DEBATE BLOG: Showdown in N.Y.

Read below for a play-by-play of insight and commentary of the final presidential debate by Washington Times’ chief White House Correspondent, Joseph Curl.

10:27:

Final statements; McCain goes first. Obama looking directly at McCain. “America needs a new direction. We cannot be satisfied with what we’ve been doing the last eight years.”

“I’ve spent my entire life” in service of this country. “I hope you’ll give me an opportunity to serve again”

Obama: “I think we all know we’re going through a tough time. … The biggest risk we could take right now is to adopt the same old policies.”

“Our brighter days are still ahead.” … Sacrifice, service, responsibility. “I will work tirelessly.”

Bob: “Go vote now, it will make you feel big and strong.”

Mcain and Obama shake hands: “Good job, good job, uh, good job, thanks,” McCain says to Obama, who smiles and nods. The wives join the nominees on stage, kiss their husbands, shakes hands with each other, and their men.

Gotta go write a story about Joe the Plumber. If you know him, have him call me — before deadline.

— Joseph Curl, senior White House correspondent, The Washington Times

10:16:

Last question. We trail other industrialized nations in education. Why?

“There’s been a debate between more money and reform. I think we need both,” Obama says. America needs “an army of new teachers” with higher pay. “Turn of the TV set.”

“It’s the civil rights issue of the 21st century,” McCain says, sounding like Bush. He supports charter schools.

“Throwing money at the problem is not the answer,” the Republican says. “We must improve education in this country.”

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