Comments on: Strikingly different debate prep approaches for McCain, Obama

By: s.b.

s.b. — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:54:56 +0000

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

By: Marty

Marty — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:54:34 +0000

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.

By: colleen

colleen — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:53:49 +0000

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.

By: Tom in Delaware

Tom in Delaware — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:53:43 +0000

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

By: Ron

Ron — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:53:30 +0000

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!

By: Paul in Dallas

Paul in Dallas — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:53:20 +0000

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.

By: gman

gman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:53:18 +0000

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!!

By: Mike, Syracuse NY

Mike, Syracuse NY — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:52:54 +0000

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.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:52:19 +0000

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.

By: Gifty

Gifty — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:52:01 +0000

'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

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:51:38 +0000

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

By: onelove

onelove — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:51:21 +0000

"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.

By: Praetorian, Fort Myers

Praetorian, Fort Myers — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:50:46 +0000

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.

By: grahame

grahame — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:49:54 +0000

WHO IS JOHN GAULT?

By: John

John — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:49:44 +0000

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

By: Give me Answers

Give me Answers — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:49:28 +0000

"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!!

By: Independent but Leaning

Independent but Leaning — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:49:16 +0000

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.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:48:10 +0000

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!

By: Jill- IN

Jill- IN — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:47:18 +0000

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

By: MD

MD — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:46:01 +0000

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.

By: S. Boatman

S. Boatman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:45:05 +0000

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!

By: Republicans Hate America

Republicans Hate America — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:44:41 +0000

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.

By: Illini

Illini — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:44:27 +0000

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

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:43:43 +0000

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.

By: Republicans Hate America

Republicans Hate America — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:43:05 +0000

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.

By: susie

susie — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:58 +0000

Obama lies in his ads.

By: Aspire

Aspire — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:54 +0000

Obama better have his answers crisp, else he is toast

By: REG in AZ

REG in AZ — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:46 +0000

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.

By: GA will be blue, and so will you!

GA will be blue, and so will you! — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:04 +0000

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?

By: Nate

Nate — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:02 +0000

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.

By: Abdul Hamza Raziff

Abdul Hamza Raziff — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:02 +0000

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.

By: wilberforce

wilberforce — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:41:34 +0000

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.

By: lou

lou — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:40:18 +0000

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................

By: Matt, MN

Matt, MN — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:39:45 +0000

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.

By: Steve - St. Louis, MO

Steve - St. Louis, MO — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:39:04 +0000

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

By: stogiecarmikal

stogiecarmikal — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:38:57 +0000

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.

By: Democrat 4 Life

Democrat 4 Life — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:38:19 +0000

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.

By: John in Ohio

John in Ohio — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:37:57 +0000

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.

By: Scott L

Scott L — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:37:44 +0000

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.

By: Odie

Odie — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:37:31 +0000

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.

By: Independent-Latina-for-OBAMA

Independent-Latina-for-OBAMA — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:37:23 +0000

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.

By: Paris

Paris — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:37:07 +0000

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.

By: David, Silver Spring, MD

David, Silver Spring, MD — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:37:01 +0000

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.

By: Truth hurts

Truth hurts — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:36:44 +0000

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!!

By: Florida will not be red

Florida will not be red — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:36:03 +0000

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.

By: fred

fred — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:35:59 +0000

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

By: lyn

lyn — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:35:41 +0000

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.

By: William, from Cali!

William, from Cali! — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:35:26 +0000

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................

By: Mike in Columbus

Mike in Columbus — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:35:12 +0000

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

By: Jackie

Jackie — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:34:49 +0000

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.