Senator McCain and Senator Obama participated in the first of three presidential debates. Jim Lehrer moderated the debate which focused on foreign policy but began by addressing the current financial crisis and proposals for a federal rescue plan for U.S. financial markets. Foreign policy questions highlighted military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, relations with Russia, efforts to combat terrorism, and other areas of U.S. interest abroad.

The debate was presented in a full-screen format provided by the network pool showing candidates as they spoke with few shots as they reacted to their opponents' remarks. Questions posed by the moderator were also summarized in the lower third of the screen.