From left: Carlos Asilis, Manuel Santos, Christopher Cotton, and Richardo Lago

The discussion was part of the University of Miami's Decision 2008 series A Dialogue for Democracy, a calendar of events focusing on issues relating to the upcoming presidential election.

Manuel Santos, professor and James L. Knight Chair in economics, acted as moderator, and Christopher Cotton, assistant professor in economics, served as a panel member.

"The focus on the economy that the economic crisis is causing is helping Obama and hurting McCain and will now affect the campaign strategies from here on out," Cotton said. "It limits what kind of topics each candidate will focus on successfully."

Cotton also spoke about media coverage of the crisis, how it affects congressional incumbents, and the future of the American economy.

"I think the presidential candidate, who wins the election, will try to implement and push through policies that will make sure that a [financial] crisis cannot happen again," he said.

Other panel members included Carlos Asilis, a specialist in global emerging market equities and managing partner at Glovista Investments; and Richardo Lago, former senior official of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.