(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 dodged the questions about his low ball tactics and then had the nerve to blame Obama. So we are supposed to be stupid and believe that he is lying in ads about Obama because Obama wouldn't do town halls with him? There is not honor in blaming an opponent for your behavior.
Roland, Are you kidding me? Her daughter really is accepting welfare
Republicans for years have been arguing the very point that big government will crowd out the private sector this argument is old as it is flawed. Obama stands is that government can be a partner.
Obama is willing to link college funding to community service. I didn't hear McCain dedicate any government resources to national service. Why?
Bay,
Should Americans really be all that scared of Obama introducing a smidgeon of insight and intellectualism into the debate?
Senator McCain talking about and making references to his military service for 45 minutes is real entertaining, but please try not to knock Obama down for being a little thoughtful and 'lofty'......even specific!
Is that what you think of your Americans? That when a guy sits down, listens to a question, waits.....pauses and then gives a thoughtful answer.....WOAH! Please, back to the biographical soundbites? Is that it?
Most of us are aware of your political affiliation this evening and at least I would prefer it if you didn't remind us of that in every single comment you post.
Many thanks from the United Kingdom!
Didn't Obama say(not exact words) but something to the effect that the US rightfully went after the purpetrators of 911. Sounds like he agrees with the war on Iraq by those words or was that a misspeak.
Guys, real quick question. You have a Republican strategist on, making sure to treat everything Obama says with disdain, but where is the equal time for a Democratic strategist?
What are the opinions of both presidential candidates on the rising cost of basic groceries when the gasoline prices is at a lower rate in recent months?
Roland/Lloyd Keep the kids out of this I don't care what point who is trying to make Keep the kids out of it
I agree, Obama looks, and speaks in a very presidential manner. Did you see him on Letterman last night? Wonderful.
Roland – keep talking about V.P. to be Sara Palin. Perfect
Experience = more of the same. Maybe what we REALLY need for a President is someone that isn't already in the lobyist pockets!!
Snooze... I'm going to record Obama's voice and use it to help me fall asleep at night. He's a real bore!
PEPFAR is the greatest achievement of the Bush admin, IMO. I think it needs to be expanded. We must invest in Africa and promote sustainable development in our own country and in others. However, we also must focus a lot on our own problems, including energy and infrastructure.
Bush not running for president
Leah, I agree with your statement 100%. I believe it is essential for everyone to actually THINK before SPEAKING. Lofty – no. Deliberate and Controlled – yes. Senator Obama has an engaging style which makes you feel that he is speaking directly to you.
Obama needs to talk to the audience.
Roland – that is ridiculous. All kids are on their parents insurance if they have insurance otherwise the are on mine. My tax insurance.
Roland, Why is it that Obama is catching the heat for everyone asking about Gov Sarah Palin. I mean she was just thrown out here to us and we are just supose to just accept her without knowing her. Im not ready to put my life in a strangers hands, and really when she seems as if she has so much hidden. I would like to know since shes up for a hard job when will se answer the hard questions. They drilled Obama what makes her different?
woo Roland that was a great one!!
How can the USA keep borrowing money from China, etc. and give it to other countries?
I really think Obama's major problem is his inability to communicate with "not-so-educated" crowd. He can hardly keep his answers simple and straight.
Both candidates speak of changing the culture of Washington. What I want to know is what does that mean? Are they going to try to change the politicians or are they going to change the overbloated, fiscally irresponsible bureaucracy that wastes so much of our tax dollars?
I'm getting a strange sense of Deja-Vu with the Obama Campaign. It feels like 1976 and Jimmy Carter all over again.
I was young and idealistic then and wanted Carter, bad choice as a President
What plan does McCain have to improve the schools and get rid of failing teachers?