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Editor's Note: Phil Elliot says he is a registered Republican, but remains undecided in this election. He asked a question at last night’s presidential debate. Here's what he told us about the experience. 

Phil Elliott
Registered Republican
Undecided Voter

What a privilege to live in the United States and be asked to participate in one of the debates! It was a full day's schedule for those who had the opportunity to sit on the stage at Belmont University. I was honored to be able to ask the candidates how the current economic crisis will affect our Nation's ability to act as a peacemaker in the world. The basic answer was: For a strong military we need to have a strong economy. Both candidates presented several options for military actions but I had hoped to hear more about diplomacy, consensus building and working in concert with other nations. The economy is obviously in the forefront but what about other issues that are important but seemingly not so urgent.
 
I guess I was hoping for that elusive flash of brilliance that would give us all hope for a more peaceful world.
OK – back to reality – Neither Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain knew the questions that would be asked and it seemed like most of the time they would just use the question as a starting point to say what they had already determined to say -some of which we've heard before. I thought they both carried themselves well. Sen. McCain seemed believable when he would say "I know how to do this"
 
It was an incredible experience for me to be in the same room. And it was inspiring to be around Tom Brokaw. He spent some time with our group in the morning preparations. I'm still not 100% sure who will get my vote but am profoundly grateful to have been involved in this process.