(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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McCain-
"let's work with those who aren't necessarily connected to the government but yet still serve the community."
LOL you mean like what Barack Obama did after college??!? Lmao
Roland or Bill, maybe you could answer this for me, since McCain is going first, is Obama in an "isolated bubble" backstage or is he able to hear these questions? Will they ask the same questions to Obama?
Bull Crap! Obama would have been a fool to let McCain dictate him into townhall meetings!
Why do pundits like Lou Dobbs seem not to realize that Democrats and others are angry at the choice of Governor Palin because she is simply lacking in the requisite knowledge and experience to make the kinds of decisions she would be called upon to make in the event of John McCain's incapacity or demise? There is also some anger at what is to many a "pseudo" status; she acts as if she is Mrs. competent and as if any all -American "hockey Mom" who is pretty and bright and has strong religious and moral convictions could do the job. This is patent nonsense and dangerous for our country. It's like having a bus driver pilot a 747.
Surprisingly, instead of appreciating this position, Lou Dobbs seems sometimes to deprecate the "liberal elitist intellectual" (after all, where does a mere movie actor like Matt Damon come off questioning Mrs., Palin's credentials.)
Do I hear the anti intellectual in the backgroud, the one who challenges the commentaries and pronouncements and self importance of the network proclaimed occupiers of the Fourth Estate?
My god she is not even elected yet and she is already predicting going to war!
LOL nice one Mr. Martin.
Is that how he'd govern? Do what I ask or I'll smear you into submission? It's like those old movies when the political boss tells the in-town rebela, "you'll never work in this town again!"
I'm a woman and an evangelical and I'm offended for several reasons. I'm offended that the Republicans play the religious card when it suits them. While I am pro-life under most conditions, soldiers dying in the war is totally overlooked. What about them? They are already here and being killed in an ill-conceived war. I'm offended as a woman because people obviously think we are dumb enough to vote for someone soley because of her gender. It was a total politcal move with no regard to the fact that this woman could potentially be in power on the brink of the 3rd world war, especially given the fact that last year was her first year out of the country. How will she lead judiciously with only an American view? Yes, I know McCain is running for president but let's face it, he may not live to the end of his term. He's 72 years old and this is a highly stressful job. This entire tactic scares me and all I can do is pray the people will see the truth in its entirety.
hey
McCain has made several comments about KNOWING how to defeat terrorism and find Osama Bin Laden, and KNOWING how to fix problems in Congress. If he KNOWS how to do these things, then why hasn't e already done them. Did he just recently learn the answers to these problems or is he reserving this knowledge for his own benefit?
Roland, that was one of the best thing you have said today!
Roland, I don't get it either but will stay tuned.
Hey Roland! you're awesome!
McCain's campaign is ridiculous and scary just like the republican base. People need to throw what he has been doing back in his face.
PLEASE THOSE OF YOU IN THE MEDIA STEP UP!!! WHY ARE YOU NOT OUTRAGED AT THE FACT PALIN HASN'T TAKEN AN INTERVIEW TILL TODAY?? WHY HAS NO ONE CALLED OUT MCCAINS LIES??? WHY DID OBAMA HAVE TO DO IT?? THAT IS THE MEDIA'S JOB!!! C'MON GUYS GET IT TOGETHER!
I think I heard Anderson Cooper say, "We'll keep hoping for that interview..." GET ANGRY. DOESN'T THAT MAKE YOU ANGRY??? The media is in large part to blame for why our politics are the way they are.
The woman asking the questions is trying to cause trouble by trying to ask questions that would upset any else but Mr. McClain
Did Senator McCain say that he is "divorced" from the day to day . . . by being in Washington?
Is that an unintended admission that he is out of touch with the world outside the Beltway?
Props to Roland...you got that right..
I agree with Roland about change. I remember the day after Iowa..
Kayr, that just basically means we're punishing kids for having rich parents. Not all rich kids are spoiled. Community service should be encouraged no matter how rich your parents are.
I think Serving one's country should not be based on military alone. For example, when all those military people come back from war with PMS, who is going to take care of them? There should be talk about everybody in all category of work that serve this country whether you are firefighter, high school student, nurses, doctors etc. At least military get paid but people like doctor, nurses, high school volunteering for free( working for free), what are we going to say about that?
I've never posted before to something like this. I'm not sure if this thing lacks a bias. Bill Schneider seems a bit slanted. Thought the press was to be a bit more........objective??? Just a thought. Analyst, yes. Is it possible to do that without being slanted? Not sure.
McCain has the never to blame Obama for this name calling and campaign about "personalities".
Also, I don't recall Obama questioning Palin's polical skills. This is the same mess the Clintons did about the so called "race card". Somebody in the campaign makes a statement and they make it as if it came out of Barack's mouth. And when Barack defends himself they cry "attack, attack". Come on people.
As Bill Maher said, we'll deserve what we vote for.
I agree with Roland this is suppose to be a Service Forum and McCain is being asked questions and dancing around the answer and nothing seems be being directed at service
I dont get it either and might be switching the channel soon if it doesnt allow for some off the cuff answers and not more of the same old same old
Why is he acting like Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde?
“I think small-town mayors have lots of responsibilities...like balancing a budget".
Uh, excuse me Mr. McCain, but your running mate didn't quite do a great job of that.
I agree with you Roland! Service is not about government, but I do think the role of government is to ensure that non-profit organizations and other community servicing organizations are able to run effectively and efficiently.
-Shana Bernabela
Dallas, Texas