Tomorrow night's final presidential debate of 2012 may well be the deciding factor in the race.
Most polls have President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney neck and neck in the race for the White House.
It may be a hopeless case, but there are a few things we'd like to see both candidates do tomorrow:
1. Answer the question that is asked. In the first two debates, both candidates seemed to have talking points they wanted to emphasize and often there was a total disconnect between the question and the answer. Additionally, ignoring the question to rattle off your talking points makes it look like you are evading it.
2. Don't interrupt each other. Last Tuesday's debate was a lesson in rudeness. Talking over each other doesn't come across as presidential and, frankly, it is a lousy example for young people watching. The structure of the debates allows for equal time. Wait your turn and then rebut the other guy.
3. Be specific. "Tax the rich" is a great sound bite, but exactly how much money will be raised if we follow the president's plan? "Cut out loopholes" sounds great when Romney says it, but what specific tax loopholes is he talking about? How much money will be raised by closing those loopholes?
4. Observe the time limits. The candidates know the rules of the debate going in - abide by them.
Again, tomorrow's debate is very important. It may well guide the course the country is going to take for the next four years.
The least the candidates can do is offer cogent, straightforward and polite answers that can help the electorate make an intelligent decision.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
