BY AMANDA MARTINEZ // Money, spending and debt are matters card players at the Oaks Card Club on San Pablo Avenue must pay attention to as they play the tables. On the night of the final presidential debate some gamblers took breaks from their hands of black jack and poker to hear what Barack Obama and John McCain had to say about these issues.

“It’s too important to miss,” said Raymond, who stopped his game of Texas Hold ‘em to listen in.

With domestic policy as the focus, the economy proved the key theme of both candidates, on questions ranging from education to healthcare.

From the start of the debate moderator Bob Schieffer of CBS acknowledged the urgency of the financial crisis by asking the candidates to speak on their most recent economic rescue plans.

While watching, Raymond explains he knows first-hand how economic policy can affect individual lives. He vividly remembers what happened to him when Ronald Reagan came into office and dropped funding for pubic assistance in the ‘80s.

“When Jimmy Carter came into office I received a letter from the government saying there were services to help me, when Reagan came into office I got another letter saying there were going to take them away.”

A self- described “yellow dog Democrat,” Raymond reminisces the days of Democratic presidents John F. Kennedy and says he sees hope again with Obama’s proposed tax plan to bring Americans through the financial crisis.

Despite hard economic times for the American people, the card club is bustling on this Wednesday night and many like Raymond are still playing in hopes of winning the $56,000 jackpot.

Ken Williams who visits the club two to three times a week says although he still plays the games his bets have lowered, ranging from $3 to $4 a game. “ With gambling the odds are always against you,” he says, as he explains why he would rather put his extra money towards the rising costs of his everyday necessities like, gas, milk and eggs.

For the second time, Williams has sat down at the club bar to watch the presidential debate. “This is the future, not just mine but also my children’s,” says Williams. He explains that he has a teenage daughter and son, and wonders if he will be able to pay for their college educations. He also questions the potential for them to buy a house like he did at the age of 24.

Although Williams has already made up his mind about who he will vote for he is anxious to watch the election play out, “You don’t know what will happen when people get behind that curtain.,” he says.

And yet, for all voters, only one thing remains for sure, not having a stake in the next presidential election may be the biggest gamble of all.