In what is quickly shaping into one of the closest presidential races in 40 years, every moment counts-especially when millions of potential voters are watching on television.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Texas Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore got their last chance before such a large audience in the third presidential debate hosted by Washington University.

The debate began on a somber note as moderator Jim Lehrer of “The News Hour” of PBS asked the audience to observe a moment of silence in memory of Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, who had died Monday night in a plane crash.

With a shifting format throughout the three debates, the third debate utilized a town-hall format with undecided voters asking the questions.

Topping the agenda was the issue of health care. Both candidates admitted supporting a patient’s bill of rights, but Gore emphasized that the type of bill supported is different, as he pressured Bush to give his opinion on the Dingle-Norwood Bill pending in Congress. Bush avoided the pressure by shifting the discussion to one of his themes for the evening-getting things done.

“The difference is I can get it done,” said Bush. “That’s what the question in this campaign is about.”

On the issue of prescription drugs, Bush fell back on the “bickering in Washington, D.C.” as the reason nothing was getting done, while Gore retorted with his own theme of fighting for “working men and women.”

“I trust people, I don’t trust the federal government,” Bush said referring to a national health care plan.

On the other hand, Gore suggested, “I think we should move step by step toward universal health coverage, but I am not in favor of government doing it all.”

The next major topic was education, a major component of both campaign platforms.

Bush responded by explaining the importance of accountability within schools. Gore explained his proposal of giving hiring bonuses to recruit more teachers, giving a larger tax deduction for college tuition and universally available preschool.

Also Gore raised the issue of school vouchers, something he strongly opposes as “draining more money, more taxpayer money out of the public schools.” He added, “I don’t think we should give up on the private schools.”

Moderator Lehrer allowed Bush to respond. “First of all, vouchers are up to states. I believe in local control of schools,” Bush replied.

The debate quickly moved into the issue of tax cuts with a true difference of philosophies appearing. Bush said it himself, “We have a different philosophy. If you pay taxes, you ought to get relief.”

Gore responded, “If you want somebody who will fight for you and who will fight to have middle-class tax cuts, then I am your man.”

Lehrer questioned Bush about his tax cut benefiting the top 1 percent of the wealthiest Americans, a claim put forth by Gore.

“Of course it does,” Bush answered. “If you pay taxes, you are going to get a benefit.”

As the debate progressed to foreign policy, Gore explained his record of service in foreign affairs from Vietnam to serving on the National Security Council. Bush highlighted the importance of a clear vision and patience in foreign policy.

On gun control, Bush emphasized enforcement of existing laws while Gore supported “common-sense gun safety measures” that wouldn’t affect hunters or sportsmen.

The Midwest location of the debate became evident with a question on the protection of family farms. Bush used this opportunity to explain his opposition to the death tax, a tax on estates. Gore replied that he favored a reform of the estate tax to exempt family farms and most family businesses, but he fears that a total elimination would put a huge tax burden on the middle-class. Bush replied, “It’s either unfair for some or all. If you’re from Washington, you want to pick and choose winners.”

Both candidates seem to recognize the importance of parental control on unwanted media content aimed at children. Gore said, “Respect the first amendment, but I will do something to help you raise your kids without that garbage.”

Considering the 150 college students in the audience, one professor asked how the candidates planned to address young-voter apathy.

Gore pointed to the issue of campaign finance reform as something that would allow politicians to “shoot straight with young and old alike and tell them what the real choices are.”

Along the same lines, Bush pointed to partisan politics. “I think it’s the tone. I think it’s the attitude. I think it’s a cynicism in Washington, and it doesn’t have to be that way.

An interesting discussion of semantics arose from a diversity question with Bush supporting what he called “affirmative access” and Gore questioning what he meant by that.

“I don’t know what affirmative access means,” Gore said. “I do know what affirmative action means. Affirmative action means you take extra steps to acknowledge the history of discrimination and injustice and prejudice and bring all people into the American dream because it helps everybody, not just those who are directly benefitting.”

The candidates agreed on the issue of capital punishment, with both emphasizing the need for full access to courts and that it is a deterrent for crime.

The final question came to the simplicity of whether or not the candidates will keep their promises. Both candidates used this time opportunity as well as their closing statements to highlight their policies and more importantly their differences.

Gore said, “We both made promises in this campaign. I promise you, I will keep mine. Nine times I have raised my hand to take the oath to the Constitution, and I have never violated that oath.”

Bush replied, “Too much bitterness in Washington. There’s too much wrangling. It’s time to have a fresh start. I’m going to bring them together.”

With their closing statements, the two candidates made their final appeals.

“If you want somebody who is willing to fight for you, I am asking for your support and your vote and, yes, your confidence and willingess to believe that we can do the right thing in America. You ain’t seen nothing yet, and I will keep that promise,” Gore said.

Bush said, “For those who have not made up their minds I would like to conclude by this promise: Should I be fortunate to become your president, when I put my hand on the Bible, I’ll swear to uphold the laws of the land but swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I’ve been elected, so help me God.”