The Third Presidential Debate was the final debate of the 2008 election held at Hofstra University at Hempstead, New York. The topic was domestic policy and the economy.

McCain went on the attack for the first 30 minutes, but most polls show that Obama won the debate. CNN poll shows that 58% believe Obama won the debate, and McCain with 31%. Now, numbers show that the chances of McCain winning the presidency are very low.

The most talked about person was "Joe the Plumber", whose real name is Samuel Joesph Wurzelbacher. He was mentioned 23 times in the debate. Wurzelbacher is a registered Republican, but is "undecided" although it appears he is a McCain supporter.