And what excuse will Obamabots on here give when Obama tanks at the next debate? Media bias? Brokaw is biased? The questions weren't fair? McCain was given the questions the day before so he had a night to prepare? Excuses will be coming as surely as the earth rotates. Because afterall, Obama can't make mistakes - it is always someone else's fault.

After Saddleback, Obama must be wetting his pants. he's going to be crushed.

It is apparent that there is a large amount of the American voting public that want to believe things about a candidate that are truly false. Why they consistently forward such blatant falsehoods is beyond any rational thinking. This does not mean they are wrong, it means that they don’t have the mental capacity to distinguish a lie from the truth.

I thought that Obama would go far politically when I heard him speak before the DNC in 2004. I have read both his books and am quite comfortable voting for him for President. I voted for McCain during the Primary during 2000, and to my credit, I never voted for G.W. Bush.

I truly believe those who voted for G.W. Bush the first time, believed that he was better than McCain. Why they voted for G.W. again for a second term is a mystery (not that they learned much from their first mistake). Those are the same people now who believe that McCain is better than Obama. To those people I say, "Let the debates begin" and I hope, this time people will listen to the men and not the hype from those on the radio or t.v. (We know how you all love to distort the truth to fit into your agenda and just how much your audience believes your half-truths).

It seems that there are quite a few people on this board that suffer from Tropophobia. (You all know who you are).

This time McWar won't be given the questions in advance as he was at the Pastor's Forum.

McCain will be hooked up to an ear piece like GW was. There is no way this man can think on his own……he doesn't even read what "he" thinks very well.

I'm sure McSame will get all the questions before each debate, it's the only way he will be able to answer them. I saw him speaking on the Oil rig and all he did was read from some piece of paper. Could not even remember what he needed to say. I think senility is already working on him.

I will be tuned in to all of the debates. Can't wait to here what McCain has to say about the Draft. He lost me on that statement. I support those who volunteer but to do it by force. I am not for it. You lost me on that one . That is where judgement comes into play. He agreed with the lady about drafting.yesterday.because she believe there will not be enough men to go to war. McCain responded quickly and said he agree to drafting.

This will be great McCain versus McCain he will have a lot of explaining to do against himself. LOL

Too quick on war. I'm waiting for him to retrack the draft. This will be funny. I hope the media will keep track of this because it will be a kodak moment.

McCain is totally lost on explaining his economy plan and just stumbles with it are evades the question.

McCain was the one who started the negative ads, everyone seems to forget that McCain said that he would not be a part of negative ads but turn around and do them anyway. Now everyone wants to talk about Barack Obama, what is he suppose to do sit back and take it.

I would say fair exchange is not highway robbery.

At this point, I expect B. HUSSIEN Obama to just outright declare that he supports sharia law. I will laugh at you libs when he destorys seperation of church and state and makes Islam the government sponsored religion instead of Christianity. Come soon lord Jesus!

Why only 3 debats, what does Obama have to be afraid of?

Whats there to debate really Obama has my vote

Heck yeah, Obama's going down. Just look at the Saddleback forum. Typical Obama: I - uh - uh - what I meant -uh - uh - that is to say -uh - uh - not really sure here - duuuuuuh

Jeff, you say we continually pick the biggest clowns in the circus. Who would be your choice for president?

CNN did a report last night on Obama. He really is not a good person, the ways he did in is opponents in the Chicago election. I hope he doesn't become President.

why is it an ad that has facts about mccain own gaffes is now negative and ads with paris hilton and briney spears is viewed as having meaning?..oh yeah this country is filled with a bunch of proud ignorant hillbillies.

D E B A T E S—-A B O V E —–O B A M A' S—-P A Y——G R A D E

In the Saddleback debate - I did not want to think that the man I so respected, John McCain, knew the questions before they were asked but, after watching the debate, that is what I have come to believe. The Rev. asked deep, far-reaching questions which required careful though and then these thoughts have to be transulated by the brain into words. Any person who has ever participated in a debate knows this. That is exactly when I saw Obama do. But with McCain, that was not the case. He shot the answers out immediately without processing the questions and formulating his response. I expected better of John McCain.

OBAMA SMACKDOWN!!! Not some fake faith forum that we saw last Saturday. No CONE of SILENCE that never was. McCain unchained is dangerous and these debates will show that. All his misstatements have been when he tries to think on his feet. McCain can't even answer how many houses he has? He talks about reinstating the DRAFT?. He talks about in dollars how is a person considered RICH and he says if they earn 5 million dollars AND then says oh just kiddin?????. Like what is happening in this country is a something to joke about.. This guy has no clue the day to day struggles of the middle & low income people and it will be shown on FULL SCREEN with these honest debates.

I find it truly sad that with kind of events that are going on in the world and in America these days that they can't seem to find a way to debate each other more than three times. Truly Sad!

(But I know why.)

O B A M A—W I L L—A N N O U N C E—–H I L L A R Y—-T O —-B E—–

C O-D E B A T E R—A G A I N S T —-M C C A I N

That liberal, jawin' junkie is going down for the count…three times…at three different arenas. He better wear an Appolo Creed Uncle Sam suit and not be crying "Hillary!!!" when he finds himself face down, at the edge of the spotlight. It's going to get real bad. Someone better bring a stick of chalk so that we can finally get a clear outline of who Obama really is!

I think jamican's are doping am i the only one who notice the gold going to people who came out of nowhere, they didn't win the world championships this year so i'm wating for the day when they get busted.

Obama doesn't stand a chance, he is terrible at off the cuff questions, all he does is and uh constantly, I think that gives him time to think of a good answer. He fails at this typle of debate and he knows it that is why he refused to have town hall debates with McCain. Not his strong point.

McCain did very well in the faith forum. I encourage him to enter the debates with just as much fervor. Considering the fact that he had prior access to the questions and time for his staff to formulate answers he would memorize quickly his faith forum responses were short and direct with little or no explanation.

In a debate format he will have to think on his feet - lets see what he's made of. I imagine several moments like when the report said "health insurance company's cover viagra but not birth control" do you have a position on that. McCain reached for his chin and said hummmmmmmm.

Can't wait.

Where are all those people screaming that Obama wouldn't debate McCain? Now will you please shut up. And Obama just didn't let mccain control the debates and why should he? Who the heck does mccain think he is?

"All votors for McCain please join the armed forces as he will need you "my friends" for his wars of the future."
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Actually, many won't have a choice, as McCain said he is not opposed to reinstating the draft.

Really, CNN, this gets NO coverage at all?

Either he meant it, or he was unable to remain on task long enough to give a non-inflammatory answer. Either way, we've heard nothing from his campaign in the way of spin or damage control.

Now americans will see the real difference; that is if they open their eyes and ears and not let fear control them. Obama is the only true option and it will be apparent during the debats. Citizen if you want your country back Obama and the Democrats is the only way. Vote only Democrates this time and Obama.

I am sick and tired of McCain trying to tell Obama what he better do and of the diehard McCain supporters making crazy comments like "chicken". Obama is by far the better debater on a level playing field. ABC and Rick Warren know nothing about fair play. Why couldn't Warren have placed both candidates in a sound proof room, allowed the candidates themselves to toss the coin and allowed no access to questions? Any true Christian would have done this. The truth is that he knew McCain needed all the help he could get and Warren, being a Republican, helped him out.

So much will be resolved by these debates. The lies about tax policy. The fact that NO REPUBLICAN IN 20 years has done ANYTHING to address health care. The fact that McCain supported attack Iraq BEFORE 9/11. The fact that Obama has difficulty giving a simple answer regarding abortion and the surge (because the answer is as complex as the issue for most Americans). The fact that McCain is another "have a beer with me" politician and Obama is an intellectual thinker who actually answers the question in depth (except when he's dodging, which they all do. The other thing we'll see is STATURE. They both will be comfortable in their skin, but Obama will tower over McCain. We'll see McCain use all the Rovian tactics of interrupting Obama and trying to make him angry. Bush was great at that.

McCain is smarter than I thought (moreso than Bush), but he's also more of a warmonger. Obama is not reading the situation as well as I'd like. Don't know if it's him or his advisors. Regardless, McCain's policies would be a disaster. Also, he would get NOTHING done with a Dem congress and this cycle folks, we NEED to get something done.

Abby if they were so confident with what they were saying, then they would want to expose McCain in front of all of those people. If Obama made McCain look like a fool in the debates then the exposure would help him. The problem is Obama lacks any real policies that would actuall benefit america.

From McSame:

"get him Obama and don't let him breath"

Wait, are you implying that McCain is one of those many Americans that Obama said he would get their much needed "breathalizers"?

Why don't you want McCain to get one? Do you also refuse to allow McCains 5 year old grandchildren to hear all about the sex-ed you support them recieving in Kindergarden as well?

And to those saying so few, this is how many debates have typically happened in the last few presidential elections.

To those saying only 3, why not more? There are actually 4, the details of the last one to be released after the VP announcements.

Three debates are sufficient. If you are still undecided after three separate debates then more won't change your position.

On a procedural note. It is important to delay any debates between Obama and McCain until after they are officially nominated by their parties at the respective convention.

Right now they are only officially the presumptive candidate.

Three is a good number. Can't see the benefit of more debates between the same two people.

I SAY LET LOU DOBBS MODERATE ONE DEBATE

FOR UNBIASED QUESTIONS.

DEBATES ARE GRATE IF THEY ARE REALLY A DBATE. THE DNC AND THE RNC SHOULD BOTH DEMAND THAT BOTH THE CANIDATES DURING THE DEBATES ANSWER THE QUESTION ASKED AND NOT VEER OFF ON OTHER ISSUES AND ATTACKS ABOUT THER OPPONENTS. FURTHER THE MODERATORS SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE CANIDATE BEING ASKED THE QUESTION IF HE/SHE VEERS OFF ANSWRING THE DIRECT QUESTION. LET'S DEBATE AND NOT DEGARDE EACH OTHER.

Both candidates should be searched to make sure they're not hiding electronic ear devices. The way Obama gaffed on saddleback, he might decide to cheat because when you accuse the other guy of cheating it means that's what you would have done. Don't trust Obama he'll use every dirty trick to win especially after saddleback.

Ha ha, O-bahhhh-ma will only debate when he gets pre-arranged questions so that someone can give him lines to read just like the mindless actors in Hollywood who support this racist socialist.

Really he just needs to answer one question. You have attended your mentor Rev. Wright's church for 20 years, you know the man who married you and your wife and baptised your children. You now distance yourself from this man as you are running for president. Is it that you stood by him for 20 years because you support and believe his racist rantings or is it that you are such a horrible judge of charecter that is takes you 20 years to conclude someone is a hateful racist that the average American figured out in 20 seconds?

Wow….

the paid RNC bloggers are out in FORCE today….

lie
distort
distract

lie
distort
distract

Wolf Blitzer moderated a debate during the primaries and he was terrible. He couldn't control anything or anyone.

It seems to be that we have always had 3 presidential debates and one VP debate. Anyone know the history?

I really am glad there will only be 3 debates and 1 for the VPs. I think the debates in the primaries got too much . Lost the impact they should have.
Obama just needs to be tougher than he has been . This race is too tight to be a pansy! He is too smart and quick to let McCain run away with the debates , but I felt he let McCain best him on last weeks forum. He was thoughtful and McCain was just short and quick. Time for Obama to do the same , let a yes be yes and no be no. Of course once McCain has to really think on his feet he usually stumbles.

Come on America and Obama , we need change and these close numbers scare me.

Obama said that he would debare McCain any time, any where. McCain proposed 10 debates with Obama and could only get him to to 3??? I just have on word for Obama ( chicken ).

California Voter August 21st, 2008 9:57 am ET

These could be interesting. It's a shame Obama didn't want to participate in any town hall meetings with McCain. It's always good to see the candidates in different venues.
*******************************************
Not true, Obama agreed to 3 but McCain didn't respond.
Brokaw will be bias.

Where is the coverage of the other candidates? Is CNN lazy, incompetent or biased? Both Obama and McCain and the rest of the demopublicains are a bunch of collectivist thugs.

Maybe Obama should put McCain on the spot in one of the debates and ask if he's figured out how many homes he owns. Apparently, when asked in an interview yesterday by a reporter from Politico magazine, McCain did not know. He said he would have his staff get back to them.

And McCain claims to have an inkling of what the regular working man or woman faces.

Typical ignorant, arrogant, self-absorbed, wealthy republican.

JOHN "MCBUSH", NOT what America needs.

It's not just that he dosen't know how many homes he owns…John McCain is REALLY on the verge of dementia. The debates (if held with out any Republican cheating) should be very telling with regards to this issue, The moderators need to question him with the same vigor they question Barack Obama. America will see how mentally fragile this man is.

Here goes a man who want to become future president do not know how many houses he own. wow….that is not a shocker, most people failed to realize that Mccain is just another rich man who do not care about your suffering.

" America people should go get second job to pay their mortgage, there will be no money for them"
That meant their housing forclosure issues is not cause by mortgage lender, it is cause by ordinary people who were deceived into getting houses.
Obama campaign are not doing a good job pointing out McCaflip flipper mispeak or wrong tactice.
There are lots of tools for the Obama campaigns to use but they have failed to utilize them.

McCain doesn't hold water when it comes to debating the issues. And issue #1 is the economy. The man doesn't even know how many houses he owns and he wants to talk about the economy. He is so out of touch with the average American.

Long as there not in thugville USA, Chicago.
The last time it was a respectable town was when Alfonse
Capone was in charge.

yes .. Obama …. u the best

vive Barack Obama ///// U S Amrica + Algeria = group united fource

thanks

Rob-WA….I love it!!!

Anyone and everyone voting for McShame should all enlist because we will be at war for the next 4 to eight years!!!!

90 minutes? John McCain is going to have to come up with a ton of one sentence answers to fill that kind of time.

Moderator: "What do you think of abortion, John?"

McCain: "I'm against it."

McCain doesn't deserve to share the same stage with Obama. McCain has no moral values and if you didn't see CNN's interview last night with McCain you missed an insight into him that was totally disgusting.

They should make the candidates use the whole 2 minutes. If one gives a 10 second answer, it should be followed by 1 min 50 sec of silence.

After reading this comments, especially the anti-Obama rethoric, i can safely say that the overall education or lack thereof is well reflected here.

I say, let's crush the neo-cons!
When you have such bad judgement as to elect Bush, twice, i do not see any reason why we should take your opinion as sound.
Gore was "too liberal", Kerry "too french" and Obama "a socialist", and what did they gave us the Republicans? uh?
They've weakened America in all possible ways: economically, militarily and morally. With such a record, how's anything they say credible?
Any of you neo-cons can answer that question?

So obama finally agreed to have a debate with John mcain.everybody knows that obama is not a good debater,we saw that with hillary clinton.I hope that obama do not accused mcain of cheating!!!!

Can't wait for these… Obama is a very intelligent, wise man. He graduated from Harvard law for cryin' out loud. His honest, intelligent politics are sure to shine through the Republican fear-based politics and the right wing policy of bigotry and ignorance.

Obama, restore our standing globally. You think 200,000 German citizens would show up to watch McCain speak? Uh… not likely…

I always find the comments more interesting than the article. Obama fans are obviously looking through a straw. They already know how the debates will turn out and, after the debates, they still believe, no matter how much it differed from their prediction. There are none so blind as he who will not see!

I'm not sure why everyone is complaining that there are only 3 debates. I mean, who honestly wants to listen to McCain ramble on about the same stuff over and over again. He never has anything new to say when he speaks. Not to mention, he constantly has people telling him what to say. He's not even permitted by his own campaign to speak candidly to press anymore, because all he does is screw things up when he tries to pretend he knows what he's talking about. Also, I can't wait to see what happens when he actually has to provide some knowledge base on these subjects and can't just rely on bashing Obama.

I don't agree with everything Obama has bring to the table, but I do know that another 4 years of McBush will do nothing but waste more money on countries that we have no business "baby-sitting" (probably with troops we DRAFTED) while he turns a blind eye to the millions of suffering in our own country.

We need a CHANGE not four more years of McSame!

I'm sure Senator McCain will bluster about things like catching Bin Laden and the U.S.A. winning the war in Iraq. I hope he is pressed on how to catch Osama since he says he knows how and what exactly "winning" the war in Iraq means. Iraqi citizens will be the ones to determine if their country is a stable, democratic USA ally. The US military and US policy can only make it possible for Iraqis to make these choices, the USA can not make these decisions for another country.

Here's what's sad. The great majority of comments made here reflect predetermined biases and stereotypes about the candidates' motives, character, and ability. Few offer any evidence to support their views, and few address the actual issues and problems facing the country.

They say we get the government we deserve. I guess that doesn't leave me much hope.

I'm so excited. After that joke of a forum, McCainanites think John can actually hold his own in a debate! (pssssst, it wasn't even a debate) Which is a joke, because the man can't seem to think for himself, keep his positions straight, or even apparently remember how many houses he owns.

Obama is the best candidate, and it will show.

Funny how people accuse Obama of relying on a teleprompter. Whenever I see McVain talk, he's looking down, obviously reading from something — more likely a 4×6 card than a teleprompter, though. I think teleprompters are too new-fangled for him.

How does 26 years of being on the WRONG side of just about everything, and getting shot down from an airplane, make McVain "experienced," but 20 years of doing good work as a community organizer, state senator, federal senator, etc., make Barack "inexperienced?"

McVain has been a government employee all his life. Barack has actually worked in the private sector! Seems to me that Barack has more of a variety of experiences — that would tend to give him more useful experience.

The thought of the GOP being able to nominate more ideologues to the Supreme Court scares the bejesus out of me. Let's try to return to Court to the center, where it belongs, instead of allowing the extreme right to control American law and policy for the next generation.

McCain's strong points are up first. All Barack has to do is hold his own. Domestic issues are going to hurt McCain.

McCain's town halls are scripted and he has notes. Rarely is he looking at the audience. Come one the man does not know how many houses he has.

"On Oct. 7, the two will meet again for a town-hall style debate at Belmont University. Moderator Tom Brokaw will call on audience members and pose questions submitted through the Internet."

Could the people begging for "town hall" debates please give it a frickign rest now?

@David: Your comment does nothing except wield the "Marx" label without substantiating it. My guess is that you believe Marx's first name was "Groucho."

All votors for McCain please join the armed forces as he will need you "my friends" for his wars of the future.

As a Hofstra Undergrad and Law School alum, I will say, you will be rocked out of your seats by the professional manner in which my school will showcase the final debate! The complex where it will be held on campus is brand spank'n new, and will be the debate that ends all debates!

Maybe by the time the first debate comes around McMemory can have a complete sentence prepared to answer how many houses he owns. Jeez the fact that he may be in proximity of a button that could launch missles is frightening.

Abby August 21st, 2008 10:17 am ET

Chris, NJ, only three??? Three 2 hour long debates is more than PLENTY to get through the issues! Any more would be pulling big crowds for McCain that he cant get himself and Obama‘s campaign aint no fool. They will not give McCain anymore of their limelight than they need to.
======================================================
I agree Abby! McCain can only pull about a hundred while Obama pulls thousands!!!!

OBAMA '08/'12

O B A M A—-W O N T—–D E B A T E—-I N—–T O W N—-H A L L S——

B U T—-H E—-C A M P A I G N S—–I N——T H E M———-

S T I N K S—–O N——P O L I C Y—–U N S C R I P T E D——–

D E B A T E

2 minute response time, Oh noes Obama! 2 minutes is not enough time to talk out both sides of your mouth.

It's hard to give a different answer to make everyone happy in only 2 minutes. Throw in the 'uhs, wells and hmms' every other word and he's likely to not get past the words "Hope and Change".

Bobby Digital - Could agree with you more - well said!!

Debby August 21st, 2008 10:19 am ET

If John McCain is anything like he was in the forum Obama doesn't have a prayer. McCain is excellent in town halls, Obama dance's around the question for 10 minutes because he doesn't have the answer.
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You must not pay attention. Obama is great in townhalls….I've watched dozens.

"Rodham Democrat - The south does not represent America."

Take a flying leap you moron. Last I checked, there were 50 (yes 50, barack was wrong) states in this country. There's a reason why all of our votes count (unless you're a dem in Fl or Mi).

Everyone represents America. WHO cares where the debates are? Are you saying Obama is at a disadvantage in Mississippi…where blacks have triple the average population of the rest of the country…where Obama gets +90% of their vote. He'll be fine…

It is interesting to see how all the right wingers tell us all that is wrong with Obama but find it difficult to tell us why to vote for McCain. War and drilling is about all this man has to say. This man has no clue as to how to attempt to fix America and thus uses every way he can to avoid answering questions that deal with poverty in America, fixing Katrina, social security, home morguage problems, how to pay for the war, what has he offered in any ways to solve these proplems. If McCain were elected this country could be at war within six months with another country.

PBS debate BO will be crushed…..his sound bites will no doubt be "I didn't vote for the war…oh, wait, I WASN"T ALLOWED to vote."

NBC will be a love fest for BO from his liberal medial followers with cushy questions for him AFTER McCain has thoroughly answered the question first.

CBS will be fair, but show BO's rediculous tax and spend ideas during a time when people are already suffering financially.

Obama is smart, grasps the issues of importance to voters, and has the depth McCain lacks. McCain is good for tough talk, like Bush, but it's not going to go far with the millions with family in the military. Tough talk after McCain has voted against bills for these military families and servicemen and servicewomen is not gonna work. McCain also has a problem with his "maverick" persona, especially with the religious right. He can't be a maverick who flips off the pro-life religious right and expect their votes in November.

Obama's campaign will follow each debate with hard hitting advertising blitz to drive home the topics of each debate. All McCain can do is hope for the best once his record and history is out there.

To those who are suggesting GOP Rule…

The Democrats have been in power in Congress for the last 2 years. Congress has an even lower approval rating that the President. The Democrats rule the Congress and are getting nothing done. In fact, they continually take extended recesses just to avoid the pressing issues.

And you want these people to have MORE power? Give me a break…

I can't wait for the debates! And I love how Obama is such a coward that he won't do any of the town hall meetings with McCain. Too bad none of the debates are around where I live, I'd how up with a "Obama Campaign R.I.P" sign.

Abby
Obama said he would debate McCain any time any where. McCain was more than happy to do so and give him 5-10 debates but Obuma disappoints and decided 3 is all he can handle.

also McCrazy
you said, "Is anyone else sick of hearing about Iraq and the Surge that supposedly worked but actually hasnt? I say we send McCain to be the President of Iraq since that seems to be all that matters to him."

If you read the news about a month ago pretty much every media source except msnbc reported on the success of the surge, the decrease in violence in iraq, and the fact that Al Qaeda will be leaving Iraq to focus on afghanistan because they realized they will not be able to drive us out.

SENATOR MCCAIN, YOU'RE NO THEODORE ROOSEVELT.*

Col. Roosevelt, as POTUS, won the Nobel Peace prize for settling the Russo-Japanese War. Do you think he could have taken on the role of mediator in an international dispute if he jumped up and started beating his chest and condeming one side at the outset? Apparently you have forgotten his aphorism to speak softly and carry a big stick, not shout loudly when you have no stick, military or diplomatic.

After the Saddleback forum, Pastor Rick Warren described Senator Obama as thoughtful and a cnsensus-builder. That is the kind of person we need directing our foreign policy.

*phrase borrowed from Senator Lloyd Benson in the debate with Senator Dan Quayle

You do realize that Obama is about to lose even more support? He'll hit a brick wall without hit teleprompt.

'I…uh…erm.. what I feel is important with this i-issue is that ummm… well, here's how i see it.'

Obama supporters undoubtedly will claim that all the hosts are conservative.

McCain will soon shine!

Obama didn't agree to townhall meetings because he'd be a fool to let McCain dictate to him. And Obama is no fool!

This couldn't have worked about any better for McCain. He actually closed the gap in the polls BEFORE the debates.

Where's that 20 point lead that Obama was supposed to have last month????????????

Someone finally got vetted.

It's a shame that talk radio and investigative bloggers had to do the major media's job for them.

Three Presidential debates and one Vice Presidential debate has long been the modern General Election standard. Some of the posters here are showing their relative inexperience in the American political process. What can America learn from the, say, fifth debate that they wouldn't have already known by the third?

I don't understand why two of the debates are in the same region of the country . There should be one on either coast and one in the middle.

3 debates are standard.

Obama '08

Let the games begin and may the best man win. Both candidates had ample opportunity to demonstrate their debating skills during the primaries. Both displayed certain strengths and weaknesses, but it was quite clear that neither of them was overpowering. Obama has to stop heming and hawing and McCain has to stop giggling after telling his own one-liners. It's difficult to predict the winner of a debate. Many people are still unable to reconcile the fact that the ultimate hem and haw man, i.e. G.W. Bush, defeated John Kerry and Al Gore soundly in several debates.

Obama doesn't have a chance in a real debate without a teleprompter. I will look forward to watching it. It will be great. McCain will seperate himself big time in these debates. McCain will show what a great leader should look and sound like.

Obama on the other hand will be his usual uh…um…I…

After Saddleback, I cannot wait to the debates. Obama must be scared to death to have to face McCain 3 times.
I know understand why Obama decided to not go around the United States doing town hall meetings with John McCain.
Obama is smart enough to know that abortion is not the only thing "above his pay grade".

So any sign of Bob Barr or Ralph Nader? Or will the debates be a sham once again?

Of course Obama doesn't want joint town hall meetings and has limited the number of debates to 3. He is best at pre-rehearsed, environmentally controlled environments where he can give flowery speeches. He is not good at debates. Hillary & Edwards mopped the floor with Obama and McCain probably will too.

After Obama's debacle on Saturday, we now know why he refusing the townhall debates, the man can't think on his feet.

Obama will only do scripted debates.

I wonder what he will do if a foreign leader ask him direct Questions, call recess to find someone who knows the answers?

I'd rather have McCain or Obama represent America over any of you morons posting here. What a bunch of ignorant comment. None of you is anywhere near as good an American or as patriotic as Barack Obama. None of you is anywhere near as eloquent as John McCain. You shame America with your ignorance.

When and where is the third debate and hopefully it will be centered around economic issues. McCain has absolutely no clue about the economy and perhaps he can learn some things from Obama.

I do wish that the two of them could have a debate (similar to the one that Jimmy Smits had with Alan Alda on the West Wing). No holes barred, just the two of them going head to head with the moderator only jumping in when necessary to go to another topic - not these formulated debates with 2 minute questions, 1 minute responses, etc.

"It's a shame Obama didn't want to participate in any town hall meetings with McCain."
"I can't believe there are so few debates. Obama is a coward."
"I wonder why Obama only wanted the 3 debates"
"McCain wanted to have 10 debates and all he could get out of Obama was 3."
"Too bad Obama would only agree to 3 debates."
"Three debates not enough"
"Too bad Obama went back on his word to hold more town hall type meetings with McCain."

In 1976 — three debates
In 1980 — Three debates
In 1984 — two debates
In 1988 — two debates
In 1992 — three debates
In 1996 — two debates
In 2000 — three debates
In 2004 — three debates
That's 30 years of history there. Why do McCain supporters want special treatment for McCain?

Every chance McCain gets he will shift into war mode and repeat his rehearsed, recycled, stump speech… just like Rick Warren let him!

By the way, Obama was told NO stump speeches, so he gave FAITH based answers… at the FAITH FORUM.

McCain gets away easy because of the POW card…it is NOW time to hold him to the exact same scrunity as Obama.

You would think that a Harvard educated lawyer would have a better answer than "I'll leave it up to a higher pay grade".

Will that also be his answer to the 3AM call? Are we to expect an Obama President to not even bother to notify us???

Mccain better not cheat because getting caught for the 2nd time is not the charm. Mccain if you are late again than you should not be president of this country because it will only show how irresponsible and full of excuses you are.

"I don't like these Southerners dominating the audience for the first two debates b/c the South does not represent America"

So where is a better representation NYC, San Fran? I see no problem with it. Besides isnt Hillary from the south?

If the campaigns have reached an agreement on the Presidential Debates, what does Senator McCain have to do with them. These are Presidential Debates and not Debates of the War College.

Obama will do and say whatever it takes to win!

the debates wont change my vote.the negative attacks wont change my vote.the media will not change my vote.i have done my own research on both candidates.i will vote for the one with the best ideas.i will vote for the one who will bring the country closer together,not divide it further.i will vote for the one who will restore our prestige around the world,not further isolate us.i will vote for the one who gives me hope that america can fulfill its promise of leading the world to peace and prosperity.i will vote for the one who has the best ideas for saving our planet from destruction by global warming.i will vote for the one who brings our troops home from illegal war in iraq.i WILL vote for 'the one'.

I feel unrepresented!!!
As a Libertarian–I'd like to see my candidate get a fair opportunity to offer alternative positions on priorities for our nation and a clearer direction
The extraordinarily vague requirements pertaining to electoral college majority–of potential candidates unfairly restricts even viable 3rd parties from ever participating in debates. In addition the 15% polling (5-times nationally) severely restricts third parties who do not have the intense financing of the two major parties.

Too bad–the Presidential Debate Commission (made up entirely of truly "partisan" members of the DEM/REP party) won't bend their rules a little.

The Libertarian Party is excluded from the debates. Yet national polls show a majority of Americans really want to allow third party candidates who will appear on their ballots to participate.

I'm weary of Obama, McCain and all the machinery behind them both. Once–I'd like to hear unvarnished truth coming from a candidate like Bob Barr–who is a greater threat to the status quo (and business/social special interests)–and more desirous of real change in Washington than either Obama or McCain.

Libertarians 2008
Visit, donate, reclaim representation by the people for the people.

Senator Obama went into the Saddleback conversation with a clear distinct disadvantage because of what evangelicals believe in. I do believe that in the real debates to come we will see who is real and who is not. Senator McCain's town hall are sometimes by invitation only and that means in most cases it is people who think the same way he does and they are not going to ask him in hard hitting questions. I did see that in Senator McCain's Mexico meeting on yesterday a lady asked him about instituting the draft and he said that it was not off the table. If I had a child of draft age I definitely would not vote for him because in the name of national security - it seems like he likes war instead of trying a little diplomacy first.

Snakes are afraid of the light..

He's shown time after time that if he doesn't have a teleprompter, he is clueless, stumbles over his words, and can't decide how to answer a question, because he has taken different stances on an issue in the past. All of you Obama supporters, do you also support Socialism, which has failed all over the world?

Change you should be scared of!

Watch CNN. Obama has two or three town hall meeting EVERY day!!! McCain may get one in. Obama works 24/7 while McBush works 3 or 4 days a week. OUT with the OLD and IN with the NEW.

What good are educational vouchers?

If they only subsidize wealthier families but tease poorer families with the prospect of school choice, should they be allowed?

MCCAIN WANTS TO BRING BACK THE DRAFT . WATCH YOUR CHILDREN DIE.

OBAMA..08

Dude, a collection of 'dangerous left-wing' policies is what built this country. The great victories this country has seen- the Civil Rights era, victory in WWII, the early Reconstruction, were brought about by left-wing policy. The counter points to these- Watergate, the Red Scare and McCarthyism era, the reintroduction of the disenfranchised Confederacy were all earmarked by the right abusing its own power. The right is great when America is running at its best, but with the way the country is heading down the tubes now, they're the worst possible thing for America.

In case anyone cares Obama will do well in town hall meetingsbut here is a point i want do know why is it that McCain con not read from a telepromter can he read.

Do you support an immediate increase in CAFE standards and a doctrine that requires these to increase steadily over time?

What are you going to do about it. By when?

LET THE GAMES BEGIN. THIS IS WHERE OBAMA CRUSHES THIS OLD GUY.

OBAMA……08

I certainly hope that neither campaign is given a script of possible questions from the moderators- I want to see obama foot in mouth, duh, um, well- we're working on our stand on that issue. No script, no teleprompter….suh-weeeetttt!!!

Lifelong Dem voting my conscience for my country!!

No to oprabamanation!

I can not believe the people blogging are complaining about Obama only agreeing to three debates,when only last week you were complaining about how much coverage he was getting. Sounds like John McSenile wants free TV time to me.To tell the truth I believe three debates of hearing about John McSenile being a POW and the lie about the cross story will be enough.And how much can we take of MY FRIENDS, sounds a little like NIXON and MY FELLOW AMERICANS and we all know Nixon had something to hide. What about McSenile. Intelligences over 26 years as a Washington inside for me. OBAMA 08

Since televised debates started, there have been 3 presidential debates and 1 vice presidential debate. All have occurred after the conventions.

This is why people who have demanded debates prior to now are idiots.

We know all about the mortgage crisis and the enron crisis and the energy crisis. What are the top 3 future crisis that threaten our countries future that you plan proactively address?

Explain to us, in detail, what you are going to do to head these off.

I cannot wait to see and hear the debates. I am not sure that they will change the minds of people who have spent the last few months calling either candidate names, but I think it will be valuable to see the two of them on the same stage, answering the same questions.

Whats the matter Cindy,dont like free speech?You keep throwing my statements in your moderation can?

Three debates on three liberal stations. So we are going to get, "Senator Obama, if you were a tree, what kind would you be?" "Now Senator McCain, when did you stop beating your wife?"

Take away the sound bites, take away the teleprompter and ask the following questions:

1. How will you defeat Islamofacism?
2. What is your position on abortion, partial birth abortion and gay marriage?
3. How are you going to fix social security?
4. How will you grow the economy?

And let them discuss it for three hours.

I hope the media representatives don't ask ignorant questions like they did a couple of times during the primaries.

All you folks who support mccain are nothing but irresponsible. Obviously you could care less about the future of your children.
These so called conservatives are nothing but pathetic. Fiscal conservative is nothing but a slogan to them. The primary principal of conservatism is to pay as you go, and not leave a mountain of debts for the next generation. The bible does say that a good steward leaves good inheritance for his or her children and not debt. Under Bush the country is now over 9 trillion in debt. I really pity some of you morons who do not understand the implications of irresponsible governing. Go ahead and vote for mccain who said in his memoirs that he is did not run for president in 2000 because he was patriotic but simply because he just wanted to be president. Go ahead and vote for mccain…MORONS!

This time around we shall see how McCain can be so sharp and quick with all answers! Cheating, has become the second name of McCain and his team, and that is the man that promised us a "civil general election campaign". Haven't spent weeks throwing kitchen sink trash at Obama is a good indication how trurtworthy McCain is.
How can McCain be pro-life when he wants war all the time? McCain wants to follow Osama Bin Laden to the gate of hell, and I am very sure his request will be granted, so he can experience first hand how it feels. Getting burnt up in Humvee in Iraq because of the war McCain and Bush lied to send other people's loved ones is not exactly "gate of heaven"!

I can't wait to see these debates! McCain will give his stump speech scripted answers, and Obama will shine with his intelligence and ability to think on his feet. I'm not voting for another dumb president, and I don't know why anyone else would consider McCain for the top job.

With military commitments in Korea, Afghanistan, Europe and Iraq and with our tough talk regarding tense international situations with Iran & Russia, how big does our military need to be in both troops and budget? (Answer in 30 seconds please)

Will you rule out the possibility of a draft to meet our military commitments as you forsee them to be? (Yes / no Answer with follow up).

I hope I understand all the questions with my old, dumb brain head.

QUESTIONER: If we don't reenact the draft, I don't think we'll have anyone to chase Bin Laden to the gates of hell.
[Appaluse]

MCCAIN: Ma'am, let me say that I don't disagree with anything you said.

Did Obama negotiate the white back ground at the Saddleback McCain Rally? I believe Obama is a better choice than McCain, but I can't imagine how they could do his ears on Mount Rushmore!
He looked better with longer hair.

The economy is a disaster. Jobs have been outsourced at our expense. Federal agencies are not enforcing regulations that protect consumers and are being run by incompetent Republican loyalists. The military has been driven to the brink with stop-loss tour extensions and multiple tours. Who ever thought the United States would be known for torture, detention of prisoners without justice, illegal domestic surveillance, and a host of constitutional violations.

Debating skills don't matter. Age, race, gender…don't matter. All that matters to me is getting these corporate thieves OUT of our government. We have to begin to repair the damage to our nation and our reputation. McCain will just continue the Bush policies. Obama may not be able to turn it around quickly but at least he will begin changing the direction.

How about that! One of the moderators is a Republican. I would have guessed there would have been zero. Since McCain wiped the floor with Obama last Saturday night, I would have at least expect him to have SOME help. I can't wait till the debates start. The speech writers can't come in to save anyone…..and it's nationally televised…even better!

I think 3 is enough. Wasn't that the number of debates between Kennedy and Nixon? Sure, there were a lot more between Lincoln and Douglas, but they didn't have TV back then. They had to go from population center to population center to get the exposure. That's no longer necessary. How many times do we have to hear them address the same issues?

McCain will come out wearing full dress Navy uniform to show once again that he is a POW. Listen to the answers folks. McCain will be all about threatening other countries, while Obama will be thoughtful and sincere. No McCain in )*!

Even though Brokaw and company will try to torpedo McCain, it would be most advisable for BO not to show up. Look at his sorry showing last Sat in California, and Sen McCain was not even on the podium.

why did Obama accept this ?

Naturally foreign policy is a McCain forte (atleast that is what he says)
There should be a mix between foreign policy and domestic issues.
Obama has made a mistake in accepting this debate which concentrates solely on foreign policy

His own men called him "SONGBIRD McCAIN".

Why won't Obambi have more one on one debates? Because Mr. Teleprompter does not have an original thought in his inexperienced brain. At Saddleback he got his shirt handed to him. Mr. ah and um constantly looked for ways to backtrack on his previous statements. Some say he's trying to be nuanced, but like everything else it hard to believe anything that this man says. Who else will he throw under the bus for his on vanity?

Proud Army Mom - you'd be happier if all the moderators were democrats so they could just 'skim the surface' with Obama I bet!

Hypocrite.

Time to take off the gloves and take these Republican nerds out behind the bleachers.

Obama keeps running away from the town hall meetings. Less opportunities to not have responses that are written by other people, that are scripted, and are rehearsed the better, I guess.

This guy is a con artist.

High risk for Obama to agree to anything without a teleprompter present. He's too shallow to understand what he is talking about. Look for a receiver in his ear with a direct line to Soros, NARAL and the wacky radical left fringe of the democratic party.

I can't wait - McSame will be reduced to channelling Capt. Queeg within 15 minutes.

"Debates"- three more chances, for both candidates to "flip-flop 'round the Real issues"; we face everyday and one for the VP's…………….. Just more "Just words", more "lies", more "kissing babies", more "maybes", and more "more lies"……..haven't we heard enough? My ears are ringing! Let's "just vote"!………………………and get this "Soap opera" over!

is 2 minutes enough time to give an answer to something? wouldn't we benefit from hearing more from the candidates on the issues?

Three Debates is Enough - If handled correctly by Leher & Brokaw. If you want detailed info on the candidates' platforms - Go to their individual web sites.

The debates should be fair - same line of questioning and time limits adhered to by both candidates. Without being biased, The TYPES of questions should be diversified enough to reflect most all of our society - THIS IS WHERE THE RICK WARREN FORUM FAILED. Both Leher and Brokaw need to keep both McCain and Obama under their control at all times.

It’s so typical how the Liberals resort to name calling, I guess we will have to listen to it for another 4 years. BUT they are getting good at it.

Too bad Obama went back on his word to hold more town hall type meetings with McCain. I'd like to see both answer more questions off the cuff rather than reciting memorized catch phrases.

This is where Senator Obama will pull away from John McCain. he's more intelligent, better spoken, and is a REAL leader advocating REAL change!

Obama/ Reed 08-12

Three debates not enough
We need more
One debate moderate by CNN Wolf Blitzer
Hillary 08 or Mc Cain 08

@ Rodham Democrat:

"I don't like these Southerners dominating the audience for the first two debates b/c the South does not represent America"

No one part of the country completely "represents America." The South is just as representative as any. Besides, isn't Hillary a Southerner?

ALL OF JOHN MCCAIN ANSWERS WILL INCLUDE "POW STORIES".

1. NATIONAL SECURITY- THE SURGE WORKED…. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A POW….I PUT MY COUNTRY FIRST…

2. ECONOMY- …..MEG WHITMAN …EBAY IS THE SOLUTION. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A POW….

3. EDUCATION- THE SURGE WORKED…. WE NEED A SURGE IN TEACHERS….

What comes to mind when one sees Panamanian McCain?

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (unresolved).

America this fraud McCain is dangerous, very dangerous for America!

Let's debate this issue and his entire military record now!

I don't understand how people can openely give up your freedoms to the government and all the marxist based programs that Obama has proposed.

Please check out what he really stands for, his ideas are based in Marx not in Jefferson and as American's I think that we are sort of going the wrong way with this guy. I still can't get past the fact that this guy has close ties to such radicals, I mean if you went to an organization for 20 or so years and the message is down with America, then you come out and say don't question my patriotism, that doesn't make sense.

I also don't understand how he finds it okay to end the life of a child after it had survived and abortion. That's not the morals I want for the leader of the free world.

McCain will resort to bitter old attacks and fear in his answers at this debate, then he will chuckle and tell everyone he was just trying to lighten the mood. How did my party nominate this bitter bitter old man who suffers from PTSD, and has a black illigitimate child in SC per the W Bush campaign in 2000. Obama will shine, always does. Obama is a thinker, a leader something this nation yearns for after the cowboy the last 7.5 years.

Change!!!!

I believe in Change.

Prediction: Obama will give thought-out, intelligent responses, filled with his trademark "uh's" and verbal tics, and McCain will repeat his talking points from his stump speech, complete with a a smarmy, self-satisfied, yellow-toothed smile.

The press will say Obama was too "nuanced" and intellectual, and that McCain was "direct" and "decisive"-

The left will be proud of their candidate, and the right will make excuses for theirs, then we FINALLY vote.

Still for Hillary August 21st, 2008 10:08 am ET
Obama is going down!!!!!!!!!!

Did you donate to pay off HC debt yet?

McCain can't even say "Let me be clear: I am not questioning his patriotism, I am questioning his judgment" without looking at note cards. Check the video.

He can't give a simple clarification of his own opinion without reading it so he doesn't get it wrong.

What can we expect from a candidate who isn't allowed to speak for his own campaign.

How he expects to perform in a real debate is a mystery. I can't believe this guy is running for president.

Too bad Obama would only agree to 3 debates. Can't wait to see JM show how much better he is at everything, including speaking. I hope there will be no teleprompters on hand.

LET'S SEE HOW THOSE "ONE SENTENCE ANSWERS" WORK IN A REAL DEBATE.

Obama is the more ethical and integral canidate. Obama will be able to restore this nation to pre-Bush much more than the McCain who will only take us down the same path as Bush.

Enough with all of the lies about Obama, let's talk about issues and quit the personal smear attacks.

If John McCain is anything like he was in the forum Obama doesn't have a prayer. McCain is excellent in town halls, Obama dance's around the question for 10 minutes because he doesn't have the answer.

WADE - University Student - If you get your way and McCain becomes President I hope you haven't made any long term plans. McCain repeated last night August 19th, in one of his town meeting that he supports re-instituting the DRAFT. Bon voyage "my friend" you're of drafting age.

Lets get ready to rumble!!! We'll hear more Czechoslovakia hehehehehe hahahahahaha hohohohohoho

Should be very interesting………."the change challenging the past."

Chris, NJ, only three??? Three 2 hour long debates is more than PLENTY to get through the issues! Any more would be pulling big crowds for McCain that he cant get himself and Obama‘s campaign aint no fool. They will not give McCain anymore of their limelight than they need to.

OBAMA 08!!!

No new taxes, but we will more than off set them by deregulating natural gas and electric companies and allow gasoline to increase over 400 % while we have the power.Oh, and let us not forget we saved you tons of money by effectively shutting down the FDA so you,your children and your pets could be poisoned by foods,drugs and toys that were made in countries that allow child labor.Now wasnt that a great deal?

so much for the Obama non-negative campaign. He had his followers do it before–now he has come clean and getting desperate–doing it himself.

I wonder if McCain will get the questions ahead of time. And I wonder if America will fall for one-word answers again, even though our problems should be addressed in more words.

This time McCain won't be able to have prepared answers. Lets see how well he thinks on his feet. Obama, clean his clock, his grandfarther clock that is.

Why are the first two debates held in meaningless states for the general?

Tennessee and Mississippi will vote for McCain b/c he's th