama talks."

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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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