(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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Emphasis is put on math and science in education for people who want to serve as teachers. What about READING and spelling?
How can there be excellence in math and science without reading spelling skills?
Roland, you should take on that civil tone, and show them the way.
Only in America would people complain that someone is being too coherent and his answers are too long and informative.
No, we'd much rather have the short sighted, unintelligent remark...a simple yes or no, with no evidence to support.
Please please ask him what he will do to help America's rural volunteer Firefighters? America needs them for normal emergencies and certainly they are the front line for terrorist emergencies and natural disasters. They are disappearing rapidly. What can he do to keep them? They do not need college credits and usually are working men and women raising families.
Annville, PA
Bay, why so negative. What happened about inspiring Americans. Roland made a good point about what everyone thinking what they can do to help their country. Reading some people's posts and well as my own feelings, this forum is doing something
BTW, my goal, since i am currently in medical school is to serve in an undeserved area.
How can we motivate our young people to serve when we constantly bash what our military and our president is trying to accomplish? Unite. Do the Town Hall meetings Barack!
Make government cool again?! really? I didn't get involved in politics because its cool – I'm all about the finger foods....
I love the fact the Obama has a world view. I love the fact that him and Biden have worked together officially in the Senate. They have the makings of a great team that will not provoke countries that would love to be our enemies and they can save some money trying to defend the U.S. from such enemies and do some good.
McCain is too old and 90% like Bush. He may become senile, if he is not already, just like Regan. Then, we will end up with ...cannot speak her name with out thinking "girl, what did you get yourself into" ... Lord, have mercy . . .
Fox is open conservative, msnbc is open liberal, CNN is subtle, shrewd.... pitching a right wing message.
Did Obama answer the question of whether the democrats belittled Palin's experienace as a small town mayor???? That was the question that was displayed on the CNN screen.
I wasn't too thrilled when McCain jumped on his soap box about reform 3 minutes into his portion.
And as far as Obama so far-he is reacting better than at Saddleback and is giving more direct answers than I think some of the people on here are giving him credit for.
I'm vrey impressed with Obama tonight
Why is Bay Buchanan here? All she's going to do is bash Obama. How one sided she is. Of course she's going to be saying how much better McCain is, just look at her title!
Why did Obama just say he wants government to be cool again, that is a terrible thing to say, government has to work right, not be cool
He is not only brilliant but so Inspiring
David, listening to Obama speak right now, how can you say that he isn't speaking from his heart? Everything he is talking about tonight is exactly why he is running for president, and it is where he comes from.
Roland,
And who would be the judge of what constitutes "sniping and personal attacks" as opposed to "relevant character and personal history issues"?
- Victor
Obama is strickly about bringing about change for the better for all Americans! Young, old, rich and poor. It's amazing that so many people say that they want change and will cast their vote for McCain.....
Roland I agree that would of been a great thing to ask for.
Every time I watch the man, I am reminded of how much I love Barack Obama. He is my hero.
David, Obama is a breath of fresh air, not the same ole hot air coming out of Washington
Ray
"Don't count on this forum to change a single vote" This forum is great as it overall has avoided name calling and mudslinging. Is this what you think gets votes..the name calling, mudslinging and making "mountains out of molehills" to keep your candidates in the news?
Was Max Cleland respected in his campaign when Republican's showed ads with him aligned with Osama bin-Laden?........Max Cleland's a hero yet his service was disparaged. It makes me sick!!
I think more people would eager to serve if Washington wasn't so corrupt. I mean, what's the use? Politicians are embroiled in scandal on a weekly basis. Who wants to give up time for that?
is it just me? im sick & tired of watching obama b n asked a question & never given a answer. obama just stop you will not be a great leader for this country nor a good one! the only thing your good at is BS! i dont believe you care about this country, i feel you only want to make history!!!