Ask the majority of voters in America what the number one issues for them is and you'll hear an overwhelming answer of the economy.

"Obviously the economy's very important," said Mitt Romney supporter Rick Wilson. "Americans are very focused on it with almost laser-like precision this year."

The last two debates covered those issues. The third debate focused on an issue that usually would make or break an election. Despite foreign policy being further down the list of importance, voters still believe it's relevant.

"For me [the economy] would be the third [on the list] but it's hard for me to say because it is really important," said Barack Obama supporter Will Hackett.

Leila Hilal of the Middle East Task Force New America Foundation in Washington D.C. is an expert on Middle East Affairs and lived in Syria for almost 10 years.

She spoke to the Tallahassee Committee on Foreign Relations about the ongoing unrest in Syria and Libya and says neither candidate has a clear plan on the region.

"In part it's because we don't know what the future of the region looks like and in another part I don't think we can yet have an honest discussion about this in the election season."

Hilal added before Monday's debate that Romney and Obama have similar policies on both Libya and Syria.

The third presidential debate will be held tonight at Lynn University, in Boca Raton, Florida.

WCTV will air the presidential debate from 9pm to 11pm.

Washington, DC (AP) -- On the eve of their final presidential debate, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama -- through their allies -- have been squaring off over which candidate would best protect the nation's interests and security abroad.

Both candidates have stayed largely out of view, preparing vigorously for their Monday face-off focused on foreign policy.

Republicans accused Obama of leaking word of possible negotiations with Iran in pursuit of political gain. Democrats shot back, arguing that Romney and his party are the ones playing politics with national security.

The haggling played out on Sunday news shows at a critical time for Romney and Obama, whose marathon race has become exceedingly close as it lurches toward the November election.

Both candidates dedicated their weekend to intensive study for the debate; Obama huddled with advisers at Camp David and Romney with his team in Florida, where the debate will be held.

Romney did, however, take a break from his preparations to attend church with his wife and to watch his traveling press corps play touch football against his senior staff.

AP-WF-10-22-12 0042GMT