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