CNN

In all this mess Americans need to elect Barak Obama to be pesident
and get into deeper waters.
Sorry guys , you were WRONG giving G. Bush your vote and now again
will do the same giving it to B. Obama.
Wake up Americans see the facts you need someone who will be able to get you out of mess, Obama is not one.

Who out there can Possibly be taking McCain seriously after all this? And Palin?...Katie Couric could have eaten her for lunch but was too kind to completely destroy the candidate when Palin is obviously not living on the same planet as everyone else. America, Get a Clue!

Obama/Biden '08

Bush is supposed to handling this crisis, why Obama has to take the blame for this, by the way McCain has not suspended his campaign ads are still running, he's still campaigning what different did McCain did than Obama...need real change folks.

To truly American – wake up!
It is because of the Republican greed machine that so many people are without jobs now. Have we forgotten who got us into this mess?
THE REPUBLICANS! (and their De-regulation ways)
America has wised up to the fact, but you sir are only fooling yourself.
Why then have so many Republicans distanced themselves from this administration? Many are afraid to say they are Republican today.
McCain is for McCain, Palin just isn't smart enough to run this country or Alaska. We have only ONE HOPE left for our country and that is to vote DEMOCRAT. McCain does remind me of Hoover – and accordingly we need a new FDR to help this country regain its posture in the world. We need Obama/Biden!
Signed,
White, middle-aged woman who is sick of this Republican created mess.

What I do not hear is that they are Senators... this is still there job... and it maybe one of the greatest messes that as President McCain or Obama will have to deal with. If I were running in this election I would have been in Washington days ago.

Obama shouldn't have too much of a problem if, as looks likely, he is the only one that shows up.

Oh, and I won't be in the least bit surprised if a deal for the bailout goes through today. Why? Because the only reason that it stalled yesterday was to buy McCain time in an attempt to reschedule, if not avoid altogether, the Presidential Debate, and especially the VP debate.

The reason they don't want Palin in a debate and why there is a media blackout on her is because she is a political moron, to use a Paul Begala phrase!

Debates are not important, especially in this current economic mess. Obama "talks" about the crisis, calloing it the worst in history, yet he would rather debate than help fix it. Some leader.
John McCain suspended his campaign to help get this resolved because People First, not politics. As far as McCain's TV ad's, these are bought ahead of time and it sometimes takes a few days to pull all of them.
In the end, McCain/Palin will be the winners and in the White House. Our nation needs people that will take action, not talk about it.

I think that we should refrain fron name calling and stick to the issues. I also feel that race, age, and gender will play a part in this election but I feel if we focus on the issues and not the attempts to distract voters, we should all be able to make a correct and informed choice as we see in.

Obama/Biden 08-16

This is a REALLY dumb poll!

Nothing like a little pre-emptive skewing of public opinion by the Obama Supporters formerly known as CNN.

What a pitiful disgrace CNN has become.

This is a typical democrat ploy taken straight from the Clinton playbook.

Pitiful

This campaign looks more and more like a dysfunctioal family being ruled by a recalcitrant mentally unstable child.

Even if McCain's behavior is on a medical basis, it's time for the adults to take control and stop letting the dysfunctional child jerk them around.. That includes the main stream media and the presidential debate commission..

Obama has made a good start by behaving in a civilized manner in accepting Bush's invitation to yesterday's meeting and by standing firm in his determination to go on to Oxford today for the debate. Let's hope he sticks by it and doesn't let McCain's grandstanding and apparent sabotage of yesterday's meeting derail the debate.

McCain's behavior today reminded me of a child who gets the other kids fighting and then just sits back smiling and watching the show.

Am I the only one who saw the interview between Katie Curic and Sarah Palin yesterday? It was shocking! Palin could barely string a sentence together, and clearly had no idea what she was talking about. Not only does she lack the intelligence, thoughtfulness and experience for the job, but she clearly caves under pressure. If sweet, unthreatening Katie Curic causes Palin to cave, how will she fare with Putin? Is this the person Americans want to have her finger on the proverbial button should McCain meet an untimely end? Scary!

call it "Johnnie on the Spot Misses the Mark." McCain's "it's all about me" campaign has even the POW worshipping David Brooks looking into the past, and lamenting that McCain equals Bush doesn't have a central message for his campaign, while Palin is just variants of "I can see Putin's face in puffy clouds over Alaska. It would have been one thing if McCain had knowledge of the economy or Wall Street finance, but by his own admission he doesn't. It would have been one thing had he expressed a point of view on the bailout in response to Obama's direct question at the White House, but he didn't. It was have been one thing if he had left the White House to go back to the House to crack heads with the rebelling conservative Republicans, but he instead went to home 3–or is it 6 – after leaving the White House by the back door withoiut comment. It would have been one thing if he had cracked heads in his own party to get the rebels to participate in the bipartisan evening session on the bailout, but he didn't. Where is McCain? Does leaxdership consist in doing his very best to avoid Ole Miss, and fair questions about Rick Davis and his lies, Phil Gramm's "whiner" remarks, and Carly Fiorina's claim that McCain couldn't run a company, which suggests he can't run an economy. And foreign policy? Look at Pakistan and Afghanistan and tell me his is the hand we want on the tiller.

I still say " talk is cheap." Actions speak louder than words. I want an Ameican President I can feel has the PRIORITY of the Americsn Nation and it's People and Security as first on his agenda. This is not about who can talk a blue strea,k but WHO has the EXPERIENCE and determination to LEAD this nation into a prosperous future. We already have enough RICH people who are only concerned with how much they can take from the "little guy". Wall street is a prime example of this. THEY PLAY, WE PAY ( forever) ! Totally UNFAIR. I work, pay my fair share of TAXES and NOW I should have to PAY more ? UNFAIR. This BAIL OUT won't hurt the culprits of this mess one little bit. They will still sit in their nice houses and drive their nice cars and go on vacations and SPEND the fruits of their STEALINGS.
John McCain put this crisis FIRST. He stepped up to the plate to take a crack at bat. Not all "batters" hit the ball, BUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE IS, John McCain STOOD UP FOR THE AMERICAN TAX PAYER AND TOOK HIS TURN AT BAT.

McCain/Palin '08 (in God we trust, the UNITED STATES of AMERICA)

He already won the debate. After the John McCain fiasco with going to Washington to save the country, americans have seen right through the paper thin campaign that Mr. McCain is running. He will stop at nothing for a photo-op, or to make believe he has made any difference in the negotiations. If anything he is to blame for the stalling. I'm sure the republicans who broke down talks, only did it to pretend that they are not with president Bush 90% of the time. How very sad for the Republican party. I feel so bad.

McCain's willingness to play brinkmanship"in a time of statesmanship is appalling. I guess he did go back to his Naval ways an stick a torpedo right into the side of hard fought negotiations.

Unbelievable. He knows the stakes, yet he is willing to push us to edge just so he can try to get his name on the bill and shore up his Republican base. John, this is no time to play hero.

This insurance scheme is ridiculous. How does it help these troubled lenders? There is no new capital in the system and the loans are still on the books to clog up the system. Then, when these institutions fold, we are on the hook for the debt – with no equity and no control on executive pay. Is that his plan?

John McCain – It would be a farce, if it wasn't so tragic.

This morning, I watched Barney Frank being interviewed by a CNN moderator (female). She is asking questions but does not allow Barney Frank to answer. She rudely interrupts, while he is trying to respond, and she asks another question before he can respond to the previously asked question and injects some of her thoughts. Would you please shut her up and allow those of us that do understand economics to hear what this gentleman has to say.

Maybe if McCain takes an afternoon nap, it does wonders for my grandfather, he may showup for the debate.

November 4, 2008 11:35am on CNN:
Wolf Blitzer:

"CNN has projected, along with outher major news netwroks, that Senator Barack Obama has become the first African American President of the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a historic moment. He won with a landslide victory. We are waiting to hear from the McCain campaign. We just got word that they have called to congratulate the junior Senator of Illinois......"

We will be partying all over America when this election is over. McShame has practically handed it over to Obama. Has anyone ever thought that McShame has done all this on purpose because he knows he's not fit to be POTUS? That's what I figured when he chose Palin to be his runniong mate. I can't stop laughing. One big JOKE is what they are. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12 EASY!!!!!

This just shows the ignorance of the American electorate. How on earth can 60% of those responding actually think that Obama agrees with them on the issues when he has done nothing to substantiate that belief? What are his stances on the issues? This irrational belief is what elevated him to where he is now and if folks don’t get a grip they will be sorely disappointed with the reality. Did anyone watch Obama during the primary debates? He didn’t do such a great job then, what makes folks think he will do any better now? Has he been given a script of the questions so that he can give scripted responses on everything? What on earth has Obama done to show that he can do the best job with our economy? He obviously didn’t do that great a job with his own budget when he had to go to Rezko in order to purchase a home that he really could not afford. I am no fan of John McCain and will not support a Republican for President but think it would be a good thing if folks would pull Obama off of the messianic pedestal they have put him on and look at him realistically with common sense and pragmatism. That I guess would be truly too much to hope for.

I am not sure John Wayne McCain will be able to be there. He has been soooooooo busy solving this "bailout" problem. He has had to appear on every news show, stop for every reporter and pose for every picture. Why it took him 22 hours to "rush to Washington for this urgent situation." He was only 1 1/2 hours away, but he was traveling in all fourteen of his cars and like those of us in the South, he kept having to wait in line for gas.
He also suspended his campaign... translated that meant: His campaign went on in battleground states; you could still contribute; his pundits, armed with pre-arranged talking points, appeared non-stop on any and every t.v. spot to tell us John had suspended his campaign and was putting America first; and "John Straight Talk" himself didn't miss a single opportunity to tell everyone what a maverick he was and how all this was not about politics.
You could fly that private plane of his over any field and not have to fertilize it for years.

I think the Bail-out excuse for McCain is a joke. And for that matter the whole bail-out itself is ridiculous. My brother-in-law relayed to me a better solution to this mess. I do not know if it is an original idea but it makes more sense to me. Divide the 700 Billion between the working taxpaying public. Give them each 250 thousand of which they pay taxes on, the balance to be used to pay off all or a piece of their mortgages and any revolving credit. They must sign on to this to get the money. whatever is left they keep and to put back in the economy. There would have to be stipulations that you couldn't get a home equity loan or credit cards for 5 years. The government gets their taxes. The banks recover their debt. Americans get free from debt. This would be a win-win-win situation. Each 2 income household would get 2 pieces of the pie. How simple it would be. This is something most Americans could get behind..It makes more sense then what is being floated out there now.

It won't matter because McCain will chicken out.

John Mccain's rush back to Washington was nothing but a political move. I beleive the whole issue will back fire on him. He looks scared, and his action support my belief.

I'd like to know how anyone is still in support of the Republicans?It's obvious that John McCain wants to dodge both the debate and the issues, Sarah Palin can't keep her lies straight, and Republicans are the ones stalling a solution to the financial crisis.I can only think of one reason why people are even pondering the idea of voting for these idiots and that's racism!Call it playing the "race-card" call it lack of experience on Obama's end (Palin has a journalism degree, Obama a law degree.constitution anyone), but that's the real reason!Are the people in this country that stupid, that you'd pick the wrong option AGAIN rather than put race aside because we are in dire need of real leadership?!

Truly American – as a rethuglican you couldn't be a true American because the rethuglicans have sold our country to China. China owns us, get real. We've already lost hundreds of thousandsof jobs already thanks to the rethuglicans and the current administration or didn't you know. It's over 700,00 and counting, and that is since January.

Barack should enter with the life-size cardboard cutout of J Mac that the press brought aboard his plane and prop it up against the empty chair. Whatever the cutout would have to say would be at least as interesting and probably more truthful.

Imagine telling David Letterman that you couldn't do a guest spot you had agreed to, one hour before airtime, because the economy "cratered" and you had to suspend your campaign and fly to Washington asap. Then you head over to do a Katie Couric interview in the same building and get a good night's sleep. And only then do you head off for the airport the next morning! What a lying creep you'd be. You wouldn't do that would you? Not if you were a politician running for high office and wanted to be taken seriously.

The GOP is finally supporting a welfare plan! It's called the Wall Street Welfare Plan or WSWP. The major difference between this plan, and say, food stamps, or housing programs, is that with WSWP they want no accountability, no paybacks, and no interest! What a concept.....

McCain should not have left the campaign trail in the first place. He has done more harm to his campaign than good. There are 400+ representatives and 98 other senators in congress that were already hashing out a deal. McCain did not NEED to return to D.C., McCain wanted to return to D.C. as a means of propelling himself into the spotlight as he always has throughout his career.

i sleep so much better a night now that i know sarah palin is ready with her high powered rifle to shoot down incoming russians. wow, and those pesky canadians.....well she has are back there also.

barack the vote people!!!!!!!!!!

Shame on John MCcain, for putting politics before his Country and run away from the debate. Now he is IN Washington DC trying tolook as if he, all the sudden an economic expert and look Presidential

What A Shameless joke of a Man!

So, that would explain why he cannot keep track of the number of houses, without checking with his staff.

His single functioning brain cell can hold only one thought at a time.
Therefore, when he remembered to drink his prune juice, the number of homes was replaced and lost forever in the great void in his cranium.

Sarah Palin was put in this position by John McCain because she's a woman and not bad looking and yes she has some likable qualities...but that is where it ends...she is very obviously incompetent otherwise....and as a woman myself I am outraged that the McCain camp would be so careless to show how shallow they are and what they truly think of a womans value. I don't blame Sarah for this I blame John ...she is his puppet to "glamorize" his campaign and make him not look so old and out of touch.

Actually Obama has to only show up to get high marks. Lets see if Mr McCain can multi-task?

Why aren't we being subjected to Palin's pastor and church which she is a member of for 20 that is very anti semetic? They bashed Barack non stop about rev. wright so turnabout is fair play.

Polls & debates are meaningless. The vast majority of voters already know which candidate they are supporting. McCain & Palin could stumble over their answers & sound like complete fools (& yes they will) but people will still vote for them. Biden could babble on & on & on until people are sleeping but it won't deter Obama/Biden supporters.

It's scary to think this election will be determined by the "undecided" voters. After the past 8 years & the events of the past 6 months, how can anyone still be undecided? That is the scary part ... people making up their mind while they are INSIDE the voting booth. Eenie-Meenie-Miney-Moe.

No win situation for Obama, if he wins, he should have, if it's even, he loses. All McCain has to do is show up...

Keep making up your own reality. It's plain to see that McCain injected presidential politics into this problem. He has already said economics isnt his strong suit but he rushes back to DC to dig into the economic debate. I always liked McCain but thanks to the way he has run his campaign that has changed.

still seeing McCain ads on TV, what's going on here?

Hey Obamites, stop telling people to "wake up", and putting "pathetic" at the bottom of every post, it's really moronic. This may be hard to believe that not everyone thinks like you, in fact, almost 50% of the country doesn't think like you, so get over it. Vote for Obama, that's fine, but to say that the rest of us are idiots makes you just that, and idiot.

the debate will go on tonight. mccain has known all along that he would go. He is desperate at this point. First he picked the wrong VP. You know she is not qualified to be president. The he pulls this stunt like he owns washington.Mccain has the highest non voting record of any senator. 62.3%. Check it out for yourself.

I cannot believe there are some people who actually believe the blatant lies that the McCain camp are using. If they took a few minutes to actually fact check, they'd find that Obama's alleged "tax increase" is just the opposite: under his plan we would SAVE money (at least the average Joes would). "Socialized healthcare"? Again, not true. As for McCain "suspending his campaign, including advertisements" that's a crock also: I live in Pennsylvania and last night I must have seen the ad with the black cloud in the shape of the Capitol slinking across the country more than 4 times, and this was while watching the news!!

I vote for the person I think would be help this country, regardless of party. In 2000 and 2004 I did not vote for Bush, because I got a bad feeling from him....he appeared incompetent to me. I can look back and be comfortable with the decisions I made, because I didn't go on PARTY, I went on COMPETENCE.

Please people, this is about AMERICA, not Republican/Democrat, and definitely not a time for this "no blacks in charge of us" mentality that a shocking number of people seem to have. We are in dire straights here!! Just do some RESEARCH for goodness sakes!! Find out the facts!! McCain has said IN HIS OWN WORDS in his book that he makes hasty decisions and later often regrets being so quick on the trigger. We cannot afford a man like this in office.....I truly believe we will see WWIII if he is.

The stupidity of some of these comments from Obama supporters explains why they would vote for Obama.

AUC – It's NOT his skin color, it's his EXTREME liberalism and lack of wisdom.

Obama has higher expectations to meet because the media and the Republicans have held him to higher expectations throughout the whole thing. If Obama is good and McCain is mediocre, the narrative by the Republicans and the media isn't "Why is McCain so mediocre", it's "Why isn't Obama *great*?"

It's ridiculous.

I watch CNN every night and 99.9% of the time when I change the channel or turn the TV off my thoughs about the comments by CNN "journalists" or the way "stories" are covered is always the same.
CNN always claims to be unbiased but it is quite clear to any open minded viewer that you are in Obama's corner! I watch CNN nightly because I get a great laugh out of listening to you claim impartiality while you are doing the exact opposite. You should watch your own show if you want tl laugh along with me!

After the Katie Couric interview, in which I have no idea what Palin was talking about... The mere fact that 46% still think she will win a debate with JOE BIDEN is SCARY.

Americans are flat out stupid.... Even the most racist of racists have to look at her and say, "I may hate the black guy, but man is she dumb"

Did you lefties and Anderson Cooper and Katie Couric miss all of Obama's debates where he stuttered and stammered and did not answer questions properly? How soon we forget! Palin has had far less time than he did to perfect her answers to shameful interrogations like Couric did the other day. John MacCain is showing the leadership that Obama has never had. I agree Obama would never put his political neck on the line for the good of country. I weep for the American people if Obama pulls off a win.

That's if McCain shows up. He's bailed before, remember?

http://digg.com/politics/2000_GOP_Primary_McCain_Backs_Out_of_Debate_In_California

WHAT EXACTLY IS IT THAT MCCAIN WENT TO WASHINGTON TO DO. HIS PARTY IS THE HOLD OUT, THE LONGER WE WAIT, THE LONGER IT WILL TAKE EFFECT, AND THE AMOUNT MAY RISE...... MR MCCAIN RAN TO WASHINGTON LIKE MR MAGOO... ALL REPORTERS HAVE STATED THAT MCCAIN DIDN'T EVEN SPEAK IN THE MEETING THAT HE AND BARACK ATTENDED............ SO WHAT EXACTLT IS IT THAT HE IS DOING THAT WOULD KEEP HIM FROM THE DEBATE... BUT IN THE SAME BREATH STILL STATES HE WANTS TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH OBAMA..........

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH YEAH........... HE'S RUNNING FROM DEFEAT...............YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN NOT HIDE SENATOR MCCAIN.............

If McCain is afraid of debating what makes you think that Obama can help the American people. Just remember when he was running for the democrate nomination he stated you cannot change unless you change Washington. I believe the democrates have controlled the Senate and what have they done in the last two years. I believe you must change all those politicians who have special interests. Now is the time that we should be on the correct side if we do nothing for the economy what do we have to look forward too. I worked for a company that filed Banckruptcy and no political party help us. McCain has offered to suspend his campaigning until this is resolved and what does the people do they criticize. Good luck when you are taxed and cannot afford it so lets leave the status quo and then explain in four years what went wrong.

The funny thing is that Obama has to be prepped for the debate for 3 days and all he will do is spit out what his prep teachers told him, where with McCain he knows it there is no prep work wtih this guy to me that is scary when you need a tudor as Obama does.

if you need me call me no matter where you are and no matter how far the words of wisdom from Obama...now that is real scary and it is not even halloween yet

McCain is doing a Bush move...instead of being a leader and going to the debate...he is trying to distract the public into thinking he is going to save our country instead...if he is going to save our country where has he been for the past year while everything was slipping away...why didn't he or Bush for that matter step in along time ago? I find it hard to believe that our politicians expect the American people to believe that the same Morons that got us in this mess can get us out.....I mean if they have all the answers why wasn't something done BEFORE it became a national crisis.

That is top of an iceberg! The more people see the true nature of McCain/Palin candidacy, the more obvious it is to them that McCain/Palin wants to pull wool over their eyes!
The drop is McCain willing to gamble with the lives of millions of people, in a critical financial melt-down situation! He couldn't even put the people and country first? On the contrary, he put politics first! What a hypocrit!
Not this time, Enough is Enough!

Anyone who has seen Obama without a teleprompter knows what an idiot he is.McCain will crush the empty suit on his way to the Presidency.

CNN you are truly bias when it comes to reports for Obama. You're not a creditable network and I know you're rating has to be dropping. If you post something positive on Obama it ALWAYS ends with a negative. America just want to hear the FACTS; not bias input from CNN.
Thanks from the formally known RED STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well of course people have high expectations because Sen. Obama actually has an economic plan to debate.

If McCain is a no show tonight they should still hold the debate and ask Obama the questions anyway! If McCain complains he deserves equal time they can tell him he was invited and was supposed to be there – his choice not to show. DON'T penalize the voters for a political stunt of not showing up.

The point should be made that McCain needs to appear at the debate. They would be in and out of Ole Miss in less than 5 hours. What's the problem?

McWar is running away from the fight. He could take a couple hours off for this debate without interfering with his supposed role in the finance crisis. Obama will school him in the debate and he is afraid.

Palin finally shows up on film in an interview and made herself look like a complete idiot. Katie Couric would be a better vp than her. So would I for that matter. McWar has nothing to say either ... the republican ticket is a disgrace and the fact that they have a chance of winning is completely sickening. What is wrong with you people?

40% Rep – 40% Dem – 20% independent
The independent vote is the most important vote.
Everyone else is in the tank for Mac or OB
Debate-Debate-Debate!
Anything else is a GAME.
I am tried of games!

Obama said a president needs to know how to do more than one thing at a time so why isn't he doing his job as a senator and helping to try to solve the financial crisis. Oh right, that's probably not in his script.

First Barrak is the one that has started playing Presidentail Politics. all you genuis out there I have a hard time saying it but McCain has done the right thing . this is a issue that needs to be solved in a smart manner and McCaine needs to be in Washington reminding his peers that they need to get it done . Also tonites duel is suppose to be about Foreign affairs not the econonmy.

Did you people even watch the the Dems primary debates??? Hillary beat Obama everytime. Take Obama away from a teleprompter and he is terrible. Why do you think he refused to do the ten town hall meetings with McCain? McCain will win this debate just like he did in Saddleback.

We all know that McCain is going to show up. He's just trying to gain some sympathy and attention. I see right thru it. He's a joke. He'll be there tonite, definitely. I hope Obama does well.

Voters are not as deaf and blind as McCain believes. . When a plan iscomplete, by both sides, why does it all of a sudden fall apart the minute McCain appears on the scene, and the Republicans pull out.?Is it a stall so he can get his thoughts together for a debate? Is it a ruse so that today's debate is cancelled and he can use Palin's debate date? Or does he want to hang around until a plan is in place and make it appear that he saved us all from ruin? He doesn't want Palin to debate AT ALL!!!! How could the Republicasns put such a man and woman up for the highest offices in the country??????? SHAME ON THEM!!!! We are serious people with dire needs, right now! STOP THE GAMES!!!!! Admit your mistakes and take your lumps.

I certainly hope McCain isn't wearing a wire so he can receive the answers. There is no doubt McCain cheated in the Saddleback Debate. McCain answered the questions before they were asked.

Palin who? The only reason McCain wants to stop the debate tonight is to delay the VP Debate. If I were him I would, too. McCain should have vetted Palin. All of the people in Alaska are Foreign Policy experts. Well, with the Russian planes flying in the air space above Alaska. Wow!

Barack Obama is going to be one of America's greatest Presidents in history.

I will be posting on this board every day when you whining bleeding heart dems loose your jobs if Hussein is voted in. A smooth talking Hussein is not what this country needs.. Wake up.. You sheep make me sick..

Shame on McCain...nobody likes this bailout and its the fault of BOTH parties and this current administration. But, it has to be done or else we might as well just scuttle the boat. McCain has offered nothing new in Washington, in fact he said little until the very end of the meeting. This is all a play by the Republicans to stall, and try and make McCain look good. If I were Obama I would go for borke now..hold a press conference reveal all and then fly down to Ol Miss and wait .....if McCain does not show up, well there you have it America..he can't take 4 hrs out of his life to come debate! He owes the public and WE THE PEOPLE have a right to hear our nominees speak and debate the issues! One of these two is going to inherit this mess and we need to know who can do the best job! McCain has been playing a game all along, hiding Palin, only allowing photo ops...the two times she did speak in interviews she sounded less mature than my 14 year old daughter. Not a coherent sentence out of her. All you republicans should feel ashamed today, in light of the fact that your nominee picked someone so inept just to try and win the Wal Mart mom vote...it's pathetic! Hillary has ten times the brains that this woman has and all you PUMA's that are going to actually support this ticket out of spite better think again. You think you will get 40% of the parties vote in 2012? Did you not hear Chris Rock last night on Larry King? He said that Black people have been voting white people in office for years!!! If you people other than the 20% radical right in thsi country do not see whats going on then wew are in trouble...in fact maybe its best just to sell this country to the highest bidder right now!

Veterans for Obama

Don't lie to yourself people. 48 percent for Biden and 46 percent for Palin? Katie Couric soft pitched a couple of balls to this lady, and what was her responses? Check out the interview or text. "Uh, I'll get back to yA!"

mccain has showed dome poor decision making again; not showing up for the debates communicates an attempt to hide a behind the bailout; my sense is he is not prepared and does not what the bailout to be a discussion topic. my guess he thinks the avergae citizen really belives he is the one and only saviour of the financial mess. hard to win a debate if u do not show up/

It's fortunate that, if the numbers can be believed, there are more Dems than Repubs. Why ? Because those Repubs making comments on these forums are just blindly following their party line. There is no other logical explanation for the continued support for these two buffoons. I think as the country sees more of them it will come to realize how much of a disaster they are and vote accordingly. But again, the Republican base will vote blindly for them. I can't wait to see what new smears the Rovians will unleash at the last hour to lure witless voters to their candidate. I only hope there are enough "real change" voters to make a rational difference and make our country great again.

I'VE BEEN TRAVELING AROUND THE COUNTRY WORKING ( i'm lucky). AND THE BUZZ THAT IS OUT THERE IS ( I'VE SPOKE WITH MANY MANY PEOPLE ). OBAMA IS ON THE MONEY WITH HIS PREPARATIONS ON THIS DEBATE. HE HAS A FIRM POSITION TO ADHERE TO AND FILL. IT'S McCAIN WHO IS HIDING BEHIND POLITICAL ISSUES TO AVOID THE HIS FACE TO FACE WITH A SMART, STRONG, DETERMINED CANIDATE. McCAIN IS RUNNING SCARED. WHEN McCAIN ATTENDED THIS BAILOUT SUMMIT HE HAD ( NO ) INPUT AT ALL, AT ALL, UNTIL OBAMA ADRESSED McCAIN. THUS FORCING OR NUDGING ALONG. McCAIN TO BE APART OF THE PROCESS A VERY SMART MOVE BY OBAMA. LOOK THE BOTTOM LINE TO ALL OF THIS MESS FOR THE LAST 8 YEAR IS , CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE. McCAIN HAS HAD HIS ARMS WRAPPED ALL AROUND BUSH'S 8 YEARS OF FAILED POLICIES. A LIVING HELL FOR ALL OF US, EXECPT FOR THE CROOKS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY. $$$$$$$$ 700 BILLION WON'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO THE MESS WE'RE IN !!!!!!!!!!! BELEIVE IN CHANGE AND CHANGE WILL COME. BELIEVE IN McCAIN AND NOTHING BUT THE SAME...........................

Both candidates and the rest of the nation have already forgotten the few zillion dollars in profits that the oil companies have been making each quarter year since 2004. THAT is where all the gains of the stock market disappeared to, and THAT is where we can get the $700 Billion needed to recover the financial system! Rob this money back from the oil companies now!!

Alexander

Well I'm sure there will no doubt who will win the VP Debate after Palin's comments on Interview with Katie Couric! She proved beyond doubt she is a total idiot! She said Alaska's neigbours, foreign countries are in the state she is executive of!!! I guess Russia and Canada should soon start paying US taxes. This unequivocally shows how demented McCain is given he choose this woman for VP!

Quote: Palin defends claim that Alaska’s proximity with Russia helps bolster her foreign policy resume in an interview released Thursday.
asked by CBS’s Katie Couric what she meant by that statement said: “That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land — boundary that we have with — Canada.
“…our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They're in the state that I am the executive of,” said Palin.
HUH?

Everyone, please examine the tactic the Republicans are using with postponing debates, restricting media access, cancelling television show appearances, they're creating a false scarcity of the two candidates. A mild glance into human psychology and marketting and you'll understand that when we perceive something to be scarce, we value that thing more, the imagined worth is driven ever higher than it otherwise would've been. Supply and demand, diamonds, gas, gold, McCain, Palin, none have real value, only perceived value through scarcity. When none can have access to interview Palin, all will clamour to interview Palin, to be the first, to get the scoop, when they speak, people will cherish more their words, imagine the opportunity to be some sort of precious item, when really, it's just more of the same, presented to you in an, "act now," "supplies are limitted," "for a limitted time only" sort of advertising gimmick. Don't fall for it, please.

How convenient that the debate my be pushed back... wake up America... the McCain/Palin camp is running around trying to figure out how in the hell they are gonna get Palin "ready" for Biden. They're buying more time – TOO LATE!!

DO YOU SEE HER INTERVIEW WITH CATIE COURIC??? I mean c'mon?????? and the republicans say this woman is MORE QUALIFIED THAN OBAMA???

Wow can I get what they're smoking cuz it sure does make you live your world in a fantasy!!!!

Obama / Biden '08 – I have faith!!!!

McCain should be praised for his service to our country. However, this man should NOT lead our nation. I think many of us realize this comes down to choosing the lesser of two evils but come on people! Wake up and smell your rotting 401k...if you still have one. We need fresh thinkers, fresh ideas, and a renewed impression in the global community. McCain is a "has been" and must move on. I wouldn't be surprised if his campaign finds a way to suspend the VP debate in response to something else that occurs. I'm was an undecided voter until last week when the McLame floundered and suggested that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. Time to retire and enjoy retirement in one of your seven homes. Sure he's nice and cute, but so if my grandfather.

Kool- Aid Man who wrote a blog earlier, I am glad you are reminding your Republican friends to Vote on Nov. 5th....................

I am in such disbelief how close of a race this election is with all the stunts the Republicans have pulled the past couple of days. Wake up, how can you guys be in such denial and vote for an individual who is making a mockery out of this election. This is a disgrace to the entire country and nation.

What goes around...comes around, and coming November it is going to be OBAMA as the President and Michelle as the First Lady.....

You can't hide for too long McCain/Palin... All the lies and deceit...I pray that it would hunt you both forever for playing with the lives of other innocent people in this country.

Go Obama Go!!!

McCain is using the bailout turmoil t his advantage and is trying to throw Obama off balance and off guard. His sudden announcement of suspending the campaign is a ploy. Neither of these two candidates are on any committees that decides the bailout plan. They can have their input on the plan while campaigning and debating and cast their vote on the bailout plan. Any presidential candidate should be able to handle these things at the same time. Looks like McCain is coppinng out of the debates because he knows Obama is doing better than him with the voters on economic issues and is hoping that something will happen by delaying the debates that turns the tide in his favor. Very crookish.

Funny No other but McCain is the one that has proposed to the friend of Tony Rezco and Ayers 10 DEBATES; of course he does not accept it

What is he going to preach to us? INCONDITIONAL talks with the Fundamentalist gang that nest in Teheran. Perhaps; they say there about America THE SAME things that mr.Obama's pastor was preaching in his church in Chicago, Ill. without him withdrwaing from that nest of Anti-Americanism, until his real face was shown on those revealing videos showing to America the atmosphere of treason and hate against America. WAKE UP ! do not surrender yuour culture to foreign ideas and anti democratic conceptions of life.

Hey CNN, at least Obama is going to show up for this previously agreed upon debate. Who knows about McCain. It's obvious to me he's avoiding the issues that must be addressed. Tonight's debate should be about the economy. Oh, that's right, Mr. McCain lacks an understanding of basic economics. McCain tells us he's suspending his campaign but yet his surrogates and operatives are all over the television and his ads are still running. This man is a liar and a coward.

Another skewed left wing poll. You had Gore and Kerry winning the day of the election. You were wrong then as you are now.

Poor Little Johhny cant seem to multi-task. He can juggle all his homes, all his cars, his lack of closet space due to Cindy's ever increasing wardrobe...but he cant debate because of the financial crisis?? Perhaps he should send Falin in his place. After all, she is the best thing this country has ever seen since sliced bread.
And with her experience dealing with Russia, since they are neighbors, and join each other for High Noon Tea on Sundays, she would be perfect to talk foreign policy.
Come on John, just sen Falin an email to go in your place.

http://www.john did imention i was a pow mccain.com
http://www.sarah thanks but no thanks but we will keep the money falin.com

Obama is the hope and future of the country. McCain is past. McCain=Bush. It's time to wake up. Another 4 years of Bush policy could just complete destroy the country we all love and live.

Obama will be fine. I think all eyes will be on McCain, he is ready to explode. He is down in the polls, made fatal error for political gain on the wall street bailout, and then has to worry what Palin will say next. He must be shaking in his boots! McCain has no edge, McCain has more to prove now then Obama does.

I am voting for Obama and Biden!

sm, evidently you have been in the dark too long. You, Rush and Sean need to face the fact that Obama is more qualified, honest, intelligent than anyone of you. McCain and Palin who both look like a dear in headlights when they are questioned about ANYTHING!!! You guys need to preach something else, because all the negative stuff you have been saying for the post several months about Obama is not working for you!!! BTW, go kill a moose and serve it up for you and the rest of the guys!!!

This in response to SM's comments.

Were you in the room? Do you know what happen? Hell no. shut up you loser. mccain return to DC was simply political, he is losing ground and he is stalling. He let that dumb palin loose yesterday and she made a complete idiot of herself, I would not have expected more after all, she is incompetent to be VP just as mccain is incompetent to be President. Before you start shooting off you big fat mouth know what you are talking about you are the one that's PATHETIC!!!

Obama/Biden

Mr. McCain- if you cannot take 2 hours to debate Sen Obama- stand up like a MAN- then what does that show me? That you run and hide when the chips are down? That a convenient excuse wins out over honor to a commitment? I do not trust you, Sir- nor do I believe your flimsy excuse for non-attendance. You will lose this election- and it will be of your own doing.

Well sm,

If McCain would have continued on with his campaign (another LIE) and NOT interfered with the negotiations, Obama would NOT had been summons by BUSH and things would have BEEN resolved. I‘ll get back witch you!!!!!!!!!!!!(Palin handed Couric a couple of index cards. One of them was headed "Iran". Underneath was written "1) Bad guys 2) Building nukes 3) Invade if necessary").

Another Republcian PAID blogger that makes getting a check for LYING for McCain and Palin a SERIOUS mental condition.

Obama 08

Above comments from "sm" really shows just how stupid Americans can be. McCain & Palin are a joke and will cause our country to further slide into stupidity.

DOES ANY KNOW WHERE THE STRAIGHT EXPRESS HAS GONE TO?

Hello People!!! Tonight's debate which may or may not occur is on foreign policy not the economy.

AUC Why do you think Obama is black, his mom is white, why is he considered any more black than he is white? Seems to me he could be considered white just as easily as he could be called black?

Obama has consistently shown good judgement and wisdom in handling affairs. Obama is way above McCain and Palin put together.

Anybody that hasn't seen this is either stupid or wants to revel in ignorance, which still translates to being STUPID.

Why is it that CNN says Obama is ahead in the polls when ALL THE OTHER polls say that he and McCain are TIED? Could it be that CNN is "in the tank" for Obama? Oh, what a surprise!!

McCain came to the table, smiled, listened, made a couple of comments and never took a leadership role with these meetings.

I've been involved in a lot of meetings and never had the person who demanded the meeting not take a leadership role. Therefore, I conclude this is all show.

Also, looks like Obama is right. You can multitask this. Appears the debates will take place as scheduled.

Is McCain capable of mulit-tasking? Do we want a president who is going to suspend one issue over another? We need the debates to see who has a plan to bail us out of everything...health care, fuel, jobs, global warming and rising taxes. Time is running out on "selling" themselves to the voting public. McCain's suspension means only one thing to me.....he's not ready to debate! His party got us into this financial mess...always for the rich (why are the CEO's of these companies able to walk away millionaires while thousands lose their jobs and pensions?) Keep stalling, McCain.....just like you'd do if you were elected president.....you and Palin make a good pair. One is a bull dog and one is a puppy!

As for the economy…

I think McCain’s attempt to postpone the debate proves who truly puts their “Country First.” I’ve always felt that candidates neglect their current responsibilities to run for higher office. Understanding the demands of a campaign I can overlook some of that disregard. However, during a crisis such as this and considering what it could cost the American people who haven’t overspent the candidates need to get their priories straight. In this situation Senator Obama has shown me that his career is more important than the people. Even if it is, “just a 90 minute debate.”

What's "Personal qualities"? Race?

Why is no one talking about what spending cuts will be made? In this time of financial crisis do we really need to know what is on Mars? We need to focus on helping Americans and cut foriegn aid. We can't keep spending money we don't have. We can't keep raising taxes when we can't make ends meet now!

Where was McCain at that WH meeting? All the reports say, he said NOTHING. Obama gave proposals, sought critique and took control. McCAin is not a leader AT ALL.

I asked this question yesterday.

WHAT WILL JOHN MCAIN DO IF THIS BAIL FAIL? WILL HE ABANDON HIS PRESIDENTIAL BID OR THE COUNTRY WILL NOT HOLD ELECTIONS?

These negotiations can take whole of next week or even fail? The house is adjourning next week as well.

Mcain is behaving like a desperate political activist.

SM John McCain went there only to be seen and when ask for an opinon he gave none. So why Obama is wrong for trying to help solve the problem. All Republicans want is to give McCain the upper in this crisis but what will each gain except a big headache. The parties was doing fine until McSane came. Now if that was a democrat the party would be saying why is he here and for what purpose. The same should be asked of McCain. You don't neglect to read policies and then offer a 5 line items speech in the middle of negotiations. McCain should have been working with his party just like Obama. McCain main concern is getting votes without working to ensure the people he is the right man. Yes McCain can't chew gum and walk at the same time. Multitask is not in his vocabulary.

Good morning everyone. Will McCain be reading from indx cards like Palin. McCain was the one who kept pushing the debate and now he is trying to bail out. I will count how many times he will use the word "American" and "terrorist" as if our greatest threat are from overseas. When we have our "American terrorist" right here in the US that is causing the economy to be as bad as it is.

I have no idea where CNN got these numbers from, was it someone in mccain's camp. These numbers are a joke. mccain has screwed up this country long enough and these polls are LIES. I wish you people would stop using these polls to try to influence the people, hell nobody in their right mind will vote for mccain, he is a bomb waiting to go off, look at what he did with throwing a monkey wrench in the negotiations yesterday, the hell with the polls they are totally off.

Obama/Biden

Susan,,,u are right, if u are SUSPENDING ur campaign...why run ads, have offices and do the same thing u have been doin...hmmmmmmmm.

Smells like a political stunt.

There are higher expectations for Obama because he is the new guy on the block but after the shennigans we have seen this week that John McCain pulled. Obama is going to crucify McCain at the debate that is if the (chicken )shows up. If he doesn't show with his failing poll numbers he is toast.. Country first my behind...it only takes 90 minutes to debate, and if you cannot multi-task, you need to remove your name from the ballor period!

If the number one issue to the American people is the economy and John McCain wants to work on it and Barack Obama wants to have a debate tonight after ducking and hiding all summer long who looks more presidental???

That's right. John McCain!

Let's face it. Obama is a smart guy. After hearing Paul Begala last night refer to Bush as a "high-functioning moron" (a comment heard a lot outside of the US) it would be refreshing to see someone in the White House who can solve problems through intelligent analysis and reason.
Look up the origin of the word "Maverick." It's an old cowboy term for a lost stray that didn't belong to anyone. There wasa rancher named Maverick who increased his herd by branding everyone's strays as his, therefore any lost stray was "Maverick's". Watching McCain over the last few days, or Palin's interview, and I'm thinking yes, absolutely, these are two lost strays, "Mavericks" in the real sense of the word.
Unfortunately all McCain will have to do to "win" tonight is to speak in complete senteneces, and mention a hundred times that he spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton.

You know, there are other reasons to vote for or against a candidate other than their skin color. Not everyone who does not support Obama is a racist, although if it makes you feel better to believe that, then get down with your bad self. It just shows hatred is alive and well in this country for everyone who is different from you.

I'm more worried about the people who support their candidate so completely that they never question anything about them. Both have lied, both have some questionable activities on their records, and both have done some good. If you can live with it, fine, but stop acting like your guy is perfect and the other person is evil incarnate.

Man, you GOP zealots are really blind. Everyone is hammering McCain for playing politics with this one. There have been other crises and the debates have gone on before.

In the meeting yesterday McCain showed no leadership and was a nonentity. Why did he go back to Washington is he wasn't going to be helpful and isn't part of these negotiations?

Here's the thing: McCain has worked hard to be nominated. Other candidates fought to be in the lineup; Romney, Huckleberry, L. Ron Paul, Hillary. But Obama was pushed forward by others, not because he was scheming to be president but because he's smart, honest, and unencumbered by political scandals. He took advice from Rezko but that's not like being one of the Keating Five.
McCain's age has done him in; first he fell off the Straight Talk Express, then he inexplicably chose Moosie Palin as his insurance against melanoma. Sorry Gramps, I wouldn't let you drive me to the mall these days, much less run my whole country. But you did whip the Kaiser and send those Japs packing back in the day, so be content with that.

Barack Obama has a big mouth, Harvard educated but radical. He can do well in debates but it is just a talk, no substance, no experience. Major media like CNN, NBC, CBS, ABS and of course New York times are behind him. He is not presidential. John McCain has all the qualities and personality. John McCain will be our next president. American people are smart. Barack will try to score some points in the debate but he is a fraud. Watch out.

McCain still planning AWOL?

McCain is not even helping by being in Washington, Democrats and Republicans have said. He is trying to get out of the debate, and trying to get Palin out of hers too.

Palin/McCain is the most ignorant team ever!

SM, what in the world are you talking about and where did you get such erroneous information? More Republican talking points?

for some reason Gov. palin speaks like 16 years old girl is it me or

McCain showing up (first time since April) to help is much like asking a 2-year old to help you move the sofa: no real help but makes the 2 year-old feel important. As of yesterday, McCain admitted he hadn't taken the time to read the 3 page bill ... too busy playing politics at the Clinton event that morning ... he forgot he had suspended his campaigning.

If McCain skips the debates, then maybe the whole schedule will slide – with no time left for VP debates: wouldn't that be just dandy for darling Sarah!

as for "sm" diatribe – there are so many errors in it , the election will be over by the time someone makes the corrections ... none so blind as those who choose not too see ...

Its great how cnn only prints those comments which are pro-Dem. Most of these people can't even use complete sentences to convey their ideas and cnn still thinks it's news. And they have never seem Obama blunder through a conversation without the use of the teleprompter. Go watch the Saddleback debates if you want evidence. He's an empty suit.

Q: Why do all the Repubs seem so angry?
A: Because they know theyre going to lose.

If McCain doesn't show up, I will expect the media to do its job and report on EXACTLY where McCain is while Obama is in Mississippi. If he isn't in the capitol building furiously working away, but rather sitting at home, I expect the media to call him out on it.

Listen up folks, as much as I really don't want to say this. If not 700 billion, how much?, regardless the American people will have to pay for this??? so whether we like it or not, we will have to pay to get out of this mess, that is the reality. This mess has gone on to long, over years. Neither Obama or McCain can easliy just come in and gau-la, they have saved the day. If it was that easy, a bill would be signed and done already.
This is a delicate balance of helping the american taxpayer, unfreezing credit, and turning things around. So for all of the folks, blaming Obama for not doing this, and praising McCain for doing that. This is not POLITICAL!!!! This decision will be very difficult on both sides, and furthermore, McCain presence did nothing????? in fact, he couldn't bring his own party together with a consensus???

As this election progresses, it seems to me that McCain is self-destructing and showing us how he would act in a time of crisis if he were president. He likes to gamble so he would gamble with our future as well as that of our children. Repeatedly he has shown bad judgement and made poor decisions which shows that experience without wisdom is disastorous. Moreover, as I now watch the Palin interviews, I see why she is kept away from the press. I'm sure she is a decent person and a loving mother, but she is showing that she is far from ready to be vp of the united states. I cannot even follow her logic when she answers questions. I actually feel sorry for her that she jumped in and allowed herself to be used as a political ploy to rescue mccain's campaign. It is time for all of us to step back and objectively look at where we are and the candidates and make a choice using our best wisdom and not fear and emotions. Let's not be fooled by the Republicans again. I'm nodon't believe the country can take 4 more years of Republican rule!

McCain is a sad sad man, hell he probably decided on this stunt after he saw the interview with Sarah (laughable and scary) to try to take the spot light off his ill prepared running mate.

Just like the silly gas tax pander and the Sarah Palin hail Mary John McCain's latest wild gamble isn't going to pay off for him.

McCain is blinking. This race is done.

Wait a minute......46% of American believe that Sarah Palin can win the coming debate with Biden? WOW!!!!! It's no wonder George W. is a two-term sitting duck.

46% of the American population who are paying attention to this political mess are as clueless as Palin. Pull their voter registration cards...this is ridiculous.

Who is being Polled?? How can 62% say that McCain has better personal qualities than Obama? BS...McCain has commited Adultery against his first wife, he was up to his eyebrows in the Keating five scandal, for 20 years he voted against regulation of the crooked exec.s in Wall Street and he continues to tell lies to the American people and he is definitely a crooked Elitist..
If I were asked in a Poll, I'd give him minus 10%.
Obama on the other hand, Is ethical, honest and trustworthy. I'd give him 110%!!

McCain's backing out of tonight's debate is just another symptom of a campaign that is trying to fudge the election outcome by not addressing the issues, but rather creating diversions. I agree with Barack that injecting Presidential politics into the bailout dialogue will only serve to divide the party lines. The candidates' time is best served telling the American people how they will govern and what they will do to fix the mess we're in, should they be elected.

If this poll is remotely accurate, then my suspicions that one can no longer trust the American voter to do what is best for the country. I thought the last two elections were an anomaly but the inmates may, indeed, have taken over the asylum.

Mr. McCane had suppended his convention for a wearher emergency, has campaign for a finantial emergency and now should we expect him to suppend his presidency for a natural security emergency should he be elected!

Debates are a media event and the outcome, either way, will be spun by the media to meet their agenda. So look for B. Hussein Obama to be crowned the winner, whether he does or not. Because he is who the media wants to win.

Its all propagande and only small minded people think otherwise.

Obama is the obvious choice for the majority of Americans who are struggling in this whack economy...I don;t know about you, but I want to be a ble to afford a house payment in the next year or so...McCain can afford to lose about 4 or 5 and still live comfortably...Such an elitist!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08'

This election campaign is highly entertaining. I always believed that if you do vote you do so for the person or party you think will get the job done. Issues should be so much more important than looks or race or gender. By what I've seen and read so far the next president of the States can only be Obama. The 'circus' that is the campaign of the Reps just doesn't convice me that McCain or Palin know what they are doing. Too bad I can't vote.

McCain is afraid to debate on the economy, period. He is pathetic!

I have to say that this economic situation is alot more important than the debate,We all know that to postpone that for one or two days will not hurt the parties but,Not focusing on the economic situation cannot wait ,we saw that in the headlines this morning,One more thing if i might add ,David Letterman Had to at one time find a fill in last minute because of a heart attack,AMERICAS HAVING ONE NOW!!!So I hope he will get off his high horse about JOHN McCAIN WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT?He made such a tantrum on the show Last NIGHT ,Its not about HOLLYWOOD APPROVAL.I am AM GLAD McCain STUCK To his guns.

Obama has it right, its "by the people, for the people", not "by big business for big Business"

hey this story has been running for days now as a front page story, I guess it is best to leave it up to help drive down the republicans popularity

The 4 or 5 conditions put forward by Obama will only work in a
COMMUNIST / SOCIALIST ENVIRONMENT where the Government has authoritarian Control..

Obama has played his Presidential Politics card in DC.
He will blame it on McCain.
His next card is the FEAR Card which he will play in Mississippi.

He'd better go back to COMMUNITY ORGANISING.

This is a joke if the election day was today and anyone voted for McCain/ Palin I would have clear understanding as to why we are in this mess. People vote with common sense it is clear Obama/Biden will bring America back from the depression the republicans have created. Don't judge a man by his skin because we are all Americans and we all love this country. No one race built america, we all did.

Vote Obama/ Biden, Mississippi will.

I have a suggestion....If John McCain can't make it to the debate he should send Palin to fill in for him...See if she is, as John McCain so strongly suggests, "ready to lead" Now that would be interesting..

I still don't get how McCain is better at handling terrorism and Iraq??? He scares me! I think he would be too quick to go to war! It's obvious that he is a bully! He keeps talking about 10 town halls like he is running things and that Obama should do what he wants! He is arrogant and not presidential!

6 in 10 believe Obama will win the debates?
Is Obama bringing along his teleprompter?
McCain can talk foreign policy in his sleep.
Obama has had to train with a debating coach.
CNN, I don't know where you get these ridiculous polls.
Your bias is so transparent.

LLeftists were affected with the same optimism the Kerry/Bush's debates. Mr. Kerry "won" them all they claimed ; yet he got beaten in November.

HONOR: George Washington and Alexandere Hamilton two true patriots that made possible the Change in America.

VOTE: McCain/Palin

The canceling of the campaign certainly got everyones attention. However, sliding into the crevices and pretending he is only intrested in cowboying a deal to repair the economy is ridiculous. He may have some say but he is not the president and as the president he has to learn to multitask...So show up to the Debate or Shut up McCain.

"It appears Barack Obama has higher expectations to meet at Friday night's debate than John McCain does, a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll suggests." It's called E-G-O first, country second.

McCain:

Suspension of campaign – a lie!
Country first – a lie!
Sarah Palin's qualified to be VP – a lie!

Three strikes, you're out!

Obama/Biden '08

Obama should do well at the debat.. McCain should debate. He is stalling, looking for some sort of political gain for his campaign, it is beyond me how so many are going for the McCain, banana in the tail pipe?? It's obvious the finanical system is in a crisis, which utimately effects our national security. We need to hear from both candidates NOW!

If there is a debate this evening, I hope McCain wipes the floor with your messiah candidate. Obama is an empty suit and all talk no action candidate.

I wonder what the pundits and media would be saying if the tables were turned and Obambi was the one who suspended his campaign to work on this bailout crap? The story of course would be different.

I applaude McCain.

They didnt need Mccain there in washington. And if he was really trying to get things done why did he just sit there in the meeting and not give any ideas. according to the press he didnt have any insight . so tell me how is he helping? McCain is using this as a political ploy. does he want the debate on the vp night so sarah doesnt have to debate/ or is he afraid of losing and showing his temper.

biden is going to hand palin her touche in the debates... if people are confused about that, it's prob b/c they haven't seen one of her three interviews. biden is not going to let her talk in circles. here's praying that palin/mccain aren't successful in their bid to delay the debates.

McCain knows how badly he will do that's why he's wimping out... hero my butt.

I'm voting for Obama but if he keeps over-explaining everything, he will lose. He needs to just get to the point and not provide every single detail and nuance about complex subjects.

People really aren't that smart, just look at who we have now in the WH.

Jim you must be joking right? You can not actually believe that Barack Obama would beat John McCain on a foriegn policy debate. Palin did not stumble in her interview, I have a feeling that you would have said that before you even saw it. McCain is putting country first to slove a very important issue. Obama is putting Obama first. Case closed.

McCain/Paiin will win in 39 days and Obama will have to go back to being a Senator if he even remembers how to do that.

A split between Biden and Palen???? No, that means that you need to poll someone other than native Alaskans....

I'm a huge Obama supporter but I am nervous about the debate. It's not always his best forum...he's not so great at dumming it down for the soundbyte-obsessed culture of our politics. I don't know what kind of debater McCain is but obviously people have pretty low expectations for him, which can only help him, if he bothers to show up, that is. I do think Obama's a hell of a lot smarter than McCain, so that ought to count for something in the debate.

The debate (if John McCain shows) will be a slam dunk for the voters. It seems we are beginning to move beyond discussions of lipstick and houses to more important issues dealing with Wall Street and its relationship with government. People tend to use "hot button" terms like liberal and neocon without getting down to the real issue. The crises (Iraq war, Afghanistan war, Wall Street Bail Out , etc.) the country is now facing should focus the debate on real issues.

It seems a little strange that there is so much talk about keeping the panic factor down – but this (the sudden game change) only adds to it.
Feels like it's a stunt for people to feel releaved and applaud him once he walks on stage.

And that includes you too, JIM...TX!

Obama will be cool and collected, and very presidential. McCain will not be able to defend his positions, because they are the same as the Bush administration's. Obama will win hands down. As for the VP debate, how could 46 percent actually believe that Palin will defeat Biden? Are these people brain dead or what?

When McCain shows up and reminds us the economy is fundamentally strong and all of these people are unemployed, businesses are closed, houses are empty and banks are changing hands because the surge is working, we can relax and explain to our kids and grandkids how much they'll have to work to pay for this mess.

I think the subject matter of the debates should change and this one should be on the economy and the last should be on foreign policy.

This is nothing more than political posturing in the worst way. He pretends to care, when he has not voted in the Senate since APRIL, and now he implies the wheels of democracy will grind to a halt if he is not in a room for his photo op. Maybe if he had skipped the Clinton speech he would have been there earlier or if he had skipped the round robin of newscasts last night and flown then, he would have been there all day since he appears to think he is so indispensable all of a sudden.

Exactly, who is the McCrypt supposed to be reaching out to??? The republicans in the Banking Committee were onboard before McCrypt hits town. They go to the WH for the photo op, there were NO negotiations taking place in that room! The problem is House republican conservative, that do not want any bailout period. Is McMoron is in the Senate, the Senate repubs are on board! McMoron does not work in the HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES!!! That is where the holdouts are and they are REPUBLICANS AND THEY HATE MCCAIN!

Other than cause the fragile pact that was announced JOINTLY by both parties in the Banking Committee, WHAT HAS MCMORON CONTRIBUTED "reaching across the aisle" to HOUSE REPUBLCANS??? That is not bipartisan that is PARTISAN???

WHAT IS THE DODDERING OLD FOOL DOING OTHER THAN ACTING LIKE A DODDERING OLD FOOL!

Go home, change the Depends, take a shot of prune juice, soak the teeth in Efferdent(PLEASE) and nod off and leave reality to the rest of us for at least 8 hours!!.

Only if Obama shows up by himself.

Btw. you stupid people are picking on McCain so much because he might not show up at just 1 debate. what about the summer when McCain always challenged Obama to do the same thing and what was his answer? NO!

You Obama lovers are the most ignorant, irragant, self righteous and most stupid people in the whole world.

And that's not typing much!

This black democrat for McCain.

Let's hope there is even a debate. My money is on McCain not showing up. His campaign is a joke.

Yay for CNN! Another point for Obama! Your candidate puts campaign first. I love how you use reverse psychology by saying that the McCain campaign is the ones that is sexist and is playing politics. You really fulled a lot of people with that one.

After the events of the past few days, I am more confient than ever in my decision, as a registered Republican, to vote for Obama. The McCain/Palin ticket has turned into one big frightening fiasco. McCain needs to be in Washington, yet he sits in relative silence during the talks? Nauseating. I am confident Obama'sappearance will display his knowledge, fortitude and ability to lead in the face of adversity.

If John McCain feels that he cannot participate in tonights debate because of stalled financial bailout plan, I feel Sarah Palin should step up to the plate and take his place at the debate. Why not make tonights debate for the vice presidents?

Let's hope the McCain campaign doesn't declare another crisis days after it actually occurs. I wouldn't want Hurricane Ike to get in the way of the vice-presidential debate set to take place next week.

Mccain doesn't have a chance in the debates and he knows it! That's why he is hiding. As far as the VP debate OMG! I can not even imagine what a nightmare that will be.

Get real, Mr. McCain ... your bizzare idea of running away from this debate is showing your true colors. Gimmie a break, this is grandstanding, pure and simple. If you cannot go face-to-face with Obama for just 90 minutes, then what qualities DO you have to deal with more than one thing at a time?

A real President must be able to handle more than one crisis at a time, so I guess your actions sure as heck speak a lot louder than your hollow words.

First you hide Ms. Palin from the press, then you hide from this debate. WHAT GIVES? What are you afraid of?

mcCain has really messed up with this little stunt of his. I hope he don't show up.

I truly believe of both canidates, neither one of them will win. There is too much controvisity from both sides, for there to be an honest election.I also believe there will be a lot of write-in votes for the favor of someone that can bring this country to the way our fellow forerunners meant it to be when the CONSTITUTION was written. How come people of today do not recall their history, to remember that?? Why has'nt the voyting machines of Florida been fixed for the people of Florida to have an honest voting system??Can anyone tell me why??

It's only by perception that people think McCain has the advantage on security than Obama. You acquire knowledge either by experience or by studying. None cancels the other. Experience doesn't make you any better than one who has the actual knowledge on any issue. Having knwoledge or experience doesn't matter if you don't apply either to make a wise decision. And that's what Obama has consitently demonstrated. McCain on the other hand with all his experience hasn't demonstrated much wisdom in his decision making. And ruling another human being requires wisdom more than knowledge or experience. So, go figure.

When King Solomon was annointed the ruler of his people he was much younger than Obama. God asked him (Solomon) what he needed to be able to rule his people and he asked for wisdom. And did God bless him for that. You don't rule one another only by being knowledgable or having experience. You do so with wisdom. Not just any kind of wisdom but the wisdom of God. And wisdom is nothing but making decisions through applying knowledge or experience.

Yeah Obama rip McBush in this debate! McSame is even worse than Bush and I have absolutely no idea how in this world someone can support such a liar. But I'm even more looking forward the Vice Presidential debate. Miss Alaska is the biggest joke I've ever seen!

Mr. Magoo went to Washington to shake things up. It sure did. Outcome?It didn't go the way it was intended to do.

Why is McCain threatening not to show up at the debates until his armour is nice and shiny as the knight who saves America, but on Brian Williams last night he started again on the town hall meetings? Why, if he suspended his campaign, are they still running ads on TV, his surrogates are all over the television, his field offices are open and it is business as usuall? This man has again LIED to America! The only thing he has done by his actions is to screw up any deals, and right after things blew up, Washington Mutual Bank collapsed! Can somebody answer me?

Obama is out of touch and tethering on Hypocricy.
He said it was unwise to inject Presidential politics in the on-going negotiations in DC.
At the White House meeting the leader of the Democrats defered the negotiating to Obama.
Obama went on to hammer the House Republican leader.
He was not seeking common grounds.
He cannot work across party lines.
He caused the break down of the meeting.
McCain left the negotiating to the Republican seniors.
McCain went to DC not to throw a wrench in the works but to talk to House Republicans who were reluctant to spend Tax Payers Money.
He never went into the negotiating room.
McCain wanted to bridge the gap. he is the Maverick.
It was Obama who brought in Presidential politics to DC.

Now, with this Financial crisis still looming he wants to go to Mississippi to debate FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Obama looks to be the Village Idiot.
Obama is ALL TALK with NO ACTION.

Pathetic !!!

I can not believe that this bill would allow CEO's of failing companies to continue to receive paychecks of possibly $1,000,000 a month. In addition, this bill would allow for these companies to give raises to their CEO's also. WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If your company fails, how can one possibly expect to continue to receive this type of paycheck? How does this make sense? I think all of the Congress people really need to do their job and protect the American people.

I also hope that the moderators ask these Senators about this!!!

John McCain statement:
Due to a worsening economic climate and my decision to suspend campaigning for a day, I am requesting that all Republicans vote on Nov. 5th. This will help ease traffic congestion due to the large Democratic turnout on Nov. 4th at polling locations throughout the US.

Palin / McCain 08'

Hail Mary Times 9/26/08

First & foremost, I am not American but I love the country. We, viewers from outside as far as from Asean countries can see and judge who's right and wrong, who's playing most of the political dirty game, who speak the truth and who is not, well at one point both lies, well they have too, but not to overdone it as it can be a disgrace campaign ever run. To us, it's a learning process about politics, culture and belief. There's a lot to be learnt out of this.

Honestly, based on my humble opinion, here, I am not besiding any parties because of out-of-admiration of either candidates but more towards what I've learnt since the primary election, Mr. Barack Obama would be a better choice for President of the United States.

McCain is erratic and temperamental. They call that maverick. I call it madness. He is not fit to be president. God bless America!

Failin is a joke and if the reps say she is qualified to be vice pres, I'm not voting rep. I think Obama is the one and Mcsane is just playing POLOTRICS.

Wake up America. If you cannot see through this political BS from John McCanin and the inept Sarah Palin, and vote for Barack Obama for a chance at a future for all of us then God help you!

If you don't/ won't vote for Barack Obama simply because of his skin color, you're a bigger Bigot that John McCain is an Idiot!

And for you White Democrats, Chirs Rock said it best last night on Larry King, the African American community has always been loyal and supportive of any candidate you've selected and over 18 million peole have seen, heard and know that Barack Obama is the qualified person for this country at this time and if you can't see that then, you're idiots and God help you Too!!!!!

Obama/Biden 08/12 – A sane and logical chance for our future!!!!

It's only by perception that people think McCain has the advantage on security than Obama. You acquire knowledge either by experience or by studying. None cancels the other. Experience doesn't make you any better than one who has the actual knowledge on any issue. Having knwoledge or experience doesn't matter if you don't apply either to make a wise decision. And that's what Obama has consitently demonstrated. McCain on the other hand with all his experience hasn't demonstrated much wisdom in his decision making. And ruling another human being requires wisdom more than knowledge or experience. So, go figure.

A month ago it was drill..drill ..drill and drill now.

Democrats come back from your break and vote for drilling.

Today it is bail out....bail out....and bail out now

Again suspend camgpain,Suspend debate, Suspend ad,all now.. and only now.

Rush to washington now.... and fix the economy.

AMERICAN VOTERS YOU ARE THE REAL FOOL.

McCain and Palin are equal to Bush, Chaney, and Rice a bunch of blundering idiots. Bush the other night had no idea of what he was talking about on TV. McCain sitting at that table had facial features of a dumbfounded person. It was pathetic and we are republicans Obama Biden 2008 Jim Hall Kansas City, Missouri. Time for a change.

After watching McCain run around with his pants on fire, while
Obama has shown clear leadership in a crisis,I am sure these
debates will be the frosting on the cake. McCain will show up,
after pretending to bail out America, yet all pictures of him seem
to be smiling or laughing for the photo op. Obama's judgement
and commemts on this issue have been proof he is the one
to guide us through this crisis.

All eyes are on Obama mostly because of the stunt that John McCaine has pulled. So to be on the safe side, Obama has to prove without a doubt that he can come out on top.

How could anyone actually think that Sarah Palin would win a debate against Joe Biden??? She can barely formulate a logical thought. For those of you who haven't seen the CBS interview please watch it, it really is "um" special.

The Obama-McCain debates will be close I think, but Obama has the delivery advantage over McCain.

However, Joe Biden is going to ANNIHILATE Sarah Palin in the VP debate. No questions asked. I can't wait to see that one.

BOJO 08
FOR THE CHANGE WE NEED

What really disturbs me is the fact that 62% of the people polled said that John McCain has the personal qualities that a president should have. Are they comparing that to Bush's qualities (constant lying and underhanded tactics...etc.) or do people really not pay an ounce of attention to the race?

The question isnt who will win the debate.....The question is...will this be a repeat of the 2000 debate in California between John McCain and George Bush..McCain was a no show.

It does not matter who is going to be President, Nothing is going to change in Washington until we put "Terms" on our Congressmen/Women. If they cant get it done in 8 years its time to move on

So the three Democrats all won or will win the debates, even though most can remember Bush giving Kerry a good foreign policy spanking in the town hall debate. Obama has a "clear advantage" on the issues, even though voters say they trust McCain more on Iraq and terrorism? Where does Obama even stand on the economy?

And please tell me how the oral shoe horn plans to defeat Sarah Palin. Is he just going to stand there and not say anything? Otherwise, I fear CNN will have to find more creative ways to bend polls in his favor.

CNN, your bias is evident.

I'm looking forward to that debate

Maybe John McSame can explain, why he on the one hand suspend his campaign and on the other hand say nothing in the meeting and do nothing to unite HIS party to conclude that bailout plan, while OBAMA DID NOT SUSPEND HIS CAMPAIGN AND HAD A LEADING ROLE WITHIN THE MEETING!!!!
So now ask again, who's the better leader...!!!!!!!!

Obama/Biden by landslide!

McSame is too much of a jerk

Obama knows squat about the economy! Don't try to make him an economic powerhouse! John McCain has just proven that he understands the economics of the bailout but all Barak knows is to sign on the dotted line! Not someone I want in the Whitehouse. We don't need a car salesman running our country, thank you!

"The fundamentals of the economy are strong!" "We will win the Iraq war!" "The surge was a huge success" "In picking Sara Palin, I put my country first" "I know very little about economic matters" "The economy is not my strong suit" "I would not be opposed to a 100 years presence in Iraq" "We will be involved in another war" "War is inevitable if I am president of this great country"

People know Obama is more thoughtful and more serious than McCain. McCain will try to make do with a platitude and a POW tale.

Obama may come across as too serious; he may stammer a bit as he collects his thoughts; but he will think and he will try to give a well-considered answer.

The main difference is that Obama respects the questioner and the audience. McCain just tries to bluff them with phony straight talk that leaves us no closer to the truth.

Sad that the country can't see the Dems are the ones out of touch, and the cause for the current financial mess. This debate is on Foreign Policy, and Obama has NOTHING as far as experience in that arena.

Mc Cain better be There

And CNN why are you doing this no matter who does better .. you still are going to spin it as a win for Mac .....I am 100% positive about this .... You people disgust me

The stakes are too high for anyone to consider John McCain as effective in the crisis facing America today. His latest grandstanding stunt proves that he is unfit to lead this country. Whether McCain shows up or not doesn't matter anymore. I believe that most American's have made up their minds and will quietly go to the polls in November to cast their vote for the only rational candidate who has shown that he can handle many fronts at one time.
I'm not sure between McCain and Palin which one is more unfit to lead. God help America!
Obama 08

McSame is unprepared..he let the nation know that he could not multi-task...he went to a meeting to help with bailout as a photo op...and sat silently there for 45 minutes b4 saying anything.

He may as well show, he is not doin anything else.

...another thought...I hope McSame is a No Show at the debates...simply can't stand to watch that man try to talk...it pains me to no end. And to think I was a Republican for 30 years.

McCain is ALL MOUTH & NO BRAINS.
Delaying this will not help.
McCain is AN IDOIT

Well, winning should be easy for Barack. All he has to do is show up since McCain threw a monkey wrench into the bailout agreement yesterday. Now he doesn't have to go to the debates.

And Americans, we can not let the VP debate be cancelled or postponed. It's critical that people get to see Palin for the person she is – ill-prepared to be President from Day 1.

Hey, CNN...I'm tired of all the polls...my mind is made up, let's call for an actual vote and get this over with. I can hardly wait until early voting begins here in Texas. I want to watch the football games.

This debate doesn't matter, john mccain is determined that palin does not debate biden and he will do whatever he has to to stall that debate. Thus his charade of cancelling his campaign which hasn't been by the way. He made a choice in picking palin and now that the dust has settled he is seeing what the world is seeing, she is beyond clueless and he cannot afford to have everyone see that in a debate forum so obviously.

issues aren't important ? –are these people insane . Bush and the GOP have ruined this country . Issues are very important.

46 % are giving Palin an edge-an edge on what ? . when she talks , the women is clearly a fool .

Firstly, I believe Bush will cancel the elections to stay in power and create a dictatorship, leading to war with Iran.

That being said:

I hope McCain places his latest publicity stunt on hold long enough to show up for this 90 minute debate. America needs to hear from both candidates on the issues.

If McCain does not show up, it will not look good for him and the polls will reflect this.

John McCain can't handle a one hour debate with Barack Obama AND issues our nation faces?????

I thought presidents are supposed to be able to juggle a few things at once. What's McCain going to do, handle Iraq, and then the economy? Or economy and THEN Iraq?

There is no doubt in my mind that Senator Obama will win the debate
tonight.......he has shown himself to be Presidential from day one.....fully aware of the facts at all times.
Intelligence, knowledge, cool composure and willingness to
explain his positions at all times......that's what we need in a leader and Senator Obama has proven this over and over again.
Senator McCain may try and play this game of trying to show leadership over this financial crisis......but I think most people by now can see him for what he is.....just a politician first and not as he likes to portray COUNTRY FIRST.
I feel he is just trying to weasel out of this debate because he knows he is not as smart on the issues as Senator Obama and his true colours will show.
We need to see him tonight alongside Senator Obama and lets see how much he really has a grasp on the issues......he is always saying
"I know how to win.....I know how to fix it".....well, Senator McCain lets see you tonight and put your money where your mouth is!!!!

Exactly, people would rather have a president who they think they could have a beer with rather than someone they think is smarter than they are.. man Americans are beyond dumb sometimes. they'd rather go down in flames with the old white guy that doesn't know whats going on at the controls than face having a highly educated, well spoken, on top of the REAL issues black man as president.
It just shows how racist and envious a lot of Americans are.

Of course. All McCain needs to do is come and he's exceeded expectations.

Big B.O. is an eloquent speaker, but he's only so-so in unrehearsed debate. That's because he speaks well, but he doesn't speak from experience.

Barack Obama has shown again his lack of leadership by failing to return to washington to particapate in the discussion on the economic bail out, excusing himself based on his belief that it's more important to hold adebate over foreign policy than the concerns imediately effective our ecomomy, At every turn Barack Obama has proven his ineffectiveness as a leader not only in his campain but also in his dealings with the everyday challanges that a Junior senator should concern himself with and as a potential leader of the worlds most powerful free nation on earth i would think taking care of the business at hand should be a strong suite. One that McCain and Pallin have shown the can do.

I don't know why people keep talking about Sarah Palin, look she have no experience at all and John McCain just send her to training in UN with other leader. Other thing she talk like a homeless women fighting on food only so, how she going to be the VP of the United States?

MaCcain's cancelation on Letterman's show indicates he is irresponsive and he is ignoring Americans' expectations. It shows he handles things unorganized and illogical. The finacial crisis has been rooted since years ago, since the banks irresponsively lending out a tree of loans blindly, but MaCcain did nothing. Why he suddenly quits everything else, including a scheduled and published campaign debate, for his atempt to save the financial crisis? He is out of his mind and too old to think normally. He needs to bail himslef out first before doing anything to bail out a bank.

If McCain does not show up to debate this evening, I hope people will see this as just what it is, a man unprepared and running scared.

Could the great maverick/exPOW (you do know he was a POW!), be running scared, and is playing Rovian 'diversion/.divisive politics? I think so. Reprehensible at such a crucial time in the Global Economy.

The debates should be a SLAM DUNK for the Dem's! After watching Palin stumble through her interview with Couric yesterday, which was very bad and McCain "riding into the sunset" to stick his nose in an almost done deal bailout that soon feel apart one wonders how it is people have ANY support for these two "mavericks"...i.e CLOWNS. It will be substanance over Republican BS .