(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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"Overall Obama is presenting more thoughtful, detailed, and innovative ways of service."
"I sat through Saddleback too — Obama seems much more at ease here. More direct, less meandering."
I 100% agree with you both hear. good insight.
So much for not talking politics, I think this is the perfect day to meet with Clinton and then afterwards go to the school that I graduated from and have a fair and balanced discussion.
The only thing Obama did today was promoted is his campaign.
This is economies of scale, the government has the scale
Silas, Who raised you? Sounds like you still have some growing up to do.
Palin is a Trojan Moose. 4 more years of Cheney style VP Politics.
I remember my days of CO in Brooklyn NYC working with the local schools to build playgrounds. I was deeply insulted by her demeaning comments about people who take their own personal time to work at bettering their community.
Barbara:
Obama is for socialism at his core.
What he has learned is to how cover it with his Harvard degree.
Since John McCain answers questions so well, can he honestly answer why he lied about being divorced from his first wife (noted in his book) along with all his other "hidden scandals?" He sure didn't put "Country First" when he cheated on his first wife with old dope head Cindy!!!
If the Obama camp wanted to play dirty politics, all they have to do is watch CNN's Revealed . The great war hero didn't have a problem cheating on his first wife. His only response was, "I take full responsiblity for my actions." Oh, and don't forget about rich Cindy who was stealing prescription drugs from and charity organization that she was suppose to be working for (but instead getting high)!
McCain should be glad that Mr. Obama is running a clean campaign. I would have a field day on this clown!!!
D. Alexander
On the CNN web-site, why is it that you only show a photo of Obama and you only quote Obama in the headline, but not John McCain? Is it because you are "fair and impartial?"
Sen. McCain has served his country well, and we respedct and appreciate him for that.... He as 25+ yrs in the senate...but, it is not just the years of military service or years in Washington that qualiy you for the presidency. There is all sorts of experience that might prepare you to be president. More presidents than not, did not have military experience, including the current commander-in chief. A presidency is not and "earned" position. It is up to the American people to decide based upon a candidate's varied experience, world view, knowledge, temperment, and leadership qualities, whether or not that candidate is ready to be president.
Obama hit it on the head tonight. We need to all get together to pull this country out of the hole the GOP has dug for us. McCain seemed more content to turf all service besides military over to the private sector.
Amen to that BeBe!
It is amazing to me how people can listen to something like this and then come away with completely different impressions of what they have heard. Louis L'Amour said, "Nobody is ever convinced by argument...They just think up new reasons for maintaining old positions and become more defensive."
The earnings of the American workforce undergird the efforts of our valiant soldiers who protect our rights and freedoms. Domestic employment and military service are complimentary, one would not exist or would lose purpose without the other. Neither is more important, but leaving your 2 yr old to go into harm's way is usually the more difficult path.
I think Typical white person gets it. Mandatory community service is not volunteerism. This is a principal of Socialism and complete government control with the promise of something later... that most of the times never comes. The opportunities our country offers which is what makes it original, special and different is what males it exceptional, and if the government was to control everything and have he government mandate what you MUST do and give back to your country is NOT FREEDOM, and it is NOT what this country was founded on.
When is the media going to ask Obama if he is ready to be president and why?
When is the media going to begin to do a little research on Biden's past?
Does anyone have a comment about how the pollsters are getting there data? Many adults between the ages of 18 and 30 only have cell phones and not land lines (home telephones), which means that the polls may be missing out on the younger voters.
Sen. Obama is best qualified to be our next president. He is smart, wise and uses good judgment. His policies are the right solutions that the American people need at this defining moment in history. McCain votes with Bush 90% of the time. I choose not to take a 10% chance on change. The REAL change that this world needs can only come from Sen. Obama.
I joined the Marines in 1980, The only thing I knew at the time was to fight. Now middle age I find it hard to find a new place to serve.
I would rather serve under Obama than McCain.
EHY DON'T WE SEE ALOT MORE OF CANDY... I LOVE YORU OBJECTIVITY AND INSIGHT
Frank thank you.
You get it.
Thank you
I wish CNN would focus more on the REAL criminals that caused 9/11, as well as focus more on the LIES that they helped report to get us into Iraq.
thank you seth u took the words right out of my mouth!!!!!! but why hasnt 1 of these silly reporters called him out on it? another thing i kept hearing obama say tonight is "yes & i think mccain is right".
Its a McCain night for sure. Obama has lost his touch. I hear when Obama went to see the troops in Afga. he didn't say much at all to them but instead played baketball and was more interested in getting his picture taken for the people back home. I think we democrats would have done better with Clinton. So its McCain for me.....
I think it is really sad to see such down standards in the media, particularly the commentators. I've watched faithfully for weeks and since Palin came on the scene, you hardly ever hear the media talking about Obama (unless it something negative) and there is literally nothing on Biden and what he is doing. Come on people, let be fair to the Obama team.
Just like tonight,(I know the hurricane is important) but if Mc Cain-Palin had that interview, Camble and others would have many comments. There is no question who the republican are in the media because there comments and air time is geared towards them. Not much different than Christ Matthews !
Last thing, the people of American need to wake up! What kind of person would put their 4 month old baby on hold for a campaign? What kind of mother would be on the campaign tail instead of spending time with their son who is about to be deployed?
I know many are saying you wouldn't say that if it were a man, Well you are right, but it is a given that when a mother has a baby that she will be there for that child if no one else is. She will put here children before ourselves.
In response to the question to Obama about jr. officers resigning how can you blame them if NCOs could do that, many would. After 9/11 Pat Tillman and others enlisted by records. This was a call to defend our nation and many felt the military was being used for personal reasons. It seems that tour after tour, has taken its toll. Many have told me you begin to think this maybe this is the tour that I don't come alive.