Abortion is always an issue in modern elections. Why does Mr. McCain believe that states ought to decide abortion questions? Why did Mr. Obama oppose the version of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act in Illinois that was identical to the federal bill, and why did he say that he supported it when he voted against it?

Although Mr. McCain has been in public life for many years, Americans are still getting to know Mr. Obama. Given that Mr. Obama’s campaign has channeled over $800,000 to ACORN and was a former trainer and lawyer for that organization, what reaction does he have to the voter fraud investigations that have been launched against ACORN in a dozen states, including one by the Democratic Nevada secretary of state?

The mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the central players in our financial meltdown. What were both candidates’ relationships with these agencies and what role did the candidates play as this situation was developed over the past years?

You often tell someone’s character by the company they keep. Why did John McCain associate with Charles Keating and what was his involvement in the “Keating Five” scandal? What relationships has he had with controversial religious leaders? What was Mr. Obama’s relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Fr. Michael Fleger? How can Barack Obama claim to barely know unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers, when Mr. Ayers held Mr. Obama’s kickoff event in his house and when documents released just two weeks ago show that Mr. Ayers put Mr. Obama in charge of distributing over $50 million to influence children?

These are all questions that are in the mainstream media, showing that these questions are on the minds of millions of voters. A townhall is where questions of that nature come up, but Mr. Brokaw maintained a rigid control structure that kept such questions out.

Last week’s debate was boring. These questions will make your debate one worth watching. We’re counting on you, Mr. Schieffer. Give the voters a reason to tune in.