The Issues
The issues that are raised in the course of the presidential debates are very important. The questions and answers help set the tone for the campaign and upon which aspects of American life the candidates focus. Perhaps most interesting are the issues at the bottom of this list. Poverty, crime, drugs and race have been all but ignored during this cycle. It should also be noted that "political" questions about the horse race, who is best to take on Obama or who is moderate or conservative were asked second-most. In the final six debates these questions became increasingly prominent, as perhaps the moderators felt the candidates' responses on issues were largely known. Here is a breakdown of what subjects have been touched upon...
Politics, Leadership & Character
171.5
Jobs & Growth
130.5
Health Care/Medicare
93
Immigration
78.5
Taxes
67.5
Terrorism/Torture
53
Banking/Federal Reserve
35
Spending & Budgets
35
Military/Defense
33
Afghanistan
28
Middle East
26.5
Housing
24
Iran
23.5
Energy
23
Gay Rights
22.5
Faith
22
Regulations & Government Size
21
Abortion/Contraception
20.5
Education
17.5
Social Security
16.5
China
15
Pakistan
12.5
Foreign Aid
12
HPV Vaccine
9
Unions/Right to Work Laws
8
The Judiciary
7
The Environment
7
Libya
6
Crime/Death Penalty
6
Cuba
6
Space Exploration
5
Race
4.5
Auto Industry
4.5
Trade
3
Poverty
2.5
Stock Market
2.5
European Debt Crisis
2
Drugs
0.5
