CNN

David Letterman made a good point that McCain shouldn't suspend his campaign to resume his duties as Senator after a 5 month layoff; instead Sarah Palin should step in and take his place. She should be ready, right?

So how about agreeing to postpone Friday's debate between Barack Obama and McCain only if Joe Biden and Palin step in and take their places. This would be a good test to see if either VP candidate is ready to be President. I have a hunch that Joe Biden is ready, although I'm not so sure about Sarah Palin.

The delaying tactic by McCain will not earn my vote. Oh yeah, has anyone seen the David Letterman show. Letterman must be really pissed. He was right, why suspend your campaign when your VP can handle it. Unless, the McCain campaign doesn't trust her at all.

They should make them go ahead and debate! I mean we are in a crisis! well...come to think about it we ahve been ever since Bush has been in office...we need to hear what plans they have to get us out of THIS crisis in the next 4 years. Palin hasn't had time to tie her puppet stings and Mccain hasn't had the writers put the largest font on his speech..so what! We need to have some type of information on what is planned and they need to stop stealing Obama's ideas. If we have a President who runs to Bush or vise versa these next four years are going to be even worse than the last 8.
RT

John McCain campaign is in jeopardy, and this finally move showed how desperate he has become to try to turn this election around. McCain is looking like he is on panic mode since he said he thinks the fundamentals of the economy is sound. P.S. Sending Palin to talk to heads of states for a photo-op was so painful to watch, mostly when they had McCains foreign policy advisors sitting right behind her the whole time, then when the McCain campaign couldn't make the situation even more painful to watch, they did, The press was kept at arms length the whole time, even sneaking her in by the side door and having a baracade set up on her way out. WOW

CNN when are you going to talk about keating 5 and his connection with Fannie Mae,this is the real reason McCain is making changes to the debate because his advisers are linked to fannie mae.

As a president, you have to be ready to multi-task. So like Obama said, it is possible to go to Washington and fly to Mississipi the following day for the debate! McCain's idea of postponement does not seem to hold much water. Instead, it makes him look like he is fearing the showdown between him and Obama. The debate should take place regardless!

Good for you! I agree. There has been too much money, time, effort, and manpower spent on this event. Besides both candidates can get in and out of Ole Miss in 5 hours max,

HA! Tactics that worked 8 years ago... sorry McCain they don't work anymore!!!!!

Why does it seem like again the McCain camp is trying every way to keep Palin away from scrutiny, now by delaying first the Obama-McCain debate and then the Biden-Palin debate. Interesting!

One monkey don't stop the show! Lets get on with the debates. American people are looking for answers!!!

I don't understand McCain supporters at all. This is not putting your country first. Lincoln dealt with the civil war but he still campaigned, FDR was dealing with the great depression and war against Germany and he still campaigned. Only Carter denied a debate during a hostage crisis and it hurt him dearly, Reagan beat him. McCain has been in congress for 26 years, he has not voted since April 8th, and has consistently stated he is not educated enough about the economy, so how will he help? How can he lead when he always voted against regulating banks. The only time he did get involved with banks he got in trouble (Keating 5). Wake up American we need to forget about black and white and focus on green...our 401Ks are at stake.

If McCain does not come, stuff a rag doll in his chair and ask it to respond to John's questions. McCain has no economic sense anyway, so the answers should be just as informative as if McCain were there. No postponing.

smoke and mirrors not transparency. Mclame is a loser

They>>>>MUST>>>>THINK>>>>YOUR>>>>STUPID

Let the Trouncing Proceed!!

Barack The Vote!!!!

Thank you, CPD! Now maybe McSame will get his act together and give the American people (COUNTRY FIRST!) an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say about the economy and foreign policy.

Go Obama/Biden '08!!!

This debate should absolutely go on!

Let's face it...the only reason they would NEED both McCain and Obama back in Washington would be to vote on the finished bill.

Please people of America...see this for what it is...a dirty trick by McCain!

It was never country first with him...its always himself. This proves it.

Good. McCain and his thugs have been trying to control how this campaign is run from the beginning. I am thrilled that the commission and Obama stood up and sya NO!

for weeks gramps walked around talking about the "fun dementals of our ecomany (Idiocarcy) being strong"...now he will be our superman and save the day in the 2 hours it takes for the debate. I think the world will survive if gramps took half a day off, got some soup and got a debate in...what a shallow attempt...yeah we should also delay the VP debate so dum dum Palin can memorize a few more words...gramps and dum dum 08...yeah thats the ticket yee haw

maire...you are an idiot. you are one of the reasons we are in this mess. I bet you voted for Bush both times. If that is the case and you really believe what you wrote on this blog, then you deserve everything you are experiencing in your life right now. I have no sympathy for you.

John McCain is trying to show that he cares much more about the economy and the tax payer than Obama. This man's advisers are trily dumb. Who can fall for this kind of propaganda. The truth is either McCain and/or Palin is not ready so they are trying to buy some time.

America has been in a financial crisis long even before the debate dates were planned. Why didn't John McCain complain then and announce that unless the fix was done he wouldn't debate? What about he quits his job as senator if the package is not done by Friday... that will be a more patriotic way of protesting!

Next mccain will ask to postpone the election..for another four years....

I think McCain should postpone his campaign until spring.

The first debate should be McCain vs. Palin. We've heard from Sen. Obama for months he and Sen. Clinton debated heavilynow lets here from McCains ticket. Palin doesn't talk to the american people openly or take questions. And well McCain he just flip-flops all over the place.

Maybe they are afraid she will start talking in tongues or worse her head may start to spin around. Maybe her former pastor will perform the exorcism.

YOU PEOPLE HAVE GOTTA BE KIDDIN ME!!!! THE LITTLE OPINIONATERS THAT CRIED FOUL YOU ARE... IF THIS IS THE BEST SCHEME GOING AND AYBODY CARED WE'D STRING HIM UP BY HIS JOWLS. HOWEVER, ITS A SMALL THING GIVEN THE STUPIDITY EXIBITED BY ALL PLAYERS IN THIS CAMPAIGN. MAYBE HE WANTS TO GET HIS SHARE OR MAYBE JUST BE A GOOD SCOUT AND DO HIS DUTY. OBAMA IS JUST SO SPUN AROUND BY UNSCHEDULED EVENTS AND FAILED TELEPROMPTERS THAT HE DOESNT KNOW WHICH END TO SCRATCH. DONT THINK BUSH EVER DID THIS SO MAYBE ITS A GOOD DEPARTURE FROM THE BUSH DOCTRINE THINGY OR MAYBE ITS A BAD CALL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH WILL RUNNERS ON BASE. EITHER WAY ITS NOT REALLY GONNA BE ALL THAT. YOU FOLKS NEED TO SIMMA DOWN NOW.

And they very well should...these candidates owe the American people this debate.

McCain is an interesting guy, no doubt.

10 days ago he was sounding more like Baghdad Bob, espousing , effectively, 'there is no crisis' while in the background anyone with any sight at all could see there certainly was.

Now, he reminds me of Barney Fife, completely flustered and panicky, frantically trying to pull the one bullet he carries out of his shirt pocket in order to try to get it into his gun.

What will he come up with next? More impressions?

This is so clearly a strategy to keep the American public from getting a good look at Sarah Palin. (I've already seen enough of John McCain to think he is acting as if he's "off his rocker." ) From the little bit they've allowed us to see of Palin, she appears to be way in over her head . I am really concerned that they are doing everything they can to keep the public from getting a good look at her in an uncoached situation. What in the world are we going to learn if she has to respond to questions and think on her feet? Perhaps that she doesn't have the brains or the breadth of knowledge to be a "heartbeat away...." This is frightening. They really think Americans are stupid. I just hope they're wrong.

I would like to know which idiot is going to go and vote for a McCain/Republican party now after seeing and hearing all of this!!!!

Great, I am so glad to hear the debate will go on. Election day is not going to be postponed or changed. McCain and Palin are trying to control their media exposure. She goes half way around the world and meet with dignitaries and their reporters and don't answer questions in the USA? Now McCain is trying to control when and where debates should take place. How come these two cannot follow the rules? Their polls are going down and the questions are increasing about these two; he is not ready for a debate. He has too much other stuff on his mind. As Obama said, you have to be able to handle more than one thing at a time. McCain is not ready to lead.

John McCain , no maverick. please vote against him.
we dont need another 4 years of deregulation.
there is no stop button on the lives of real americans.

No confidence vote for McCain, not ready to Lead.

What you all are forgetting is he is not president.....YET!!!
His job right now is be what he was voted in to office for..... a Senator. and you all know you are thanking god he has postponed the debate, because he is going to rip Obama apart. so quit you belly aching and give the man a little credit for having the balls to put off his campaign, and for doing what is best for the country!!!

the RNC campaign is a sleazy mess, and Mc-Cane's tricks should be questioned by the national board of elections OR THE RIGHT NATIONAL COMMITTEE. These are SERIOUS issues and to use my and other Americans lives and money for political gain should be called to question. McCane has the ability to turn the country upside down while he expirements with functinaing as a (fake) leader.

UNETHICAL!!!

Hang in there Obama and Biden. Nothing is worse than having to deal with "uncle" John when you have serious work to do.

Now McCain has a problem:

- If there is a debate anyway, and he decides to attend without the bailout being resolved, he will show that he just wanted attention on his campaign.

- If the debate is cancelled, he's still screwed because he would cancelled a year and half of preparation from the CPD and the investment from Mississipi, and he will appear as a coward!

So either way, he's screwed! That wasn't a smart move from his part...well, talking about smart, that is not his thing!

The PDC should DISQUALIFY McCain if he misses the debate. It is sooo obvious what McCain is trying to do. Country first – yeah right, it was never country first for McCain – it has always been McCain first.

McCain acks like he is president, but yet he can't do more than 1 thing at a time – McCain is not presidential material and people are realizing this FACT.

McCain is despicable.

What a sleazy old geez . Keating 5 set the stage for the current situation.
Some crooks never change = McSame & Bushwackers

The next thing I'm waiting for is for McCain to replace Palin and have a good excuse of course....... There seems to be a strange smell in the air. Sniff, Sniff, I think it's the smell of D E S P E R A T I O N !!!!

Keep the debates on schedule....regardless of McCain's agenda.

CNN really needs to call McCain/Palin out for this ridiculous stage act. MSNBC had no hold backs tonight. Call it like it is. McCain/Palin has been allowed to slip and some media outlets are not doing their jobs.

Barak maybe you don't know the debate is about foreign policy, something you don't know anything about anyways. Why not go to washington and actually do something we pay you for. WORK, Oh I forgot its just all about polititcs and not really what is best for us people who cling to our bibles and our small town values who don't want anything to do with a bailout.

McCain's already admitted that the economy isn't his strong suit. So, given that he's just one senator out of a hundred... what exactly does he think he has to contribute in Washington while the crisis is managed? Expertise?

This is nothing more than a ploy. Far from putting "Country First", this is a very transparent effort to score cheap points by appearing to be above the fray. His campaign of fear and lies has shown that for the facade that it is.

England's Samuel Johnson once said "patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel." How apt.

You fools.

You know, when you're president, you can't postpone everything just to focus on one crisis...life doesn't work that way. In real life, you have to deal with emergencies while balancing all the other issues you (and your administration) are responsible for. If you have to take a time-out in order to concentrate on one issue, you've got no business running for president.

Truth is, McCain is going downhill fast. Either way he votes on this bailout plan he's screwed. That, plus the poll numbers that came out today? He's done.

McCain is sure showing his "courage " now isn't he??. What a poor excuse for a presidential candidate. IA two year old can see right through him. Running scared and crashing negotiations he is NOT welcome at. If McCain won't show at the debate send Simple Sarah.. I would love to see her in a debate with Barack..LMAO She can't string three sentences together and McCain knows it.
By the way Bill Clinton should be ashamed of his flattery of Palin..what an insult to his wife who truly does fight for women and their families. Get over it Billy, she is not available for dates after hours.. at least I don't think so. Bill should be praising his candidate, Obama however, I believe Clinton secretly wants Obama to lose..Obama won't run again in 2012 and that clears the way for Hillary..so transparent.

There is no doubt in my political mind that Sarah Barracuda could sit for McCain in this insignificant debate for the President of the United States, while Our Saviour, John McCain saves the country from economic oblivion.

We don't have time to wait. The election is coming up. Let's have the debates on schedule. Any candidate who doesn't agree has something to hide - or maybe several things: his temper, his vagueness, the lack of qualifications in his vice-presidential nominee.

Good for them. What better forum can presidential and vice-presidential candidates find to address the American people and help them to get to know and decide for whom they are voting to lead the country, to clean up this Bush-Republican mess, and to prevent this mess from ever happening again?

We hope the Debate Commission won't cave in to this latest McCain-Palin fraud.

It is clear McCain wants to delay the debates, his latest stunt about suspending his campaign is just the way he intended to achieve it, but both Obama and the Debate Commission are not taking the bait.

Hey, if McCain cant make it to the debates he should send Sarah Palin, at least she wont confuse sunni and shiite or say that Iran and Pakistan share a border, those major gaffes are reserved for John McCain

McCain gets behind in the polls, plots to stop the bleeding so he wants to avoid the debates as long as possible. Yep, just the right stuff we need in a president! Ready on Day One, McCain is not even ready for the first debate.

Maire—not sure if you're aware, but it's the Democrats, not the Republicans, who are the ones trying to take action on cushy Wall Street overcompensation. And, like you, I would love to see McCain return to his senator work...PERMANENTLY, when President Obama takes office.

Are you kidding me with this crap?? I can't believe this man, and the crap he pulls.. and anyone falling for this needs a wake up call.. seriously.. if you think that he is so important as a senator that they NEED his imput.. then you obviously don't know alot about politics.. this is a gimmick for the uninformed voter who thinks that he has to focus all his attention.. as if he is the only person working on the job.. there are how many other people involved in this decision.. and flying back and forth from washington to Mississippi is not that big of a deal.. this man has completly underestimated the intelligence of the american public.. I get sick when I think about Mccain and Palin.. physical nuasia.

This is way too political for me. I don't know how stupid the REPUBS think Americans are. Oh wait, there are still those STUPID ENOUGH TO VOTE FOR THIS TICKET. Well, you'll be getting just exactly what you're asking for.

To MAIRE,
You have not felt a pain yet, wait untill McShame gets in the white house, then your landing will be even more painful. Good luck! I am on the way to finishing school in nursing and my next destination? CANADA. I've lived through the last 8 years with Bush, I am not putting up with the next possible 4 with this guy.

I sure do want to hear the presidential candidates talk about how they each propose to help the USA save face abroad and I am suspicious that McCain and his party doesn't want him to answer anything all by himself. The candidates would be more beneficial in a debate tomorrow night than they would be interrupting congress. Be a "maverick" McCain…don't run away now!

This was McCain trying to weasel out of a debate.He knows he is not ready and he will look real bad debating Obama.McCain just show America what he is made of,chicken.

Americans, I hope you all are seeing who this man "McCain" is really all about, very unpresidential. The gap between Obama and McCain need to be big gap that is Obama 73% and McCain 25%. Put race outside and vote for the betterment of this country.

Obama/Biden '08

McCain is throwing in the towel huh?

Pulling all advertisements.

Cease all fund raising.

Suspending campaigning.

Gonna get to work in Washington DC (yet he is still in New York).

Refuses to debate the issues claiming the economy needs him.

Sounds like he is saying, "You win!"

McCain is grasping at straws here!! It is so obvious. He has been faltering in the polls and this is the one way to get press coverage without actually doing anything but flying on planes, taking pictures, and pretending that he is actually doing something. He has not had his hand in anything that has been happening in Washington for the past week. He has not been calling the heads of the committees or talking to those in the know. Obama has. He is showing that in the midts of a crisis he can still function. McCain can seem to do more than one thing at a time. Do we really want this man in the White House where there are hundreds of situations happening weekly. I don't...............OBAMA 08

Since Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination, John McCain has been trying to lure Obama into petty debates and town hall meetings. Now that the time has come to talk about real issues affecting real Americans, McCain offers us a lame excuse about being on the hill to solve the economic crisis.

I do not think Congress will be working at 9:30 Friday night, at which time the debate is to take place in Oxford, Mississippi. Furthermore, John McCain travels extensively during his campaign, and work on several matters during the course of his day. Why is it that he cannot do so this Friday? Can he not juggle more than one important issue at a time like a President has to do? If he cannot, he should not be th next President of the United States.

that is b.s Mr. Mccain what next change the elcetion day, let us have the debat, chicken out as usual....

Of course, if this had have been a suggestion from "the one" all the Obama lemmings would be calling it a brilliant move. Turns out that Bush wants both of them at the White House to discuss the situation. It's another bold move by McCain and the goofy obamabots just can't take it.

I read on some other blogs where the bots were saying McCain doesn't really care about the country. Of course, all the cynical Obamabots would never believe that McCain would actually be doing this because he cares about the country. After all, he only spent five years in a Vietnamese prison camp being beaten and tortured because?...................you guessed it, because he doesn't care about his country. He refused early release which resulted in more beatings and torture because?.............you guessed it, because he doesn't care about his country. He can't use a computer or send e-mail or comb his own hair or raise his arms above his head because?.......you guessed it, because he doesn't care about his country.
It's been reported over and over again that the Republicans in Congress are looking to him before they make a call on what to do. So he's suspending his campaign and going back to Washington because?.....you guessed it, because he doesn't care about his country.

OKAY! McCain started off by saying "I don't know much about the economy", then he went onto say "The fundamentals of the economy are strong". Now he's thrown on a Superman Cape and is rushing back to the White House to help negotiate a $700 billion dollar bailout. Something doesn't sound right about this!!

McPitbull (with or without lipstick)... Ready to procrastinate... NOT ready to lead!!!!

Ring.....Ring......

Mr. McCain, it's 3AM and we have emergency situations on both coasts.....

My Friends, can you postpone those emergencies. I'm just not ready to handle that much at once!

Last time I checked Obama hasn't done or changed anything of remark. Why dosn't he go back and fight for the people and his party on this HUGE tax payer burden that we are about to get thrust on us. I guess he does not want be on record (he hardly is) with his vote.

No! If you want to lead, now is the time to do it. If John McCain thinks he can slink back to congress and hide from these issues, then he DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE PRESIDENT! It's time to face the American public John McCain and answer some tought questions. There are 40 days until you become president, time to multi-task. Barack Obama is ready to lead and tell us how he wants to lead. What are you going to do John McCain, hide or lead?

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Yes they should continue the debate. McCain and Obama are not on the commitee to write the legislation so they will be no help right now. McCain and Obama can only vote yea or nea on the bill once it is presented. Please people know how your Government works. This is a sad ploy by McCain, I have now lost any respect I once had of him. God Help America if he were to get the job of President.

Further more, What does Biden/Palin's debate have to do with the Presidentials debate, she not running for president or do the Republicans think she might do a McInsane (Brittney Spears) Moment. "Oops I did it again". Their campaign is headed to the Alaska Bridge to No Where. What a ball of Confusion. And to think some people thrive and operate out of this messssssssssssss.

wow everyone blame McCain for everything forget the Biden has been in the Senate longer than McCain or that Biden and Obama voted for the Bridge to Nowhere while McCain was against it. Or that they still supported the Bridge instead of fixing bridges damaged by katrina. McCain is putting his campaign on hold to do his current job what he is being paid for while Obama is more concerned about his personal future then ensuring what he says needs to be in this bill is in it.

John McCain Overacted. There Was No Reason For Stopping There Campaign or The Debate. I Feel He Used Bad Judgement In This Matter!

They Should Be Able To Continue Campaigning, Running TV Ads.

They Do Have A Staff, VPs, Surrogates, and Advisors. So What's The Problem McCain.

His Temperment ?

I am so outraged with his crap mcain is sorry i am just ready to vote for obama

We THE People demand that he show up.

Cant run and hide when you are President. You have to be able to handle stressful situations. You may have to do moe than one thing ata atime. No weekends of to sit in your Rocking Chair.

A time of crisis is the PERFECT time to debate. We will see who has the metal and better jubgement to be OUR next President.

The debate should go on. Thank you for keeping w/ the plan. Heck, if John McCain isn't there, I believe there's other presidential candidates from minor parties. We should hear from our future potential leader on how they would deal w/ the current crisis. The election is not too far away.

PLEASE. Return to his JOB? Members of the Senate have been quoted as saying McCain's presence is barely even noticeable, much less helpful. He's doing no one any good there. They don't want the candidates distracting everyone with their presidential politics. The show must go on. If McCain can't handle more than one thing at a time, he's hardly qualified to be president. Hell, he wouldn't be qualified to be a waiter.

Run away all you like, McCain. Your transparent excuses and colorful lies will catch up with you. That is, if your beloved Republicans open their eyes and shut their mouths long enough to realize what a joke you are.

Mccain chicken out. Considering that it was Obama that called him early on this morning that they should issue jt. statement concerning the economy. Meanwhile. by this afternoon Mccain turn around and act like the hero. People pay attention, some politics being play here.

First the DEBATES and what's next Sen. McCain... Do you want to postpone the ELECTIONS.... I don't....You have to go... But please remember this.... Sometimes you have to "debate" with the message that you have...

Dumb and dumber can't put their money whare their mouth is. Cancel a presidential debate? Had that been Obama, my goodness!

This is obviously McCain's gamble approach to show that he's "on the job to be the savior of our economy". Oddly, he's never been on any of the banking committees in the Senate, and has shown the American public last week that his knowledge of our economy is severely lacking... His presence in Washington would only be for show – - he has not contributed much to shaping Wall Street (well, except of pushing for deregulation, which has gotten us in this mess...). John, c'mon, debate already – grow a spine!

What on earth is happening to Mccain? He is melting down right in front of us.

He is choosing bizarre actions and making himself look irrelevant. It is hard to understand how his campaign staff has taken total control of his soul.

Even the rabid GOP fans will quietly talk about this bizarre turn of events. Nobody is fooled by this latest stunt, but many many many are truly disappointed.

Mccain is falling apart at the seams.

the american people need to hear what these two have to say – neither candidate is needed in washington to get this bill done – if so they would have went back last week – mccain couldnt even say rather he would vote for the bill if it was down to his vote – so how is he going to washington to get others to vote on it

Does John McCain think he is going to be elected based on choosing an attractive running mate and griping everytime the media does not agree with him. Why will he not address anyone directly except a room of carefully chosen supporters. Mr. McCain you are asking the company to allow you to represent them yet you don't have the consideration to show up and face a few of themeven after promising for weeks. What does that say about your character?

One thing McBush/McCain/McPalin-all the Same, knows for sure is that they are sore lying losssssssssssers. your documents only show what you want to reveal, but personnally your leadership and poor judgement is so transparented. The American people see right-wing through you and your cronies.
Will the Right-wing bail-out McInSane on this one??????????
Which way do I go?????????duh!

I hope people do not let John get away with this little stunt, he wants to find a plan, how? how, do u find a plan for sumthin that does not even exist in your mind, like the economy being terrible right now?

This is a ploy, he is trying to hide Palin so she doesnt have to debate Biden this has absolutely nothing to do with him caring about the economy. He does not care about us, his whole campaign has been a gimmick, and now its a freakin joke!

Anyone defending McCain now is just being stubborn. Just admit that the GOP could make a chimpanzee (wait a minute, W resembles that remark) their candidate and the GOP base would still choose the chimp over Obama. I'm okay with that, at least be honest. It's not because McCain is better suited to run this country or that he puts "country first." He is just the best they had. The Democrats have brilliant, high caliber candidates and the Republicans have morons...yin and yang.

I swear, McCain reminds me of a child using every excuse he can think of not to go to school and take a test he hasn't studied for, or studied the wrong chapter for.

We deserve to hear what the next POTUS plans to do to help us on these important issues....we have just 40 days for pete's sake!

Problems happen at the drop of a hat in the real world, and more often while president. If McCain can't handle that without well rehearsed sound bites, he should've stayed home....whichever one of the 8 he wanted to.

Its 3 am and McCain is using an answering machine to screen calls.

Fact: Democrats often accuse Republicans for fear mongering.

Fact: Most of the message boards on CNN show exactly the opposite! Democract readers on here offering nothing but awful comments on how Republicans hate America.

What we need is positive political action. McCain is doing what he thinks is best. If Obama offered this same suggestion, everyone would be questioning McCain's dedication to the Senate.

I don't think I can say anything better than Aaron from Ohio. The American people want a leader who will lead and not someone who will politicize the issues. The economy has been something that the American people have been concerned about for months and yet Senator McCain seems to want to run away from it. Forget foreign policy, forget Russia, Iraq and Georgia, let's talk about America. LIKE AARON I WANT TO SEE AND HEAR A DEBATE ON TIME AND WITHOUT DELAY!!!

Time to accept a scripted Presidential "debate" yet again?
Brought to you by your "good friends" on Wall Street.

No USA Main Street Paul or Nader,
nor Cynthia McKinney...

It's just another McCain gimmick – like pulling Palin out of the hat ... if Obama wants to go ahead with the debate, he'll be accused of being unpatriotic. McCain will be held up as an example of sacrificing his campaign for "the country." They might as well go ahead with the debate – nothing different would be done about the Wall Street mess with Obama and McCain being in D.C. This is all fluff – just like the stupid flag pins - didn't prove a thing one way or the other.

If it's so important that McCain go to Washington he should already be there.......should have been there days ago.

Sounds to me like he's just not feeling real confident about debating Obama. That, and the fact that they're talking about using the VP debate slot to make up this presidental debate seem real suspicious.

They seem to be thinking they can kill two birds with one stone this way. McCain can look like a hero putting his country first AND they can keep Palin from having to debate Biden.

Maire, do you realize that Senator John McCain always voted on the side of deregulating the financial industries that have sadly caused you to lose part of your retirement? He himself says he's principally a deregulator. He's part of the problem, not the solution. If you vote basically on party, that's your right. Just thought you should be aware.

So, with a single move, McCain wants to postpone not just his own debate against Obama, but move it to the one day that would bump Palin's debate against Biden, postponing that as well.

And he SAYS he wants to do this because he believes that the economy, which he called "strong" a few weeks ago, is in a crisis that Congress simply cannot solve while 2 out of 100 senators aren't present.

You don't need to be a genius to figure this one out. Especially if you factor in the well-known facts that McCain has barely even begun to prepare for the debates, and Palin doesn't even know how to debate.

I have voted republican my entire life. But this year I am ASHAMED of the Republican Ticket. Barack Obama sounds Presidential everyday. McCain comes up with stupid comments and outrageous lies everyday. And Palin is a disgrace, there is no way she should even be on the ticket. I really don't see how McCain/Palin can get a SINGLE vote. People must be out of their minds to even consider them. I can only hope that there are many, many more Republicans and Independents that can see thru their sham of a campaign.
GO OBAMA/BIDEN

SOMEBODY TELL THAT ANTI-AMERICAN MORAN OBAMA

THAT A 'CRISIS' IS NOT A TELEPROMPTER FAILURE!

McCain will be a hero because he is.
Obama will be an empty suit talking by himself to the TV cameras, because he is.

many people have planned to go and watch this debate and if mccain cancels out,, it opnly means one thing,, hes scared and he dosnt have sarah beside him so they can make sure they dont answer in different ways,,, these two are such a joke,,,, mccain, is panicing now,, what would he do if he was president and something really bad happened????,, omg i dont want to know,,,

Keep to the agreed schedule. NO CHANGES. Period. They show up and go or fail to show up. No changes on the part of the agreed upon dates,places and times. They is no valid reason to change the schedule. Stick to the plan.
Stand up and defend the American voting public. We want the debates as scheduled with the named people. We are counting on you to stand firm.

McCain isn't able to take the heat. He has no clue on what to say and scored that he will look like a fool.

Last time I looked Washington was not that far from MS. If McCain needs more time than say so! this debate is on forgein policy? Why would he not want to do this? Makes no sense & besides is very costly..This is his forte no?
Marie-McCain is not on any of the comittee's that impact this bail out. Yes they are all working but not the finil word here...So Yeah he is going to Washington –for a day off! Oh or matbe lunch with his buddies...

Suggest the CPD go to ToysRUs and get a McCain doll, seat it in a chair with a fake mike and let Obama carry on answering the questions. It would surely help ToysRus economy.

I think King Obama should go ahead with this debate! He can debate anything/anyone available, even McCain's empty chair! Better, they can get a picture of old McCunning up there on the chair! (LOL)

This Obamabot/Obamanut/Obamacrazy is laughing so hard at McCain running from pillar to post! And he is ready on day one? I bet I am more ready than this old, feeble, dailing McGeezer!

Hey John McShame,

You didn't get the question before hand

I'm so glad that the debate comission is not bowing down to any of McCains demands that the debate be postponed. He is so used to getting his way, and I'm happy that someone told him "NO WAY"

What you have here is another ploy by Mcain to divert attention to himself on the campaign trail, If he want to have input on the bailout diaster where was he when he knew this would be comming in all his years in the Senate, what can he possibly bring to the table, where does he get his econimic expertise from.

We need to hear from the candidates in this difficult time, we are about to vote for one of these men to handle our economy and our livelyhood. Mccain needs to know that this debate is more important than ever before! let's debate and let's hear what will be done by these two candidates.

PLEASE America...it is time to take responsibility for our own nation. George Bush has almost ruined the countyr and John MCain wants to finish the job. Now...five weeks before the elction he wants to use this as a pretext to keep a totally unqualified VP candidate from a public display of her ineptitude.

When will enough be enough? When will Americans take responsibility. Bush for 8 years...our fault...can we afford Mccain/Palin?

Bush's speech tonight was a joke...

McCain and Palin are the limit, the absolute limit. Does the GOP REALLY think they can keep this up? I cannot believe that this much of the electorate is stupid enough not to see through this. Hah! Just a few short weeks ago, McOld and Caribou Barbie were so smug and self-satisfied. Now look at them, running scared.. Bye!

Maire – you lost 50% of your retirement funds? You must be a moron. DOW is down around 18% for the year. Did you work for ENRON? HA!
McCain is showing his true self – a born loser. Can't multi-task, doesn't know anything about the economy. Picks a wacko from Alaska who can't think for herself. What is even worse is those people who support McCain and Palin because they are regular folk just like them. Just what I want is below average people running the country. We've already had one retard the last 8 years, don't need that to continue!

I can't believe all these people have put so much time, money and energy into getting things prepared for these debates. McCain cancelling is just adding more to American's tax paying burden. I guess he just feels we all can pick up the tab because he doesn't want to multi-task for 90 minutes?

The Commission had better stick with the plan. John "I-Can-Only-Do-One-Thing-At-A-Time" McCain had better get with the program and learn his lines, because I want to know where he stands and what he thinks and what he plans to do. Specifically please. I'm tired of his generalities. He's losing credibility in my eyes, for sure. This was a political stunt to stall the entire process. Give Palin time to learn her lines too. Despicable.

What is wrong with us that we will listen to these imbeciles? It is time to throw all the Republicans out.

Mc Cain has not been in congress for his job since april. now he wants to jump back in and get his foto-op, him and Phil Gramm are part of the people why we are in this mess today. now he dosen't want to debate. what a sham. the leaders of the house and senate are the ones working on this not mc cain.JOHN MC CAIN YOU HAVE NO HONOR YOU ARE A LIAR AND A LOSER.

McCain you are finished.
We Americans are tired of these tricks...delaying the debate, because you and Palin are not ready.

You have got to be kidding......McCain needs new political advisors...if this is an indication of who he surronds himself with...then a future with McCain is Scary.

STICK with it!!! I promise you John Wayne McCain will fold. He'll come in dressed in fatigues screaming "We are all Americans! Obama is wrong, I can do more than one thing at a time. Look, I have been to Washington, I can chew gum and I can see Russia from here!"

Let John McCain stay away. Obama can show up and discuss his policies for 90 minutes. Is that a better solution for the Republicans?

DEAR FRIENDS:
MINUTE BY MINUTE. WAKE TIME CHECK IT OUT ON AGAIN OR OFF AGAIN. SUSPENCE.

TEATHER BALL OR SOCCER BALL. SCORE!!!!!
HALF TIME.

What's wrong, Senator McCain...you can't handle more than one thing at a time??? President's do have to multi-task. I hope your aren't just figuring that out!

of course they should keep going as planned. be very prepared america. mccain has been on the run since the convention trying to stem the tide of change. he now wants to go to washington to play the big man, while we all know by his voting record he is part of this problem. what will we get out of the 72 year old after all this on friday night/ my vote would be a very tired grumpy man, who won't surprise if he loses the message and makes some major gaffes. this brings us to the election. how if he cannot keep this pace in the last months of the campaign, will he be capable of doing it 1,2 or more years of a possible presidency.

To all you McSame Supporters...

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL! Are you kidding me? He knows the debate will be about the economy and he is scared.

He it just me, or does anybody else smell a BIG FAT RAT?

I believe Senator McCain is an honorable man, but I feel he is wrong in this instance. I feel that the debates should take place, and that a president should be able to handle more then one crisis at a time. If the reason for all of this is to postpone the VP debates, then my faith in McCain is really shaken. I haven't decided who to vote for, but the next few days may help me make a choice. I only hope that McCain isn't doing this for political reasons, and that Obama and McCain will really work together to help us all out. That is my wish for America today.

they should not allow McCain to pull the strings. He is a nominee as Obama.

McCain wants the country to play on his terms and rules. If not,..he pouts and wants a "time-out."

McChicken
McSame
McBush

While McCain is busy saving the country, if the call of the TV cameras is more important to Obama- let Sarah Palin step in for McCain and debate Obama on McCain's behalf. She will cut him to ribbons. Obama is ruled by anybody who wears a skirt.

One monkey (even if old and senile) will not stop the show!! McCain in a joke. Who the he** does he think we are???? He's an idiot that thinks we are so dumb that we don't know when someone is trying to "run a murphy" on us!! Open you eyes America. He didn't give a crap about the economy all the time he and his buddies were raking in and profiting from these Wall Street greedy corporations and their golden parachutes!!!

It is on old dude! Don't show up. You are seriously tripping. We are not taking this crap anymore!!!!!! It's ON!!!!

Obama/Biden 08/12

O-bama Kids...the sky is falling, the sky is falling. We have to reschedule our prom!!!

Thanks to John McCain and all his efforts to have free unregulated financial markets that self-regulate without any government oversight;
we now have him doing back-lips to rush regulations into place.

Who does he think he is fooling?
He [McShame] is Part of the Keating 5 scandal, that caused the 1990's Banking, Savings & Loan collapse.

Now suddenly he is Mr. Clean up Wall Street??
Shake up washington.??

What a Joke Mc Cain is trying to make of all of us.
Trying to shift blame away from himself by re-inventing himself.
Yes he is much like Frankenstein wanting to have a 2nd chance at a positive political career.
He tried to redeem himself for being a "Song Bird" POW by being inflexible and unyeilding and for his part in the Keating 5 S&L collapse by voting for the 2005 toothless regulatory measures. Finally,he is now trying a 3rd re-birth by turning a complete 360 Turn and voicing phony patronizing interest in fixing this 26 year in the making ecnomic collapse he played a key role in.

This has got to stop-what next McShame you want to postpone the elections???
ObamaBiden 08

Dan Democrat – Obama isn't going to destroy McCain, because McCain won't even be there, lol.

That's fine – give Obama a huge platform in front of a national television audience to speak. Hopefully he's preparing a speech in addition to his debate points!

Go Obama!

McCain is not up to the debate and will all he can to get it delayed, postponed, or thrown out completely.
He will not be able to lie in the debates like he does with his campaign ads.

I have not submitted a comment, so how can i duplicate one.
If you do not want my comments then say to quit making comments, do not beat around the bush, you are as bad as Bush and McCain and company.

Who does McCain think he is! He's not running the show. He's running scared, and he feels panicky because he knows he can't handle a debate with Sen Obama. I'm glad the Presidential Debate Commission says the debate will be held as sceduled. Sen. Obama
can multi-task and do the debate and the Financial Crisis Meetings.
McCain could have left out all his "political theatrics" on TV.
Neither one of the Republican running mates are intelligent. I watched Caty Couric news this evening asking Palin some simple questions and she could not respond and give a definitive answer to any of the simple questions she was asked.
Susan from CT

Indeed let the debate go forward. If McCain does not show up give the next President Obama all of the time to address issues. Then a clear majority of Americans will understand why he is going to be our next President.

We must not give up more power to Corporations/Government. Whatever the solution, there must be oversight and regulation by the states and the people. There must be punishment for the criminals.
Don' buy this financial package. There is no rush.

McCain is not up to the debate and will all he can to get it delayed, postponed, or thrown out completely.
He will not be able to lie in the debates like he does with his campaign ads.

Barack Obama should proceed as scheduled; McCain should be represented by a bobble-head dummy. Whenever it’s McCain’s turn to respond the dummy should be allowed to “bobble” for 60 seconds (or whatever time is available for McCain’s response). I’m sure the bobble-head dummy would do as well as the other dummy that chickened out.

PERFECT....Obama will be all the airtime he wants

McWar, you can watch Obama on TV and email him congrats.

Mccain is a chicken on the run looking to throw the ol smoke and mirrors. The Dems were warning Bush and Mcsame about this for months and they said everythign was "fundamentally sound" This debate is needed to just see how clueless the republicans are. HOW MUCH MORE EVIDENCE DOES AMERICAN NEED??

mcain is a pathetic unprincipled liar. I don't trust him as far as I can spit – and i'm a republican

Unfortunately an economic crisis wasn't planned for a year and a half. if a hurricane was bearing down on Mississippi would it be cancelled? If there were another terrorist attack on US soil would it be cancelled? Of course it can and should be rescheduled.

I thought debate was what McCain wanted. 2 weeks ago, he offerred to fly Barak to debates and promised he would not fly the plane. This is how afraid of undecided voters McCain is becoming because of the economy. Undecided voters want debate.

If McCain can't make the debate why not have the VP canidates debate on Friday and let the Presidential canidates debate on October 2nd. Makes sense to me.

Unfortunately an economic crisis wasn't planned for a year and a half. if a hurricane was bearing down on Mississippi would it be cancelled? If there were another terrorist attack on US soil would it be cancelled? Of course it can and should be rescheduled.

Yeah, Right. McBush just invited Obama to a special White House
meeting with him and McCain for Thursday, the night before the
debates.
Mississippi is going to be red hot mad if neither show up.

How can Obama say no. Either way, this is a trick because McCain
debate cancellation did NOT WORK. Now for trick Number 2.

How bad is our current White House staff? Really? How Bad?

If the Presidential Commission is forced to cancel the debate, it should backfire on McCain. DO NOT PUSH BACK THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE! This is what McCain wants...........more time for Palin to study! That debate should stay as scheduled!!

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
John McSain is sick. He has lost his freaking mind. He wants to postpone not only his debate, but Governor Palin's as well. I am with Barack, a president should be able to handle differennt situations at the same time. He can't handle anything at one time because he's too old and Palin is too dumb to know anything about being VP. It cost a lot of money for these debates that have been planned way ahead!The American people need to here this important debate to know what both candidates will bring to the table. John McSain is just too scared and more of a wimp! He thought Hillary supporters would run to his aid with Palin NOT SO! Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States! We need a smart, caring, devoted, loving, for people president and that is Barack Obama!!

I am turning over in my grave!

This just goes to show how differently the two presidential candidates will react in times of crises: Obama is reacting with calm and composure, getting the facts of the issue and issuing plans only when the relevants facts have been examined. Mccain on the other hand is reacting like someone who is being overwhelmed, throwing tantrums, threatening to fire the head of the SEC (even though the president has no power to do this), and throwing all kinds information here and there without even reading the three-page report of the Bush administration. The thought of this guy with this kind of temperament having his hand on the button is very scary indeed!!

Why all the anger toward McCain? He is doing the job he was voted in to do. This is truly a disaster that could make missing a debate appointment look insignificant. I want Obama there too. He was voted in also. It is petty and short sighted to carry on in such mean and spitful ways. We are in the middle of a crisis that threatens the financial well being of our country. We need them BOTH involved in the solution, one of them will inherit this MAJOR decision!

If McCain is afriad to debate, let his so called "more qualified" VP debate in his place and see how well that goes for them! Only 40 days left! After this delay, their excuse will be they can't agree on another debate day, then they'll only want one debate instead of three . . . sound familiar, like a shortened RNC Convention that conveniently had Cheney overseas and Bush managing hurricane operations to keep Bush and McCain from appearing on the same stage!

We the people DEMAND, that's right...DEMAND, that the debates go on as scheduled! McCain, take your lickens like a man! Palin, are you a bulldog or a poodle? If you two are not up to prime time or can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!!! How dare you try to pull this crap on the American people. Great job, commissioners. Keep their feet to the fire!

The debate commission is going to ask the questions that we want answered? So far the questions that I want to know the answers to have not been ask. I want some strong yes or no answers and a promise you can't take back. Regular tax payers should be asking the questions we are PAYING for it. Sick of the answers that go on for minutes.

Pelosi, Reid and Obama. reminds you of Larry, Curly and Moe of the Three Stooges fame. And put Biden in there as well and you can see the tragedy for the American People.

Both Obama and Biden voted at least twice for the famous bridge to no where. Then Biden told Katie Couric that FDR appeared on TV during the great depression of 1929. Funny since Hoover was president and TV didn't come into use by the presidents until much much later.

What stooges the Democratic leadership selected. Enny, Menny, Minney, Moe or Larry, Curly and Moe with Biden.

Why is CNN limiting comments on the main story? McCain is running away from the debate under the cover of the Bush/Cheney Wall Street Bailout.

Why can't McCain do two things at once? Oh, right–his polls are dropping as his incompetence in economic matters is exposed.

This maverick was branded by Bush/Cheney-

it is very wrong for mc cain to take him self out of the debate as to make his way to washington in hopes to get more coverage than he would of from the debate , i belive the pres should advoud him he is useing this in hopes of giveing him self a boost in the poles,instead of makeing a fool of himself at the debates. he has even shut down as he has from day his v.p. choise who when mc cain asked for any questions in one of the meetings , got a question to palin in which out raged mc cain and had every one sent out from the room, and now he shuts her down to , no one is allowed to talk to palin nor is she. it goes to show you that mc cain is going to what ever it takes to get the cameras on him no matter what. he can't show up for a hour and a half for the debate , this may be the biggest blunder in policotical history , he is not going to get any where from most of his party and non from democrats to allow him in as the one who saved the country , while everyone else did the work. what a fool , he is so upset with his self ,he picked a v.p. more in touch with his crouds then him , when she is not there he has little or no one there, she has taken his spotlite his polls are now down, he is so upset he will inplode his campain just for him . ken

AND McCAIN HAD BETTER SHOW UP!

The CPD’s mission is to provide a forum in which the American public has an opportunity to hear the leading candidates for the president of the United States debate the critical issues facing the nation.

Do you want to deny America that opportunity McBush? Have you failed to prepare? Are you afraid? Don't make this economic bill that Bush is pushing your excuse not to show up.

If John McCain is an incumbant president suggesting or proposing such idea, that would be great. Becuase the president in office ought to be in office to run decisions regarding such a pernanent issue.
But as senator it kind of seem lime to do such since both candidates have been excused from the senate flood to attend to their campaigns.

Sweet, now these people are thinking.

they are all criminals.wake up !!

If McCain can't show, I think that President Bush could fill in for him.

McCain can't do anything to improve his position either way. Anyone with half a brain see's that he is a liar. I was at a Mizzou game a few weeks ago and all these unpolled students with cell phones are voting Obama. I'm almost 50 and feel bad that our generation is saddling these kids with our irresponsible spending. As a former Republican, I am glad they are getting even and ridding us of the status quo.

Sen. Obama should show up for the debate. If Sen. McCain trusts Gov. Palin she should take his place. The debates must go on. More hype from the GOP like hurricane Gustove and the RNC cancellations. Now no limelight and look at the problem they are having from Ike.

McCain is not about country first,and if he wins Texas after the lack of concern for the peoples suffering fron Ike this is not about leadership or direction but about race.

If McCain is this jumpy now, can you imagine what he'll be like as President?

Adviser: "Sir, looks like the price of gas went up 2 cents today."
McCain: (bangs fist on desk) "THAT'S IT...MARTIAL LAW!!"

I don't want to see that reality...

How very Bush of you, McCain.

I want to hear this debate but if McCain feels he is needed elseswhere than that is where he should be. It's to bad obama doesn't feel that our country has needs more important than a debate. But that's obama. He doesn't care.......

This is just another attempt from John McCain to "buy more time" for himself and his vp running mate. If Senator Obama had suggested that, John McCain would be highly upset! I am sick and tired of McCain's camp thinking that the American people are stupid! That we cannot see what he has been doing all along and why his vp running mate was meeting w/the world leaders! McCain set up all of this so that the leaders will say that McCain is the better candidate! Not sure why he thinks people cannot read between the lines!

The vp candidate is no one special and I am sick and tired of her being treated like she is the President or someone important! She is not answering any questions from reporters whereas if it was Senator Obama, again McCain would be having a field day.

I just hope the American people will vote for the best person for the job which of course is Senator Obama!

Bye Hillary, bye Pumas, Palin will win this election for McCain without your help. No more kissing up to screaming clinton supporters.

Palin 2012

Ripped from the headlines (updated 3 mins ago...) "John McCain can't make it this weekend, somebody tripped over his prop and broke it." Just Human News"

This is funny! I can't wait for SNL to do a skit on this!!

Are they (MacCain/Palin )running for president?? What a pair of jokes to American public!!

OK one more comment. I'm so tired of the age card, the race card,
the health card.
How old is the Pope?
Where is it written that once you hit a certain age, you can no longer reason and make decisions? It screams euthanasia to me...out with the old in with the new.

Who cares about what color someone is.....quit making it a race issue.
Pay attention to the history and facts and your own political convictions.
It's only about race if you make it that and bring it up as that.

If you have had cancerous spots, does that mean you can no longer run for elective office? You just might die. Well you might just die once you get in your own vehicle. Can you run if you have diabetes, heart issues, overweight issues (which could trigger heart stress)?

marie, Mccain is counting on absent minded people just like you to Palin his way in the whitehouse. Mccain part of the commerce committe in Washington and is part of the problem as well. The people of Mississippi has planned for this event and it should go on. The financial crisis did not start today; rather, it was in progress a long time ago. First of all, Mccain knows nothing about the economy and really is not needed in Washington in a time like this.

The debate should go on as planned. Mccain is afraid he will be asked about his position on the commerce committee which will overshadow his plan to seek glory for his time as POW. God knows we have heard enough about that.

Obama/Biden 08

These are not my words, but those of Jon Soltz, but I agree with hem 100%.

"So, because there's a financial crisis, Senator McCain cannot take 90 minutes to address how he will face challenges around the world, including how and when he will send American troops to fight, and possibly die.

Wow. Troops would sure love that luxury.

Unfortunately, though, insurgents in Iraq don't stop shooting at us, or setting IEDs, because our Commander in Chief needs a breather to figure out Wall Street.

Al Qaeda in the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region don't send our troops notes that read, "Hey, I hear you guys are tied up with Wall Street. Your President needs to concentrate on other things, so we'll give you a break. So, to make things easier on you, here's our coordinates."

Nor do our troops get a few days to figure out how to hold onto an area we've secured, if there's an unexpected attack. Sometimes we need to deal with multiple flare-ups at once in any warzone. We'd sure love a time-out, but sadly, the world isn't such a nice place that it gives us that kind of pity.

When you're Commander in Chief, I don't think there'd be a worse signal to send to our troops in harm's way than to say, "Hey, hold on guys. I know you're getting killed over there, but I have to get a time-out here to deal with Wall Street."

If troops need to multi-task without a break, is it so wrong that we demand that a potential President-in-waiting prove that he can manage a financial crisis, and still address crises around the world for 90 minutes? And, if a potential President-to-be can't manage that, is it wrong to think that maybe he ought not just suspend a debate and the campaign, but move aside and get out of the race?

Just something to think about."

I agree Jim. This was a VERY bad judgement call.

Now is the TIME for GOOD MEN to stand up and let the People of this GREAT NATION KNOW what they polan to do. The issues must be addressed. GRANDSTANDING acting like yuou really understand the curent financial problems is just a CHEAP TRICK. With computers you do not have to be in the same room to be able to make your input. But then McCain has never learned how to use a computer. Obama can be more effective in two locations by using 21st century devices than McCain can be strutting around DC smiling at the cameras and acting like he really contributed to a solution.

Only solution he is lookiing for is a way out of facing someone in a honest debate. One where he is not allowed to get the questings ahead of time. This mose also shows hoiw desperatly thye want to keep Palin off stage. Strange how she only talked to Katie courig and whsen pressed on any question stammered that she would have to look up the answer and get back to her. That is not a good responce. But no one really expected any better from her.

If Senator McCain pulls out, it will be very disappointing for so many who have worked hard for months in organizing the event.

Just one more example of McCain being too old and too confused to do the job. This time I want a smart president!

Im telling ya FOX is bull crap i try to put a comment and they will not post it up because im not praising Mccain. Thank you CNN for letting both Left wing and Right wing have a say so

John McCain is a coward

Though he feels empowered by history ...

John ... so many after you have suffered so much

Your sufferings are miniscule in comparison

Now you can not even handle a debate

You are not Presidential material ...

Go home and let real people run this country ...

There is something very strange about this scenario. McCain may be
a ticking time bomb that everyone had better leave alone. I think he
just got mad, knocked all of the checkers off the board and went home.

You can't just "cancel" a scheduled debate.!!! Unless you are Bush
or John McCain. Mississippi has prepared for this!!! They will lose
lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. John don't care.

He will want to take credit for coming to the rescue!!!!!!!!!!
Harry Reid is mad. He does not want this Bailout Meeting
to become Distracted by Politics.

McIdiot makes good judgements. HUH?

THE ONLY REASON JOHN MCCAIN WANTED TO HAVE TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH OBAMA IS SO HE COULD GET FREE PRESS CONSTANTLY. Isn't it obvious? He campaign almost went broke and that would save mccain a lot of money. Obama is not dumb enough to give mccain free press.

Obama should just do the forum without McCain, if McCain did show up, Obama would have been debating his self anyway. lmao

They should this is just a ploy by the McCain camp to give Palin more time to study for her debate with Biden. Even Stevie Wonder can see this.

McSame have nothing to offer in Washington ,so he should stop insulting the American people.

I wonder how much different these posts would be had Obama suggested the debates be postponed to do "important business of the country"...

DETRACTION from THE SHOCK DOCTRINE- Want the real truth
about this Bailout. Google The Huffington Post. The SHOCK DOCTRINE BY NAOMI KLEIN!!! READ LINK WRITTEN BY NEWT
GINDRICH. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT AND IT'S INTENTIONS WITH THIS BAILOUT.

Tonight, just tonight, don't argue over McCains detractions, just
READ. READ. READ. It will knock your socks off!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or here's another solution...send Palin to debate Obama. After all, isn't it the job of the Vice President to step in when the president can't?

As they should. Enuf said!!

MAIRE....Im sooo sorry for you- you have been screwed and continue to get screwed by your party (GOP) and you are still wanting more.....I wonder if your husband and your college kids will have to get jobs just so that you can pay your mortgage- good luck getting jobs!!!!

Senator McCain: we'd like to see less profile, more courage.

And for 10 extra points: who said those words to what aspiring presidential candidate?

I wonder what McCain would do if Russia invaded Ukraine tomorrow. Would he ignore the problem while he waited to cast his one (1) vote on a bill that will be crafted by the finance and banking committees?

Can't fool all of the people all of the time

Abolutely stick with the original night. I'm looking forward to listening to Obama for an hour Friday night. If McCain doesn't understand that it's more important than ever for us to hear from the 2 candidates, then he should stay away and let us hear from a real candidate.

The Commission on Presidential debates has raised their status to the point where they think that they are much more important than the biggest financial crisis to hit Wall Street since the great depression-who are these people?

Is O'bama calling for the debate because McCain made a decisive decision in the best interest of Americans to fulfill his "currently paid" obligation (which by the way, you and I are paying for)?

good job, make McShame come to this debate

The only reason McDesperate wants to move the Pres. debate, is to buy Sara more time to study for the VP debate. What an obvious ploy!

This shows he has no faith in Palin – and no respect for the intelligence of the US citizens to figure this out.

If he is trying to stall for the polls, then he just defeated the whole purpose. Everyone, even the republicans, are going to see McCain for what he really is now. What more do the American people need to see or hear to know that McCain does not have what it takes to be a president!!!

Hurray for the Commission. What a grandstander McCain is! He admitted that he knows nothing about economics, but now he is going to lead the charge to rescue America? No wonder the polls are going Obama's way. McCain wins the P.T. Barnum award. So Palin plays hide-and-seek with the media and McCain tries to snow eveyone before winter. Yeah right!

McCain:

My friends it seems Obama is having a SURGE in the polls. I think am going to lose this elections.

Good for them. No one should bend to the political posturing whims of McCain. He's playing us all for fools, and I for one find it insulting. We're not as stupid as you and your sham of a VP choice seem to think McCain.

I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but if McCain/Palin win the election I'm ACTUALLY going to miss Bush/Cheney! Seriously!

The McCain / Palin campaign has dipped to a SHOCKING new low . .

they won't let the media question Palin (maybe they're afraid that people will see that this person, who took 6 years of bumping through no-name schools to get a BA in journalism, is shockingly unprepared for the VP job).

What about Christine Todd-Whitman or Kay Bailey Hutchinson?? Those are Republican females that have BRAINS!!!!

McCain is now trying to back out of the debate? Are you kidding me?

I truly think McCain has gone wacko this past couple of months.

First Simple Sarah

Now he wants to rearrange the debates schedule.

What's next? Change the date of the election?

So if McCain gets to be prez, that is bad enough.....if he doesn't finish his term, then Sarah is leader of the free world.

Gads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It makes me wonder how our great country made it through WW2 like we did. Yes, Greatest Generation, my parents' were part of it.

John McCain is nothing but a LIAR through and through.

He's been caught OVER and OVER and OVER. I mean this OLD GEEZER can't seem to tell the "TRUTH" anymore.

I'm not sure if John McCain knows the truth anymore, that's how BAD John McCain's lies are. They are so bad, he's getting caught faster than the media can get it out!! LOL.

NOW.... he's touting "Country First" yet again, but the Bail Out has been going on for a whole week. WHY didn't he "SUSPEND" his campaign on Monday?

It's so OBVIOUS that John McCain has definitely put "Campaign First"....and "John McCain Winning Second" AND then last but not least, Country Last.

They should proceed! McCain is just trying to give the Disasta' from Alaska more time to prepare! If the debates were scheduled for October 2009 she wouldn't have a clue what to say. She says she is ready to step in for McCain whenever she is needed, so let her step in for him Friday night, since he is needed so "desperately" in Washington. We would witness the "pitbull' in a pit!

Is this serious, is this for real????? I'm Canadian and this would be called out immediately for what it is, a gimmick, an insult to the American people. 8 years of fooling the American people isn't enough for the Republicans, don't put up with it anymore.

Great

If John finds it to inconvienient to show up

Give Obama the floor

He's our next President anyway

Bye Bye John

Go lick your wounds with Sarah

Obama should do a Q&A or something if McCain won't show up, and fly over to DC for the vote.

McCain's attempt to look concerned and responsible seems to be backfiring badly.

Please preserve the institution called democracy in America

The OBLIGATION of the ELECTED legislator is to actually WORK in the service of and FOR the PEOPLE,not to "perform" for media nor to ENTERTAIN out-of-touch and apparently economically unscathed debate junkies.Some of y'all may want to call yo mamas to see if your allowance was just reduced and some ought to check your investment reports! We're in a mess,it's no time for babyBama!

If McCain can only do one thing a day, leave him alone. Maybe he will have to make his decisions each morning what he will do. No different from what we have had the last 8 years. He'll get the same votes.

Right On.... The Presidential Debate Commission is right this has been in the planning for a long time and we the tax payers demand follow through!

This is our country John McCain!

Either McCain isn't prepared to debate or he wants to postpone to give Palin more time. Either way it has nothing to do with the economic situation at hand. It hasn't bothered him before to miss a vote.

I am very disappointed at some of you. I too want to hear them debate, but are we being selfish to want to hear the debate more than we want them to fix the economy that we are all complaining about? How is this like receiving a call at 3:00 am (like O'bama suggests)? Was this event not "planned?" Is O'bama trying to avoid making a congressional decision? Is the anology to getting a call more important than acting on our future and truly representing the voice of the people?
I guess we have to all decide. Do we want the debate or do we want
our senators to respond to their current jobs (which still is in congress) and to work on a resolve to a severe issue that affects you and me, my future, my children's future and my grandchildren's future. We want the American Dream (which we are in great danger of losing) but we want it "our way." Immediate gratification instead of long term gain.

GOOGLE The Huffington Post THE SHOCK DOCTRINE by Naomi Klein and READ. READ. Read. And then
click on Link Newt Gindrich plan to sabotage Obama thru this BAILOUT.
NO Money left for Entitlements or any help from our GOVERNMENT
for us, our soldiers. NO BENEFITS. NO BIG GOVERNMENT MEANS
NO HELP. Country First means we want you and your children to
obey and serve!!!!

McCain dug himself into this hole, if he's not going to show up for the debate then he should not receive any more media coverage.

Next McCain will want to change the date of the November nationwide election!

BTW, Oregon votes by mail. We don't have voting booths, hanging chads, bad weather to worry about on election day, and we have a paper trail.

Oregon gets our election-night numbers to the media so fast that even the CNN folks like John King were speechless on primary night!

I still don't understand why more states don't vote by mail...........it is SO EASY!

To Maire...... I believe you wanted to put your name down as Marie instead of Maire. Mc Cain deserves the vote of people like you who can even take time to spell their own name correctly.

It isn't UP to the presidential candidates when or when not to have the debates, it doesn't depend on a decision THEY decided to make on a whim. Not everything revolves around their schedule. It is a PRIVILEGE for them to tell the american public what they believe on a certain day provided for them. If they don't show up for that oppurtunity, it's their own loss.

What a farce. I know that a good many Americans are stupid but I don't think many are dumb enough to not see through this sophmoric ploy. First, they postpone the convention because they knew how bad they would look following the Democrats and now this. McCain, even in his addled geriatric mind, knows he will look like a bumbling dinosaur when seen on camera next to Obama. Do the Republicans really think people will buy this? What exactly is McCain going to do to solve the economic crisis–a topic he himself has admitted he isn't well versed in. I don't know if they are more concerned about buying time for McCain or Palin but either way the media should call them on this little stunt. Throw in the towel–if you can't be a man don't claim to be a maverick. McCain is looking more like a gelding every day.

What happened to that other John McCain we saw a decade ago? Did aliens come down and replace him with this doddering, incoherent, senile old fool who claims "Country First" but who really is about as egocentric and self-absorbed as any who has ever been in politics and who cares only about winning the election by using any manner of ridiculous or dangerous manoeuvre he can think of today to try to grab attention?

I sure hope the American people aren't so stupid as to fall for this nonsense.

go away republicans....you have screwed us enough. Former independent here...never to vote GOP again.

I went to school at the University of Mississippi and I can tell you that this debate has been the headline of the newspapers here for months!!! John McCain has known about this economic for months and more obviously since last Monday. Why make a stance now less than 48 hours before the debate? These people have spent millions on preparations. Why not let the country see your views from the stage? This is absurd!!! John McCain will not have any effect in the decision on the bailout. Why now? This is a political tactic

Why am I not surprised at this move from McCain? 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.

IS THE THE KEATING FIVE ALL OVER AGAIN, IS THIS WHY HE STOPPED CAMPAGINING. THIS JUST MAY BE OUR OCTOBER SURPRISE IN SEPTEMBER.

BE THE BETTER MAN, SHOW YOU CARE!

McCain/Palin new campaign slogan: "Don't ask and don't tell!"

I know Dick Cheney...Mrs. Palin, you are no Dick Cheney! Don't you know the rules, you can't go into hiding until you've won! That goes for you too McCain.

Obama/Biden '08

Si se puede!

Being a republican, I believe the debates should go on. The President of USA should be able to do concentrate in multiple jobs (at home or abroad) at the same time.

If Mccain does not show up, it will hurt him badly... No American will like to see weakness in their President... After all Debates are just for 90 minutes. If Mccain has time to campaign for so many months, what is the big deal for just 90 minutes...

And it is time for Palin to answer reporters questions, not to duck. People want to know more about a person's issues who is just heart beat away from Presidency, who will have nuclear codes...

This stinks of political opportunism. First, Sen. McCain cancels the 1st day of the republican national convention due to concerns over the Hurricane. However, this just so happen to coincide with the day that Bush was to appear and kick off the whole event. It seems pretty obvious that McCain did not want him there in the first place. Now, due to the economic crisis Sen. McCain wants to use that as an excuse to bow out of the 1st presidential debate though he could easily register his concerns with his party without actually being present until a vote comes up. He owes it to the American people to explain his foreign policy views and beliefs so that we can make an informed decision and to stop trying to delay the debate between Biden and Palin. There is no platform like the one both candidates have when running for political office to share their views and so I don't want to see a politician hiding in Washington when the waters get rough. I want to see him standing in front of the people and cameras fully explaining his vision for the future and his plan to get us there.

This man is out of is mind. down with mccain, down with mccain.

Nothing to see here folks...just more of the same copycat strategy in light of Obama having reached out to him first. This whole shoot-from-the-hip gamble by McCain is nothing more than an attempt to slow Obama's momentum and avoid the VP debate because Palin is uninformed, ill prepared and inadequate.

McCain isn't ont he committees writing the bill and can vote by proxy. It's nothing more than another dose of smoke and mirrors.

You should stick to the plan. McCain had not right to do this. This was planned a months ago. I can see if Gustav or Ike was the reason but he has no clear reason for this. He is not president. He can be reached by phone and if has plane if they need him to come to Washington. This is so unfair to the american people. People have set up parties, rented halls for parties, ordered catering for their debate parties. McCain had no right to do this. He wants to change it at least let the VP go first. Lots of money was put into this and someone needs to step up and take charge and do something about this and give the American people their debate that they have been waiting on for so long, either the presidential or the VP. This is bad judgement on McCain's behalf.

Maire, my father is 63, and has been working in a steel mill as much as 50 hours a week for over 40 years. I'm so sorry that at "57" you are going to have to "go back to work full time." You should have been working until you were 60 anyway... quitting earlier than that should be a crime and is half the reason for the Social Security problem. I'm talking to you too 25 year government work retirees.

What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!"
McShame.
Vote for Obama.

Paint Mississippi BLUE please

I agree with ber6964, bring in the 3rd parties to take Johnny Boy's place! Then maybe there will be a substantial discussion of issues...

Umm, maire, I don't know if you noticed, but McCain and his majority party were holding court in Congress in 2005/2006. Obama wasn't even around: he was elected in 2006.

Personally, while I like the idea of dropping the campaign to get to work on this problem, they should not drop the debate part, which has cost a significant amount of money to set up, and that money should NOT be wasted. Oh, and supposedly, McCain's campaign wants to "postpone" the VP debates and hold these debates on that date instead. I wonder how long Palin's debate debut would be "postponed"....Nov 5 maybe?

Back in 1989 McCain was involve in another scandal that cost people millions of dollars, that was the KEATING-5. He and 5 senators where bought up on charges for robbing the people, now here it is 20 years later and he's apart of this financial mess on wall street. Lobbyist running his campaign, their getting paid millions of dollars from Fannie Mae. Come on people, it doesn't take a rocket sciencetist to see that this guy cares nothing about the average person. Here's where all that money went: 7 to 10 homes, while you and I are having trouble with one, 13 cars, $500 shoes, 2 private jets

"my freinds"
isn't it interesting how McSame-NoShame always uses 9/11,having been a POW & now the economic situation (which several days ago he saw as "fundamentally sound" ) to project his illusion of being presidential ? We all had to deal with 9/11 & still are, he was not the only POW (who returned because of God's grace alone) & unlike him & his cronies (as in Keating 5) ,the majority of us have been experiencing the impact of the economy for some time.
Debate & stop the lies & smoke screens!!
I expect to hear from that camp tomorrow how Senator Obama created this ruse when he was the one who initiated a call to jointly discuss the situation. McSame looks less & less presidential & more & more like W !

So now McCain is holding our Presidential Campaign hostage? But Gee, ain[t Sarah gorgeous?

Good, the PDC is not going to let McCain off the hook that easily. Unfortunately by his own actions today he has probably already polarized people's opinions.

Technically, I, and every other tax paying citizen of this country are, effectively, John McCain, Barack Obama & Joe Biden's BOSS. I DEMAND that they show up, as scheduled, and DEBATE. That goes for you too Sarah, you chicken.

And McCain states he is understands what the American people are going through. This debate costs thousands if not millions of dollars to coordinate. Not to mention the revenue it would generate for the city of Oxford. All I can say is SHMUCK!!

WAKE-UP AMERICA. The only chance for change is Obama/Biden. At least a chance!!

This is a joke it's sad to say,but the three sheets of paper they gave congress.IS GIVE ME 700 BILLION AND I'LL TELL YOU HOW IT GOES.Hopefully they will add the four other sentences in there .

When country in crises first senates has to what they have to do then campaign

presidential debate committee is owned and operated by the democratic party.

McCain is a coward and a fraud. He's been all for the "let the rich do what they want", "free markets solve everything" republican philosophy for 20+ years. The country is paying a grave price for McCain/Bush failed policies now. McCain needs to stand up before America and speak to how he's going to solve these problems. He can't do that because his ideology and policies have caused the problems in the first place. So he's going to run and hide. America sees this for what it is.: a naked, cowardly political maneuver.

More spin and lies from the McCsame camp. The poster on here who goes by the handle of Vote08 is a conservative blogger who has time and again refused to debate the issues. He calls Obama an empty suit with no ideas. That all he has done is written two books. Well I got news for Vote08, I will gladly debate you but you keep running and hiding behind the lies that you consume yourself with. Do you really think that Obama and McCain would not be a distraction in Washington right now? One big photo OP? Come on, I want my President to be smart and be able to mulit task in this day and age…oh wait thats something neither McCain nor you know how to do very well!

All this talk about Suspending this campaign is because he is down in the polls taking a time out…trying to regroup. He knows he will get slammed in these debates…wake up America!

Veterans for Obama

Jim-There has to be a first time for everything–where are all you people that embrace change these days?

New campaign tactics for the 21st century, brought to you by Senator John McCain: Run, Duck, & Hide.

Screw the debate commission and screw Mississippi! Coming up with a viable plan for our future generations is a tad more important than some motel owners fat wallet.

IC2Tree-– I love the way you put it, son, clear and simple. But don't be surprised if next week Mccain asks for the whole election to be postponed or cancelled because his heart is bleeding and beating too fast and he's not feeling well. As desperate as they seem to be right now, they may even create or evoke a catastrophic event right on November 4 so that no one can get out to vote. This is republicans you are dealing with, son, everything is possible with them. I'm not democrat or republican, but I've always used common sense at casting my vote. I don't want to say that I 'm independent, because an independent is an opportunist, the worst hypocrite, and coward not brave enough to endorse a party. I wish you all much luck.

The debates should go forth!...in truth...im a obama supporter...but mcsame and sarah plain (yes..plain) have 50% chance of being my new leaders..and i need to know what they plans are on the economy......

mcsame has a lot of explaining to do such as:

voting 90% with Bush..will he take any of those votes back?

his statement about 100 years war...what mcsame?

i make less than 40k...i need a tax break.....will mcsame offer that?

answer the questions mscame and boring sarah plain!!!!!!!

McCain does not care because he thinks this makes him a leader. It just proves that he is not ready to handle the job of being President. I do not think it should be postponed. He has not cared for 26 years, so what makes him think that the American people are going to fall for this. McCain needs to show like he supposed to do. Debate what you will do for the economy of this country there instead of in Washington. Congress seems to be doing pretty good without you. If it were not for McCain and his cronies in the past we would not be here. Stop stalling McCain and carry your hips to Mississippi.

Obama doesn't want to go back to Washington because –there the debate isn't scripted. He would have to use his own words and actually take a side.No teleprompters, no 3 days to prepare, just your wits and your wisdom to fall back on, something that Obama lacks. McCain did the right thing for the American people.Obama doesn't realize that 19 months of seeing his ugly mug is way more than enough.

For all you repubs who thinks Sen Obama was ducking Mccain stupid town hall meeting is just in your own head.....

Listen Obama is a leader not a follower.....why should he subject himself to the republican game.......such as

1. have town hall meeting with John knowing all the questions .....ifs happen before

2. the entire audience are republicans.....

3. cutting off Obama in the middle of his statements.........

FOR THE LAST TIME REPUBLICAN MACHINE......AMERICA IS AWAKE NOW

NO MORE GAMES

YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED FOR THE LIES, FRAUD CANDIATES THAT YOU ARE

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

THE SHOW MUST GO ON – WITH OR WITHOUT mcSAME!!!! Maybe this debate would look more like what they have plan for BIDEN and PA'IN – just ask questions and NOT debate between each other.... Obama would be the ONLY one there – so he will be the ONLY ONE answering the questions!!!

GO OBAMA – STICK TO THE PROGRAM – CHEW GUM AND WALK AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

Debate, Johnny you coward. Stop trying to hide and DEBATE!

I can't tell you how much I want to see Obama appear on TV and say the following:

"Who is he kidding? As president, you need to MULTITASK. If you're not up to the job, you shouldn't have run."

@insane-

CONGRESS IN RECESS SEPTEMBER 26

VOTE ON ECONOMY PACKAGE: 99-0-1

1 ABSENTEE – BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA.

DUH!!!!!!!

@insane-

CONGRESS IN RECESS SEPTEMBER 26

VOTE ON ECONOMY PACKAGE: 99-0-1

1 ABSENTEE – BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA.

DUH!!!!!!!

Okay, simple solution. Have Palin and Biden debate Friday night instead.

Marie Iwas reading what you wrote,and do you realize that most of the congress is in agreement.All Paulson has to do is agree

Marie, dear, you need to do some fact-checking the next time you get ready to post. You are so barking up the wrong tree.

Mccain is not ready for this debate!!!!!!!! HE KNOWS HE'LL LOSE!!!! That is why he came up with this ploy. Him being where where he has no business is not going to make things happen any faster. I CAN SEE HIM GOING IF HE "HAS THE ANSWER"! AND WE ALL KNOW HE DOES NOT!!!!!! SO WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF GOING WHERE HE IS NO HELP.......................! POOR MCSAME................WHAT A SHAME!!!! BUT IT FIGURES FOR HIM. WHAT A FAILURE!!!!!!!!!

well this is a late one here after this article came up another one came saying mccains committe is postponeing the debates,, umm i smell a rat,, mccains scared to death to debate obama alone(without his side-kick sarah). they cant exchange ideas and more lies while debating,,lol those two should be in the circus,,,

Although I can understand the heroic gesture *cough*...saving a bunch of executives mishaps...excuse me sorry, saving America from its economic troubles is good business.

The McCain camp is totally out of control...a campaign in total disarray.

okay...disarray

CNN,why am I in moderation for this?

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Deb, Allentown,PA
September 24th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

These debates must take place. It is imperative that we hear from these candidates on the issues of importance. McCain hasn’t cast a vote in the Senate since April, nor is he on the committee developing the bailout plan, so there’s no need for him to be in Washington around the clock. He can certainly get in his Straight Talk jet and head to Ole Miss for 2 hours.

What a loser he is.

Senator McCain is acting very unpresidential. Well, here is the proverbial 3 A.M. phone call and McCain looks like he is in a panic mode. The President of the United States faces enourmous pressures day in and day out. The election is over a month away and SENATOR McCain is not handling this crisis very well at all. This debate has been planned for months. Neither Obama nor CMcCain is writing any of the legislation to get us out of this crisis on Wall Street. I want to hear them debate. I want to hear the VP candidates debate as scheduled. We have already made the conclusion that Govenor Palin isn't ready for a debate with Senator Biden. Delaying it isn't going to make her any more ready than she is now. You can not shield her from the press and expect us to think that she is ready to be VP, or President, if she isn't even able to face the press. We are not a banana republic Senator McCain. We will not be treated as uneducated fools. Face your obligations and the American people.

I saw the famous Nixon-Kennedy debates on black & white TV in 1960. I was a teenager then, and those debates helped form my world view and interest in politics.

I've watched at least one Presidential debate in every election since 1960. The debates have become a crucial way for Americans to form intelligent opinions about whom to elect.

NO debate in history has ever been cancelled or postponed! NO presidential candidate has ever refused to debate according to the agreed schedule. This coming debate is extremely important for voters to learn about the candidates' policies and vision. McCain has made an incredibly bad judgment call, and voters will not forgive him.

Not to worry, John will show up, they don't want him in Washington, he has nothing to offer by way of fixing the bailout debacle, remember, "the fundamentals of the economy are SOUND" What does he know?

IT would be a NOVELTY if OBAMA actually did anything resembling the WORK he was elected to perform.

Oh, that's right. Only speeches are required of a president while he/ she multi-tasks on getting re-elected. After all the Old Clinton Gang will be Obama's advisors and cabinet. They know the drill.

we are screwed

Pure political theater. The allegory is perfect. Obama standing at the podium and the Republicans.....no where in sight. How fitting. The Republican leadership was no where in sight for the last eight years when it came to regulating this mess BEFORE it exploded....now they are no where in sight when it is time to pick up the pieces.

I say let wall street fall, let Obama address the nation for 1 1/2 hours, and let the Repugnicans crawl back into the hole from whence they came.

Is this the kind of "leadership" we can expect from the Republican party?

What a joke.

This is elder abuse! Everybody knows that Obama is the greatest speaker of our time. People won't even know McPain is on the stage anyway. Obama is going to destroy this feeble old man. McCain will need paramedics to help him down off the stage. The debate will be a brutal beating for old man McPain.

Every time I think John McCain has come up with the last way to insult the intelligence of the American people, he outdoes himself.

Debate in the Dumps?

may be McCain felt that "bailout-crisis" will not bail him out when debating with Obama.

Here comes McCain, who bailed himself out of the Debate. pathetic and limelight-hogging politics at its worst...

True Leaders won't run away from obligations..

may be Gov. Palin can cover for McCain on the debate with Obama

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

Let the debate go ON as scheduled.

It's SCARY some of the PEOPLE who have a role in DECIDING this ELECTION.

McCain's campaign reminds me of dirt on a shovel...Buried!
Now he wants to postpone the debate and replace it with the VP debate. The VP debate would then decided some time later.
Hmm....

So does McCain think he is so important to the decision making process in Congress that they can’t make a decision without him? I THINK NOT!!! Here is an interesting fact, for the 109th & 110th Congress (Jan. 3, 2005 – Present), guess who is on the top of the list of all Senators with a whopping 411 MISSED VOTES (64%). If you guessed Maverick McCain you are right, Obama has missed 294 (45.8%) 18.2% difference for the same period. (Note the list consists of the most important bills, nominations and resolutions that have come before Congress. The list is based on an analysis of the potential impact of the legislation on policy and politics.)

Now to be fair to both candidates since they have been campaigning I factored out the votes taken from Jan 2008 to the present. McCain missed 120, Obama missed 100, so adjusting for that leave McCain’s with a 57.4% to Obama’s 35.8%, a 21.6 % difference.

So I say again Maverick McCain, do you really think you are so important or are you just ducking the issues as have been all along? And then to try and reschedule the VP debate at a later date is a joke. When were you Republicans planning on that one, maybe November 3rd. You can run but you can’t hide. McCain/Palin, get in front of the people or bow out while you still have a shred of dignity left.

By the way you idiots, there is no such thing as voting Present. Voting is either Yes, No, or Missed Vote. Present is for attendance. Why don’t you Republican’s try to learn something by for you post something so ignorant.

WAKE-UP AMERICA. The only chance for change is Obama/Biden. At least a chance!!

McCain decides who can talk to Sarah Palin, he decides when we can have this debate. Democracy please!!

I think that it might be time to suspend your bid for the big white house Mr. McCain.

No Senator Obama, we don't want to hear what you and Senator McCain have to say. . . . we want to SEE YOU WORK! Remember Mr. Obama. . . that 4 – letter word that you have no idea what its meaning is!? We in Illinois elected you and all you've done is take a paycheck & take campaign contributions from racists & anti-semits. I'm with Senator McCain. Fix this crisis . . . it's another 9/11 and the last thing we want is to hear you and your little memorized debate points. This is't a case study at U of C! It's the future of the economy of the U.S. and the entire world! STOP BEING SO SELFISH. The poor souls in MS will be just fine rescheudling after all I'm sure they can get more of those columns you love so much & put them up.

To maire: How come this is Obama's fault? You are a down right racist. Wake up...wake up....before its tooo late...come to reality...!!!

Mccain is putting off the debate, Mccain is not ready to have a debate with Obama someone who have such a grasp on this financial crisis. Mccain knows that a Presidental canidate must be able to do more than one thing at a time. Mccain is trying to delay time

Just stick a cardboard cutout of McCain on one side of the stage and have Obama on the other side. Give each side their respective time to answer the questions. Perhaps this is the McCain plan as it would help his oratory skills.

I hope the PDC does not cave in to Mr McCain and the Republicans. Its not just America, but the world at large whom are anxious to learn more about who may become the leader of the free world.

A proper resolution to the financial crisis (that is complex) may take a few weeks, not a few days. So will America postpone the election until next year?

Besides, good leaders multi-task and only get involved in specialized matters when required.

And if Mr McCain was an expert on economics, he could contribute substantively to the process. But since he has professed that he is not, he will only end up interfering with those more experienced in economics.

McCain is dodging the debates like Palin hiding from reporters!
He is not fit to be President!
Women in America; Palin is no where near Hillary standards!
Absolutely no toe to toe action.....the republicans need to throw in the towel!

McCain says he's pulling out of the devate because he's "putting the country first."

If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you...in Washilla!

McCain has lost his media base and now he's running because no one is felling for his BS. He knows that the debate is going to come down to his lobbying buddies that are running his campaign like Rick Davis who has been receiving $30,000 a month from Fannie Mae, just the other day Mccain said that know one on his camp was tide to lobbying for Fannie Mae, Gee I guest he didn't think anyone was going to find out.

Good!!! I've been waiting forever for the debates! If McCain can't keep an appointment because he's doing something else that week, well, lets just say there are plenty more "appointments" when you're doing important business as the president… can he handle alllll that juggling?!

That's right, stick with the original plan. McCain doesn't call the shots in this election! Obama can appear alone and have the entire state of Mississippi to himself! We'll be glad to have their votes!

This is only part of the problems the president deals with daily. You need to be up to the job to be able to perform effectively other wise, you better retire.

Obama/Biden 08/12.

I have been undecided and waiting for the debates to make a decision. Even made plans around the debate. If Mc Cain is a no show on Friday it just makes us folks on the fences decision much easier!

LOL What a joke. VP debate is in October. What does that have to do with anything. I can't believe that Americans are still supporting that ticket. If McCain/Palin is elected we will be the laughing stock of the world if political campaigns can be ran like this and clowns still win.

I will give up my American citizenship!!!!!

We, the people of the United States, deserve to hear the debate between the two candidates who want to lead our nation. Not much time is left . Thank you Commission for sticking to your schedule. As I heard on the news, McCain is not on any of the banking or finance committees. If McCain doesn't show up it will just show he puts politics in front of country and not that he puts the country in front of politics. People want to see and hear the candidates. Let the debates go on as planned on the dates already scheduled. We the people deserve this.

As long as Obama shows up, who cares. I could care less what the chicken McCain has to say. He knows that Obama will wipe the floor with him. McCain can only answer with campaign talking points that we have all hear a hundred time. Oh, did you know he's a POW. I'm sure he will throw that in as an excuse for why he doesn't know anything about the economy or anything else.

McCain is even starting to scare the Republicans. They are starting to speak out all over the place. They have to live in this coutry to and they are getting a reality check.

This is the best time to have a debate, confusion and panic over the economy is not something a president should fear from run and hide, but rather something to take advantage of! Obama gets it right again and is willing to go in front of the public with this issue in debate.

McCan't Campaign = SOOOOO SCREWED !

I really like this america....There may be hope for us yet. I mean come on a 4 year old can see that McGrampy is running on fumes right now.

HA HA HA

GOPers, go find a real candidate and get back to us in 2012

mAIRE YOU ARE TOTALLY BLIND I WONDER IF YOU ARE ON DRUGS! POOR SOUL!! YOU ARE GOING TO CRASH AND BURN

American Politics is a Joke. Tell me, because I can't remember another candidate ever cancelling a debate. Not unless there was a health emergency that I could see any candidate not showing up for the first presidential debate. Anyone?

Talk about McCain wasting Taxpayers dollars. These debates cost millions and the money is already gone. How the heck does this help the American people. A 90 minute debate does not keep them from giving their input in Washington. This is such a crappy ploy on McCain's part. He just wants to play politics and keep Palin from debating Biden.

America’s First Reaction: Friday’s McCain-Obama Debate Should Still Be Held On Friday, But Perhaps With New Focus
SurveyUSA Breaking News – 2 hours ago

"Immediately after John McCain’s announcement 3 pm ET today, Wednesday 09/24/08, that he was suspending his campaign and seeking to postpone Friday’s schedule presidential debate, SurveyUSA interviewed 1,000 adults nationwide. Key findings:

A majority of Americans say the debate should be held. Just 10% say the debate should be postponed. A sizable percentage of Americans, 36%, think the focus of the debate should be modified to focus more on the economy. 3 of 4 Americans say the presidential campaign should continue. Just 14% say the presidential campaign should be suspended. If Friday’s debate does not take place 46% of Americans say that would be bad for America.

This survey was completed in middle of unprecedented and fast-changing news events. This survey should be viewed as a freeze-frame snapshot of public opinion at a unique moment in American history. Opinions can and should be expected to change as news events unfold. SurveyUSA did not characterize Senator McCain’s comments nor Senator Obama’s comments in any way in the research questionnaire"

i agree with lynn! is he going to try to postpone the election date because he's doing something important as senator?! hahaha

Months ago, McCain called on Obama to to hold weekly debates with him at town hall meetings. Obama said no. Obama is the one who has been running from debates with McCain--just as he did with Hillary Clinton. The man is a big time fraud!

I think McCain is scared!!!
He knows he is over his head!

I think this election is proving too much for him, so how can he handle being President if he cannot handle this debate and the economy .

Oh yeah , he does have Palin !!!!!

Good, because the is not McCain's call alone! Who does Mcstall thinks he is?

Barack is able to multi-task, and that is what a POTUS must be able to do to run this country.

"Ready To Lead"..."Not Ready To Debate"...oops!

COME ON MaCAIN YOU BACKED DOWN BECAUSE YOU WANTED A LITTLE MORE TIME TO THINK . ABOUT WHATS GOING ON IN THE WORLD

Now that's a Debate Commission with a SPINE – they stand by their decision and will not be thrown around by McCain's childish tantrums.

This is not a debate for the benefit of Wall Street – If Main Street must foot the bill of the proposed rescue, then Main Street's interests should receive first consideration.

McCain must debate on Friday or he should not be taken seriously.

Let's see this for what is is. Or has become. Rep's asking for this debate to be postponed. To next week – VP debate. Then when – if ever – will VP debate happen? What are they afraid of? LET SARAH OUT!

Obama can self-adulate in his mono debate.McCain got my vote with his RETURN TO his senator WORK and cancelling his campaign stops/debates. My very careful,thrify family lost 50% of our retirement investment,. A 57 I'm going back from part-time to FULL-TIME work and grateful to be a R.N. WITH A JOB! With a disabled husband and 2 in college, I'm back to work to recoup some of what the OVERPAID WallstreetCEOs,the ineffective "watchdogs" and "leaders" SEC,Paulsen,Bernake,Reid,Pelosi,Bush/Cheney and all the stupid legislators that CREATED the econ meltdown in other words this is DEMS and BUSH/Cheney's "HOT MESS"with "help" fromOBAMA, Frank,Schumer,Dodd,Rangel... y'all IGNORED Greenspan's 2005 WARNING and FAILED to push/back McCain's FREDDIE/FANNIE reform legislation 2006. So thank you McCain git to work,I SUPPORT TOUGH 5 points,get to the bottom to hold feet to LEGAL fire,I'm already having my hard landing,DON'T MAKE IT CUSHY FOR WALL STREET,call out each COMPLICIT LEGISLATOR and let repossession manage the "flip that house" devotees and the VERY SMALL number of greedy,dumb bunnies that took mortgages for more than they KNEW THEY COULD AFFORD should bear their SELF CREATED losses! 97% of us PAY OUR MORTGAGE,I don't want to pick up the tab for stupidity and GREED.

They HAVE to stick to thier original schedule!!
This has been in the works for several months and while the economic crisis is important ONLY a IDIOT would believe Senator McCain is SO-O-O-O important that it can't be solved without him. This is a clear example of just how HUGE his EGO is that he believes he can unilaterally cancel something so important.
It reminds me of our current Presidents temperment...
Don't back down!!

It takes 2 hrs to do the debate. All of a sudden ...after 8 years of failed government by the GOP and you're going to fix it in one Friday night (LMAO at McGrampy). He doesn't even balance his own check book. He knows squat about the economy. Everyone knows that!

I think ber6964 has a GREAT idea! Let Barr and Nader join in the debate on Friday. I am so totally for Obama, but think they both should have been invited anyway.

McCain, "Any excuse, please dear god, to keep her from having to talk to anyone on TV. The woman doesn't know the time of day, let alone having to answer a question we don't train her for, for at least a month."

Bush had Harriet Miers, McCain has Palin. They are both unqualified for their proposed positions by miles. Palin has only learned to read and rote !!! She couldn't be president of a K-mart store, let alone this country. Palin v. Putin, can you see that one? This woman could start world war III because of her ignorance.

McCain, "Any excuse, please dear god, to keep her from having to talk to anyone on TV. The woman doesn't know the time of day, let alone having to answer a question we don't train her for, for at least a month."

The Republicans have had quite a while to coach and train Palin, and obviously it's just not working out. Biden has talked to the press over 200 times since he was nominated, compared to Palin's 2 times. Is there any other examples you need to convince you that the woman is a moron who they are afraid to put out in public to answer unscripted questions?

McCain said on 60 minutes that he believes she could be president on her first day as VP. I watched as McCain's nose grew 6 inches after he said that.

Bush had Harriet Miers, McCain has Palin. They are both unqualified for their proposed positions by miles. Palin has only learned to read and rote !!! She couldn't be president of a K-mart store, let alone this country. Palin v. Putin, can you see that one? This woman could start world war III because of her ignorance.

This debate was going to be on foreign policy and not the economy.
Where the economy is a priority you can’t go and take 90 minute about foreign policy.

Very simple, and if you don’t get that I am sorry you are not very smart.

Considering BO's ability to flip flop on issues at a record breaking pace, I believe even if Johnny Mac is absent we could still see a great debate between Obama and himself.

Great. Let Barack take center stage. All that town hall business is a bunch of jibberish. They are scared to death. Chickens!

Obama hunt that crook his a gimmick and liar. Gop is using my tax dollars to make their friends richhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I dont agree with their plans and their games. Gop full of croookssssssssssss

Can some one say, CHICKEN, I smell chicken, Mcsame is running because he knows Obama is going to ( LAYTH THE SMACK DOWN ON THAT A(_o_)hole, lying,senile, lobbying campaign fools. Can the media please call it like it is: HE'S DONE

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."

At least there is someone involved in this election with some sense, By all means this debate should take place..First McCain wants Obama to do town hall meetings, would he have shown up for them? and now he wants to bail out of one of the MOST important debates of this election. Has he lost his mind? Maybe he thinks since Pakistan's Pres called Palin Gorgeous he can just move right into the White House..

McCain, What happened to COUNTRY FIRST??? You OWE the American public to do this debate as scheduled Stand Up and be a MAN!!

Who is Mccain threatening?

Bad move for Mr. McCain. It makes him look like a foolish, old man.

McSame is running scared. HE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO LEAD! PALIN IS A LOSER TOO! SHE DOESN'T KNOW CRAP ABOUT LEADING THIS COUNTRY! MCCAIN/PALIN ARE LOSERS!

AMERICA, VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN

Maybe MCain's next big announcement will be Nov 3 that he and Sarah are not ready yet. Can you postpone please?

McCain, being "President" of the United States requires you to multi-task, if you CAN'T do the job then DON'T apply!!!

Agree. Go Obama.

Postponing the debates is another self-serving political manuever by Sen. McCain. There is no overwhelming reason why McCain cannot do both. Mississippi is only a 3 1/2 hr flight from DC.....heck, he could even use the McCain family jet.....it shouldn't be a problem..... and he could still get his photo ops in DC.

Debate must go forward...period.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

The PDC should go ahead with the debate. McCain's call for postponing it is a pure political stunt. McCain knows that the issue of the economy could sink his chances, and he's got to do something drastic to take a stand and hope that people forget how he and his main advisers were largely responsible for this mess.

This is NOT the same as Obama refusing to debate McCain earlier on. Neither candidate is going to do something that allows the other to set the terms for anything, let alone a debate. McCain knew that Obama would refuse, just like McCain would have refused had Obama called for debates, and it was a smart win-win for McCain to ask. But – not the same as canceling a planned debate, like what McCain is doing now.

Without McCain to answer first, what will Obama do? It would be a lot shorter then usual, I would prefer to see and hear him stutter and stammer for a half hour vs an hour or more.

THE COMMISSION IS RIGHT!

MCCAIN IS IN NO POSITION GIVE "THREAT'S"

MCCAIN IS A LOSER!

the Repubs should have picked Romney

Obama-Biden in a landslide.

This sort of dramatic move for a cheap and illusory gain might have been what the McCain presidency would have looked like.

Thank goodness he has given up.

John McCain simply does not want to debate Barack Obama. McCain knows that once the American people see a whiny old man standing in the shadow of a dynamic and articulate leader like Barack Obama, his poll numbers will fall through the floor. All through the primaries, I heard many pundits say "John McCain does not want to debate Barack Obama. He would much rather debate Hillary Clinton." The debate is going to be like Nixon-Kennedy only worse. McCain's turgid attempt to "postpone" the debate just makes him look desperate. He can't postpone the inevitable.

Chicken!

Here we go....first McCain will chicken out then there will be some excuse for Palin not to debate. C'mon, really!?

Plane ride from Washington D.C. to Mississippi: one and a half hours. Presidential debate: one and a half hours. Plane ride back to Washington D.C.: one and a half hours. Now That Would Be Showing Some Leadership! Somthing To Be Proud Of.
But He Took The Easy Out!

McCain Just Too Old To Do Both!

I'm a to the core Dem but you know just in case we lose I like to know quite a bit about the leadership skills of the Repubs. I had for years thought of McCain as a maverick but now I'm concerned. He is all over the place lately. What is up? They are in a dead heat. There is no need to play crazy just yet.

obumer would do well in the debate by himself alone with his teleprompter!!! But how does he explain the fact that he is so unpresidential as to help work on this crisis? After all, isn't he still a senator and shouldn't that be his top priority? Oh well, guess they wouldn't need his 'present' vote.

Not having the debate is not going to change a thing. The problem is that he dont want to get asked any questions about the current situation because hes part of the problem. Hes not ready for the debate and hes using this as an excuse. It want be long before hes exposed for what he really is, a crook.

Good!!! I've been waiting forever for the debates! If McCain can't keep an appointment because he's doing something else that week, well, lets just say there are plenty more "appointments" when you're doing important business as the president... can he handle alllll that juggling?!

MCCAIN WANTED TO DEBATE OBAMA 10 TIMES WHERE WERE YOU LIBERALS WHINING ABOUT YOUR MESSIAH NOT DEBATING MCCAIN BACK THEN?

H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E-S

WHY WOULD MCCAIN WANT TO DUCK A FOREIGN POLICY DEBATE ANYWAY? HE WILL CRUSH OBAMA.

Plane ride from Washington D.C. to Mississippi: one and a half hours. Presidential debate: one and a half hours. Plane ride back to Washington D.C.: one and a half hours.

McCain Just Too Old To Do Both!

McCain just wants to bump back the VP debate because Palin needs more training. he is so tranparent and scared it has me rolling on the floor. What a loser McCain is.

When the going gets tough, McCain runs...

And people actually want this moron (McBush) to be president? Brilliant individuals living in soundbyte world.

The CPD is correct the American people need to have this debate so many are on the fence and I don't know why, but we need this debate and it should be changed from foreign policy to the economy.

Maybe they should ask real candidates like Barr and Nader to fill in the spot McChicken has vacated to pander. I'm sure that they both have more intelligence anyway.......

Let Obama have the debate with the moderator instead of McCain.

The show must go on...

McCain knows that going forward with this debate, given the current economic crisis, will only serve to highlight his lack of knowledge and Obama's wealth of knowledge. I don't blame McCain for wanting to cancel/postpone the debate....if I was in his shoes I wouldn't want to stand next to Obama either. McCain's people have already made sure the story got out that he has only practiced "a little here and there", so that when he fails miserably he will have an excuse.....evidently he was worse than they thought because they had to come up with this flimsy excuse for not participating. Obama should indeed show up and claim the state for himself.

McCain hopes all debates will be canceled as he knows neither him or his Alaska Barbie have any answers to the problems this country is facing. Let him go to Washington. He is not the President at this time and can do nothing but vote when it is put before the Senate. He has been in Washington 26 years. You think he would have had some ideas before we got to this point! GO ON WITH THE DEBATES AS SCHEDULED.

FEAR is why John McCain does not want to go.

That will mean that Obama will have the ears of millions of people. He will show he is presidential and not afraid to answer questions the people may have. McCain is running away because he knows there will be questions about the economy and his record is not strong when it comes to this subject.

Shame McCain.

John McCain's disgusting attempt to politicize the financial crisis – and to use it to stall for more preparation time for a debate he can't win – is an obvious sign of his underestimation of the intelligence of the American people. At 8:30 AM, Barack Obama's team made first contact with McCain to suggest a non-political, gentlemanly joint statement regards the crisis. Instead, McCain stalled Obama, then pulled the rug out from underhim by announcing his so-called "suspension" of his campaign to suggest leadership that McCain is clearly lacking. I hope this blundering faux leadership is obvious to the average American. It sometimes scares me how hard it seems for some people to see through McCain.

The democratic process must continue. What we have learned about McCain in the last 3 weeks, is not that he's "independent" in a constructive way, but that he comes up with STUNTS to try to make himself look good.

Well, John, you've just made yourself look AFRAID!

THE DEBATES SHOULD GO ON. THIS ECONOMIC CRISIS DIDN'T HAPPEN IN ONE DAY AND MCCAIN OF ALL PEOPLE CAN'T FIX IT. MCCAIN KNEW ABOUT THIS WHEN ANDREW MCCAIN, HIS SON, WAS CEO OF SILVER BANK AND QUIT 2 MONTHS BEFORE IT FAILED. DID JOHN MCCAIN TELL SILVER BANK INVESTORS TO TAKE THEIR MONEY OUT BEFORE IT FAILED, NO. BUT I BET MCCAIN GOT HIS OUT. INVESTIGATE JOHN MCCAIN NOW.

I agree, the debates should be held. McCain is running for President he hasn't voted in the Senate since he started is run for President. Now he thinks he is the only one needed to settle this fiinancial problem. Give me a break, it is simply politices, and a ploy to stop the Vice-President debates. I think the Republicans are afraid Palin can't handle herselve. If she can't take the heat then she should get out plain and simple play with the big boys take the heat...I am glad Mississippi that you have stuck to your guns...

McCain/Palin-not ready to debate, not ready to lead

But the debate isn't even about the economy it's on National Defense!!

Good. Nothing tells the American people to panic quite like saying you've got to suspend everything you're doing; apparently, when the people most need a leader (where's Bush – I voted for him twice!) McCain thinks the world should come to a grounding halt.

Perhaps McCain really feels like stopping everything is the solution, but quite frankly for millions of Americans who have lost their jobs, their homes, and now their retirements, the financial crisis has been going on for years.

The debate should go on as scheduled. What happened to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT? Now McCain is hiding, hiding, hiding. Humm – who does that remind you of? Oh yes, he is hiding just like the Alaskan Prom Queen. Some Hero.

McCain has an obvious ulterior motive. He wants to move this to move the VP debate to give his incompetent puppet more time to cram.

First it was selecting a woman for VP to grab all the dissapointed women who wanted Hillary . That seems to not be working. Next came the idea that issues were not important, it was the persons involved in the election. That racist attitude failed. Now it is the ploy that McCain would rather lose an election than let our economy go down the drain. Are we so stupid to fall for this.For 26 years this man has been a part of the reason we are where we are now.Now he wants to be a knight in shining armour feerlessly single handidly going to Wasington to save America. He doesnt want to debate Obama, because he hasnt the mental agility to cope with a man much smarter than he is.

McCain is a joke and the media is letting him get away with this cra$p. He should be skewered for this stunt. And that's what it is. A stunt. It makes me sick.

How many millions of dollars will be and have already been spent in anticipation of this debate? Proceed with the debate in order to help Mississippi's economy if not the U.S. economy.

If McCain doesn't show up give Obama the full 2 hours to talk to the nation about his plans for his presidency.

BRAVO!

Well we now know that this was a ploy to delay the VP debate of which palin is clearly not ready. Wow john, what an insult to the republicans that support you, you actually think they are stupid. I actually feel insulted for them. If Palin isn't ready to debate or give unscripted interviews how is she ready to be VP?

Yes! the debate should go on. And if a candidate summoned to be there fails to show off, then such candidate will have proven himself unreliable and incompetent and should get an FFF. Should the debate be posponed or cancelled because McCain wishes so, then Mc Cain needs to be the leader because it means that there is nobody else in the country. When McCain becomes the president, he may choose to be above the law, but during election, he oguht to play by the rules. That's it!

Mccain doesn't know anything about the economy and his presence will benefit no one but himself (for photo ops). People in Mississippi have worked long and hard to get this debate ready and only Obama seems up to the task of facing off against his opponent during a time when the public needs to hear from the possible candidates who will be leading this country in the very near future. So much for "Country First" as Mccain's slogan. It is clear that this is a "kill two birds with one stone" tactic where Mccain can avoid debating Obama and push back the VP debate in one shot. Frankly, this is just low.....only stupid people in this country will defend Mccain's camp on this one. I VERY sure some of those stupid people will post on this ticker soon just to prove it.

Yes, I agree. They should go on even if McCain is MIA. The Americans NEED this. It is utter nonsense to do otherwise. Too many people have prepared for this and I'm sure DC can do without him for a couple of hours. Truly ridiculious!

They should proceed, Obama should stand at the podium on the scheduled time, and if McCain is a no show, we will all know who really puts country first.

Good for them...they should! Obama is going to show up regardless...the show must go on regardless! McCain is a chicken hawk!

Here is their number...let them know you WANT and even DEMAND all the debates go on as scheduled.

202-872-1020

Here is a riddle for you "kiddies".......

How do you lose a debate?

Drop out of it before it starts.......

I agree with commisioner. country first yeah. All of the people have invested 0time and money into this event can't afford this. people need to make money to pay they bills. please stop this madness mccain.

Uh yeah. Why does McCain think he can call the shots now? They don't need his help in Washington. He hasn't voting in 109 of the last 110 senate votes. He doesn't know anything about the economy. He is STALLING.

Nice try McShame.

Invite Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, and Chuck Baldwin to the debate whether McCain shows up or not.

Go Nader/Gonzalez '08!

Yes they should continue the debate. McCain and Obama are not on the commitee to write the legislation so they will be no help right now. McCain and Obama can only vote yea or nea on the bill once it is presented. Please people know how your Government works. This is a sad ploy by McCain, I have now lost any respect I once had of him. God Help America if he were to get the job of President.

Thank you Commission Members.This is more than a ridiculous ploy on McCain's behalf! It is clear that McCain is using this tactic due to the latest reported tie! What will he try next? Country First is a Joke!
Winning at all costs should be his Slogan! He's behind and he wants to stall the Debate to give him time to come up with a new plan to change the tide and try to bring Palin up to speed so she doesn't blow it when the media and reporters get on her case! These kinds of games confirm he is just another Bush and not fit to Lead the Nation!

If You Are Really A Maverick You Will Show Up To The Debate! A Real Maverick Would Not Chicken Out! Are You A Maverick Or A Chicken Mccain?

i agree with commisioner. country first yeah. All of these has invest money into this event cant afford this. people to make money to pay they bills. please stop this madness mccain.

If McCain doesn't show up, the floor should go entirely to Obama.

Now the whole World knows who is a COWARD to debate and who is multi-tasking and READY.
I will put ALL my eggs in the Harvard Scholar Basket than a COWARD Old Pilot --– PERIOD!

All in the name of hiding Palin's incompetence! And people will still try to justify this move. And, it is because of those people that politicians continue to do the outrageous things they do and we the people end up bearing the burden. If a democratic candidate pulled the stunts McCain is pulling, there is no way I'd give them my vote.

Come on John McSame, face the nation. Do not run away. He who fights and run away will not live to fight another day.

Obama/Biden

GOOD!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08,12!!

Yes, both Senators Obama and McCain should continue to debate this Friday. The country deserves to hear how they would respond to this crisis. It appears that Senator McCain is avoiding and trying to one up Senator Obama. Beside, Senator McCain will arrive in Washington where all have gone home for the Jewish holidays anyways!

Exactly. Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are using this economic crisis to pull a gimmicky stunt. Just drop out of the race already if you're not ready to debate like proper candidates should.

OK, so why doesnt Palin and Biden debate on friday...at the very least. Or continue the presidential debate, and change it from foreign policy to the economy.
Why is McCain now suggesting to push Sarah Palin's debate with Biden? smells too fishy!!!

The other show just hit the floor. This is a stunt so that the Republicans can "postpone" the VP debate indefinitely (like maybe after the election). Wow, I wonder if the John McCain of 2000 would even recognize the fool that is going around using his name.

IN YOUR FACE MCCAIN! There Is No Backing Out Now! Your Request Has Been Denied! . . . If You Dont Show Up I Guarantee You Will Lose This Election! People Will See You As Unprepared To Lead!

It's a shame you guys weren't involved when Barry ducked out on the 10 Town-Hall debates.

The Children of the Corn have a lot of nerve calling anyone other than Barack Obama a coward.

How about a little contrast and context coming from the press.

Your memories may be short, but mine's not.

I hope you nimrods project Obama to win by 10 pts. only to see a McCain landslide.

Then we can all sit back and watch the MSM 9/11.

McCain/Palin '08

This is a rather peculiar and risky move by McCain. I am not certain exactly what is to be gained by it, and I do not know what he can do to resolve the crisis other than vote on legislation, which doesn't really seem to merit such moves as suspending his campaign and postponing the debates. I understand if it is symbolic, but political martyrdom never usually works the way it is intended.

And, if McCain can't tear himself away to be present at his own debate, why not give Barack the Friday night prime time slot to broadcast an address?

In the next article the President of Pakistan calls Palin Gorgeous and wants to give her a big hug during their deep foriegn affairs meeting. Finally, International Respect and Experience for Paris Palin

Keep it for this Friday. Don't fall for McCain's latest ploy of moving it to the time slot of VP debate and postponing the VP debate! He wants more time to prep and wants to continue to keep Palin from answering questions in public!

America should do as republicans want NOT as America wants......they own us now

POLITICAL STUNT OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!

GOOD MCCAIN AIN'T EVERBODY's BOSS!

And won't be

Thank goodness someone has some common sense.

But what happens if McCain simply refuses to show up?

McCain and Obama should be in Washington, with their fellow congressman, working on the details of this costly bail out plan. In other words, they should set aside their aspirations to be President and do the job they were voted/hired to do. The citizens of their respective home states voted them into Congress, not the Presidency. The selection of that path was their choice.

Where else but in America can you be a Senator for a little over a year and then walk away from the job that your electorate gave you to follow your own dreams and goals? Kudo's to John McCain for putting his job, his country, above his aspirations to be President. Senator Obama is being his elitest self as usual.

i too would like to hear more from these two men about who they are, what they believe in, and what they plan to do if elected. however, the job that both are still being paid for is that of a US senator. part of that job is to work towards the interest of americans first. there is an old saying two heads are better than one. i don't really believe that either one of these men know much about the economy, but if nothing else they need to get back into their offices and do whatever is needed to get things done. stop talking and start doing.

The debate should go on...Let the canidates address the problems & then we'll make up our minds...Don't hide from us

You can run, but you can't hide McCain!!! See, regulation is a good thing:)

Very Good Mississippi, this is just something to prolong the VP debates. Sen McSame is going to play this hand. Now this is real presidential. Right!
this just tells me how it would be if he were to win the white house

WOW! OBAMA/BIDEN08

Stick with the plan!!!

Americans are watching.
The World is waiting.

Much of the country is beginning to see and get sick of McCain's stunts..being preesident of a great country in these times requres a person more steady at the help..........much less of this crap at the whim of John McCain...we have had 8 hard years under Bush and don't need another person who says he cares about the country, but every time you turn around he is doing some eccentric ballet, mostly to get attention....

Great As They Should!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road McCain, Remember That Lion!

He is the reason the bailout has not been approved. This is the right decision.

In my job, I have to juggle a zillion responsibilites every day, as well as take care of my family. I think I would like a president that can do more than one thing at a time.

Next they'll want to postpone the election because they have to wash their hair.

As they should. The people of Mississippi have invested time and money into preparing for this debate. They should not delay it because McCain, who is not on any of the banking or finance committees and who has admitted he doesn't know about the economy, is SO necessary to have the bill passed.

Get real.

These debates must take place. It is imperative that we hear from these candidates on the issues of importance. McCain hasn't cast a vote in the Senate since April, nor is he on the committee developing the bailout plan, so there's no need for him to be in Washington around the clock. He can certainly get in his Straight Talk jet and head to Ole Miss for 2 hours.

What a loser he is.

yes... mccain go to ell

Am not an american,but i believe that america is the nation every body looks up to,why maccain waited all this long to postpone his campaing,just after agreeing with obama to make a joint statement,he is trying to pull the carpet under obama,i think that americans are smart enough to see that if a deal is finally reach,i think it will be reached with out obama and mccain,the later will be taking the credit.he should get on with the debate,and go to vote on the bill when he is called upon.

Well... Now what?!!!

They should do EXACTLY what the media did to McCain's campaign a few days ago: KEEP THEIR GROUND.

The American people WANT AND NEED this debate and Obama is right when he said "This is the perfect time to hear from us about these very important issues". A president should be able to do more than 1 thing.

McCain isn't prepared, AND he hadn't found a rock to hide under. Now he's found an excuse– the bail out.

McCain NOW wants to go to Washington after 10 days when the crisis came out. McCain wants to spend 1-2 days in Washington when the meetings are almost to an end. Why? McCAIN WANTS THE CREDIT ! This man is so crooked and such a liar! He only wants to win the election!

So go ahead with the scheduled debate. It will make McCain look horrible for not showing up, and it will be his doing.

Debates should continue as planned. McCain is just trying to look important for the voters.

The commision is moving forward w/ the debates and rightfully so.

If they change anything, they should change the subject of the debate from foreign policy to economics. That would make the most sense. Then McCain and Obama can both tell Congress and the voters what their plans for the economy are and how they plan to lead us out of this crisis. McCain is grandstanding by trying to postpone the debate, trying to manipulate the process and throw everything off balance to gain some sort of advantage, and I'm sure take credit for the eventual solution, like he takes complete credit for the surge. The Dems and the CPD should take a firm stand and just say no.

ABC News' Tahman Bradley Reports: A senior University of Mississippi official reacted Wednesday to the news that Sen. John McCain R-Ariz., wants to postpone Friday's presidential debate, saying that such a move would be "devastating" for the university which has already invested millions in preparation for the debate...

John and Sarah–no more time to study "Domestic and Foreign Policy for Idiots". Let the debates begin.

Do not move the dates of the debates – this will not help our country. We are in need of seeing the candidates speak!

HE HASN'T BEEN IN DC ALL YEAR! HE HAS NO ECONOMIC ABILITIES SO WHY GO NOW??

I agree with the Commission.Imagin not having it in Mississippi when all they have been doing is preparing for it.I have been looking forward to it myself.Doesn't everyone want to know what they have been thinking on the issues,the 700 billion dollar bailout.I would think more now than ever.

DRAMA
DRAMA
DRAMA
DRAMA
DRAMA
-HOW can MCCAIN keep getting away with:
-Palin not to speaking with the press.
-Palin and husband will not show up for legal case in Alaska.
-Palin can't be seen or heard speaking to the leaders of other Countries.
NOW HE WANTS TO CHANGE HER DATE TO DEBATE WITH BIDEN.......We SHOULD be outraged by McCain and camp, their DRAMA will never END........this WOMAN is a JOKEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McCain and Palin are making the MEDIA is looking like a FOOLLLLLLLLLLLL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No where to run John McCain!

The debate should go on as scheduled. What happened to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT? Now McCain is hiding, hiding, hiding. Humm – who does that remind you of? Oh yes, he is hiding just like the Alaskan Prom Queen.

McCain has an obvious ulterior motive. He wants to move this to move the VP debate to give his incompetent puppet more time to cram.

this is a McCain gimmick

It will be an interesting opportunity for Sen. Obama to give the American people 90 minutes of his ideas while McCain's chair is vacant.

McCain, who many times has admitted that economics isn't his strong suit, hasn't even bothered to show up to the Senate since April. He has been floundering for an economic answer for over a week. He doesn't want to have to answer questions about how his campaign chairman and the head of his transition team lobbied and advised Freddy-Fannie (up until August for Rick Davis), so he's hiding behind this economic muddle.

There are less than six weeks before the election, and the American people want to see these two candidates face off. Show up, you loser.

I am glad to see they did not buy into McLiar's political grand standing stunt farce !

In our little league, if a team forefit more than 3 times, the team is out of the league. Same rule should apply to presidential elections – missed 3 debates – bye bye.

As well they should. McVain is so full of himself. Who does he think he has to answer to if not the American people? That includes all the people, all the time.

Thank you! Just because McSame is getting his buttox handed to him in the polls now doesn't mean he can run from facing the guy who's beating him. It's not like McCain has a solution to the problem ANYWAY. If he and Obama go back to the Senate now to try and give so-called help, it was just politicize the situation even more than it already has been. It's just another distraction, like his selection of Palin. Anything to change the subject.

THANK YOU COMMISSION WE AMERICANS HAVE 4O DAYS TO CHOOSE OUR NEXT COMMANDER AND CHIEF AND UNDECIDED VOTERS ARE ANXIOUS TO SEE THE DEBATE!

GREAT! McCain and Obama need to stand before the American people...Especially McCain and the GOP! Tell McCain to hop in one of his many cars, and bring his tail to the debate! We know McCain of all people can afford to pay his buddy's ridiculous gas prices!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Oh my goodness! It must be the all powerful Obama behind this decision. Poor, Poor McCain and Palin!! (And yes for anyone who missed it, this was sarcasm.)

Move the VP debate to this Friday. Works for me.

Democrats are crying the McCain is ducking a debate.

WHAT????

McCain has wanted to debate Obama since the beginning. You liberals defended Obama then and made all kinds of excuses, now you turn around and are trashing John McCain.

I'll show you multi-tasking, how about he goes to Washington, works on a plan, then flies in Friday night just before the debate.

The first debate is about FOREIGN POLICY so why would John McCain be ducking that?

You liberals are soooooooo brainwashed...think and use your head for once!

Thank god. Let us here on how they will help the economy.