Comments on: Obama: Friday's debate should go on

By: LCP

LCP — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:29:11 +0000

True Obama – take credit for experience as a senator, getting paid as a senator but dont actually do any work in the senate. McCain put country first and is doing his job, as senator, while Obama puts Obama first and always. This after all will effect the next administration and everyone should be looking to who has taken the lead so far – it hasn't been Obama who has been waiting on "advisors" to tell him what to do and say first.
The debate was not on the economy as much as Obama wants to turn it into that – it was about foreign affairs so do I think McCain wanted to skip a debate he clearly has the most experience on for "politics" – NO!

By: W in Ohio

W in Ohio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:29:06 +0000

As a McCain ally, I am switching now. I have had it with his sheltering of Palin. I have had it with his decision to retreat and not discuss the #1 issue facing us over the past 2 weeks. HE'S NOT ON THE FINANCE CMTE! He's not on any Senate cmte that could impact this (neither is Obama). How is bringing more pressure and scrutiny to DC going to magically result in a compromise?

Going from Nobama to no McBush.

By: Goodee

Goodee — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:58 +0000

I am grateful that at least one of the candidates has common sense. Having the debates would out the country first. We want to know how the President of the U.S. will deal with this horendous mess Bush let happen.

Yes, go on with the debate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Art Pelster

Art Pelster — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:54 +0000

The debate should be postponed at this time. What is Obama thinking? It is critical that these senators should be in Wash. at this time – where they can do some good to help the financial crisis.

By: Mick

Mick — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:43 +0000

Obama is putting the country first. The country needs a new president, doesn't need Washington aristocrats to work over a plan that's doomed to fail. The Bush plan is not what this country needs to come back stronger than ever. McCain is just trying to save his campaign and show "he's doing something". Truth is, he's doing nothing that should be necessary to do. You don't solve this crisis by panicking around. You need to be firm and decisive. That's the way a good president should handle it. That's the way Obama is handling it. The crisis doesn't need more headlights. The crisis is there, must be addressed by the two presidential candidates shouldn't step in just for the sake of fame and glory. Good way to go, Obama! Shame on you, McCain

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:42 +0000

Hello Jack...
Of course the debate should go on as scheduled. If both candidates are in touch with their staff and leadership re their views, why get in the way of progress.
McCain is frantic......a trait we would do well to avoid in the next president.

janet
Wash, DC

By: FL4OB

FL4OB — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:42 +0000

That's right, Obama. True presidential leadership.

McCain's Washington "experience" has unfortunately proven to be Rovian political gimmicks.

By: Lynn: 60 yr old white Obama supporter

Lynn: 60 yr old white Obama supporter — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:36 +0000

Obama is right: exactly the time the voters need to hear from the candidates. McCain want to make this political and proves he isn't bipartisan by going behind Obama's back and making a politcal stunt to try to look presidential while in negotiations on a joint statement.

Again McCain shows his erratic, off the cuff decisions; the presence of McCain and Obama WILL inject presidential politics into this discussion and put negotitations back to the start.

Move the debate to Washington, DC if McCain can't get to Mississippi. It is only 1.5 hours.

By: Darcey (dem from OK)

Darcey (dem from OK) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:33 +0000

Obama expresses himself so well, don't you think? McCain's stutterings make me want to change the channel.

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:32 +0000

This is a cheap publicity stunt by McCain. As usual, his lemming like supporters will slurp up every last bit of this grandstanding.

What's changed in the last 48 hours? Oh yes ..McCain's numbers are tanking.

By: Will

Will — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:25 +0000

This is absolutely crazy. John Mccain and Sarah Palin are not ready and they are scared to let it be shown. They keep putting things off so they dont look bad before the people get a chance to vote. People please read between the lines.

By: Micheal shoemac

Micheal shoemac — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:25 +0000

Dumb people .... Obama never said anything about not voating on the bill ......he said that the debates must go on...

YOU dumb repubs

By: Double Talk Express

Double Talk Express — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:24 +0000

John McCain was for the presidential debates before he was against them.

By: James Carville

James Carville — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:23 +0000

ALL HUMBLE SENATORS VOTE YES OR NO.
ELITE SENATORS VOTE PRESENT OR ABSENT

By: chuck o Houston tx

chuck o Houston tx — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:21 +0000

Americans are not fools, All these ploy by GOP to derail the issues and now the debate..the press are not even allowed to question their VP pick, whats going on?..This will be the true test of how Americans really are.

By: Rara

Rara — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:18 +0000

AMEN!! You need to be able to multi-task!

Go Obama/Biden '08

By: spiderweb

spiderweb — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:16 +0000

Congratulations Obama. You've made a wise decision to stay the course and contribute whatever you can in your current position to help in the bailout. This is good judgment.

By: Rob indetroit

Rob indetroit — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:13 +0000

MCbush's boy's come out trying to cover for him , but it's not going to work, one must be able to Multitask,like Obama.

OBAMA-BIDEN 08'

By: sc

sc — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:12 +0000

Obama should go just show up for the debate even if Mccain chichens out. Take questions from the moderater and answer them, air time is good.

By: Yvette, FL

Yvette, FL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:09 +0000

This debate should go on. How can you want be president and can't handle a debate that is on a friday at 9:00 pm and do the other part of your job Monday – Friday before the debate. This is just a gimmick because he probably not ready for it.

By: Walker, Atlanta

Walker, Atlanta — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:07 +0000

Hell yes no one will let McCain off the hook like they have Palin I want to see for myself who knows what the hell their talking about a debate is the only true way to judge them.

By: Jackie From Michigan

Jackie From Michigan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:03 +0000

There is nothing to be gained by canceling the debates. By Friday they will already have a plan and either have it voted on or ready to vote on. No reason to cancel things.
McCain doesnt understand the economy so maybe he should go back to washington and get involved, learn whats really going on. After all he said the economy was fundamentally strong just a week ago.

By: Jair

Jair — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:01 +0000

OBAMA is the kind of leader we need, one that could multy task.. What happenned to McCain? He obviously has not done his homework. OBAMA could do both deal with the economy, manage his campaign and still have time to have an honest 2 hour debate for the us American't to see who is a true leader.

Sorry McCain your tacktics will not work. Prepare ahead next time.

By: For Real in Georgia

For Real in Georgia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:28:00 +0000

having a president that cannot walk and chew gum at the same time is what got us into this mess. i am keeping abreast of everything going on in this bail out debate with the help of cable networks and the internet. the candidates can't do the same? I am sure they have voiced opions to the right people in their parties.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:59 +0000

I'm a little tired listening to the same tired "Obama will just vote 'present'" nonsense. Why don't you take a look at McCain's voting record in the senate NOW (not years ago in state legislature). He was a no-show pretty much the whole year!

By: john

john — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:52 +0000

McCain's refusal to debate is NOT a "bi-partisan" move. It looks pretty much like a partisan cut and run to me.

Add to that the fact that what he is also doing is trying to "rush" the BUSH bailout plan through congress before there is time to do proper oversight.

Hey, John. Isn't this how we got into this mess in the first place?
Now you want more of same!

I score this as an example of egregious and narrow self-interest on McCain's part. And hardly "bi-partisan".

That term is better applied to Obama's rewquest that they put out a joint statement.

Clearly McCain cannot provide the measured, honest, careful leadership we nedd in these troubled times.

...and Palin is still too scared to take a real question...

Let the deabates begin! You owe it to the American people.

JOHN IN OHIO

By: ObamaROCKS!

ObamaROCKS! — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:52 +0000

I love Obama!...the debates should go on....

and the nerve to call this a 9-11 crisis..lives were lost..we were attack...

the two cannot be compared..its an insult to victims of 911!

we need LEADERSHIP.....according to the statements by both campaigns..Obama reached out to John first....to issue a statement of unity to send signal to congress..that's all that's needed...

we are about to elect the most important President in my life time...and im young...DEBATE john..."don't be scared".....

By: Bob in Fremont

Bob in Fremont — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:51 +0000

McCain is like a box of chocolates. You never know what he's gonna say:) Run Jonny run.

By: LS

LS — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:51 +0000

Supporters for McCain are either two things – and the second one is stupid.

By: Michigan Voter

Michigan Voter — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:39 +0000

Exactly! Thank you Obama for putting Country First! McCain does not have a hold on the phrase "country first"...In 40 days we will have new leadership in our country, it is vital that the American people get to understand each candidates views on the issues, not political pandering like McCain is attempting to do.

Democrats love America just as much as Republicans and I'm sick to death of the republican stronghold on the patriot card. There is the immediate problem and then there is the person that is going to have to run our country the next 4/8 years. I want someone in the white house who has plans to move us in a new direction and listen to the American people. We need leadership that is honest and open, not one who hides from the media, lies to the public, and disenfranchises voters at the polls!

By: Independents For McCain

Independents For McCain — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:34 +0000

WAAAA WAAAA thats not fair. I studied all week for this debate. I know exactly what I am going to say in case they do not let my telepromper in....

What am I going to do now? You mean I might actually have to vote on an issue instead of voting present.? Oh NO!!!!!!!!!!!

GO McCain

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:33 +0000

"This is the FOREIGN POLICY DEBATE YOU DOOFUS- they're not going to be talking about this economic issue."

Foreign policy is directly related to the economy. Who do you think is funding American debt?

By: Shirley-Ohio

Shirley-Ohio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:33 +0000

Yes it should go on, at this point the only thing they can say is yea or nay, the already laid out what they want in this bill before they say yea or nay.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:28 +0000

If I could vote 100 times for this guy I would take a vacation from work and dedicate my time to line up and vote with out no complaint!

We need a president who can multi task not a president when it is not working for him take cover on another issue.

The poll is leaning towards Obama now McCain want to suspend the campaign????

I heard soooooooo many people saying, 'wake up! wake up" but people are still pretending like they are sleeping... well one for the road, wake up people....wake up!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:27 +0000

The whole nation has been eagerly awaiting this debate! Colorado will begin casting their vote (mail-in) in just over one week! In order to make the best-informed decision, we need to listen to what they have to say now! McCain is not able to do more than one thing at a time?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:25 +0000

way to go

By: jujub

jujub — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:24 +0000

This is the President and his party's mess...not Barack's mess.

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:23 +0000

Didn't John McCain spending time in Washington help get us into this mess in the first place?

Neither McCain or Obama are on the Banking Committee. The bailout proposal is about 98% done already. There's absolutely no need for them to drop everything and head to Washington and just get in the way.

By: debbie

debbie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:23 +0000

This is the second time I am sending this and ofcourse CNN you wont post this!
Who is NObama going to debate, is he going to debate himself and vote "present" at the debate again? Pathetic! Mccain isnt going to be there! Thats leadership! Wake up America and see who can get the job done
Lifelong democrat voting for Mccain!
Mccain 08/Hillary 12

By: David

David — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:17 +0000

This is Genius. McCain has put Obama in a corner by saying "That's fine if you want to debate, but it will be a lonely stage in Mississippi" "I'll be in Washington actually getting things done." Wake up Democrats, you're playing in the majors now.

By: Gov Palin, WHY WON'T YOU SPEAK TO THE PRESS?

Gov Palin, WHY WON'T YOU SPEAK TO THE PRESS? — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:16 +0000

OL' DUDE IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS! AND...AFTER VIEWING THE COURIS INTERVIEW WITH SARAH SHOR SKIRT, AND THE FINDING THAT HIS CAMPAIGN CHAIRPERSON WAS ON THE PAYROOL OF FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC THAT FOOL IS RUNNING!

MAVERICK, HUH? PLEASE... HE CAN'T HANG...

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:14 +0000

Comments about being unable to multi-task are inane. It is going to be tough for Congress to come up with a workable solution to the latest crisis. Maybe everyone who can face that job should be working on it. If someone can't face it or has nothing to contribute, than maybe that someone should go on with the debate which is a compilation of 30 second sound bites. Let's just hope that something gets done before Congress goes on hiatus.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:13 +0000

This man is really good at rheotics. But the reality is that the debate is going to be on on this Friday. If you want the debate, that means you're not willing to deal with the financial crisis first. Obama just want to show more beautiful words in the debate instead of going to Washington to help solving the crisis.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go McCain/Palin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Obama/Biden 08

Obama/Biden 08 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:12 +0000

No kidding it should go on. John McCain has barely been seen in the Senate over the last few months. Besides, John, contrary to your opinion, Washington can function without you.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:11 +0000

I'm surprised that Obama put his compaign first. This financial crisis is not one of our normal problems, but of such a scale to change all American's lives for many years to come.
He stated that if he was needed he would be called. What a position for a future president to take! Sure we call can deal with more than one thing at a time-but this crisis is a definite priority that instead of sitting back and waiting for his other fellow senators to solve, he should also be fulfilling his responsibilites that he was elected as a senator to do.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:09 +0000

I think the economy crisis is more important right now than the debates;

Democrats

By: Former McCain Constituent

Former McCain Constituent — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:08 +0000

We now see what John McCain does in a crisis. He runs.

By: jAYjAY

jAYjAY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:05 +0000

Once again McCain temperment....make a statement & run

Obama...makes a statement then answers the tough questions

Obama can send Biwith proposals to washington
McCain can send palin to "shake shings up"

yeah right

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:26:59 +0000

Yeah, doesn't a President have to know how to multi-task?

By: chippyarm

chippyarm — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:26:59 +0000

Of course it should go on. As a McCain supporter, I am concerned that this will make him look like he is afraid of Obama.