The fact that tonight represents the final debate between Senators McCain and Obama at Hofstra University on Long Island also marks the final opportunity for these two candidates to address – in a debate format – key issues that have been virtually ignored in this campaign.

 

The fact is that these candidates – and the media – have paid little attention to issues that millions of Americans want discussed:  the future direction of the Supreme Court, judicial nominations, abortion, marriage, and even issues like the role that religion and faith should play in the public square.

 

Sure, there are some reports about how the candidates approach such issues like abortion, but the fact is there is very little discussion of these issues by the candidates themselves.

 

With one of the largest audiences likely to watch the final debate tonight, CBS News’ Bob Schieffer will direct the discussion.  He has said that he intends to seek more specifics from the candidates. “By now we’ve all heard their talking points,” he said. “We’ve heard the general outlines of what they are talking about. The time has come to be a little more specific.”

 

I would like to see some of these questions asked:

 

1.  With the next president likely to have the opportunity to make multiple appointments to the Supreme Court, who would you consider specifically as potential nominees?

 

2.  How should the courts interpret the Constitution?  What is your judicial philosophy on how the Constitution should be interpreted?

 

3.  Should partial-birth abortion remain illegal?   Do you believe Roe v. Wade should be overturned by the Supreme Court?

 

4.  The state of Connecticut became the third state recently to legalize same-sex marriage.  Should the legal definition of marriage be changed to accommodate relationships other than marriage meaning the union of one man, one woman?

 

5.  Do you support a return of the “Fairness Doctrine” – a measure that would hamper the free speech of Christian broadcasters by requiring them to offer ‘equal time’ to opposing viewpoints?

 

6.  Should pastors and church leaders be permitted to endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status?

 

Sure, the economy is at the top of everyone’s list as we await the debate tonight.  We expect and know there will be plenty of discussion about that topic.  Barry, do you see anything wrong with the candidates addressing these and other questions that are of interest to millions of Americans?