Well McCain doesn't need as much help as Obama does he?

Ya gotta admit — after all the other trash and crap is tossed, THIS is the major issue:

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT….

'From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.
That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.
After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln,FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. 143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is – a start.

AND, sadly, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him.

We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this for the President of the United States of America ?

Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.

Obama should call him out on Palin. How McCain talk about keeping America safe when he has given Americans less than two months, and virtually no media access to her, to get to know this rank neophyte.

When Obama was way ahead in the polls back in June and July he didn't give a crap about the issues, and not so cleverly 'redifined' how he and John Mccain should 'debate' in the style of the Lincoln-Douglas Campaign of 1860, rather than keep his commitment to the 10 Town-Hall debates he made after winning the Primary.

McCain did what any politiian would by attacking him on his character instead. This was pretty easy, of course, because there's so much to go for, despite the fact that MSM gave him a free ride.

He can practice for a month and it won't make a dent in regards to his gift for falling in love with the sound of his own voice every time he opens his mouth.

Ask him what time it is, and he'll tell you how to build Big Ben.

Get him talking about his favorite topic….himself, and it's over.

He was able to slip through the cracks when debating in a field of candidates during the early primaries, but got 'punked' by Hillary Clinton when he had to go one-on-one.

His death-knell is coming this Friday, and it won't matter what the previous polls stated.

McCain/Palin '08

This is like the kid who attempts to read the book the day of the test as opposed to the kid who took his time.
I hope it reflects in his performance!!!! i hope he tanks!

I can only imagine the stress the candidates must be under. I don't anticipate any big damage to come to either candidate. And I don't think the debates will change much. So why have them? Alot of people say they are undecided, but with the differences in the candidate so profound I really don't believe anyone is undecided. It's fun to pretend to be so sophisticated that the decision on who to vote for will wait until election day. And pollsters will keep calling.

McCain we admire your courage and time spent in the military, but give us a break! The country is in an Economic melt down please tell us how you are going to fix it! Please be serious and stop lying about issues we need a leader we can trust. Obama is way out of your reach accept it and move on!!

I guess it takes a debate camp for Obama to say 'yes' or 'no' without 10 minutes of equivocating. After his performance at Saddleback he needs all the practice he can get. Obama never states his position until after he sees how the political winds blow and takes days to staff something. He did that with Georgia, with AIG, and now with the bailout. It's like walking in the footprints of someone else in a mindfield. Except Obama never takes his turn out front, he ALWAYS follows. Not exactly leadership is it? He'll fall flat on his face in the debates.

Bulldog,

Getting your facts straight doesn't make you more qualified, because most people don't even know the facts. People are too busy voting their party lines to actually care about anything aside from feeling like they're in the "better" party.

'Someone ask McCain what he thinks about One Man One Woman Marriage.

He's had 1 man, 2 women marriages.'

Foolish attack. Pls grow up

Go John/Palin 08

Obama will wipe the floor with McCain. This should be amusing to watch.

"traditional preparation that includes a sparring partner playing the role of his Republican opponent."

What part of traditional don't some of you understand? And in case you missed this part of the article McCain is being preped as well, just doing it the "untraditional" way.

They should both do pretty well.
That's one of two thing both have in common. They can talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and argue, etcc…..

The other thing they have in common–neither can support via their past work experience, traditional alliances, nor resume–they can really pull off anything they are promising (which changes with the polls).

Imagine–a Lame Duck like Bush being replaced by the same kind of duck–no matter who get's the nod.

Troubling times.

WHO IS JOHN GAULT?

Obama is good but he needs to use short sentences, avoid big words,
and inject a bit of good-natured humor. Study Reagan.

"Debate Camp" so if Obama gets "the 3am call" will he ask for a time out so he can study with his study group or can he make the right decision on the spot? There is no DO-OVERS, no make up test and no study camps. Obama isn't ready!!

McCain is ready to lead; Obama is cramming, and this will show.

It's going to come down to this: Will voters pick unproven, intellectual theories on liberal governmant or will they pick a fire-forged maverick that has the practical experience needed tolead this nation in difficult time.

I am confident people see through the BS and pick the beat up silver dollar and not the shiny new penny.

How will McLiar do???? I will let you know after all his statements are fact checked, and I bet over 50% are going to be lies. Just like Nixon!!! Lie, Lie, Lie, until someone thinks you are telling the truth!

McCain = short generic answers followed by "can I just tell this one story…"

Great! Hillary underestimated Obama, and look where she ended up. McCain, as cocky as ever, thinks he has it all wrapped up since the first debate is about national security.

One advantage that Obama has is that the debtate is at night, when McCain's medications wear off.

Mccain Not Preparing Is A Good Insight To How He Would Lead! He Would Be Unprepared! His Decisions Would Not Be Thought Through And We Would All Suffer Because Of It! We Dont Need A Maverick To Shoot From The Hip Without Thinking! We Need A Leader That Can Think Of Multiple Solutions And Get Input From Others Before Making A Decision! Mccain Has A Decision Making Process Of. . . . Ready . . . Shoot. . . Aim! I Will Vote For Obama! I Have Confidence That He Will Think Things Through!

Its funny how everyone says Obama cant talk without teleprompters when all you see McCain do is read off of his note cards that were prepared by speech writers…….Just like Bush.

Shawn – GA — You forgot…."Now, let's be very clear."

They only need someone to play Obama who can say, "uh, hum I a, I a, well, hum. " That about covers it. I just hope he has to answer, at least some of the questions, first.

Well McCain doesnt need to practice because his answers will be POW POW POW fight fight fight. And the inbreeding rednecks will get whipped up and yee hawing and the smart people in this country will still vote for Obama. We just need to pray that there is more of the smart ones then the stupid. I wont hold my breath though.

Obama lies in his ads.

Obama better have his answers crisp, else he is toast

It is hard to have any faith in McCain when all he offers is his past total support for Bush-Cheney policies, impulsive reactions that he quickly flip-flops from, the selection of the bazaar Palin for his running mate and claiming credit for the 'surge' success. Even the 'surge' at best is questionable as while the violence is down, nothing else is accomplished and we are still paying all of the costs, plus then it is questionable as to whether the Anabar (sp?) Awakening had more to do with any reduction in the violence or if the surge would have even worked without the Awakening (where Iraqi's took responsibility in their neighborhoods). On top of all of that McCain and Palin have both demonstrated a clear propensity for dishonesty. As I say, it is hard to have any faith in the McCain-Palin ticket.

I've already voted for Obama, debates don't matter to me. Bigger story here is will GA prevent democrats from voting on November 4th again?

Calif Obama will resture the purity of the people before Allah. This will bring peace. He is the one we have been waiting for. He is the one. No one can defeat him.

I can't wait to see this… Finally the country can see the men side by side answering questions. We'll see the stark differences between the two. Hopefully any undecided voters will know what so many of us have known for quite a while now. What a better choice Obama is in this election.

Me thinks McCain's "squeeze in" debate prep is just spin. They want to portray him as a man of action and decision who knows what to do and when to do it. I doubt Palin was just pulling a name out of the sky as suggested and the Reps are preparing something nasty for Obama. Keep your powder dry.

jd in nc ….said there may be a small radio under mc cains coat … i have always thought there may be a implant in his face where he had a spot removed . maybe there was no spot at all ……….they could feed him the answers… just a thought he is a cheater…………….

I find it funny how much the obamabots want to harp on Mccain for his the route he's choosing to prepare for the first debate. This is a subject Mccain should be strong in, unlike Obama.

Thus, Mccain shouldn't need as much time to prepare (i'm sure Mccains prep time for the 2nd and 3rd debates will be more).

But really, why are you getting all worked up, if he has any struggle in the debate it'll give the win to Obama. Could you be getting so worked up because you know Obama has trouble when he doens't have his teleprompter there feeding him his lines? He struggled with Hillary in the primaries, he struggled in the Saddleback forums and he'll most likely struggle in the 3 debates — and thus he needs to cram in as much time as he can.

Hey, HEE-HAW,
Why do you compose your messages in such an odd and annoying way?

Yeah, like the Mccain camp would really spill their guts about how they are preparing for this debate. I'll glad with this thing is over.

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is banning reporters from her first meetings with world leaders, allowing access only to photographers and a television crew.

What is this? If you were not ready for the job, why did you accept? This lady is becoming a joke day by day. She won't even go head to head with Biden in the debate.

Careful planning on one side, shoot-from-the-hip maverickness on the other.

As a skilled marksman, I can tell you that shooting from the hip is rarely very accurate.

Dems have owned market oversight committee for two years….and now we are having a meltdown?

Gas prices skyrocketing and Dems have controlled congress for two years?

Bush has had more minorities in high level positions (colin powell and condolezza rice) more than any other President.

How are Democrats the people's party in this election? Appears that McCain is more in the middle and looking out for our interests than anyone else.

You people have nothing…all you complain about is cars and houses…ridiculous. Biden owns a freakin "compound" with multiple houses on it by a lake. Give me a break people…

Vote to raise your taxes…what a dumb move.

I hope the debate will show McCain as he really is – UNWISE, UNFIT AND UN-PRESIDENTIAL. I hope the public and the media is not fooled again as they were at Saddleback with McCain's short, flip nonsense non-answers.

I think that this first debate will give us, Americans, a chance to see both men standing side by side. We will see the incredible difference: McCain from the last generation, and Obama young and his youth saying loudly "FUTURE". We have a choice between staying on the same-old-path or moving into our future!

Let's hope that people will watch the debate and listen closely. The choice is clear…….. we can't go back, we must move forward.

McCain doesn’t need to be prepped for a debate.
He has done so many and when you have conviction and when you know what you believe in, you don’t need to be prepped.
Obama needs this experience just like he needs the experience to run this country and he lacks it.

The difference between a real Commander and chief and a want be.

McCain will do great.

The difference in debate style reflects a difference in how the two will govern.

Obama will immerse himself in the details, study hard, work with others, and try to arrive at the best long-term solution.

McCain will, like Bush before him, go with his "gut." He will be so confidant that he has seen it all and done it all that he'll take any new challenge and squeeze it into the sausage skin of his experience.

Foreign policies and the economy is tied together. I think Obama will do well and it won't be much of a bounce for either. The challenge is Biden and Palin. Palin expectations is lowered. I think overall, the debates will not change anything unless something outrageous happens. I don't think race will be a factor in the election because the new voters and younger voters will offset that!! And also, people are going to be surprise when more people vote on the issues and not the color of somebody else skin. Some people being polled who have a negative opinion about blacks in public will get the poll both and vote on issues. It is only one color that matters when it comes to money and that is green!!

Obama should not trust anyone that has worked with the clintons to prep him for the debates. I would guess, their telling mccain everything obama will say so he'll look prepared. I'm also betting he already has a list of the questions. my advice to obama, you're own your own sweetie, but, you'll be okay.

Shouldn't they already know how to debate??? They've had debates before. Why would Obama need to go to "debate camp?"

You know dam well that McSame camp will buy of this debate , also the American people know that McSame is all about war. Obama is for peace and unity. Political ticker you never cover Biden and when you do your coverage is negative be fair and give both Obama & Biden the coverage as you do for that woman Palin who continue to tell lies, the McSame camp has stop the investigation in Wasilla, if there was nothing to hide they would have not stop the investigation.

I'm going to give the both of them some free advice!……….."just be yourself, and answer all the questions," as trueful as you can…………….

I really look forward to bobble head Bay Buchanan's comments after the debates!

So when McCain does badly- will he blame his lack of preparation and claim he was too busy with other important matters?

Honestly, I cannot wait for the VP debates more than the Presidential- Palin's idea of transparency is lip gloss.

It's going to be entertaining seeing a healthy, vibrant young man helping a decrepit old man find his way to the podium. The contrast between these two is going to make Nixon and Kennedy look like identical twins.

It does remain to be seen whether McCain will cheat like Bush did, or like he did at the Saddleback forum.

mcsame's whole career has been on th fly. sarah palin choice is a prime example. with out her, nobody shows up to hear him speak. the candle flame is dwindeling. sarah, track, trick, smig, pick and pack, will all be headed north soon and levi will split for a warmer climate.

John McCain has been a Washington politician for decades. He's heard all the questions before and should have his debate "style" pretty well nailed down, honed to dish the stuff in those TV-friendly soundbites.

Obama is not a career politician. When asked a question, his response is to think about it and give as full a response as he can. He has to be taught how to perform in the artificial environment of the TV debate, where the medium of exchange is "gotcha" questions and catchy one-liners.

Obama supporters are so funny. You will say anything to prop up your guy. Fact is Obama is a terrible debater. Hillary cleaned his clock in that department. Yes, Obama will have long thought out answers that will be empty as usual. He has no experience but, he does orate well. Seems the majority of people commenting here are Obama supporters.

You seem desperate.

This debate and the following ones should be about what can the elected president do for America, not how bad the opposition is. This is not a sparring competition.

George Will, an old white conservative columnist, wrote today that McCain doesn't have the temperment to be a good President and that this is the kind of problem that can't be fixed.

Obama will cut loose on McCain. Don't underestimate him in this debate. Obama was not trying to destory Hillary because he knew if Hillary won the nomination, he would be working very closely with her. However, in a McCain administration it will be a different story. And besides, he will be fighting for the American people, the troops overseas as well as his own career. McCain will lose this debate unless he is given the questions in advance in order to study his responses.

Obama/Biden 08

Both John McCane and Barack Obama are good and decent men. I see McCane and his thinking as the past and Obamb and his intelligence as the future.

A Senion Southern Lady – Independent

I don't understand why being A P.O.W makes someone qualified to become Pres. Yes he served his country that is what he wanted to do. He went to VIetnam he was captured and beaten. I understand all that, but why does that make him more special than others who have served and have gotten hurt . I didn't believe in the vietnam war nor do I believe in the war in Iraq. I do love my country I also believe that we need to take care of America before we take care of other countries because if we don,t we won't have an America to Take Care Of others.

I find it very presumptuous that McCain is so glib about this debate just because its on foreign policy. This is not a debate about Vietnam or his POW status. I know that is his plan-to pull noun, verb, POW, out of his rear end whenever he is cornered. Obama isn't underestsimating his opponent, which, at the very least, shows deference for McCain. McCain, who clearly looks down on Obama as beneath him, is taking the "novice" for granted. McCain is going to regret this.

I wonder if McCain will have an outline on his back of a little box like Bush so someone can feed him answers. It may also work for Palin. I heard a rumor that she has already been viewed with what looked like an outline of a box on her back.

Hi, I'm Joe biden, and I just threw my running mate under the bus….

Holy smokes, he wasn't kidding when he said Hillary would have been a better choice.

It'll be interesting to see if McCain actually answers the questions. His usual method is to ignore the question and go on ad nauseum about patriotism, his service to the country, his experience in [fill in the blank] in general terms. When asked how he will fix the economy, he'll go on and on about greed and corruption, and then say he'll clean things up. Big deal. What I want to hear is the HOW!

For the 1/2 of America that's voting for McCain, as the old saying goes, "Be careful what you ask for." Your wages will continue to deteriorate. Your taxes will go through the roof (how do you think the 700 billion will get paid for?), and your children will die in wars McCain's well-known temper has started. At least you have front row seats for the end of the American Way.

Really Obama is "the one" that would need to prepare because of his lack of experience. I bet he feels like a kid studying for a exam on friday!

Democrat voting for Mccain 08 and Hillary 12

I keep waitin for mccain to say "follow the yellow brick road" He just sounds like a munchkin to me.

once again we see the stark difference in these two men.

Obama = sound judgment

McCain = reckless

This approach is what we should expect from McCain. We will all be treated to another round of "shoot from the hip answers" that he will have to correct on saturday.
I find it extremely telling that George Will this morning said that McCain is simply not the person we want in the White House. His temper and "on the fly" decisions are even turning away his most staunch supporters.

obama is like a lost sheep without his teleprompter. he can cram all he wants. hillary made him look foolish in the primary debates, and mccain will do the same. he isn't a "nuance" thinker, he has no platform, experience, or record to speak of. get ready for the uh-uh-uh, long winded, rambling responses from obama. mccain/palin 08!

When you have no experience like Obama, you have to practice a a lot. Without his teleprompter Obama is lost.

OBAMA BRING YOUR TELEPROMPTER AND GAS PACK

Bill Clinton approved deregulation!!!!!! He talks "REPUBLICAN"
on "THE VIEW! AND watch LARRY KING LIVE TONIGHT WITH
GOOD OLE BILL!!!!!.

Anonymous,

Your post is sad but true…

This will be good. Mccain will show he isnt as good as Obama. When he starts to get confused it will be over. Just get the little man upset and he will make big mistakes. Obama will shorten all his answers because he knows what the public will believe.

Obama

I actually think the VP debate will be more entertaining to watch. I just can't wait until Joe puts a muzzle on that chihuaha. She better get all of the photo opportunities while she can. That still won't help her. She has no foreign policy knowledge at all.

YOu make it sound as if JM is not preparing, when in fact some form of prep is on every day of his schedule. However the different approaches continue to shed light on the different styles of these two individuals.

GO OBAMA

I'm planning to have popcorn to munch while I watch Obama trounce McCain on Friday night.

Also going to count how many times McCain says POW. Want to take bets on that? I figure at least 12. Maybe 7 "Ronald Reagans"? Bet there won't be one "Bush".

I love it when McCain wings it. He comes up with the most stupid, inane, imbecelic things I've ever heard. Even President Bush must be dazzled with what comes out of McCain's mouth. Such fond memories: the sing along song bomb-bomb-bomb-Iran, "drill drill drill here, drill right here right now, drill my friends, DRILL", 7 days ago proclamation the economy is fundamentally sound as Lehman Bros. files bankruptcy, the economy imploded and we are again 1929, and offering Cindy McCain to the Sturgis Ohio biker rally as Miss Buffalo Chip while the crowd yelled at her to show her tits.

I look forward to Biden throwing Obama under the bus some more during the VP candidate debates.

Hahaha….it was a matter of time before Ol' Foot in his Mouth Biden stepped in it.

I support Obama but lets not get too confident.

Obama is a marginal debater and McCain is very good. This is also McCain's supposed "area of expertise".

Lastly, for what ever reason, the American public seems to hate people who deliver well though out and articulated answers (Obama does this) and prefer the snap decision, off the cuff, simplistic answers (McCain).

So, a lot is against Obama going into these debates.

Don't forget; McCain is a POW!! lmao

I can't wait to hear McCain's "ready…fire…aim" answers.
This will be fun to watch him make a fool of himself.

The Republicans have succeeded in getting MSNBC Keith Olbermann,Cris Matthews OFF THE AIR. But FOX News with Hannity and ROVE thrives. Old news is that Hannity hired Rove as a political newsboy!
Obama Biden 2008 or BUST!!!!

If Obama needs Biden to get votes and experience factor, and the Clintons for help with his message my question now with the 700-1trillion $ bailout what good will come from Barack's grand plan if there is no $ for these good time plans?????
ps. i'm computer challanged also so I guess that Obamas people believe in solent green also.

2012

I think this has the potential to echo the famous Kennedy/Nixon debates, starring Nixon/McCain as the sweaty, grumpy, crotchety old guys, vs Kennedy/Obama as the younger, more suave and relaxed newcomer. I hope the result is also the same, after America gets a good chance to see these candidates perform.

It could be/should be Obama in a knock-out.

Obama will beat McCain on Substance. McCain will of course bring out his POW card, God knows what it brings, but he keeps using it.

The Republicans have succeeded in getting MSNBC Keith Olbermann,
Cris Matthews OFF THE AIR. But FOX News with Hannity and ROVE
thrives. Old news is that Hannity hired Rove as a political newsboy!

Obama Biden 2008 or BUST!!!!

The debates haven't historically made any difference. A lot of the people watching wouldn't know the answers to the questions or if the candidates gave the right ones anyway. A lot of people are blown away by the short quips from McCain and the thoughtful answers from Obama don't impress the ones looking for flash and not at substance.

I still predict Obama will surprise everyone and take the debates handily. He didn't work his way through his education on scholarships by not being able to prepare properly.

No teleprompter,no chance !

I love it!!!!!!!!!

Nobama has to go to "debate camp" in order to prepare for his debate with McCain.

As badly as Nobama performed in the primary debates, maybe he should start off at the kindergarden level.

No teleprompter for Nobama, so he'll have to memorize everything.

This ought to be fun.

Between Biden throwing the ticket's commericals under the bus, and the Chosen One, Obama, needing debate "boot camp", this house of cards is looking awfully unsteady…

Everyone knows McWar has the advantage here but his approach
is MORE continued war, more war will break out with McWars temper and likely the DRAFT!!!
Obama has better *judgement* by far so it all comes down to the
American people and whether you want to CONTINUE on the McSame
path or take a different road with Obama-Biden a change in mindset
from getting into these wars and start on a road to PEACE and prosperity. Personally I would think after the mess the country is in it would most defintely be the LATTER!!!

How will Obama ever be able to perform without his binky… er uh… teleprompter?

Why does McDeregulation have to "squeeze in" any debate prep time after all, all he has to do is answer with a "noun", a "verb", "I was a POW for 5 1/2 years in Viet Nam and the media and the Republican base will go WOW, he hit a home run with all his answers….

The tax payer revolution has begun.

We will not pay for the trillion dollar politically-correct affirmative-action housing blunder created by, encouraged by, and cheerleaded by Fannie, Freddie, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Jimmy Carter and racial poverty-pimps everywhere.

There is no mortgage crisis. There is no banking crisis. There is a crisis of being afraid of being called racist, which lead to arm twisting, which lead to bad loans being made to deadbeats who had no means nor any intention of ever paying back the note.

The tax payers of this country WILL not pay for this. Careful Washington, you may well be signing your own eviction notice with this bailout.

It is the last chance McCain has. I hope he comes with genuine facts.

No more repubs this year.

The Joker's face is so clear on B.H.Obama's features. The painted lipstick smile in red hides the down turn of his oversize frown. Lonely Women and racial preferance runs strong in his camp. A sad case to cover. Seems like the Joker has a wind up on his back. Like all wind ups, they all need to be taken in for repair.

I've seen this a couple of times on blogs and here in the CNN posts, and it just seems so appropriate when applied to John McCain: Ready, Shoot, Aim! That's not the kind of President I'm looking for at this time, with so much on the line. I want steady and intelligent.

And as far as the VP debates go, why does John McCain get to change the rules so Palin can still follow the script when she's not at his side. Does anyone else out there think this is the biggest hoax ever played upon the American public?

Foreign policy r no foreign policy mclier cannot beat obama he's not as sharp as obama. Mclier will need all his advisors but this still will not help him bacause they r just as dum.

In his debate with Mitt, John McCain flat out lied enough times that Mitt lost it and started yelling, making Mitt look unpresidential.

John will probably try the same tactic on Obama. Handling that b.s. is what Obama should practice doing.

The reason McCain is unable to debate a mock Obama is that the real Obama is unrecognizable from the absurd, grotesque charicature that McCain portrays in his lying campaign ads.

Perhaps he be better prepared for the debate if he actually studied what the REAL Obama is like.

The problem with national security debates is neither candidate can tell the truth about how best to cope with the world today. Right now Russia is doing war manoevers with Venezuala and Iran and North Korea are on the outs with the U.S. as well.

Factor all this in with a country stretched to the breaking point with two wars and an ecomony on the verge of a depression the solution has to be diplomatic but try to tell the public this and you will be perceived to be unamerican and weak on foreign policy.

America needs a culture change and very quick world dominance is out of the question and even the Republicans may have to recognize this fact. The advantage the U.S. may have over some of their perceived enemies is nuclear.

MCGREEDY HAS GOTTEN BY WITH HIS LIES,

DISTORTIONS & OUT RIGHT BRAKING THE LAW.

TIME TO PAY. THE WHOLE WORLD WILL SEE EXACTLY

HOW MUCH OF A NOTHING HE REALLY IS.WHATS WITH

THE REPUBLICANS ? DO THEY CONDUCT A SEARCH TO

FIND THE STUPIDEST REPUBLICAN ALIVE TO NOMINATE.

NOW TIME FOR THE HARD QUESTION.

WHO IS DUMBER THEM OR US FOR VOTING THEM IN.

ANSWER: US

UM, ERR, UM, WELL, UM

THE MOST INTELLIGENT WORDS IN ANY OBAMA SPEECH.

Sometimes, I think that the debates don't matter. Bush got shredded in all of his debates against Gore and Kerry and somehow that dipstick won. However, McCain is considerably more intellegent than Bush.
Bush wasn't smart enough to know when he was in trouble or losing. Some people even say that he had an ear piece.
One thing is for certain, don't expect a simple win for Obama, at least not from the pundits. His background would give him an edge on McCain

McCain cannot prepare earlier … short term memory! He can't handle information that he learned more than 48 hours ago.

obama is going to make it . i'm pretty sure.

If this is any indication of how the two will govern, I'll go with the well prepared, well thought out approach Obama uses over the "on the fly" approach that McCain/Palin use for everything.

Haven't we had enough of last minute, on the fly, jump in and screw everything up politics with Bush? Lord forbid a republican actually let "facts and figures get in the way" of screwing up our country.

obama has to nail this, he has to show strength. he can not let mccain get the spotlight. this is really crucial, he has shown he has what it takes on the economy and gained the confidence of the american people. mccain knows this and will try to corner him in on issues that may cause obama to stumble and stutter (LOL). Dont let him do it obama!!!! knock this ball out the park we can not afford another strike. we are counting on you and will back u all the way

Obama should do far better, if he has somebody mocking McSame. On the other hand, McSame had better get somebody in who can impersonate Obama, if he can find a biracial man who has oratory skills like Obama

I do believe that BO is going to have to curb his tendency to overelaborate. He needs to be specific yet brief, hard-hitting yet not angry, and demonstrate once again his incredible intelligence.

Why would you want 894/899 when you could have a constitutional scholar??

McCain will give short precise,direct answers while Obama will studder as usual.

Make sure that we train the new guy on what to say!!! Kind of sad that this "great and amazing speaker" can't think and answer questions on the fly. Guess if elected, he'll need a few days of "coaching" before he goes in front of the camera.

Wait a minute….Wasn't this the same thing that the Liberals were saying Palin had to go through before being put in front of the media?? Wow, funny how your nominee can't be trusted to think for himself!!!!

This just shows you how each would prepare for a crisis or the advancement of our people. I personally prefere the Obama method of studying and preparing for an event. I kinda understand McCain's method too because we all know he is just gonna hide behind that ladies skirt.

It does not suprise me he is not taking the debate seriously, just like he is not taking the economy seriously. A disengauged McSame, just like dubya.

When asked by his aides to join a "Debate Camp", so that he can stay on message without saying:

9/11
POW
My Friends
Surge
Bomb
Iran
Economy
Strong
Czhechoslovakia
And a list of other words….

McCain looked at Palin, and both said in unison, "Theeanks, but No Theeanks"

Shawn in GA

You idiot! ALL CANDIDATES GO TO DEBATE CAMP!!!!

McCain NOT going is the questionable thing here.

Did anyone notice that on all the news reports of McCai yesterday at an event in Pa, that he had notes on music stand and as he talked about thing he was reading them. One wold think that at this point he would know what he wanted to say and have it down. he was supposedly doing his town hall thing, but had to keep looking at his note. makes you wonder about his mental capacity right now.

I'm watching all the nuts in the financial hearings.

I'm very very depressed.

I betting John McCain now knows where Spain is…it's the rest of the world he's a bit confused on…. NATO…G8….UN ….all these groups – so many countries…sooooooooooo confusing…..

So many analysts say debates don't matter, but everyone I know who is undecided says they are waiting until after the debates to make up their mind. I can't wait to see the debates! Let's see you both at your very best Gentlemen! The World is Watching!

I will be so glad when this election is over and we have someone other than Bush to look forward to!

It is sad that the party who claims to be inclusive is the most racist party ever.The top democrats like Clinton who says do not say anything negative about Palin while she spouts out lies about Obama is just him trying to sabotage Obama.Biden saying he is disappointed in a ad by Obama and not mentioning all the negative lies of McCain.These devils are snakes.I am a blackman who will never vote democratic again.

Debate the issues. The first person who attacks person rather than position loses my vote. Don't tell me who isn't qualified or who's out of touch, tell me how we can achieve world peace through strength. Using the military in war is proof of weakness in diplomacy. What country would go to war with the US if it had a choice? Give them a face saving way to do what we want them to do. Let them claim victory while our strategic objectives are met.

I hope Obama doesn't hesitate to call McCain out on his lies! No Mr. High Road Nice Guy! It's time to hammer with the truth! The race is on!

McCain= The Keating Five

Seeing as nobody knows who is really going to show up with McCain, best be prepared.

He so blithely dismisses anything he said in the past – all the while claiming steadfast conviction – so who knows what he'll advocate on Friday?

Because John McCain doesn’t need to prepped like Obama.
John McCain knows what he is talking about.

Friday's debate is on foreign policy. John doesn't need to prep; he's lived it for a quarter of a century. Barack… well he's not to going to learn it in a week.
Russian ships and planes practicing war games in Venezuela, North Korea rebuilding nuclear facilities, and Iran still threatening to blow Israel off the map if given a chance.
Who am I voting for in November? McCain/Palin the only choice.

MCNOTHING DOES EVERYTHING ON THE FLY.

WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT HE DOES WHAT HE

WANTS TO,REGARDLESS OF WHO HAS TO PAY,

AS HIS FIRST WIFE CAN ATTEST.

WE USED TO CALL THAT AN OPPORTUNISTIC PREDATOR.

THESE DAYS WE JUST CALL THEM REPUBLICANS.

Obama will win, because he is smarter.

Seeing as no body knows who is really going to show up with McCain, best be prepared.

He so blithely dismisses anything he said in the past – all the while claiming steadfast conviction – so who knows what he'll advocated on Friday?

Obama has to figure out how he can seem to give an answer, but not really say anything. John McCain will tell you what he honestly thinks is best for the american people and this requires much less prep time.

True there are some major differences, McCain can speak off the cuff and think on his feet, where as Obama can't speak more than 3-4 words before mumbling and is lost without a telepronter. One's a war hero the other signed up with Selective Service (maybe). One's a conservative the other a bleeding liberal.

Like Bush, McCain will be wearing a devise that will feed the answers to him. This man is clueless and out of touch. Two-faced LIEberman will not be able to whisper things to him.

Anyone who saw the O'Reilly interview on Fox will know that Obama doesn't get rattled by ridiculous GOP talking points

This is all an attempt to lower expectations, like they did with Dubya.

Everyone expects McCain to get trounced, and when he gives his short, pointless answers (ala Saddleback), and doesn't drool on himself, everyone will say he won.

Just like with Dubya. Ugh.

McSimple is going down….. Obama and Biden 2008!

Obama's debacle in Saddleback? He answered unrehearsed questions eloquently and effectively…. apparently John McCain knew the questions in advance if the rumours are true….

I hope Obama wins the debates but frankly I don't think it makes a difference…Americans don't seem to care about the result of the debates. Otherwise GWB would never have become President.

Mcain looks very old and tired. I think people should really be concerned about his mental and physical state. Not me….but people around him.

Can you see the pitbull trying to take over if something happens to mcsenile? Nobody has any respect for her intellect(or lack thereof) or her deep convictions on any issue of importance. She is a dimwit.

Mcain winging it, Obama carefully planning ahead i would much rather have a president that carefully plans ahead then wing it!

Bulldog September 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

McCain needs to be very careful about making factual errors since he is supposedly so qualified on foreign policy. He has made way more factual mistatements in this campaign than Obama yet he is the one people say is more qualified. I thought a major qualification would be getting your facts correct. Apparently I am mistaken.

_________________________________________________________

we went to war with Iraq with bad facts, so that facts and truth play second fiddle in the McCain camaign

Epop your ignorance is astounding to say the least.

Did you know that if it were not for the Republicans Obama would be a slave? Yes, that's right. The Republicans FOUGHT to end slavery. The Democrats opposed it.

Thats why many blacks today stay true to Republicans. Democrats from the beginning have been a party about greed, and enforcing slavery.

Did you also know that O 'Bama voted FOR the Bridge to nowhere?
Did you know McCain voted AGAINST it?
Did you know Sarah Palin killed the bridge after Congress wanted 200 more million dollars from Alaskan tax payers for the loan?

Of course not. The only thing people like you understand is what is popular to believe and therefore form your opinions based on thinly veiled stories meant to SWAY you in one direction.

Your'e nothing but a sheep who follows the herd.

I wish I had the luxury to prepare for a debate when I was held prisoner in Hanoi. Unlike Obama.

In fact, I do recall that I had debate prep when the VietCong were torturing me.

Remember, I was a POW

Who cares CNN? Stop worrying about debates and worry about the issues! The debates will be here in 4 days.

The only thing Obama needs to be armed with are the facts about Bush and McCain and where his stands on foreign policy issues inter-weaving the financial hardships based a bad foreign policy.

"He will follow this "squeeze it in" prep schedule Tuesday as he campaigns in Ohio, and Wednesday around meetings with world leaders in New York."

Good for him! I'd also suggest the early bird special and lots of power napping, because he's REALLY going to need it!

I am just mad as hell today. Mostly at those bastards in washington and wall street. Man, they created a problem my grandson will be paying for. And the funny part, this bailout goes to the firms on wall street and not main street. As far as I am concerend, they can all go fu*k themsleves……HARD!

MCLIER WILL NEED SOME MIND VIAGRA.

BUT IF ALL GOES WRONG FOR HIM, HE WILL

PROMPTLY SPEW " MY FRIENDS I WAS A POW,

POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW".

May they both tell the truth.

You know what E POP, it should still be a no contest situation. You want to know why, heck, look at what the Republicans have done to this country. If you vote republican this year, either you are racist or not informed. It's one of those, and I'm a black Republican who is looking for her party to get back to basics. This is actually a situation where I cannot find any other excuse for voting for McCain/Palin. It saddens me that I feel that I can legitimately pull the race card for why people will not vote for Obama, but I try not to forget that there are plenty of whites that can look beyond race.

E POP……..that's a load of crap.

IF Obama wins, the two bigmouths will stick together for 1 term.
Hillary will run in 2012 and NOT offer Obama the vp slot.
Most likely scenario……..Hillary/Palin 2012….crossing party line and teaching the good old boys a lesson. Obama will find out that he is who he plays with and that money can't buy him love or office indefinately.

Can't anyone have a debate with out practicing for it . Let it go off the cuff then everybody would see who the better candidate is.

Why can't Honest, great-speaking Obama speak off the cuff?! What is new, what is change — if it's scripted?!

For a man who isn't a Washington insider, isn't a politician — he sure does act like one….if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck…it's a duck. Put lipstick on that!!!

if McCain thinks that talking about his POW history is going to get him through the debate he is sorely mistaken.

Grandpa's going to be grumpy from his long week – wonder how long it will take him to commit his first gaffe and lose his temper???

lol obama needs debate camp

speak volumes about experience – McCain can debate foreign policy based on experience. Obama needs to cram with "advisors" in order to debate something he knows nothing about.

Giving a speech in Berlin is NOT foreign policy. Trying to undermine a REAL adminsitrations negotiations in Iraq is CERTAINLY not foreign policy – more like Chicago politics policy

We can't have ANOTHER president… that shoots from the hip like McCain….

-V

How do they prepare?

Obama spends his time studying facts and figures.

McCain spends his time trying to remember how to read.

Good Tuesday morning. SIREN – Karl Rove writes on Rove.com that he is poised to move Senator Obama into a projected electoral-vote lead, though NOT clinching: “Indiana (11 EV) … has flipped from McCain to toss-up based on three new polls … the two states where the parties’ conventions were held: Minnesota (10 EV) went from Obama to toss-up and Colorado (9 EV) went from toss-up to Obama.

Go Obama/Biden '08

OH YES, WE CAN IMAGINE.

ONE HAS A MIND. THE OTHER DOES NOT,

BUT HE WILL BRING A FLAG WITH HIM. WHEN

STUMPED & HE WILLBE , POW, POW, POW, POW.

OR JUST SLANDER THE OTHER GUY. CALL

HIM ELITE, WHILE LIVING IN 12 HOUSES

AND DRIVING 13 CARS.

Never happen E POP. Here's the scoop, McCain will be President for four years, then Sarah Palin will be the President for eight years.

Gotta do it at the last minute John because you ain't gonna remember it for very long anyway.

These debates will be the icing on the cake for Sen. Obama. This is when he can how the country how out of touch McSame is from the rest of us. Give him hell Barack.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

I want to know how McCain will talk himself out of supporting Bush 90% of the time and talk us into believing he's an "agent of change."

A pretzel comes to mind.

Obama will need more prep . Without his teleprompter and somebody telling him what to say he is as lost as a goose in a cotton field, Hillary was doing her job claiming it was the administrations fault and it partially is. What she is leaving out is that the democrats have been the ones blocking any re-vamping of Fannie May and Freddie Mac. Democrats are more responsible for this fiasco than the republicans , like Obama, Barney Franks, Chris Dodd.

Hee hee! McCain had better do some debate camp. Obama is an incredible speaker and a whole lot smarter than McCain. The Republicans will be in shreds after a few of these debates.

Barack Obama prepares, McCain just "wings it". How typical.

We already have one President who doesn't do his homework. We can't afford more of the same, not in this time of crisis.

McCain is unstable and simply doesn't have the temperament or dedication to be President. I hope that the McCain holdouts start actually intellectually *thinking* about what this country needs soon, because if they stop shouting and believing lies and actually use their brains they will also realize that we need Barack Obama as our President.

Obama is going to clean McCain's clock. There will be no Lieberman, no Cindy, no cue card, no help from outside sources to help McCain.

On top of that, it will be at night so McCain will get more confused, irritable, and possibly angry.

I absolutely cannot wait for this.

Obama/Biden 2008/2012.

It dosen't matter how much prep McCain gets he willllllllllll not remember until they cheap with cue cards in the audience. And that will be terrible. So McCain instead of the same old stump speech thing of something new and then you will be ready.

Obama will make McCain angry, he will lose his temper and say something that he really should not have said. And all of America will see the true unadulterated McCain. Wait, Watch and see.

That's ONE of the biggest problems with McCain. He's never ready or prepared for anything. Doesn't his VP pick just prove that all the more?
Just an impetuous, bratty old, out of touch relic wanting to pretend to be president.

I can't wait to see Obama bring Grandpa down a few more notches.

Here's some advice for JM….Speak like a person, not a robot! Listening to him is like watching paint dry. (in a droning voice)….."my friends, I have these opinions about these issues…" YAWN

One world versus one country. I shall be all ears.

Russia is eyeing Georgia and doing warm up exercises off the Venezuelan coast. Pakistanis are flexing more muscles, etc., etc.

No problem. McCain will have a microphone imbedded in his ear.

Everyone has different learning styles, different study/prep styles…I guess we'll see how they work out on Friday….I work in higher education, and have always advised students against cramming for a test. This should be interesting.

now mccain is acting like plain. does he think he can just do photo ops and the world will forgive him for sounding stupid when he opens his mouth?

How long does it take to learn "noun-verb, POW" and sing a Beach Boys song.

There is no debate Friday – maybe the next debate will be important but Obama has zero experience in foreign policy except making silly statements.

Only experience at all for Obama is the Community Organizer thing – so why won't he talk about that? What did he do with Ayers – recruit and encourage people and educate others on radical "anti-government" activism..????

He did such a good job that Ayers launched his Senate bid!

Hmmm. Good experience. Let's elect this man President of our country!!!

This is all spin by McCain's campaign, which is trying to lower expectations. They know it could be a repeat of the Nixon Kennedy debate. Don't let them fool you.

Obama will make McCain angry and he will lose his temper and say something that he really should've have said. And all of America will see the true unadulterated McCain. Wait, Watch and see.

I find this revealing: Obama going to a debate camp (well, he will need it). McCain, will squeeze in his prep. McCain is REAL, Obama is FAKE (and its not a 'smear' liberals)…. Liberals like to toss that 'smear' word around for anything that puts a negative light on their candidate.

I see McCain is treating this debate as a joke, well it finally fits the description of his campaign.

Don't let the McCain camp fool you. They have someone playing the role of Obama. His camp wants to make you think he really isn't preparing and this is going to be "natural". More LIES!

McCain will surely give short, generic, simple, black-and-white, fluffy, not-thought-out, no-detail responses.

Obama will give well-thought-out, descriptive, specific, to-the-point, nuanced, intelligent responses.

The press will say McCain won the debate. The sheep will agree. McCain gets a bounce.

Prep him all you want, I bet he still doesn't know what part of the hemisphere Spain is in… Nor that Spain is a member of NATO!!!

It appears that Obama wants to be prepared for anything. McCain is prepared for war, both in his approach to questions he doesn't like and other nations. I'm an Independant with Republican tendencies, but McCain and Palin have scared me off.

You all know darn well that the Mccain camp is going to buy off these debates, they will give the questions to be asked that will favor John. Look how they did with the forum out in california John was supposed to be in a code of silence, well if he was how come he answered the questions, before they were completed. Plus they made sure that auidences was all republicans. John and Cindy also have enough money to buy off this election. So that tells you what shape our country will be in with another 4 years of Bush. So go ahead america vote for Mccain, if you have hopes he will kick off while in office so Sarah can get in, just remember Johns mother his 96, so John may be around a while. Dont get your hopes up to high for Sarah being president.

McCain, no whining allowed should you lose the debate due to the "non-traditiona" debate prep.

However. we will keep the "binky" close by for when you start complaining how if only "Obama had been willing to have town meetings with me" I would not have lost the debate.

This whine is becoming quite familiar and now we know to be prepared!

It's simple. McCain is falling behind and he knows he's an uninspiring speaker with no plan. What plans he does have were Bush's plans and he's attempting to flip flop away from them as fast as he can.

Sarah Palin won't be able to fake it this time. Neither will McCain. It
won't matter what they say. They are the failed Republicans. Everyone
will remember that little detail at the polls. The polls are
only the voters with land phone lines, and don't include cell phone
populus. The republicans are in for a rude awakening.

Democrats 08.

There is no amount of preparation that will help McCain— No matter how you prep him or dress him, he's still part of the "good Ole' Boys" and we want "real change not just a puppet proporting to give us such!

McCain/Palin (the non-transparent couple)— WE THE PEOPLE SAY THIS: THANKS BUT NO THANKS!!

Maybe Palin can help you prepare for the debate, McCain. She is very knowledgable about everything from foreign policy to health care. Oh, and she can see Russia from her house!!!! Obama is a very intelligent man and he will make mccain look like the uninformed candidate that he is. Oh, but he was a POW, so that makes him qualified to be president. The upcoming debate will show exactly how out of touch he really is.

O8AMA '08

There is no amount of preparation that will help McCain— No matter how you prep him or dress him, he's still part of the "good Ole' Boys" and we want "real change not just a puppet proporting to give us such!

McCain/Palin (the non-transparent couple)— WE THE PEOPLE SAY THIS: THANKS BUT NO THANKS!!

These debates are important. However, I have to say, I am a little thrown back by Sara Palin. She keeps saying everyday that she wants to bring transparency and reform to Washington. But she does not even have transparency in her own state. She has “instructed” her staff people (who work for her) not to answer subpoenas for the investigation on the trooper case. Citizens of Alaska have inquired about the issue, they want transparency. Now the small case has reached public interest and the rest of the public is now being ignored. Palin is saying that the investigation is now political. But, that happens when you are in office. The other side will ask question and try to shade light on any flaw they see. It is up to her to show that there is nothing to the allegations. If she won’t be transparent on that issue, I don’t think she will be transparent on any serious concerns the American people may have if she gets in office. For undecided voters, she is not being very transparent right now.

I think that Obama will eat McCain for lunch in this debate. Especially if the content is solely about the issues

This will definately be "must see TV".

It's got to be hard trying to find another Obama or Biden to spar against the GOP.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008-2016!

Here's your major difference between McCain and Obama on foreign policy.

McCain loves to use our military might to try to scare other countries. If they don't comply we send in the military.

Obama wants to try to talk with our enemies to see if we can avoid giving the lives of our soldiers and civilians with uneccessary wars.

Here's your major difference between McCain and Obama on foreign policy.

McCain loves to use our military might to try to scare other countries. If they don't comply we send in the military.

Obama wants to try to talk with our enemies to see if we can avoid killing our soldiers and civilians with uneccessary wars.

Barrack, don't take McCain lightly. I know you're the better speaker but he can come up with quips that could leave an impression. Don't let him get in your nerves when he starts lying and exagerating.

Stick to the facts and talk about issues, show them what how leaders make decisions, not shoot from the hip. get your point accross without talking in circles. Address each issue head on. Keep it simple and effective.

The fate of this Country rest on your shoulders. Please do not let this one go the Republican way. It's just too darn much if we get another 4 years, we might not survive as a nation. Too much debt, too much of anything not good.

McCain's sporadic preparation and shoot from the hip approach to his debate prep – much like his VP selection process – is just another example of his poor judgement and a leadership style that is far too risky for the times in which we live. If he's not taking his preparation seriously, maybe the American people shouldn't take his candidacy seriously either.

"Right now advisers like Mark Salter and Charlie Black and others are throwing questions at McCain they think the moderator could ask, without an "Obama" figure in the mix — although aides say that scenario may change by week’s end"

That is about the most transparent comment the McCrypt camp has said to date.

Yes, it will change by "week's end" on Friday when Obama is actually debating McCrypt.

What morons republicans can be, of course, when they are not busy lying their a$$ off or avoiding subpoenas!

McCain is winging it … just what we need in a President – NOT!!!

Obama/Biden 08

Of course they are different. It takes more practice to get the facts right than to lie with a straight face.

The McCain camp doesn't ahve time to devote to McCain's own debate prep…they ahve to school and mold the VP pick. Even the UN appearnace is a farce…it basically boils down to a phot op!

Will McCain hace a little radio broadcast unit under his coat to help feed him lines? I'm going to be watching for blocky shapes under his coat.

caint wait for debates altho they dont apparently influnce voters JOHN KERRY WON ALL THREE DEBATES WITH IDIOT BUSH ENOUGH SAID OBAMA BIDEN 08

McCain thinks it's his strong suit so he's being overconfident about his skills and is scaling back his debate prep. This is actually good news.

Hubris will be the end of McCain in this debate.

This is not the time for McCain to get overconfident. Obama's performance on Sept 11 was far superior to his debacle in Saddleback; he may come out a different person. McCain should he holed up cramming; THIS IS HIS ONLY CHANCE TO PULL AHEAD. If he doesn't win this debate (not draw, win), I don't think he'll recover the ground.

Also… this debate is McCain's to lose. Obama comes into this the FP underdog; that's a good position to be in and he could pull a surprise win.

McCain appears focused on his message, whatever that might be come Friday. He seems unconcerned about what Obama might say. Does that suggest he has no Plan B?

McCain needs to be very careful about making factual errors since he is supposedly so qualified on foreign policy. He has made way more factual mistatements in this campaign than Obama yet he is the one people say is more qualified. I thought a major qualification would be getting your facts correct. Apparently I am mistaken.

Obama does not stand a chance, he has to go to debate camp… how cute. They will download as many canned "ready to shot" answers as possible. I can not wait to see him.. "um, er, ah"

oh, yeah, whatever happens with steele? or was it just another lie?

mr. mccain, can we really trust you?

Cram on the fly VS Study Hall….Hmmmm, very telling.

He will need alot of help to debate Obama!

Proud Obamatron,Obamabot and/or Obamanut

john mccain is un-prepared, and will tank in the debates.

Someone ask McCain what he thinks about One Man One Woman Marriage.

He's had 1 man, 2 women marriages.

I know a plan for the Democrats to run the next 16 years and beyond. Obama needs to win this election with Biden, then after the 4 year term, Biden drops out, Hiliary runs as VP with Obama in 2012(shoo in for re-election), after those 4 years, Clinton runs for the head job for the next 8 years. If Obama can do it(which I think he will be a shoo in) then its over for the Repugnicans.