The two major party presidential nominees and independent presidential candidate Ross Perot participated in the third and final 1992 presidential candidates debate. During the first half of the debate, the three men responded to questions from moderator Jim Lehrer, with time allowed for responses to each others' remarks. During the second half of the debate, the candidates responded to questions from a panel of reporters, with their response time strictly limited. The candidates stood at separate podia before a live audience in the debate hall, and greeted their families on the stage following the debate. The debate was marked by sharp exchanges between the candidates on the issues of economic proposals and presidential character. Gov. Clinton defended his state’s economic record against attacks from the president, and stressed the need for change in America. President Bush repeatedly spoke on Gov. Clinton’s “pattern” of failing to take a firm stand on issues, and responded sharply to his opponents' statements to the effect that the Bush administration aided the military buildup of Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Mr. Perot spoke on his business experience and the necessity for solving America’s economic problems first.