(CNN) –On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama each take the stage to discuss service and civic engagement in a forum at Columbia University.
What do you think of their ideas? How does the role of service determine what kind of nation we live in? What does national service mean to you?
Along with CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley, CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider, CNN Political Analyst Roland Martin, and Republican strategist Bay Buchanan, thousands of you weighed in.
Click "comments" below for a look at the entire conversation.
From CNN Politics
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I sure do wish they would lower the voting age! Go McCain and Palin!
not to brag but I think that Obama was the stronger of the two he gave specifics especially about teaching and service. very inspiring – Bill, Candy, Roland? your thoughts
Bay–
Does a forum have to change a vote to be an effective discussion on issues in America? Shouldn't the issue be what good ideas have been presented?
Obama is so generous. he never ignore mccain's contribution to this country. shame on MacCain hiding behind a womwna to diminish the service to the nation.
nganenu
The Matt story is inspiring...
Thank God, Bay, because Obama will win, then.
hey BK
YOu think we can AFFORD THIS WAR? 10 billion a month?
He would SAVE us money compared to that!
JoPat you like straight to the point? how about critical thinking? That would be a nice change from Bush for me!
to BK, expanding the military on a Chinese T-note is??
As having served in military I think it is important part of service. However I think is crazy to look down on those who do not serve. Lets be honest everybody is not made for the military. They can be just as effctive working in inner cities where much help is also needed.
I really think that Obama is doing a terrific job tonight by talking specifics. And he hasn't said "uhm" once!
Bill, stop apologizing for your guy– Thanks Candy for being the only objective journalixt
OH, grow up Bay...You're just upset that you've been wrong about Obama from the start. You expected him to come out and get hammered by McCain and he is BETTER than McCain. Just accept it and quit complaining.
Bay I got a question for you...didn't Pat say that Palin was a "Pitchfork wielder" (or some such thing) of his during his presidential run or MSNBC? I don't like I don't like Pat Buchanan, and I want to know more about Palin's past political affiliations.
I am cocerned that Obama tells you what he thinks you want to hear. I just cant trust this guy...
I have said it before and I will say it again, just because McCain says things faster or louder, that does not make the thing he says correct. Obama's answers may be longer and more complicated, but that is because they contain ideas instead of rhetoric.
Bay, I see you're on the spin detail tonight...
I would like to correct something someone posted earlier. In No way is what Sen. Obama suggesting a compulsory National Service. If you want to join National Service, just like the Military, you would receive your education like under the G.I. Bill for your service. Brilliant idea, and not compulsory.
So McCain would appoint Obama, but Obama says "there's some work that's gotta be done." How the heck is that post-partisan? That's a pretty partisan answer.
Hey Roland,
Have you heard about this Poll that shows Obama having a huge lead among military vets and servicemen?
I think a great majority of the people that are going to vote have already decided who they're voting for and most of them aren't watching the news or paying attention to the ads because of the negativity. I know in my family and with most of my friends, we're watching sports, drama, comedies, anything but politics!
Obama has run the most innovative and inspiring campaign in US history, IMAGINE what he could do for America!!!
Bay we all know your voting for Mccain. It may not change your mind but it may change others. You dont know what others are thinking?? Thats just silly....
I'm an Obama supporter, but I'll give props to both of them tonight. I think they've both done great at this forum. I don't get why it's so hard for some of you to admit that the other side isn't pure "evil" and sometimes they actually do well.
I'll ask again. Why do you have a Republican strategist commenting, but no Democratic strategist?
Is America clamoring for a National Service 'czar' ? Is this a high priority for a country in this current state of affairs?