CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa

debate at Kubasaki High School here on Wednesday, in front of hundreds of students, featured a clash between the presidential nominees — or at least their ideas and ideologies.

At only 17, the two high school seniors have more than a decade to go before they could qualify for the real job in the White House, but in the oratory contest at Kubasaki, David Mosley and Vincent Smith sparred over health care, the U.S. economic crisis and global warming.

Mosley represented Republican nominee Sen. John McCain, and Smith represented Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama.

The exercise was part of a national program that links the presidential election year to the school’s government curriculum and current events.

The real test of their skills and campaign comes Tuesday, when more than 600 Kubasaki High School students will cast their votes — five days before the official Election Day for registered voters.

Senior Shay Lazenby, 17, said listening to her classmates argue their plans for change raised her level of awareness of the country’s domestic problems.

"I didn’t realize how many issues we had. Being over here [on Okinawa] you feel more out of touch about energy and the economy," she said.

"Even though we can’t really vote, it’s like having our own election."

And this debate wasn’t taken lightly. Each candidate has a campaign team staffed with a campaign manager, election coordinator, speechwriters and a publicity team that posted fliers and passed out buttons.

Unlike the real debates, Mosley and Smith received the questions ahead of time.

Still, there were hours of researching the presidential candidates’ positions on issues, watching the real debates and studying the presidential candidates to craft and correctly capture their mannerisms and message.

Not to mention classroom assignments, homework and tests related to the campaign.

"It was stressful," said Smith of his preparation as Obama. "But I actually learned a lot. The issues we covered, I learned how it would affect me."

Down to McCain’s cupped hand wave and steely smile, and Obama’s steady monotone and hesitation before responses, the mock candidates nailed the presidential nominees’ posture, phrases and policies — at least according to their peers.

Mosley said that, as McCain, he would cut the country’s foreign oil dependency, provide affordable health care and lower corporate taxes.

"I want cheaper health care … I want to keep the country stable and sound … I want to keep business in America. I’m John McCain, and I should be your next president," Mosley said as he wrapped up his final comments. He’d even splashed baby powder over his full head of brown hair to try to mirror McCain’s thinning white hair.

Smith championed abandoning the "same failed Bush policies" and called for a removal of troops from Iraq, and an emphasis on early care and education for infants.

"They were very professional and exact, and really took it seriously," said senior Melissa Mesa, 18, who watched the debate in the school’s auditorium.

Mesa said she related more to Mosley’s portrayal, as she plans to vote for McCain next month in her first election.

U.S. polls and media reports have predicted a surge in voter turnout this election, particularly among young voters.

According to a Reuters report, more than half of the 44 million eligible voters age 18 to 29 are expected to vote Nov. 4.

"I wasn’t interested in politics until I started watching the debates and because of [my] U.S. government class," Mesa said. "I want my vote to count."

Government teacher Megan Youness, who is overseeing the mock election, said participation in the program provides a valuable, firsthand learning experience for her students to stay educated on issues and policies that will affect them directly.

"This is especially true with the economic crisis — money for college. And defense spending — job security for their parents," Youness said. "It is very interesting to hear what they have to say, as well as listen to their opinions and concerns about the future."

About 75 students from her three government classes are participating in the program. Youness handpicked the mock candidates.

A handful of Zukeran Elementary School students picked up some pointers from the upperclassmen Wednesday.

Following the debates, the youngsters quizzed Mosley and Smith on how they memorized responses and learned the candidates’ mannerisms.

The elementary school was to hold its own mock debate Friday. Fifth-grader Kaleb McNair, 10, who will play McCain, said he’s been practicing how to stiffen his shoulders like McCain. Misael Abednego, also 10 and in fifth grade, slated as Obama, said it’s all about the way the Illinois senator cocks his head to the side before he answers a question.

For Misael, the biggest issue on his debate agenda will be health care.

"It’s important for everyone to have health care," he said.

And like the true maverick, Kaleb was quick to chime in, "affordable health care. I kind of agree with him on that."