Presidential debates have always been a facet by which we could examine the views and qualifications of the candidates and, thereby, choose who we felt was the most qualified person for the job. The current debates, however, are more focused on personal issues than on politics, and the overall contents of them do little to satisfy our appetites.

The media has not been lacking in its coverage of Hillary Clinton and her slightly misconstrued viewpoint of her trip to Bosnia in 1999. It has been equally as thorough regarding Barack Obama's pastor and his recent statement pointing at people's dependency on guns and religion. Yet these topics continue to find their way into debates. Clinton has addressed the media several times over her misstatements, and Obama made public statements, both denouncing Rev. Wright's statements and clarifying his remarks regarding "guns and religion". These items should not be allowed to take up the majority of a debate.

While we cannot (and should not) overlook the personal issues of our candidates, neither should we be ignorant to the fact that the primary concerns are not being addressed in the proper manner. Our economy is in dire straits. People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate, and home foreclosures are at an all time high. While we are considered to be the wealthiest country in the world, we have people dying due to a lack of proper health care, and are fighting a war that is costing us trillions of dollars and thousands of lives. It is our right as American citizens to have these topics addressed in length; not merely have them "touched upon" because of time constraints.

This personal war between Clinton and Obama is said to be damaging the Democratic Party, and is it any wonder? We need to see the strengths in our candidates; not be constantly reminded of their weaknesses during a debate. We need an assurance that they can uphold the office of President of the United States; not be entertained by their petty differences.

There has been an array of interviews, biography's and news reports regarding the individual candidates and their personal lives. These cannot be ignored or denied. The debates, however, need to be better controlled and more focused on the issues.

Learn more about this author, Tara Rijon.
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