This is enough to cover Palin meeting with world leaders news and to let palin just get by. It is enough to cover the bridge to nowhere news also.

This contest is over. When a crisis came, John McCain fumbled, ranted at the WRONG people, threatened to fire the WRONG guy, and now wants to take a "time out."

Enough. McCain has proven, in no uncertain terms, that he is not the man to lead the United States. He can't handle the world. And the Republican Party has nothing to offer.

President Obama, start packing your bags. You're moving to a great big new house in January.

I can't believe they did this and can't see what it will look like to the American public.

I hear an unmistakable sound of chickens clucking. I mean COME ON. While there may be a touch of veracity to the reasoning behind this shift, this whole thing stinks to high heaven to me.

First of all, McCain should grow a pair and step up on Friday as planned. If he's not ready, that's his problem. As for the VP debate - LET THE GIRL PLAY … How many more times will they shush her or set up scenarios where she's buffered from the press. Do they really think they're doing her a favor? If anything they're delaying the inevitable - a public verbal evisceration of someone who's utterly unqualified to even be a candidate.

Who does McCain think he is? He is not our President yet though we see him calling the shots on something the American People should be calling the shots on…. McCain needs to open his eyes, We The People are in charge, and we want this Debate to move forward….

Now is EXACTLY the time this country needs to hear from their candidates. The debates must go on, as scheduled.

LOLOLOLOLOL

If it's so important for McCain and Obama to be in Washinton on Friday, how about swapping the VP debate for the presidential debate, and have Biden and Palin on stage instead?

One of the most important tests of a president is the ability to respond to a crisis or test on a moment's notice. Why not see how well Biden and Palin respond to a sudden change of plans, and an unexpected crisis?

MOVE THE VP DEBATE UP TO FRIDAY!

Obama is right on target in stating "We can do both," regarding having the debates, and focusing on the financial issues. They have planes that can take them from place to place, and we ALL have conferencing on our cell phones for god sake. I think that McCain is petrified of having a debate with Obama, and rightfully so. Obama is the intelligent, well spoken, and eloquent. I can't wait to see the debates. America will see how lame McCain really is.

They will find a way to get Sarah out of this debate…
They are what is wrong with Washington. They made time to meet with world leaders and Bono, only he cancelled. Now McCain can go to DC to show everyone they he is not with GB on this vote. Unreal this is exactly why people hate Washington

First he was McSame.

Now he's just McLame.

shallow move to postpone the inevitable. McPalin knows they'll look like crap in a debate. You can run but you can not hide!

I thought that Mr. Mccain was a big tough-guy, war-hero maverick. What gives? Shouldn't the president be prepared to send a surrogate if a crisis is so immediate that he must cancel such an important event? If so, and if he's so confident that the person he's picked to step in should it be required, why wouldn't he just send her as his proxy? Likewise, if Mr. Obama feels the same.

Isn't this hurting their image as the mavericks, pitbulls and barracuda's they're supposed to be?

So first McCain states the economy is "fundamentally strong" and now we have to cancel every aspect of the presidential campaign due to the "crisis." What cynical and transparent nonsense.

Does anyone believe this is for any other reason that Palin just can't cut the mustard?

Biden has talked to the press over 200 times since being nominated, to Palin's 2 times.

She's a joke. And America is the butt of that joke.

Fine. Give Mccain what he wants…hold the Presidental debates on Oct 2. And the VP debates at Ole Miss…this Friday.

A campaign in disray.

What a jerk McCain's become.

McCain in the trenches ,making a difference, fighting for Main Street.
Obama phoning it in.

Let me see if I have this straight. Postpone Friday debate. Have it in place of VP debate. VP debate to be "rescheduled" . Yeah right. McCain will want to premantely postpone the VP debate. Gosh these republicans are dumb.

Why not have the vp debate in the morning of Oct. 2. and the president candidate in afternoon probelm solve.

I'm convinced - I'm early-voting ASAP for Obama. To hell with all this crap from the republicans. No more tricks. I'll vote and turn the tv off.

Sarah Palin: the Mystery Candidate. This whole scheme seems pretty blatant. C'mon America.

Here is a guy that was tortured and he never gave in all of a sudden he is throwing in the towel. I wonder what he really told the Vietnames when he was been tortured. Is he afraid of Obama's rath?

We are paying the senators to work for us in the congress and not to be out looking for a new position. I would be terminated if I spent my time interviewing for another position instead of doing the work that I was being paid for.

Um… Does the McCain campaign realize that Oxford, MS, is a VERY small college town that is INSANELY crazy about their football team? It would be impossible to schedule a presidential debate the same weekend as a Ole Miss football game… and guess what? There's a home game next weekend…

Does the McCain campaign understand that the world doesn't revolve around them? You can't just reschedule a national event like this.

Its amazing how people keep playing this out as a "stand." He will show up because he cant go to the Senate and just sit there it's not like he is going to be in the actual board meetings on this. Since Sarah Palin is so important why isnt she going ..oh thats right shes a governor… i thought all that executive experience meant something? Now we see that maybe the Senate actually have responsibilities in our country.

Mccain would make a great secratary of state whoever!!:)

obama8

This is beyond the pail. Just when you think it can't get any more sleazy this happens. The whole country is waiting for these debates and leave it to the Republicans to use any excuse to back out. Talk about unAmerican.

This is ridiculous. McCain all of a sudden cares about the American people because his precious Sarah is not ready to debate and he can't walk and chew gum at the same time. This Republican ticket can sell its supporters swamp land and tell them it prime and they will justify his actions regardless. Alot of them know that Sarah Palin is not ready to be VP. There is no way that you can tell me that this is the best the Republican party has to offer. There are many other women out there that was much more qualified than this mess he picked to lure women voters. In his mind, women are stupid and can't see through him, and there are some who are actually weak enough to believe what ever he dishes out. They won't let the media get to Palin because they know she will be ripped apart. When Obama had to face the media during the Rev. Wright issue and everything else, why can't she. It is very clear that this woman is not ready to ride a bike without her training wheels and they know it and continue to protect her. How will your supporters know how strong you claim she is if you continue to babysit her. What an awful mess McCain has created.

McCain is just scared of how Palin will come off at the debate. Just a convenient excuse to avoid it for as long as possible! GO OBAMA!

Why is McCain Injecting himself into Congress now in midgame of this plan?

IF he was so concerned, he should have stopped campaigning weeks ago!

Thank McCain/Plain for running scare, we just won the election..Annoucing Barack Obama as President of the United States of America….Obama/Biden 08!

I suspect McCain will have better results in the debate if he does NOT show up!

Maybe they could just send some pics of Palin to the VP debate, since that is all McCain/Palin are about is photo-ops. Like a nice life size cardboard cutout of (Sorry No Plan) I mean (Sarah Palin).
Obama/Biden 08

The McCain campaign is really trying to prevent Palin from being on her own answering questions.

Leave it to Mcsame he would find a reason to postpone or cancel the Nov. elections if he believed it can benefit his campaign

LOL This is funnier than a Saturday Night Live Skit. I think it would be even better if No Brain McCain asked Paris Palin to debate HIM, but then she's proibably say "thanks but no thanks" as that seems to be all her broken record plays.

McDesperate.

Palin must be pretty stupid for McDesperate to be pulling a stunt like this.

Do you know that "Maverick" also means "odd one out?" For once, I agree with McCain.

You are absolutely kidding me! This is completely unacceptable and only makes McCain look like the "erratic'" ex-maverick he is. This is "playing gamews" with the election and our future.

No Way! No How! No McCain! distractions from the scheduled debates.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

trying to slip out of the debates… limited access by the press… Hmmm… Of course I wouldn't even venture to suggest McCain's son Andrew might be coming up in the spotlight for abruptly resigning from the board of Silver State Bancorp for "personal reasons" … You know - that's the financial institution CNN mentions in today's news that failed and took one womans 20K in savings with it… Nah!

CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is the man trying to do? Who does he think he is? His chance to address the economic issue was last week, and he's a day late and a dollar short! Come on McSame!

Sounds like McCain saw this $700B bailout bill as a way to bail himself out of the debate and bail his VP candidate out of her debate. AMERICA, let's not fall for this.

lets see henry reid yesterday said that welcomes the presidential nominees in each party to come in and make a difference in coming to help close a deal . lets get real mccain needs to have three days to prep about foreign policy debate. if it is political so what ,that is what campaigns are all about. democrats are just upset that they didn't think about first.

obama said that he is communicating with reid and peolsi on a daily basis (the extreme left of the democratic party)

McCain has no authority in this debate. He is not a member of the Senate banking committee. He's going to Washington to wave some false flags about how great he is and about how much people respect him.

This proves he doesn't respect us.

99-0-1

CONGRESS IN RECESS SEPTEMBER 26th.

WAKE UP!

1 ABSENTEE IN ECONOMIC VOTE = Barack Hussein Obama.

Bull Crap! No enough time to get Sarah prepped? HA HA What's the matter, after all the "economy is strong". What's the problem?

This reminds me of high school when I didn't have my homework ready.

Not only is this a stunt, but it shows how afraid John McCain is.

Also shows you how little confidence they have in Sarah Palin to be able to answer an unscripted question.

McCain won't let her answer a single question.

Unfortunately, McCain looks weak here. Sorry buddy. You're running scared, the poll numbers hit and they are in meltdown mode.

About suspending the debates… Have you lost your mind????? He IS afraid! Do you realize that there isn't a thing he can do in Washington?? He is not the president. He is just a senator. What on earth does he think he is going to do??? HE IS AFRAID!

Now, Obama is ready for the debate…mmm, obviously, he doesn't want to forget the lines he just learned in Tampa, FL. The truth is that the questions will be there on Monday, or Tuesday of next week…The reason Obama doen't want to delay the debate is because he wants this debate to air on the day that has the lowest statistical viewership, yes…"Friday". Remember when Obama proposed to debate on the Fourth of July, because this was a day less likely America would have tuned in. McCain would debate Obama tomorrow at the blink of an eye, would Obama? You Obamots forget the reality that Obama said that he would debate McCain anytime, yet he declined to do a single town hall debate. It amazes me Obamots are so blinded–thus believe in the Chicago machine farsades. What was Obama's excuse? Obama said his campaing schedule was too busy and he could not fit in the debates—just a patetic excuse, he contradicted himself today again—"the american people want to hear what the candidates positions are" Was the american people less important a month ago, that they did not deserve to know the candidates stances back then? Was the campaing schedule more important then?

He'll want to postpone the election next.

Not only can McCain not multitask, he's trying to bully this country into a premature solution that will benefit him and his cronies.

The only way this man could be more out of touch with the American people would be if he lapsed into a coma. Good grief.

McCain has done nothing (except support the big wigs & their lobbyists ) & now all of a sudden he feels the need to don his superman suit & save the day . lol We all know he has nothing to remedy the economic situation nor anything to win a debate ,he nor Ms Pain.They are on the ropes (because of their own lies & smoke screens) & stalling for time. Isn't our president expected to be capable of handling many important issues simultaneously ? The depression nor world wars stopped the campaign process in the past & Mc Shame-Same shouldn't be allowed to either just because he & his Veep are inept.. Not to mention what we've learned about his campaign cheif remaining on Fannie Mae's payroll ! McCain & his Keating 5 cronies set the stage for this economic situation we are facing .

This hiding game is so sad. It reminds of my son when he doesn't want to go school. McCain and Palin are trying to avoid facing us,
They are not fooling anybody, except for maybe the religious right that would vote for Satan himself if he said he was pro-life. If he can keep them from hearing both sides by avoiding the debates, he thinks he still has a chance. I pray that America wakes up.
The Republicans have been in control for the last eight years.Since 2006 the Democrats have hot had the 60 votes required to override a veto, but thank God we stopped them from pushing this through in the middle of the night. Stop blaming the Democrats who have had no power since 1994. God help America!

Media has putin style palin, not talking to press, is this stick the tail on donkey at america's fiscal crisis party?

She must be a SERIOUS liability if he's willing to derail the whole campaign to try and prop her up.

McCain has been getting his way by dictating the terms of these debates. I say ENOUGH! These debates must go on!

More rumor creation by the far-left media. This is not a direct quote from the McCain campaign of which Sen. Graham is not. Unsubstantiated, unverified rumor mongering. Pure and simple.

Now, Obama is ready for the debate…mmm, obviously, he doesn't want to forget the lines he just learned in Tampa, FL. The truth is that the questions will be there on Monday, or Tuesday of next week…The reason Obama doen't want to delay the debate is because he wants this debate to air on the day that has the lowest statistical viewership, yes…"Friday". Remember when Obama proposed to debate on the Fourth of July, because this was a day less likely America would have tuned in. McCain would debate Obama tomorrow at the blink of an eye, would Obama? You Obamots forget the reality that Obama said that he would debate McCain anytime, yet he declined to do a single town hall debate. It amazes me Obamots are so blinded–thus believe in the Chicago machine farsades. What was Obama's excuse? Obama said his campaing schedule was too busy and he could not fit in the debates—just a patetic excuse, he contradicted himself today again—"the american people want to hear what the candidates positions are" Was the american people less important a month ago, that they did not deserve to know the candidates stances back then? Was the campaing schedule more important then?

CNN are you so bias you won't post this? obviously, yes.

Am I dreaming or this is really happening?!

McCain/Palin camp is in complete desperation - they know now that there is no way they could win given the focus on disaster in economy!

Well, let the truth and good people finally prevail!

Obama-Biden 2008!

This is crazy! Let them debate! This just reinforces the McSame belief that this election should be about personalities not policies. If McBush had his way, we would have no debates "because of the financial crisis". Simply political grandstanding!

To: Scott L:
I don't know how educated you are but, we educated people expect our president to be able to handle multiple issues at once. What is he going to do if, god forbid he gets elected and multiple issues come up, postpone them? Even a idiot knows this a a political stunt by McCain.

Okay, As soon as I saw this, it became clear that his decision to "go back to Washington" is really just a big ploy to not have to debate Obama and to get Palin out of the debate with Biden. Do people really think that they'll postpone the VP debate? I'd bet money that they're looking to do away with the VP debate altogether.

Plus, why does he feel he needs to go to Washington to work on the bailout? All they need to do is give whoever's in charge their opinion on the matter and let them take it from there. Obama and McCain aren't the only two running Congress.

In this time of crisis the American people need to hear the voice of our future leaders. It is important to know how they plan to lead in a time of crisis. Since McCain says he is unable to attend the debate as scheduled, I think this would be an excellent opportunity for Senator McCain to send Gov. Palin in his stead to the debate as he would if he was President. This would be unfair to have Obama going up against Palin it should be turned into a Vice Presidential debate instead. As we all know the job of the Vice President is to be able to take over for the President when he/she is unable. And you can't plan a crisis. This is the perfect time to see who is prepared and who isn't to handle an unexpected turn of events.

What a pathetic stunt. McCain is the last person we want near an economic discussion.

I heard Palin supported the "debate to nowhere".

What happened to a town hall every week? What happened to he looks forward to a debate??

All cancelled because he picked a VP that needs some cover. She isn't ready for prime time and now he is using this issue for political gain.

Just sad.

I say Obama and Biden should both show up on Friday. If McCain shows up he can debate Obama. If Palin shows up instead she can debate Biden.

Yes, just substitate Palin for McCain and Biden for Barack this Friday and call it a day.

Wow. What a horrible, horrible, dishonest, lying man McCain is. Wow!!! How can ANYONE justify this ridiculous move by McCain??? He backed out. This is one of the stupidest things I have ever seen. He ran scared. he chickened out because his stupid little bimbo isn't ready for her debate. Wow. I can't believe this idiot is getting so much support!!! What on earth can he do in Washington? He has no power to do anything about this. What does he think he is going to do??? WOW! How horribly brainwashed can people be to continue to support this man?? WOW!!!!!

I'm stunned at you CNN. The comments/postings you put up here are absolutely biased. Maybe 1 out of every 10 people actually have something intelligent to comment. PLEASE…stop the name calling, from both sides. OUR COUNTRY IS FACING A CRISIS AND WE NEED TO BE UNITED!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT??!

Right! McCain wanted to pull another fast one on the American people, a gimmick that like he picked Sarah Palin to be his running mate. His campaign is going nowhere. After all, the Wall Street problem is not merely a crisis from random occurrence, but a systemic breakdown of government oversight. It is more than ever that it needs to hear what the candidates will say about how they will do if elected. A presidential debate cannot be delayed. Bring all the issues and solutions out in the debate, so that everyone can hear them and be able to make informed decision in November. I don’t think it is time to make deals in the backroom of the Congress.

I can not help thinking that the purpose of McCain"s asking to delay the debate is simply a ploy to give Palin more time to prepare for HER debate with Biden.

Unbelievable - you could not make this up - Well the good news is the whole country now knows that McCain and Palin are woefully incompetent and unqualified. President Obama it is!

Why can't Sen. McCain show up for the debate? I think the rest of the Congress and the other leaders can spare his supreme economic brilliance for a half a day.

Palin did not do a debate when she became governor of Alaska. Now she wants to get out of debating for VP of the United States.

It is outrageous that McCain is getting away with this and that the media seems to support this obviously transparent stunt to distract voters from really hearing what Obama and McCain have to say about the economy.

I say just put a chair there.

It will be just like the Senate… since McCain hasn't been to his day job since April (166 days and counting).

He could just make up a chart of Schmidt's talking points and prop it upon the chair. He never has anything new to say. Hey, I could come sit in it for him, I know the spiel:

POW CHANGE REFORMER PALIN LIPSTICK POW CHANGE POW HOCKEY PIG POW CHANGE DRILL POW DRILL BABY DRILL REFORM EARMARKS POW HOCKEY PIG LIPSTICK NOWHERE POW.

If this is such an important thing that McCain and Obama need to be in Washington to do their jobs in the Senate, perhaps instead of postponing this Friday's debate and moving around the VP debate later; the VP's should just take over this Friday's debate and then McCain and Obama can use the VP's timeslot next week.

This is surely unacceptable to the McCain/Palin ticket, though. That would mean Palin would have to go early. I think it is a perfectly reasonable solution, though. If they don't already know what they should for the debate, then its already too late for them. Its like trying to study for the SAT, you just have to know the stuff you can't really cram.

If they need time to study, that is indicative of far greater problems.

someone didn't study for their math test!!! time to call in sick!!!

this is awesome, what is the mccain campaign staff smoking?

is this American Democracy or GOP autocracy

What's next? Postpone the election?

America is not blind to this desperate attempt to "shake things up" . Mavericks make Mistakes!

Obama/Biden 08

If McCain is sooo concerned about his senatorial duties then why hasn't he voted on anything since April???

And all you McCain supporters, HOW can McCain be helpful exactly meeting with Congress? He isn't on any of the committees that are meeting. He can vote. That's it. Like Obama said, they both have planes, they can fly to DC to vote and then on to Miss. for the debate.

What's the matter McCainites? Can't your candidate walk and chew gum at the same time? What would happen if there was a crisis and he was the President dealing with other issues? What's he gonna do suspend being President??? Sounds like someone can't multi-task.

BTW, I want someone smarter than me. That's Obama.
Go find another way to feed your insecure egos instead of voting for someone "Cuz they are like me". That's not a reason to vote for someone.

What would happen to the us if we closed the borders to imports and stopped other people from other countries from working in the U.S. Wouldnot this give out of work US citizens jobs, and force americans to buy ameerican made products and boost american economy and give us a shot in the arm.I myself am very tired of looking for american products and finding nothing but chinese and other foreign junk on the shelfs

PALIN = MILLI VANILLI
You can only lip sync for so long! Can Sarah come out and play?

WWRD: What would Rove do?

Obama should go to Mississippi and make a huge show of how McCain wasn't prepared to debate so chickened out. Give a 90-minute press conference or speech at the debate site, and let the networks cover as much of it as they wish.

What a FRICKING COUP-OUT! COME ON MCCAIN, MULTI-TASK!!!

FACE IT MCCAIN, YOU'RE SCREWED WHETHER YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE BAILOUT!

There will be an audience. A moderator. And at least one Presidential Candidate.

Unbelievable. There is something very cynical and wrong with McCain proposing to postpone the presidential debate apparently due to the economic crisis when really he's trying to postpone the 1st VP debates because the governor isn't ready for prime time. Regardless of the outcome, he won't make it to the White House and like Bush's footnote in history as one of THE worst American presidents, McCain's campaign will go down as one of THE most incompetent, dishonest and cowardly American presidential campaigns EVER.

HAHAHAHAH!! ARE U KIDDING??

did she lose her flashcards?

ok how about THIS: let's let palin and biden have the friday slot in mississippi — that solves everything! don't think the gop will go for it though because she is CLUELESS and UNPREPARED to debate, let alone lead anything.

Obama had already behind the scene proposed that they work together on the 'bailout' situation. McCain ran with the idea as if it was his alone.

This delay also gives more time to Palin to learn her lines. It also distracts from his campaign manager problems.

Postponing the debate is not in the best interest of the country. We need to see as many debates as possible before early voting takes place. If McCain thinks it's so important for them to be in Washington, maybe Palin/Biden debate could be this friday and Obama/McCain can replace the former Vice-Presidential debate. Multi-tasking is also a Presidential skill we need.

Someone mentioned the 'town-hall' meetings that McCain held. Those were not prearranged by the parties and candidates so they were not like these four debates and declining his invitation was proper.

If the financial crisis needed his attention, why did McCain have time for the Rachel Ray show to chit chat about backyard BBQs earlier this week?

What a joke of a guy….and Mrs. play hooky from Alaska is not ready for the one and only debate with Biden.

Only fools would vote for that pair. Good luck!

At least one of the candidates is acting Presidential. McCain has always put the country first and obviously still does. I wonder why Obama and Biden can't do the same? Could it be selfishness? Could it be egotistical? Could it be they're out of touch with what is happening? I'd say all the above.

McCain never said he was not going to debate Obama, he only said postpone it until this crisis is over. I think Obama, if he had any concern with what is happening, would do the same. Of course, knowing Obama he would fly to Wash DC, sit in his seat, and vote "present."

The debate lasts 90 minutes. I expected, as a US citizen, to see this debate and John McCain just thumbed his nose at me - trying to make me believe that his being in Washington will make a big difference. And of course the Republicans go along with it. Where was he (they) before a bailout was needed?? Talk about closing the barn door when the horse is already out. McCain can't debate and go to Washington???? He managed to be all over the country campaigning.

McCain, you and your team fancy yourselves in pro-ball when it comes to political games. Today's activities prove you're little league.
Grab your glove and your cup and go home. As of today, you lost.

It all makes sense . . . . reports are that the interview she did with Katie Couric was "rough." When Katie asked Palin to come up with examples where McCain pushed for more regulation, Palin struggled and said "I'll try to find you some, and I'll bring them to you."

Wow, just wow.

That's another Hell No from Obama supporters.

MAN UP McCain and Ms. Plain! MAN the hell up!

I have an idea, why not just move up the VP debate? Palin spent time with with foriegn leaders this week, I am sure she is ready to go toe to toe with Joe Biden by now! That way McCain can be all self important and Palin can take the lead like she wants! Perfect! I am sure that the McCain camp will move on that right away.

Jim-Arkansas - Where would you hear something so ridiculous and cruel about Joe Biden. Oh, a Republican must have told that lie.

Shame on anyone who would say that! To have your spouse and child die is too tragic to even imagine. He was sworn in the senate at the hospital, because he didn't want to leave his son's bedside.

McCain..I have a suggestion for you. Why don't you move the VP Debate to Friday and you and Obama can debate next week. This will give both of you time to deal with the bailout issue and we'll get to know Palin better?

I didn't think so!!! Her air headedness is rubbing off on you if you think we're that stupid! The Democrats are definitely going to win this one if this is the best you can come up with.

Can't multi task

Can't debate

Can't lead this nation

Real leaders don't have the luxury of taking time outs, Senator McCain. They're supposed to be able to deal with a wide array of problems, all at once. Especially when they're President. That's why it's called "the hardest job in the world."

Well, now we know what this "noble" gesture is all about. McCain isn't ready to debate. Palin sure the hell isn't ready to debate. Their campaign is tanking and they know it. So now at the 11th hour they're trying to get an extension on their homework.

Sorry folks. It's 3am and the red phone is ringing. Obama and Biden are ready to answer the phone. McCain and Palin want to let it roll over to voice mail.

If the chain of events regarding the phone calls between the campaign is correct as reported, what WOULD have been presidential by McCain would be to suggest to Obama - after Obama called McCain first and suggested a joint statement - to suggest a joint statement regarding the suspension of both campaigns for the bailout.
But the way it happened - is smells like taking political advantage, again.
Shame on you McCain!

Ah, there's the rub.

If the timing is so bad for the presidential candidates to debate on Friday, why don't they just switch debate nights with the vice-presidential candidates? I bet Biden would be okay with that.

"is Congress even open on Fridays?"

+1

This is such crap. Republicans and Democrats alike should be appalled. John McCain and Barack Obama suspending their campaigns so that they can iron out a deal. Ridiculous. They are not the ones who should be working and can not be as they are currently competing for the same job. You don't invite competing CEO candidates to meet and solve your current problem. The country needs to see the debates. Come and show yourselves. Give us the opportunity to watch, consider and decide!

Mc Cain / Palin are turning and running. This should show America who is ready to stand tall and take on the challenge in the heat of a battle. We need intelligent people who have the answers whether it be economics or political issues.

This is ridiculous. This is an insult to Americans. McCain's not on the banking committee, he's not president, why does he need to rush off to D.C. — now we know, its because the McCain camp is trying to kill the V.P. debate so Palin doesn't have to try to answer any questions. It's an insult to Americans that the GOP won't let Palin be interviewed — she could be President someday, we're expected to vote 'yea' or 'nay' on her, but we can't hear her face the same gauntlet of reporters that McCain and Obama have faced for 24 months? And this just doubles the slap in our face, now the McCain camp is trying to destroy the one chance the American people had to see Palin try to think on her feet.

I guess this shows she's not ready either.

you are the one looking for debates all the time and attacked Obama for not debating, now…you change your mind, McCain is not consistent in his message.

Im sorry but when in the history of the presedential race has the debates been postponed….this is a stunt…and for those of you that defend this smoke screen i truley see you for how stupid and ignorant you really are….why cant they debate and also bring fresh ideas about the bailout…the debate friday is only a few hours then they can concentrate on the wallstreet bail out….answer me you ignorant people that support this….is there a reason why they cant do both?????if you cant answer then dont speak…ignorance is bliss

Maybe we should just have the debates AND Sarah's investigation after the election.
I can't believe that anyone who is presidential would be so unable to multitask. The debates are necessary, but I am also sure that people's jobs at the debate site, networks, etc also depend on the show going on.

They sold us two wars where we only needed one: fighting terrorists.
They want to sell us the Bridge to Nowhere. We did not buy it, but we paid for it anyway.

Now this gimmick!

Today is Wednesday. Maybe McCane should have waited until Thrursday to tell the American electorate that he wants to cancel the debate. This people do not respect the electorate one bit.

Ok…Now it all makes sense. McCain is using the economic crisis as a political tool. Not for him, but for Gov. Palin. This is all just a ploy to hide Palin from the media and essentially, from America until as close to the elections as possible. He is is trying to ride out the celebrity wave as long as he can. Because he knows she has no substance and might be as bright as a burnt sienna crayon. Shame on you McCain. Your whole campaign is just politics as usual. To you it's just a game. People…don't fall for this crap. You are smarter than that.

Oh, and, McCain has terrible timing for his announcements. He gives himself away every time.

I wonder, has anyone asked Sarah how she feels about postponing the VP debate?? Bet not… I actually feel bad for Sarah for being used so blantatly, Why not give her the benefit of doubt and attempt to try to prove she is capable of the VP position. Being a woman, I would be ticked off at not being allowed to show what I am capable of…

Isn't having this debate considered putting Country first??? I mean it's supposed to give the people facts about what the next President will bring for the next 4 years.

Obama/Biden 08

Of course they want to cancel the debates. They're scared to death. They are sinking and are part of the problem… not the solution.

McSame,

Do you truly believe we are a nation of Pavlovian puppies, willing to believe everyword that comes from your mouth when you have clearly demonstrated that you are not worthy of our trust or our support!!

How dare you politicize an economy that has the potential to affect so many Americans, for your own selfish gains!!

What are your final thoughts before you close your eyes to sleep at night?

I'm neither rich nor famous, but it is I who pity you.

Why am I not surprised? This whole thing is designed to give them more time to prep Palin who's suppose to be "ready on day one" ! Come on GOP, we are not stupid. I am disgusted.

"Suspending the campaign." Is this code for, "We gotta get rid of this broad and FAST"?

HurriCaine, I have a question for you– does the RNC pay you to blog on news posts by the word or the post? And how does one get a job like that? Are you in India? Or maybe prison?

Your candidate is a coward, hiding behind a woman's skirts, and he's crashing and burning, and I am LOVING every second of it.

It's just too bad that the global economy had to come to the brink of collapse before people wised up.

I used to think John McCain was an honorable decent man before all these tricks he has tried to play in the election. It seems like they are all "McCain first, country second" decisions to me.

If the McCain camp pulls this off, we SERIOUSLY NEED CHANGE!! Appalling! Graham is nothing but a political hoe.

I hope the questions are too hard….because when I was a POW…..

McWus in another desperate attemt to capture headlines!!

Wasn't McCain the one who called Obama a coward for not wanting to do his idea of 10 town hall debates. And NOW he wants to postpone his AND Sarah Palin's debates? Pathetic, Senator McCain, really pathetic.

why don't they just compromise and flip-flop the two debates, the VP and the one Friday? Tehehe.

Rumor is that Sarah will be replaced by Mitt Romney. Her resume is one of fabrication and cover ups.

Oh please. McCain will completely demolish Barack "I can't speak without a teleprompter" Obama in all 3 debates, and Palin will shred the gaffe machine Biden as well. Have any of you seen Palin debate? I have, and she's outstanding. Anyway, Obama's the one who chickened out of 10 debates McCain challenged him to.

McCain is not even on any relevant Senate committees to the financial crisis (crisis as defined by Bush) so there is nothing he can do (even if we wanted a bailout which we don't). This is just like him running south for the hurricane for a photo op (oh boy, McCain is on the scene now we are safe). Anything for press coverage. Country first? Whatever.

McCain says he cancelled his appearance on Letterman because of the "dire circumstances". It turns out that he was down the street taping Katie Couric's show. Dave called him out on it on national TV. I can't wait to watch The Late Show tonight.

Remember Moulin Rouge? The Show must Go on!!

Man! I am tired of elephants acting like chickens.

I have a great idea, instead of postponing the debates, why don't we swap the P and VP debates. Let Biden and Palin go Friday, and McShame and Obama go Oct 2…..but wait, I forgot, the Congress desperately needs Sarah Palin in Washington to help them work through the negotiations on the bailout. Oh, PLEASE!! So transparent.

I just knew it ,!!! Now it all unfolds…Well if i wasn 't sure who i was going to vote for , i have no more doubts in my mind on this very day.

If ya not ready to debate now, ya wont be ready come next January, ya wont be ready either when that phone rings at 3 AM.

And besides the first one to call out on a face-to-face, is no leader, maverick, pittbull ,real deal or whatever but just a loser, someone not ready to be my comander in chief, or anybody's hero, just an old POW.

U.S soldiers aren't too proud of ya Johnny boy, dyu know ?

If McCain's pulling his advertising during his 'campaign suspension', it just means he doesn't have enough money to compete with Obama in battleground states - FL, VA, PA, MI, WI, MN! Don't fall for it, Barack - keep the pressure on!

This is a stupid bluff, and if McCain does this, it will piss me off.

Not debating isn't going to change what Washington does. I don't want to have to wait for a stupid publicity stunt.

I hope people take note of that it looks like a chicken move.

I really want to see Biden destroy Palin…

Palin- some mother from Alaska who just happened to make it as governer.

Biden- a man who is famous for being good at debate.

Hey, McCain, what about the fact that Ole Miss would be financially devastated if the debate doesn't take place on Friday? They won't be bailed out, they're not on Wall Street!

what get's me is that mccain is close in the polls. goes to show you that america is no great country. american is a racist intitution with poor inbred white's running the show. how sad and funny.

Can you say ill-prepared? Can you say, I don't know enough about the issues to discuss them and combat objections? What a bloody mess. They should just suspend it for good and stop wasting our time.

His hedging to keep Palin's deficits a secret are probably a strategy to pull something over on the American citizens.

McCain is trying desperately to improve his image, but America knows he contributed to America being broke by consistently voting against regulation that might have prevented this. Some of don't have any faith in him having a workable solution.

The big war hero is running with his tail between his legs……this election is turning into a circus ……..I'm lol !!!!!!

McMoran, McIdiot, McShame, McDishonourable, McTactics, McLier, McScary, McTemper, McUnpredictable, McScandal, McDrama, McGrumpy, McLooser
If McF. think that American peope are Stupid. Think again.
We are done with you and your silly side kick.
You have done so many mistakes and hid under the pow card.
Now , it is over. You are done.
You are making mockery of the press and the American people.
We don't want this mad man iany where near the WH..
We saw his judgement when he voted for the war and we saw his stupid judgement when he selected dumb head pathetic lier palin.
America wake up. We had it with this mcCain and the GOP.
Go and vote today in advace in every state - every state for
Obama and Biden.

This is political grandstanding at its worst. Senator McCain is so full of it, he should be ashame of himself!!! This debate has been planned a very long time and he is basically blowing it off. Both he and Senator Obama have there own jets!! What a SHAM and an insult to the intelligence of the American electorate.

MCcain and Palin are just running scarred, why else would they want to postpone the debates? They are just not prepared for them!

After watching her performance tonight with Katie Couric, of course they want to postpone the VP debate. She is the most unprepared candidate for any office I have ever witnessed! any office!

Are you kidding me?!?! McCain is crazy! Can he be more obvious in his motivation?!?! It's all to protect/hide Palin and try to slow down the demise of his campaign. If the US can't see this….we deserve what we get.

GO USA

It's not necessarily to give Palin more time to study. She's the only vibrancy in the campaign. They think that if they put Palin later, she might carry more excitement to the polls.

Ha Ha Ha ,
why not just cancel the debate and and then after the election we will not worry about having to listen to Palin who has nothing to say .

I think this VP pick is biting McCain in the butt!

I floated the theory earlier today to a co-worker that McCain's wanting to cancel the presidental debate was an effort on his campaign's part to further shield Palin from the media and prevent her from making a fool of herself. Looks like I was right.

What better time is there than NOW for a candidate to try and establish himself as the one who can best fix what is ailing the economy? Is McCain really that afraid or is it that he just doesn't have any idea how to?

If McCain doesn't show up for the debate they should just put Bob Barr in his place.

Please. The VP should be "ready on day one" — without extra time for a crash course.

And now it all becomes clear.

for those who still thinking about voting for mccain, should better think twice. because this old man can only does one thing at a time. are we really want such an incompetent person to run this country?

For those who could not tell who is a real leader, can you tell now? If you still cannot tell, you need a brain replacement. McCain wants a break during a major storm. Congress and the White House are working on the issues. McCain and Obama could only be distraction if they go to those meetings. For a "hero" to use the current situation to stop campaign and debate, it sound like a chick, not a hero.

Palin? Former New Yorker governor's call girl has more knowledge than Palin. What a joke. It will be a perment shame for the country if she moves in to the White House.

Ah, JMcC is caught in a bad place between career deregulator and this week's regulator–not a good time to talk about issues. Plus, Miss Sarah is far from ready to be allowed to speak without a chaperone.

Oh boy. If the MSM can't see what's taking place here they should all be fired and replaced by 2nd graders.

BECAUSE A FREAKIN' 2ND GRADER CAN SEE THRU THIS TRANSPARENT RUSE.

He is stalling. He isn't prepared, and if he had his way, Gov. Palin would not debate at all. That's his sneaky little plan. I knew something was up w/ McGramps when he announced that he would suspend his campaign and cancel the 1st debate. Now we know he is running scared for himself and Palin, what a mockery this has become!

Maverick POWs don't run scared or do they?

What are the McCain/Palin camp running from? I guess she needs more prep time (lots more) and McCain thinks a delay would help him gain new momentum. TRUE LEADERS SHOULD STICK TO THEIR COMMITMENTS!

McCain, Palin. The debate is only two hours. The same amount of time it takes to go out to dinner. You have to eat don't you. There will still be plenty of time in the day to work on the budget. Please stop lying and making fools of us. Thanks.

So one candidate can unilaterally call of a planned debate - at whose expense? McCain did not meet with Obama to work it out - HE JUST TOLD HIM THAT HE WILL NOT DEBATE ON FRIDAY - how's that for judgement?

Palin too is off limits? Who're they fooling?

I'll vote Obama/Biden for better judgement and stability. We the American people GET IT!!!

Just have both debates on Thursday if it's a problem. This is so unstable. I mean how many maverick moves can you make. I hate to have someone like this answer the phone at three in the morning.

mcshame thinks he is slick, what a pandering idiot

Let Palin take McCain's place at the debate this Friday. She is soooooo ready to be President and handle foreign policy. Then McCain can debate Biden about who has more experience and better health records. McCain makes rash decisions that underestimate the intelligence of the American people. We cannot put this unstable man in the White House.

McCain was looking for an excuse not to debate and here it is. Now, more than ever the American people deserve to see the two candidates debate each other. I think this a perfect time for a debate and I think the media should not let McCain and his "holier-than-thou" campaign off the hook for not facing the country and answering some tough questions.

COUNTRY FIRST!!! Palin doesn't need to debate, shes a reformer and she has other REAL problems to deal with!!! And McCains a TRUE leader, a true MAVERICK!!!!! say NO to Osama bin Biden!

McCain is differently not putting country first. He is not currently on the Banking or Commerce Committee. It proves once again, McCain is living in the past and is not familiar with modern technology. This is the 21st Century he could hold video conference and still campaign. It shows both McCain and Palin are not prepared to debate.

McCain was dishonest in his conversation with Obama earlier today. What he did was try to win the news cycle. John McCain should be a shame, he is proving everyday he is not the honorable man he wants us to believe he is.

We should have expected this. There is no way that Palin is ready to face Biden. He will clean her clock. I doubt that a few extra weeks will have any impact on her ability to really understand the issues. She is a lightweight. Foreign experience requires more than just posing some questions (fed to her by someone else) to leaders who are indebted to the US.

McSame and Palin are such losers! NOW their flaws have them running with their tails tucked. McSame is not prepared for this debate because he's afraid of looking like he really is… NOT QUALIFIED TO LEAD! It has also come out again that Palin doesn't have a clue about foreign policy as well as leading America. Oh yeah, Palin made rape victims pay for their own rape kits in Alaska. SHE IS NOT FOR WOMEN, SHE IS JUST LIKE MCSAME, SELF SERVING! They don't have a clue about the economy and it would be a disaster to this country to have them in the white house.

AMERICA, WAKE UP! VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN

MC CAIN IS A LOSER WHO CARES.

I have never seen anything so ridiculous! These last two weeks have shown McCain and Palin to be totally unprepared to lead this country. They scare me to death. Neither one of them have a freaking clue what is going on and hope that Americans are too dumb to notice.

What a disgrace! We need a true leader. I for one am voting for the SMART GUY. Obama has remained calm, and resolute. Exactly what you would hope for in a President.

How about Gov. Palin be a cover for McCain on the debate with Obama?

Isn't she just a heart-beat away from being a President if the Republicans got elected?

Let the Debate ON..

McCain is starting to lose big time—so he shoots from the hip again–just like the Palin pick. No thinking things through just a top gun. Why can't he do more than one thing at a time? Why is he 'going to Washington' to inject presidential politics into the process? What a loser!

Do we really need a president who shoots from the hip every time he faces a crisis? We just went through eight years of that–let's hope we can get through the this financial crisis with some people who take time to think about consequences of decisions.

Ok………………..

uh.
McCain already said before he didn't know much on the economy.

And with all these people scrambling to get this bailout going, do they REALLY need him there?

I think not.

This should indicate to the American people that Senator McCain is more interested in posturing than in the interview process. He has the technology to be part of the talks in Washington with regard to the Republicans & Friends bailout. He is also aware that Governor Palin is substantially unprepared for her first debate against Senator Biden. Please American, wake up!

It just keeps getting more and more surreal. What next? This is more ridiculous than reality TV.

McCain, after a week of negotiations in Washington, now decides he is needed - just after new polls are released showing him slowly fading away. What a freakin chicken.

Sue/Ohio

SCOTT L.

This debate is scheduled, unlike the requested townhalls that John McCAin wanted to have in order to mooch off of Senator Obama to stick him with the travel expenses. Anyway, Senator Obama does not need to jump when John McCain says so; Senator Obama is a leader that makes his own decisions and will not be pressured by anyone else, even if that person pretends to have more seniority…..

Vote for a Leader OBAMA/BIDEN

A president needs to know how to multitask. A president also needs to know when a serious situation, such as this, should not be politicized. McCain's reaction is not that of a tested leader…it is that of a desperate and confused man. His choice of Palin put me off but I thought I'd give him a second chance with the debate…but now it does not even need to come to that. Thank you John for helping me make up my mind. Goodbye McCain, hello Obama.

How silly it is to think that the presence of McCain and Obama will fix the economy. Now, in this time of crisis, is when the candidates should be showing the American people what they're made of - not hiding!

Why don't they go to Washington and work during the day Friday and just have a debate Friday evening from DC. No photo ops allowed in DC, keep the campaigns out of the economic solution. I know that is not fair to the University, but I would like to see them both forgo debate prep and just show up after a hard day's work and have a debate. It would be good for the American people to see how they do in a debate after a long day of working on the economic bailout. Have a debate that is raw, unscripted and real. That is the answer! If that is not acceptable let’s send Palin and Biden to the debate Friday and then McCain / Obama can take their spot next week.

what?!!!!!!!!!! Mccain runs from Obama and Palin runs from Biden. what is going on GOP come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! masks droped from their faces fakersssssssssss

McCain hasn't cast a vote in the Senate since April 8th. Now he's rushing back to do his "real" job. Please!