The first debate--bailouts' required offsets

The question deals with what the $700 billion rescue plan would force them to give up. Obama would hold on to support for alternative energy development; his health plan and education and infrastructure. I'd be very curious to hear the numbers on that and he didn't actually say what he'd give up. McCain repeats his point on cutting spending. He makes a good point re ethanol subsidies (which Obama, a farm-state senator, supported). Also mentions defense procurement reform. He generally talks about creating efficiencies in government--an old stand-by. Of course, neither one dares mention what he'd cut.

McCain then mentioned a spending freeze (excepting defense, veterans and entitlements). Obama points out that a freeze wouldn't allow a consideration of specific programs. McCain stakes out a position in favor of nuclear power (45 new plants by 2030--covering energy independence and climate change).

McCain reprises his point about fighting spending. Obama hits back on the "orgy of spending" during the Bush administration. McCain invokes is "maverick" reputation and therefore can't be tied into Bush's policies.