(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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Bay's in the tank for the GOP. Scroll on by and you'll be fine.
I don't think that Obama sounds lofty; I think that he takes time to carefully craft and frame his answers because he is a meticulous person. I would much rather take a well-thought-out answer than a snappy comeback that sounds good but has little substance.
I would like to know....why the restrictions to join USA armed serivices, are limited by age?
I'm 56 years old and could do 20 years and be the same age as
soon to be Pres. McCain 76, when are terms are up.
Same with the FBI or US Marshall's.
Do you Sen Obama or Sen McCain agree the age limit should be lifted?
I did graduate high school and have 5 college degrees, I'll raise the percentages if allowed to join.
Thank you
Gary
I wish they would ask Obama this question: In November 2006, the unemployment rate was 4.4%. Since the democrat took control of congress, unemployment has increased to 6.1%. The country has less respect for congress than president Bush. Why should the America people trust you and more democrats for 4 years when you have leaped such distruction in 2 years?
Unfortunately, the moderators are showing their liberal tendencies. Almost every question seems to be, how can governemnt help with this or how can governement help with that. McCain tried to get the point cross that while government can help with some things, the private sector is usually much more effective - IF GOVERNMENT JUST GETS OUT OF THE WAY!
Bay,
I know you are used to someone that doesn't think before he speaks or stumbles to complete a sentence , but don't criticize the Sen. Obama for having mastered speaking well and thoughtfully.
"Obama is too lofty he takes to long to get to the point." - what? Because instead of sound bites he is actually answering the question and giving details? That's "too lofty". Try to look it objectively instead of as just a Republican.
NC, John McCain was preaching change while Obama was still organizing those civillians in Chicago...
The responsibility of serving others is part of our citizen's duty. I agree with Obama. In asking employers to mandate time for service, we can find so many way for each of us to touch the lives of others. We are in this together and not just idealistically but realistically.
Obama is really in his element here.
Bay,
I disagree. I want a president who clearly addresses ideas, not just speaks in sound bites. The american people deserve more than that.
Home field advantage - AND he got to hear McCain’s questions and answers. Shouldn’t Obama blow this out of the park? But I’m not sure this is one of those forums somebody wins or loses.
Did I just hear McCain say "that he was glad to be going to Washington and being removed from the day to day affairs of most people"? or something close to that effect when he was talking about service?
Ann
Obama will be cut-off by the media at campaign's end... America's money will not bow to an ethnic president, they're just too arrogant!!!
That is a very good plan Roland, I should look into that in VA!
McCain seemed to gloss over every question with a generic "faith based" answer.
To the contrary, Candy – Taking time to think before you respond is not lofty...its much better than just talking ot hear your head roll. Isn't that a big complaint we have about politicians now.
Rand McCain did not give answers. He was all over the place.
I think if they stopped the interview now Obama was way better. More precise and they asked him to give examples and he was able to.
Oneal, Obama is not the only one who claims that this nation came together after 9/11. It is pretty common for both parties and the pundits to point out the renewed sense of unity following the attacks.
I hope they ask Obama why he ducked all the town hall meetings with McCain.
so BO is taking credit ( or that is how it sounded ) for the community service bill introduced tomorrow....??? Amazing ...he always has ideas that others take or that is how it sounds to many
i think Martin is the reason why journalism is dying in this country. You're so unreasonable and one-sided!!!!
Bill,
That would only be fair after Saddleback!
Bay, I couldn't disagree more. People need to hear the whole plan, not just a sound byte. We have all learned how sound bytes can be taken out of context and actually hearing someone who takes the time to explain the details gives us an exact explanation of his plans.
the last recession was a result of clintons policies. why does everyone think he was so great? this is never pointed out by anyone in the press. also, look back when energy prices first started to climb, when gas hit the $2.00 a gallon mark. this was the very first sign that things were not going well with american energy policy. i m not a big bush fan but lets call a spade a spade.