Mmmmm!!! McCain's pushing for debates also. Sounds familiar —- a strategy that got Hillary nowhere. However, since the barrel is COMPLETELY hollow —- I guess McCain has to try something.

No to town hall meeting let us hit the campaign trail.
A Vote for Barrack Obama is a vote for Hillary Clinton because they support the same cause.
A vote for John McCain is a vote for a George Bush third terms more wars, bad economy and more country will not want to deal with our country. If you were really a true Hillary supporter that want a better America for this generation and the future generation you must vote Democratic this November. Please do yourself a good favor and vote for the Democratic nominee this coming November.
No hard feeling because Hillary has none against Barrack. We must put the Republican out of the white house.
As you can see, we are in a big recession and that will get worse with a John McCain.
I want to tell John McCain that gas tax holiday is not a solution for our energy problem and is not going to be a solution. This gas tax holiday shows that John McCain do not understand the economy. Keating 5 john McCain took money from the Keating five for political favor.

And we care what mcbush wants WHY?!!

Hey Billy from FL, Who is the nominee??? Hillary or Obama
Even after the 3 on 1 ABC debate fiasco that the Clintons called in as a favor.
OBAMA '08 '12

McCain wouldn't even have a townhall debate with Ron Paul.

I think Im voting for McCain.
Did he say he was vetoing a beer bill or Bill's beer?

I feel thirsty.

OBAMA CAN'T DEBATE, WE HAVE ALL SEEN THIS. MCCAIN WILL WIPE THE FLOORS WITH THIS CLOWN AND BARRY KNOWS IT AND SO DOES HIS BIG TIME STAFF.
BOO HOO, YOU ARE GOING DOWN NOBAMA!
MCCAIN08

Read "Caption Smash " ( THIS

IS THE MUST READ BLOG .) Located 12 down from top of this blog.

I thought McCain said he was wiser than Obama?

Not very wise for the ONLY two presidential candidates to travel in the same plane. Flying is SAFE, but not that safe.

Go McCain 08. Open up our drilling here in U.S. Obama wants them to pay and yes it WILL trickle down to the PEOPLE!!!!! If Obama gets in I will be paying $20.00a gallon for gas. Are people dumb thinking that what he wants to do will work. MCCAIN/HUCKABEE 08

Hey John, I did not know that you are the great debater or is Joe going to be with you to interpret what Barack is saying.

Enough of Obama's rhetoric. He might be good whipping up a crowd — but let's see what kind of substance he's got in a conversation on the issues. Not much I bet.

For all you Obama groupies, do any of you ever look or read beyond his nice speeches or rethoric?

His economic plans call for raising income taxes, raising corporate taxes, and raising capital gains taxes, while at the same time extending unemployment benefits, so if you work hard, and make more money, you pay higher taxes, if you use your money to invest in the economy by buying stocks or sell your home, you pay more taxes, and if you want to open your own business, you pay more taxes.

But at the same time, if you sit at home and don't work, you will get extended benefits. Guess where the money for that will come from, the pocket of the person working hard and paying extra taxes.

is this what we want for our country? Really?

The PAST and the FUTURE side by side–a no-brainer.

I think you Obamabots severely underestimate John McCain. However, who knows if we will find out b/c Obama is a coward and won't debate. Actually, I think he is actually to timid to even go into a small town and ask for a vote. He has pissed too many people off.

I also think that it is disgusting that it is disgusting how this network is so biased. It's not an issue if Obama says his uncle freed the Jews or if there are 57 states. However, CNN keeps posting stories about John McCain every time he misspeaks. I wonder how many times a day the reporters on this station misspeak? I wonder how many of them are being labeled senile?

I only watch Lou Dobbs on this channel now… Sorry, Anderson, got a little sick of you and your "Boo", the so called "uncommitted" superdelegate Donna Brazille.

Oh, and tell Navarette, Latinos won't vote for Obama either. I think they are all sick of the blacks whining about Latinos taking their jobs.

Black people need to face the facts. Life is hard for everyone…

A civil discusion / debate on the major issues between Obama and McCain is just what we need. Let's hope they can pull it off. I don't see why Obama's staff is putting this off - no good reason for it. Obama will do just fine. Now that we have another Barry and John running, it's time to do this right and set a precedent for future elections.

I would love to hear one of these meetings. McCain can only read a speech and not very well at that either (beer or bill). McCain has a bad temper when pressed. I can see McCain now screaming vulgar words at Obama in some townhall meeting held in the church basement.

Why is McCain pushing so hard and loud for these town hall debates? Is it because he wants Obama's crowd-drawing brilliance or is it because McCain wants the world to see they are twins as McCain stands before his new slogan he took from Obama, 'A leader we can believe in' next to Obama's 'Chane we can believe in' with McCain's stolen Obama background colors. Sure, have the town halls, show America the 'true' leader, Barack Obama!

40 Years ago or even today the Nixon /Kennedy debates make for LOL 's so be ready for LOL's this will be happening all over again !!!

This round will be Obams /McCain more like a Kennedy /McShame with Old Timers !!!!

Can't wait just thinking of it want to laugh.

No one is interested in John McCain's town hall meetings.

Also, what is the purpose of a gas tax holiday, if you have no money to buy gas.

Can he come up with something better. Oh, don't mention rebate; if you owe IRS, you want see a dime (penalize the working people that owe a few dollars in taxes).

the last time Clinton asked obama for a debate he said he didn't have time as it took a couple of weeks to prepare for it and he was busy campaigning . McCain is asking for an open debate with no preset questions he can study on just honest answers as to what he not the people who control him will do on a specific topic of the asker's choice we all seen what happened in the ABC debate when his answers were questioned he fell apart and would not grant an interview for ten days let alone accept an offer to debate so if i was mccain i wouldn't hold my breath waiting for an answer

I hope he gets what he wants, because Obama will crush him on every issue!!

Obama '08

He declined several of Hillary's offers in various states Is he really going to decline the call of debates in a general election. Mc Cain would trounce him in a debate- Look how well he did in debates when he followed Hillarys lead he didnt even know the name of the future president of Russia and yes we all remember the pennsylvania debate. Get over obamatons you have an idol not a president.

Mc Cain/ Palin 2008.

-CINDY:

Your right.. McCain is better lookin too !

He wants to veto every beer bill cos his wife is the distributor of beer and by vetoing any beer bills that limit its distribution he will definitely make the millions. Just this time its not Oil (bush) its beer (Mccain)

Ahhhh… How sad it will be when McCane won't be able to tell the difference between what made his wife rich (beer, DUH) and bills he is already dreaming about vetoing.

His desire to veto bills shows he is an egomanic. Why would you even make that threat now, if you keep saying that you want to work with everyone?

McCane is a simple man at heart. He keeps showing his true face, five minutes after he shows the face his campaign staff tell him to show.

McCane is no match for Obama.

The fact of the matter is, McCain is pushing for the town hall meetings, not only because he's broke, but because he can never hope to draw the crowds that Obama does. I personally think it's a good idea for them to do this regardless of McCain's reasons.

I don't have a yacht. But i also don't hate those who do. It's so paradoxical; the more liberal posts I read, the more hate I see. Obama says that we should not hate; that all we really have to hate is hate itself. Yet, it seems that Obama's supporters are a hateful, vitriolic, ageist bunch who hate everyone who has more than them, who is successful, who is profitable, etc. I've been insurance-less, jobless, and almost homeless. I support my family of five on one income — barely. We drive old Fords and live in a tiny house, the mortgage for which is some 50% of my income. Yet, I do not hate.

Why do Obama supporters hate so much?

Smart people know Obama will be our next President.

Nothing will change this. Crying, complaining, whining, and throwing temper tantrums won't change it. Racists and bitter old hags won't change it.

Obama will be our next President. Period. Get used to it.

OBAMA '08

Lookin' for a free ride on the real Straight Talk Express, hey Grumpy McSham? A little free airtime? The wheels have fallen off and your bearings are looser than ever. You couldn't shoot straight if your life depended on it. Chameleons aren't known for their best shots. Get your sidekick Lieberman to stick his hand up your back to keep your mouth moving.

McCain should be the last to call for debates given his track
record as a cantankerous and boastful debater he showed
himself to be early this year.

I think that Obama would do well to take McCain up on this challenge. He's a far better speaker and resonates well with people, and frankly, he's not very good at sound bites anyway.

Get them both in the room, talking, and he'll have the platform to show that even when he's at odds with Republicans, he can be friendly and cooperative. That's what he needs to demonstrate, because that's what voters want in November: a uniting leader to heal the divisions of the Bush legacy.

Obama doesn't do so well without his teleprompter, boo-hoo.

Obama told McCain he will after his Economics tour… did he forget

GO OBAMA! Anyone who questions his “vetting” for President of the United States is “tangentially inconsequential.” Furthermore, everyone understands that voting “present” 130 times in the IL Senate is “trivial” compared to his having to sit in that church for 20 years just to advance his political career. He was not born to a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas to end up earning the “infinitesimally” tiny salary of $14K a year as a community organizer. Nor did he attend Harvard so that he could steel a measly couple of thousand votes during his run for the IL Senate. NO! His vision has always been higher than that.

For those who make comments like, Obama would rather "preach" than do a town-hall-style debate:

Try

"Shi'a, oh…I mean Sunni"

or "I will veto every beer!"

McCain will get slammed!!!!!

this whole oil and gas thing rising…maybe somebody should investigate market manipulation…has NOTHING to do with POLITICS STRAIGHT old unethical BUSINESS if you ask me…people get greedy…and want more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

we need to stop driving our gas tanks….and make it hurt to wall street….

McCain can't afford a real campaign. I think Obama should agree to maybe 4 "town-hall" style debates. Either way, I just can't wait to see Obama spark McCain's rage. It'll guarantee him the WWF vote, but he's already got that.

McCain, I guess this is the only way you can get millions of people to watch you because you are one boring, noting new old Republican, you even wanted to switch parties at one time. Man, you are so out of touch it is unreal. Frist you stated that the economy was good, then you stated you do not know much about the economy———-why are you even in this contest……get out and go retire…..

Does the GOP realize that a new brand of politics is being fought in this campaign? Democrats have chosen to allow themselves to evolve into something new, which is perhaps what angers so many Clinton supporters. Hillary represented everything that has not worked very well for Democrats since the Carter years.

Thanks to Bush, "fear and smear" will be a losing argument for at least a generation. I wonder if the GOP can see that. It could be too late to change and adapt though. The change would need to be a bit more dramatic than what McCain has brought to the table so far.

The more debates and meetings the better. Perhaps then people will start discussing the issues and stop the dumb remarks about Obama's ears or Hillary's thighs or McCain's smile. And you can only go so far with "McCain is just another Bush." Well, Obama is "just another Nancy Pelosi or Maxine Waters." Tell me you'll allow drilling for oil offshore and in ANWR, tell me you'll support more nuclear plants and refineries, and you'll get my vote. Tell me you'll raise taxes and raise prices with foolish carbon offset legislation and you won't get my vote. I don't care about your ears, thighs, or smiles.

I can't wait….

Yeah…

For those who think that Hillary won any debates… where is Hillary now?

So much for thinking Obama is weak on debates! They did Hillary a lot of good……………………… then her and Bill turned on the media!

Obama… let McBush beg for debates! If you noticed - McBush stopped counting the days since Obama has visited Iraq after Obama called him out on the carpet about McBush not visiting cities in America!

just a note to all talking about "57 state". There were 57 PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES!….

This is lame. Get to the real issues!

ditto heads are amusing. After the election, I am going to start a petition to have President Obama placed them on endangered species list along with their fat, bigot leader. Do you honestly think that any of these blog sites are seen by more than a fraction of one percent of the electorate? Do you think you are influencing the election by pretending to be outraged Hillary supporters or overbearing Obama supporters? Anyone that cares enough to come on these blogs already knows who they are voting for in November.

It's so silly to think that, play all these cloak-and-dagger games will influence anything.

Your brainless leader asked you to keep McCain from the nomination and you failed. Then, he wanted you to influence the Dems race to help Hillary (whom you perceived as the weaker candidate) win. How did that turn out for you? So, now you're trying to drive a wedge between Hillary and Obama supporters. Well, here's a news flash: the vast majority of people that voted for either candidate dont take politics that seriously, dont come on news sites, and will vote the party line in Nov.

I struggle to understand why so many Obama supporters are angry about the idea of this. For a bunch of people who claim to be voting for the candidate of change, you seem to be dead set on going through same name calling, nation polarizing election process as we have previously put up with. I hope McCain and Obama find a way to agree to something like this. It would be refreshing.

Change '08

why not debate on national tv with all the bells and whistles. with your experience you will make the young wipper snapper look like a fool…………………………………………NOT……………………………….

Does McBush know anything else besides debates and war story. Why is it he wants to debate so bad, All he can say is “Just the two of us, in direct conversation with voters'. What about gas prices, mortgages, food cost, war in Iraq and of course affordable living? does he realize that we are tired of his useless tactics regarding a debate, we want SOLUTIONS for this messed up economy by the Bush administration.

Obama keep staying with our everyday issues, McCain is out of touch with the voters concerns of today.

Obama 08

You bet he wants these debates. He wants to make sure that there are enough people attending. Without Obama there would not be many … In other words, let's benefit by your opponent !

Do I really have to listen to McCains rambling and look at that goofy grin. No, NO, NO!

McCain can't foot the bill. Don't get mad at Obama for having the funds to run the campaign he wants. And you expect McCain to properly balance this countries check book? I don't think so. Order from the senior menu, that'll save some money.

obama is just a good preacher…i agree…..go mcCain

Obama does not do well in a question and answer scenerio. I think it as a great idea. We need to know about him. I never was one to buy a pig in a poke. The young people who support Obama are reckless and are the reason car insurance is so high. A parent pays threw the nose for insurance until they or their children are 24 years of age. Anyone wonder why that is?

To the guy/lady who claims he/she has not heard one policy statement from Obama; you've either selected not to hear Obama's policy ideas, or you're deaf.

If you have not read about them, you might need to see an occulist (Eye Dr.) or even be illiterate. If you spell as poorly as to consider yourself a "DEMOCRATE" you have major problems.

Final thought: This is the best of life & living in the U.S. - you're entitled to your fair share of the Right to Speak Freely or to abuse the freedom so to do.

Obama does not need a lot of advise - he is doing just fine.

NEXT?

hmmmm . . . I wrote a lenghty and objective post and it was listed as "being moderated" and now it's gone . . . CNN bias, no doubt . . .

Bush and Cheney = War Criminals

A vote for McCain = The same

Just go to Showtime on demand and see/ or rent: Home Of The Brave, Three soldiers returning home to Spokane, Washington from the Iraq War find the adjustment back to normal life anything but smooth.

The real victims here are the families and soldiers left to deal with the scars of WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bring my brother home!!!!!!! I Support the troops, not the cause!

straight from Hillaryclinton.com

HILLARY WE ARE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY…
BUT WE WILL NOT VOTE BO…

by Vel at 6/7/2008 12:33:04 PM

[Login or Create Account to Reply]
Hillary……………………………………
We support you FOREVER!!!

BUT we will NEVER support BO!!! He doesn't deserve it! He stole it!!! NEVER means NEVER!!!

Also, we will FOREVER remember what BO, his nasty supporters, MSM, & the UNdemocratic DNC did in this election.

McCain 08!!!

Hillary 2012!!!

by People at 6/7/2008 1:33:08 PM

I love it! McCain has this wrapped up
welcome former hillary supporters! together we will rid the US of abortion and homosexual marriage before our family structure crumbles!

So you say we should pull all troops from Iraq . When did we pull all troops from Germany. we still have troops in Germany .That helped to let them get moving on the tasks they needed to work on.

The problem with what Obama wants is that all that we would have accomplished in Iraq will be lost to criminals and terrorists. Just look at Afghanistan. We freed them from the USSR and just left. the next thing to happen was the taliban came to town.Why do you think that we are their .

McCain is a prohibitionist. I will defend my Guinness at all costs.

Dem '08

Oh that trickey McCain and RNC! The McCain campaign has taken many notes from Hillary's campaign. Remember back in April when Hillary was challenging Obama to one debate per week in the effort to get free media time and keep Obama from active personal campaigning? Same with McCain .

He doesn't have any cash for his campaign!!!! He wants as much free press as possible ….. Please! Gave it up!!!

Obama should NOT debate McCane. It would be cruel and unusual because McCane would be unarmed in the match of wits.

That is pretty lame that McCain is pretty much begging for Obama to agree to these town hall meetings - just because McCain can't afford to travel and campaign by himself. McCain is looking desperate.

I can't wait for John McCain to whip Obama's butt.

McCain said beer and you say that is an issue .

Obama said that we have 57 states is that an issue?

Democrats…I'm writing for us specifically. McCain has had months to organize his campaign. We're just getting started. Obama does not need to cave in to pressure from McCain about these town hall meetings immediately. We have business to take care of that is much more immediate…like reuniting the Democratic party and organizing our general election campaign. Don't be too distracted by McCain…who is trying to distract us. There will be a time for debates, but that time is not right now.

Sounds like McCain just wants Obama to pay for his campaign too.

This guy is a joke. The worst communicator. How can he lead our nation and rebuild our posture around the world with weak communications skills. There will be more slips of the tongue. McCain really needs to back off the challenge to Obama about town hall meetings. The voters may be asking the questions, but McCain will struggle with being agile on his toes.

Whew!! You sure are dodging the bullet on this (umm.. well… ummm) one. Thank the good lord (and your reverends) you don't have to stand toe to toe with Hillary anymore! There must be a God out there protecting ya!

I think there might be some problems if you send both presumptive nominees of the two biggest parties in the same plane with each other - God forbid somehting happens - and voila we have a Green Party president or Bob Barr…Hmmm…a black woman and a white man - whichever way you shake this - this is gonna be a year of change!

You don't call the shots. You haven't a chance in Nov. Buh-bye.

nobody wants to see mccain and nobody can stump like obama, so this strategy allows him to get the numbers to come out and prevents obama from doing his usual stumping routine

Emma, what's this about not needing "white folks" to decide about Obama's vice president? He appointed his own committee, and they are serving at the pleasure of a man who is 1/2 black. That ought to make you happy. He was voted for by millions of white people. Do you think he didn't need their votes? He couldn't have done it without any of us. You would do well to remember that. It's unfortunate that people feel the need to make statements like that. Regardless of the skin color of the person speaking, racism is wrong.

I'm kinda surprised that McCain is pushing this. Obama and McCain standing side by side will highlight their age differences, much like the Nixon/Kennedy televised debate did, 40 years ago. I guess maybe his intention is to show a stately father to immature son contrast? Or grandpa to grandson?

It certainly didn't work for Nixon. But, whatever floats his boat.

ask him to spell it.

You know it is pretty weak to keep talking to McCain as if he is President Bush. Each candidate should run on their own merits. Oh by the way has Obama said anything with any real substance?? All I heard is "we have to change" OK I'll bite what is he going to really do? So he talks well. What has he done in is past to show that he can back it up. By the way McCain does not automatically get my vote either, but one thing for sure it will not be Obama.

Only if Obama gets a teleprompter because without one he sounds like a big dolt.

"Uh, um, games, you know, I um, ah"

Obama/Carter '08

Headlines after the 1st debate:

"OBAMA MOPS FLOOR WITH MCCAIN"

"MCCAIN APPEARS DUMBFOUNDED DURING DEBATE"

"MCCAIN GOES DOWN IN FIRST ROUND OF DEBATE WITH OBAMA'

MCCAIN CAN'T COMPETE IN FIRST DEBATE WITH OBAMA'

McCain the ultimate baboon! Bush & McCain policies no more…..UNLESS he vetos beer!

Obama will never agree, he knows his lies are all neat on paper, but he forgets which country hes for when debating. poor man !!!!!!

Cheney wants McCain for President. Cheney LOVES baby Bush's tax cuts.

Let's make Cheney rich with OUR MONEY.

Vote for McCain is a Vote for Cheney.

Wake up!!!

Interesting questions asked by Captain Smash - would like to know the answers also.

Marc,
McSame will forget he made this agreement like he was caught on video saying the media was bias to Hillary and then denied it.

"Its the Economy, Stupid"

Obama 08

It's amazing how the two of them can agree to act mature and treat each other in a civilized way, but Obama's supporters on these blogs cannot. You all truly amaze me at the lengths you will go to belittle and ridicule those running for office and anyone, in general, who does not agree with you.
Mature and civilized are definitely not the first words that come to mind when I see your remarks. It's not wonder our society is in the shape that it is in. When I read the rotten things a lot of you say, it all makes sense how dozens of people can walk by a person hit by a car and not render aid…makes me sad to live in a country with such mean-spirited people. I'm a Republican, but I can appreciate what Mrs. Obama has said…America really is a mean country!

@ Marc,
A few weeks ago, on public TV, Obama challenged McCain (and Bush) to a debate on Iraq and foreign policy. They never accepted the challenge. cluck cluck cluck

Halliburton, Cheney's sweet love child, is ROBBING the American people.

Halliburton for McCain

Just ignore the "new" little man behind the curtain kids.He wants to scare you but he will be out of your dreams in november.

Anyone who believes McCain is centered and not far right is being fooled. He's not even close to Hillary on the issues who is centered. If some Hillary supporters vote for McCain then I hope you've got a great job with good pay otherwise good luck making it to 2013. You're going to need it.

MCMOULD REALLY GOOD AT TALKING TO THE CLOUDS.

HE CAN JUST STEP IT UP A NOTCH & START DEBATING

WITH THEM.

nick said ….."HE WONT DO THAT INSTEAD HE JUST REPEATS THE SAME THING OVER AGAIN"

i have a relative who is an alcoholic and he also repeats everything…

If there is no teleprompt, Nobama is in serious trouble. Unless, of course, he just chants change, change, change….Hopefully if his asthma attacks he won't need his 'breathalyzer' or 'inhalator'…..I'm sure everyone already knows about that gaffe without his prompter…..I don't know who is OLD enough to remember, but we really can't stand Carter's second term.

Obama/Carter 08

I want to see town hall debates and other debates as well. The majority of the debates could be town hall style, but traditional debates as well. Not only should the candidates be able to talk directly to U.S citizens but they are going to have to deal with the press and questions from the press when they are president. I want to be able to just them in that setting as well. All debates should be aired on all of the networks. There should be a panel of moderators from one or two from each network: Fox News Channel, CNN, NBC, CBS News, MSNBC, ABC News, and PBS. I believe to capture the voice of young people their should be a town hall debate with college students on MTV as well. Also, a traditional debate combined with video questions from viewers as well as internet questions from viewers. Also, a debate set up like a press conference. McCain and Obama have to answer the questions from a room full of reporters.

NICK, THAT'S THE POINT……….. WE NEED A NEW FRESH START… NOT AN OLD MAN WITH OLD IDEOLOGIES AND A BAD TEMPER….

Go get him McCain!!!

From a democrat that will be voting for McCain in November…..amoung millions of others….we will probably be known as the McCain democrats…or PUMA DEMOCRATS

NONAME will NEVER accept Townhall meeting with Senator McCain, he is a TELEPROMPTER READER. As long as there's a script, NONAME is excellent. McCain is very good with Townhall meetings, he talks from his heart, based on experience as US Senator for a number of years. NONAME was only 5 months US Senator and start running for President. He devoted his time while US Senator travelling all over the US promoting two books he wrote.

Just like those friendly fireside chats where we were told there wouldnt be any new taxes,two chickens in every pot and enough gas in every car to go to the moon and back.How quaint and loving.

I'm all for it.

It will be extremely compelling. Be careful what you wish for Mr. "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran". Prepare for surgical dissection.

A moderator is needed for McFlip-flopper who will ask direct questions where he is forced to give a valid answer not Republican talking points…With no moderator the candidate can easily ignore the question he chooses not to answer or attack the questioneer by name calling (liberal, tax & spend) personal attacks. With a moderator each candidate would be forced to answer the question or have to deal with the same question in each debate until he answers the question.

Sorry, but if you want your rights and money to go to Iraq. Vote for McCheney.

Name the new permanent base in Iraq after John McWar.

Make Cheney even richer. Go Haliburton 100 more years!!!

Love your country, then don't make a McStake!

Obama!

The most obvious thing I see reading the responses is that the democrats responding are in large part quite demeaning and nasty. I don't think that is much of a formula for success.

I don't particularly care for Sen. McCain's politics, but I do admire his commitment to the US through his life and good character. He is not a real conservative, so I worry he will be another Bush, whom I also have not cared for as a President.

Sen. McCain asks: "Let’s stop yelling at each other and let’s stop having sound bites and process questions and those things. The American people want a respectful and civilized discussion.”

So please show a little respect and be civilized, our society has tolerated for far to long the nasty vitriolic behavior of a few but vocal group on all sides.

This will help McCain, just in case he gets a "heart attack" in the process. There will be plenty of people to help him to the ER room in time. Think of all the Obama folks who will be there, and are very sympathetic!

So, for health reasons, Obama should probably accept only 1-2 of these to helo MCain out! Otherwise, I see no use for such a process.

Given that these guys generall get "older very fast" when they are in office, who would want to get MCain to the Oval Office and risk the prospect of an aging president!

Any political junkie knows that the only reason McBush wants those town hall meetings is to get in the air with Obama for free. He sure as hell does not have the money to fight Obama in all those swing states…and McBush's team also think that this these kind of debates are to his advantage since Obama is not that great of a debater. None the less I hope Obama agrees to those debate , just the idea of seeing this young vibrant guy dueling it out with this old tired senille man will be a great positive and advantage for Obama.

My friends, who is yelling, except an old man at the clouds?

hey nick you want evidence that mccain is bush third term go look at his voting record he never opposed anything of bush only supported him the only thing mccain is gonna do better than bush is run this country futher in the ground MCCAIN IS A JOKE AND HE IS BUSH 3RD TERM MY FRIEND!!!!!!!!! NO MCAIN NOT NOW NOT EVER!!!!!!!!!!

McBush, The only place you should be going is the dementia ward.

Careful what you ask for Grandpa

The $3 dollar bill is restless. He should indeed. The $3 says a lot about country security and blah, blah, blah. Is US safer today than say 10 years ago? Well, you all have the answer. Is the peaple better off today than 10 years ago? Well, you have the answer… The $3 doesnt have a single idea after all those years in Washington. And come with summer gas tax break? Gives us a break will you?

As for the real issues that need to be debated, economics, economics, war, war. Neither candidate should go for style points.

McCain just might get burned by the young senator because I would have to give the nod to Barack on eloquence.

Obama just might get burned by the senior senator because I would give the nod to John on a "slugfest" argument.

;nick' , your comments make you look just like the word that rhymes with your name and starts with 'D'. First you make a strange unfounded comment about what Obama will do as president and then you turn around and question or ask for proof McOld is a Bush 3rd term. You can't spew out nonsense about Obama that is totally non-factual, and then say that what Obama says is not factual. Hippo-crite u r. (yes, I spelled it wrong on purpose)

Republicans for Obama! (able to see through the years of lies and fear mongering)

HURRY UP OBAMA AND MEET WITH JOHN MCCAIN BEFORE HE FORGETS WHAT HE WANTS TO TELL YOU. MCCAIN IS ALREADY ACTING LIKE PRESIDENT, HE SAID HE WILL VETO EVERY SINGLE BEER, THAT'S RIGHT, HE WILL VETO EVERY SINGLE BEER. HE'S SERIOUS ABOUT EVEN PUTTING CINDY, HIS WIFE, OUT OF BUSINESS.

Well, lets just cut to the chase and have a good ole Zell Miller style duel.They could have it at night, wearing night vision goggles for extra excitement.

Looks like John McCain is having trouble attracting the under 90 crowd to his events.

Live…Friday Night, June 27th
At the Johnson High School Auditorium…right next to Piggly Wiggly
The GOP proudy presents…
John McCain
with special guest…Barack Obama!

Get your tickets NOW!

Hope the first debate is in Milwaukee. That way Senator McCain can explain why he would veto beer, along with any legislation to tax the oil companies' obscene profits.

Marc–you are dumb! Why would Obama fear debating DG McSane in a townhall meeting? He is the best orator alive and McSane is a bumbling idiot who cannot even stay focused on tying his shoes. You are a Rethuglican and fear McSane getting THUMPED by the BAM; you will be crying in the corner as McSane get THUMPED and backed into dirty corners that he will not be able to fight his way our of with the intelligence and savvy of BAM BAM! Rubbish and Hogwash is the best that you can offer. You will be rocking in a corner and sucking your thumb when your boy get his shirt handed to him. Another thing–don't tell people that you are form VA, either–you make us look bad!

oh right your'e going down

I think the debates would be good for voters. It remains to be seen which candidate would benefit the most, be it exposure or format.

I think McCain should back away from the longer format because that will favor Obama. That gives Barack the chance to orate.

Obama should back away from the longer schedule. That gives John the free public exposure he needs with his smaller budget.

Republicans Block Extra Taxes On Oil Companies

YES….THEY……CAN !!!! (continue to look out for big business while shafting you)

Any vote for any republican is just beyond me….

time after time….. they show you who they are…. when they do…

PLEASE BELIEVE THEM!!!!

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans blocked a proposal Tuesday to tax the windfall profits of the largest oil companies, despite pleas by Democratic leaders to use the measure to address America's anger over $4 a gallon gasoline.

Why does he act like he is GOD. Obama has been thinking he is so untouchable! UGGG

I think it would be a sad day in history for McCain. He should really be careful what he asks for. It would be like a walk in the park for Sen. Obama.

well I see these republican trolls are at it today still trying to stir up division in the democratic party sad the only way they win elections is on lies and trickery not on facts on issues. Very sad that the Christian front aligns themselves with the party that is pro war and pro propaganda

No Marc in VA - guess again. McCain is desperate because he can't debate. He has to rely on townhalls because that is the only way he can face Obama without looking bad.

Besides Obama is not obligated to do anything on McCain's terms….let alone do anything to help McCain.

I agree with this idea, but there is danger for both candidates. We don't need voters asking pointless questions (about flag lapel pins, questions about their wives, questions about Hagee or Wright, etc.). When you leave the questions to ordinary citizens, you run the risk of the content of the debate veering off into meaningless distractions. We don't need to waste time on that.

Let's do the town hall debates, but let facilitators filter the questions from the audience. Then again, both sides would cry foul if they felt their candidate's questions were unfair.

As a 47 year old life long Republican I can't for the life of me figure out why people would support John MCain. I lost all respect for the man after seeing him pandering to groups all over the country. I look at him and I see my grandfather's generation which I sometimes think it might have been fun to live back then but I don't think we want that past world guiding our country at this time. I think as each word-twisting, fear mongering, hate filled garbage comes out of the Republicans, it drives me closer to Obama. I've never in my life given a dime to a politican but I have donated to the Obama campaign 3 times now. Like I said, I don't follow why people think now is the time for the status quo or voting in a bizzaro 3rd Bush term who drives me insane every time he says 'My friends'.. and he says that a lot.

Obama, afraid of McCain? The very idea is laughable. I hope they do conduct town hall debates because I know McCain will fail miserably against Obama, and he will be the victim of his own dirty game.

The McCain campaign understands that McCain cannot outspeak Barack, so they want McCain to dictate how to speak to people. it seems like he is more comfortable talking to 5 or 10 people at a time, than 40,000. That speach he gave on the night Obama clinched the nomination was worse than a 5th grader reciting lines in a school play. The only thing their campaign did right was hide the strings they were using to control him. By August, it should be very clear that McCain isn't up to this President gig. i respect his service to our great nation, both on and off the battlefield, but he's not built for the President's postion. No disrespect.

I like this idea of McCains and also the idea of Obama going to Iraq. Not that he has won the nomination there is no reason for Obama to take a trip over there to see whats going on before the general.

He should not want a bigger audience to look foolish in front of! McCain knows nothing about anything eccept war!

McCain better not do this. I feel Obama is going to make him look like a clown in these town meetings. After the first town meeting watch polls favor Obama. But then its too late. McCain would have already agreed to 20 thinking he had the upper hand.

Mr. McFool doesn't have a chance on the town hall meetings! Even when these republicans set up Obama with some of their flukies to ask some off cue questions, Obama will not falter! If McFool wants town hall meetings instead of large scale meetings then maybe he should run for mayor of a small town in Arizona! LOL Go home buddy and save yourself from destroying your career. Truthfully, I think you have made a fool of yourself already, go ask Joe Liberman!!! LOL

OBAMA 08 & 12

McCain keeps pushing for these town hall meetings with Obama, and in time, they will occur. But McCain should be cautious because it may well be that he becomes the student rather than the teacher.

Experience means absolutely nothing in this election, both candidates come from different walks of experience. I.E. Washington or State Level. There is no experience preparation for the US Presidency.

In regards to questions, I just have one for McCain. WHAT IS VICTORY IN IRAQ???? I don't think anyone has a clue.

I don't know about everyone else, but for myself, I'm not ready to sit thru any more debates of "JUST WORDS", from ither canidate…..Roll your shirt sleeves up, and get to work; and solve some of these problems; while" we can"………….I for one, don't want to hear just idle speeches, anymore………………………..Do something!

He's broke, people. He needs Senator Obama's help to pay for his campaign. Do not be fooled. He is the enemy, and according to Bush, and McCain, Senator Obama should not converse with the enemy. Why would he be asking the Enemy to fly with him. I do not trust him.

Stop calling McCain an "old man". He is wiser than Obama, older maybe, but definetely wiser and smarter. He will do just fine in Town Hall Debates - after all he is the one calling for them. Obama wants a controlled in the bag interview with the media on his side - you know, just like in the Primary. He is "afraid" of the public and their questions. He cannot have any pre-planned answers or for that matter "Hillary to answer first" any more. Obama is a follower not a leader. He needs to vet himself entirely to the public. So come on Mr. Obama - lets see what you are "really" made of.

Sen. McCain:

Before inviting Barack Obama to any town hall debates, how about waiting until AFTER the conventions so that you're both OFFICIALLY the Democratic and the Republican presidential nominees. Right now, you're both ONLY presumptives. let's make it official before the debates begin. By then, we should know who your running mates are and these town hall meetings can be planned a little better. Besides, it's almost summer time and it's been a very long running season. Give us all a break and let's all have a nice summer and we'll see you all in the Fall.

CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE MCMOULD AT A G8 SUMMIT?

THE ENGLISH SPEAKING NATIONS WILL NEED

AN INTERPRETER. AND AN EXTRA SEAT ON EACH SIDE

FOR PILL POPPER & JOE LIBERFOOL, TO KEEP MORON AWAKE.

Nice try Nick but no go.

Yes McCain has experience but he's for the same ways of life that Bush is for

I don't know about most people, but I don't want to go bomb Iran and possibly start WW III or spend the next 100 years in Iraq. If we live that long. WW III might kill us all first.

I also don't want the economy in the same shape it is now or the gas prices.

Sorry but I think i'm going to go with a candidate that is for change.

Its time we change and bring hope back to America. Cause we sure aren't looking to good right now and a vote for McCain would keep us at the same spot.

Obama/? 08 and 12

Let them fight while we UNITE. Save the babies. Save one man one woman.

straight from Hillaryclinton.com

HILLARY WE ARE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY…
BUT WE WILL NOT VOTE BO…

by Vel at 6/7/2008 12:33:04 PM

[Login or Create Account to Reply]
Hillary……………………………………
We support you FOREVER!!!

BUT we will NEVER support BO!!! He doesn't deserve it! He stole it!!! NEVER means NEVER!!!

Also, we will FOREVER remember what BO, his nasty supporters, MSM, & the UNdemocratic DNC did in this election.

McCain 08!!!

Hillary 2012!!!

by People at 6/7/2008 1:33:08 PM

I love it! McCain has this wrapped up
welcome former hillary supporters! together we will rid the US of abortion and homosexual marriage before our family structure crumbles!

McCain extends tax breaks to the richest Americans. They are having problems filling up their yachts!!!

How about naming our permanent bases in Iraq after John McWar?

How about making CHENEY EVEN RICHER once he gets out of the White House!!

Love your country…then don't make a McStake!

Don't waste your time, McCain. Obama will not join you in these townhalls. He is afraid.

I think the town halls are a good way to get these two together in the same room discussing the issues. People aren't really educated on these two candidates and their stance with the issues will have a chance to listen and educate themselves. You must make informed decisions when voting and I think this a good forum to hold such discussions.

MCCAIN SHOULD STOP BEING OVER CONFIDENT ABOUT TOWN HALL DEBATES. BE SURPRISED IF OBAMA BEATS HIM IN HIS OWN GAME.

I think "town hall" style debates are the way to go. I do not believe that CNN did a very good job in moderating the previous ones, this will be the way to go. They can get up close and semi-personal with actual voters.

Grandpa, the last thing you want is to be seen at the same place and time as Obama. Very bad decision. Remember last Tuesday night? You were horrible!!

Old bird is scared of 25,000 people but rather speak to 10 people. Mc Cain those many people won't swallow you if you join him on his campaign trail.

when he Obama gives a speech you can stay in the corner and he will let you know when it's your turn. If scared, stay with your town hall meeting Mc Bush.

It's a good idea but I don't think McCain wants any piece of Obama when it comes to debates. This is right down his alley. As an Obama supporter, I totally welcome it. However, I would limit the town-hall meetings to maybe 3-5 debates. 10 debates is way too much !

CNN) — Just how small were the differences between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton?

"Infinitesimal," said Barack Obama at a fundraising event in St. Lous Monday

Here's more hypocrisy considering he said there were big differences during the primaries!!

It is unlikely Obama will accept the debates. Obama will have more money and he is great at prepared speech. While he is pretty good at town hall meetings too, but why does he want to get potential traps at the town hall meetings?

While McCain DID sponsor a bill, with a huge loophole, to stop the military from torturing detainees; he then voted against a similar bill preventing the CIA from doing the same. Why he would he oppose closing the back door on his bill? He even urged Bush to veto the fix up bill.
Just check wikipedia, or Google.
In October 2005, McCain introduced the McCain Detainee Amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill for 2005. It became the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 as Title X of the Department of Defense Authorization bill. The amendment prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, by confining interrogations to the techniques in Army Field Manual 34-52, "Intelligence Interrogation".
HOWEVER, in February 2008 he voted against HR 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which included provisions that WOULD have prevented the CIA from waterboarding prisoners. (and electric shock, forced nudity, sexual stuff, and more)
"This wasn't a vote on waterboarding. This was a vote on applying the standards of the [Army] field manual to CIA personnel.
ALSO, McCain said in March 2007 that he would "immediately close Guantanamo Bay, move all the prisoners to Fort Leavenworth and truly expedite the judicial proceedings in their cases".
HOWEVER, on September 19, 2007, he voted against restoring habeas corpus to detainees.

McCain cannot draw people to his events so he wants to use Obama to get a croud and free press.

Emma June 10th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

This is something John McCain needs, not Senator Obama. Senator McCain does not have the right to decide on town hall meetings as the only forum to bring discussions to the voters.

Let's see some debates between the two nominees. I believe John McCain's temper will surely rise to the surface when he is faced with a one-on-one debate.

By the way, Senator Obama has the right to choose his own VP. Why should white folks decide for him, this remind me of the old south when white people supposedly took care of their black workers. After all, black folks could not be trusted to make the right decision. He is the nominee, not white America.

Go home you racist. Don't forget that it was white men that set the slaves free.Don't forget it was the blood of white men that painted the fields red.

You know what . I am tired of this. I am in my late 20s I have never been racist to anyone. you can call me a racist but i know that i have taken a black employee home and his family to feed them dinner when his wife lost her job.I don't see white America and black america like you. I see my family , I see my fellow Americans and we will not stand for your Bigotry

He's also pushing for a nice, cool lemonade on the front porch.

He sounds desperate for money. …. and its the only venue he thinks hes going to do well at. We know it wont be giving press conference speeches.

I think the risk is he will blow up and look crazed during one of these townhalls … Obama's no fool..

Watch out for those town hall meetings Mr. Hussien. I'm sure that us bitter, small town, uneducated, racists, typical white people may ask a few questions.

Still for Hillary! And Obamabots, I'm sure Obama will be too much of a coward to agree to actually talking to the people or visiting our troops in Iraq.

Get used to the protests, boos, and interruptions to your speeches, McCain. It is just not the news the people want to hear.

Be careful what you wish for, John!

One-on-one is not Obama's forte…he is very, very weak if he cannot speak to legions of adoring fans. This is one of the reasons he refused to debate Clinton again…she spanked him in their last debate.

McCain needs to ask Obama just one question, and one question only: WHERE IS YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND WHY ARE YOU HIDING IT? Obama's camp screamed at Hillary to produce tax returns and McCain needs to scream at BO to produce his birth certificate.

Could it be that Obama IS NOT A CITIZEN OF THE U.S. and therefore, cannot run for the presidency?

WHERE IS YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE OBAMA?

mcsame who made you the head on obama. sen obama does not have to do what you say. afterall he is a nominee just like you. so it's not what you say goes. he also should be given an opportunity to make suggestions.

I can't believe this man is actually a gigantic penguin.

Yeah, McCain, the naval avaiator who was shot down and held captive by North Vietnam. Let's also remember that Vietnamese civilians rescued McCain from drowning after he crashed and that he pretty much 'sang away' for them disclosing information and secrets to the enemy.

Obama wants to be COMMANDER IN CHEIF. Isn't it about time he visits our troops?

A vote for McCain is a vote against Hussien!

This is a good idea. I always said McCain was an OK guy. He and Obama can discuss this like men and really get the facts out. No need for the spinsters to get people all frothie. As a matter of fact, I will bring the beer just so McCain will have something to veto.

I look forward to watching these debates, if they happen. I think McCain is in for a tough sell. Obama is a very dynamic intellectual who has no problem expressing his views, hence the bestselling books. McCain is a likable guy, but put him in a prolonged 1v1 with Obama and he's going to come out for the worse.

McCain just wants to do this because he has no money and can't afford to fly anywhere solo. He can't raise any money because no one wants an old foagie like him as president who will create a third bush term. McSame should consider running for president of the AARP instead of pres of the U.S! Obama 08!

It will happen when Obama wants it to happen. McCain will be trounced over during a debate. It cracks me up that he's even calling for it. This is going to be hysterical and I'm so looking foward to it.

Go for it Obama. Show the rest of the world what McCain is really like.

We don't need old politics. And we don't need anymore Replicans in the White House. They just vetoed a bill that might have helped the gas prices out.

But no, all they care about is war and money. Not about us.

NO MCCAIN

OBAMA ALL THE WAY

YES WE CAN!!!!!

Obama couldn't function without a teleprompter rolling canned speeches of vague 'hope' and 'change'.

McCain would eat him alive.

CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE MCMOULD AT A G8 SUMMIT?

THE ENGLISH SPEAKING NATIONS WILL NEED

AN INTERPRETER. AND TWO EXTRA SETS ON BOTH

SIDES OF MCMOULD, ONE FOR HIS PILL POPPER & THE

OTHER FOR JOE LIBERFOOL, TO KEEP MORON AWAKE.

I'm pushing for town hall debates as well.

Obama can no longer hide behind CNN and MSNBC.
Obama can no longer hide from debates.
Obama can no longer hide behind a telepromter.
Obama can no longer go second behind Hillary in the debates.

Let's see how well Obama can do with the people asking the questions and not the biased media. Let's see if he can defend all the policies he stole from Hillary.

My bet is on McCain tearing Obama a new one.

veto beer!! veto beer!!! veto beer!!! VIVA Mcsame!!! NOT!!!

McCain needs a town hall because he's BROKE and it saves him money to get his face on TV.

NO MERCY, OBAMA. PLAY HARDBALL WITH THIS SENILE OLD MAN, THE MCCAIN OF 2000 IS LONG GONE.

OBAMA 08!

McCain and Obama head to head! That is going to be like Tiger Woods playing ME at a Golf tournement and I SUCK!!!!!

McCain will pop a vein the first time Obama doesn't cowtow to his bad temper tactics and condecending " My Friend" comments he uses to belittle people. The First time he calls McCain out on an issue and points out FACTS that shoe him to be either fli flopping our out and out lieing McCain will lose all composure and it will be OVER! Google Video of McCain..there are TONS of Videos out there where he can't keep his cool when people don't just roll over for him. Saw one where a woman near tears from his abuse on the floor refused to back down to him and he whined and WALKED OFF THE FLOOR!!!!

Bush was the same way. Too Many years of yes men!

If any of you readers or posters in this blog are swayed by anything an Obama, Clinton, or