Quite possibly, the inner circle of the GOP could be finished with McCain, and are already grooming their next superstar to run in 4 years; whether it's against Senator Obama or even more importantly against McCain.

Then again, there is no guarantee McCain will be around in 4 years, much less 8; here’s something to think about. President Sarah Palin.

What a joke McSame has become! Eight years ago, I would have been happy to vote for him. Since that time, though, he has become yet another party-line Republican who merely wants to advance his own career at the expense of the country.

It really won't matter whether he attends the debate or not - he's already lost my vote! Thanks for helping me to make up my mind, McSame!

Go Obama!!!!

The McCain haters are in full vitriol. Interesting. What was McCain thinking — how dare he cancel a debate that will change nobody's mind when congress is thinking of putting the American taxpayer into hock for about 1 Trillion $$. Let's see a "debate" (also known as extended stump speech) or economic future? The decision is a no-brainer — and McCain did the right thing.

Harry Reid was "incensed" that a senator would actually want to do his job. Right now our Congress and Senate is led by Reid and Pelosi. What a pathetic pair of "leaders" — neither of whom I had a chance to elect.

People will see it many ways.

I see it as deciding what is important.

I will say it again and again. McCain is mentally unfit to be president.

Some things just have to be said, so I'm going to say it. Sarah Pailin is dumb! I heard her interview with Couric, and I must say that I was at a loss for words. It is a wonder how this woman is a Governor!

It is clear that McCain has rolled the dice and is betting on American's stupidity and ignorance. Pailin has no business near Washington D.C. Plain and simple.

I LOST FAITH IN MCCAIN THE MOMENT HE CHOSE Sarah Palin.

So McCain supsended his campaign for ONE DAY.

He announced that everything is back up and running all of a sudden. Even he knows he screwed up.

How John McCain handles a crisis : After an hour of debate rehearsal, decides to 'suspend' his campaign and go to Washington to 'fix' the financial crisis. Lets his 'suspended' campaign continue to run ads, send out surrogates to news programs, issue talking points and fund raise. Cancels an appearance on Letterman to 'rush to Washington', yet makes time to stop for an interview with Katie Couric and an appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative. Arrives in Washington, having not even read the proposal being debated. He's not not on a relevant committee, so he want to his senate office and did nothing. At the meeting with the president, asked no questions and had no opinion. When the negotiations fell apart, said that was a good thing. Then, after a photo -op, and leaving things worse than they were before he arrived, decides to attend the debate he blew off three days prior. Way to be presidential , JohnnyMac - NOT!

I am not going to be a hypocrite. Huckabee scares me to death.
That being said, McCain needs the support of the people who supported Huckabee. I am glad that Huckabee just said something to chip away at that support.

Frank the Tank,

What you are witnessing is people waking up. We are mad and will not take this anymore! We are taking back our country. We do not want the Great Deregulator McCain!

Another irrelevant news story reported by CNN, who cares what Mike Huckabee thinks on this non-issue. Why is the scheduling of a debate important to anyone. Let's vote for the American in this race.

McCain

John McCain said there had been "ENOUGH PROGRESS" work done on the bailout for him to attend the Presidential Debate tonight………

Exactly………Was IT Really "Enough Progress" made or simply your
"UNDER-HANDED,SNEEKLY, SLIMEY SKEEM…………BACK-FIRED IN YOUR FACE?

Huckabee should have been the Republican nominee. He's level-headed and sensible. McCain has lost control of his faculties.

Obama is ready for the debate now (because he has had to cram for it and doesn't want to have to remember all those facts and figures for another week or so)….so let the little celebrity have his spotlight. Sorry, no Roman columns this time bammy. By the way, Middle Eastern countries think he is a joke and religious leaders worldwide believe he is evil. It is just the nontaxpaying, give me, give me I'm entitled pathetic idiots who believe this joke is ready for office.

Most erratic behavior that telegraphs a severe risk for the Prez post.

I dislike Huckabeeeeee sooooooooooo MUCH!!!! I disliked him when he was running for the republican party. I disliked him when he took Obamas side on the whole lipstick on a pig. And now he's talking more smack on McCain. Seriously! He should just keep quite! I don't understand why on earth they are still letting him speak. It seems to me like he doesn't like his own party (i said party not McCain). Even when there was the Republican debate all the caidates were speaking as if they were friends (yet still have a debate) and he was sitting there just hating on every one. I don't know what it is about this man, but he acts really shady for me.

This whole this is simply amazing to me. One has to wonder if this guy is even fit for the Presidency. He has and will always have a fighter pilot mentality and that it not who I want having access to the button. I'm sorry! I know he is a hero and all, but I just don't trust him.

Sara Palin is proving to be a disaster before our very eyes as well. McCain has really not exhibited the best judgement on picking her! The thought of him potentially dying in office is a real nightmare scenario for me. I cannot even fathom that.

The other night I heard a Republican on tv say that young voters typically do not vote, but older people do, so they're not putting much effort in the youth of America…

REPUBLICANS WILL HAVE A RUDE AWAKENING! Do not underestimate our generation.

26-year-old white female proud-liberal from PA

I HAVE PRIDE FOR MY COUNTRY. THAT IS WHY I'M VOTING FOR BARACK OBAMA.

I dunno… anytime Congressional Dems are giddy and happy and overly-impatient to side with Bush on ANY TOPIC, or ANY piece of Bush Admin. legislation you should know Dems MUST have something to hide.

Dems are up to their pupils on this one and that's why they're pushing so hard to get this done and wrapped up before the election… and before anyone sheds light on the fact that their 1977/1995 CRA "put-deadbeats-in-homes-they-could-never-afford-in-five-lifetimes" Robin Hood plan is DIRECTLY responsible for this problem.

Believe you me, if there were ONE SINGLE REPUBLICAN they could pin this on, the theatrical Congressional hearings would have begun a month ago. This is what in murder myseries is referred to as "the dog didn't bark."

John McChicken for the president!
…
NOT!!!

The "huge mistake" was the GOP picking John and Sarah as their standard bearers.

These two are running around like confused amateurs in a high school popularity election.

—-the economy is good,,,,,oh wait, its not,,, i must go to d.c to fix it…….

And that is the end of McCain!!

"over and out"

It will be interesting to see the debates tonight.

If McCain makes a good debate about the slated issues and Obama just stumbles, his sheep will still love him….quite sad really..

I wonder what the McSame supporters think now? After lavishing their praises on this moronic flip-flopper for being in Washington instead of debating, what will they say now that he will debate?!? Especially considering the bailout is farther from approval today than it was yesterday?

McCain and his supporters are idiots!

Obama '08

McCain has screwed this up so bad..all he has done is proved how erratic his judgements are..first selection of Palin after meeting her only once..and his abysmal comments on the economy then saying he wont attend the debate now changing his mind because he saw the public outcry…please.this is leadership? then it's not the leadership I aspire to believe in..take a breath McCain and for god's sake think things out thoroughly before you jump in and make yourself look stupid! (all the time)
We are not stupid you know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell him to shut the Huckabee up….

Mike Huckabee, I don't agree with you on many things politically, but you have always shown yourself to be a true gentleman and stand up for what is right and true.

I wish you had won the Republican Nomination. It would have been a much more honorable race.

Obama 08

I think what John McCain wanted to do was show us he is a leader and he can jump up put on his cape and save America.
What he did was make himself look foolish and show the American people he is really just interested in "looking good" so he can become President, He was struting around Washington trying to look very Presidential. It really was not about the horrible shape our economy is in and how the average Americans are the losers in this. It is about him wanting to be President. It was just all about him..

Im fed up of the republican led administration.

McCain's maverick nature, I think, is reason not to put him in the white house. Just look at his pick of Palin, and then the debategate fiasco. As leader o fthe free world, you have to make reasoned-out, informed, decisions, not this shoot-from-the-hip approach. THE MCCAIN/PALIN TICKET IS A NIGHTMARE!!!

One the cnn PAGE "If you could ask one question tonight …" The first question is ..

Terry Penberthy, 44, a waitress in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, wants to know: "How are you going to continue to ensure America's safety from terrorism as effectively as President Bush has for the last seven years? I'd like a detailed answer."

This needs to be corrected. President Bush DID NOT effectively keep America safe from terrorism on the morning of 9/11/2001. Remember, he was reading to children.

the McCain campaing just made this great american hero to lose the election… Palin with aswers that… well, listen to the kuric interview, campaing suspension? A Lie, helping with the economic crisis, NOT even part of the committe. Sorry, but from tonight, it will be just downhill for our war hero. McCain, is time for you to go to one of your mansions and reflect about all this. Please retire and live a healty life, enjoy your grandkids, help your neighbors, volunteer, this is the end, GAME OVER man!.

Senator McCain: R.I.P.

Peggy

I don't live in the US either.

But it has become so obvious that if you are a Republican, no matter how much the current administration has screwed up, no matter what the Republican nominees do or say, no matter how much sense it makes that Obama will be best for the US, it is truly the American attitude of winning at all costs, or more specifically…….

being Republican comes first.

While everyone is involved with the bail out, the democrats are pushing a 1 trillion budget through congress in private meetings. No one has 24 hours to review this bill. It seems the democrats are also pushing billions in ear marks while no one is watching them. Just a sample of what is coming if oshama is in the White House.

Not only did Huckabee call it. Mississippi, called his bluff also

And what exactly did McCain accomplish? NOTHING, as usual. What a ridiculous stunt.

I am not at all amazed at McCaine's silly gimmics.I am amazed at the McCaine Palin pair aiming at presidency and vice presidency.This is democracy???

It seems like everything McCain does is a gimmick. That withstanding, that is not the reason I won't vote for McCain. I'm not voting for McCain because:
1. I don't think the market will fix healthcare
2. I believe in a woman's right to choose
3. I believe there ought to be some level of gun control
4. I believe he will be worse for the economy
5. I want the Iraq war to end, and I don't want us to be there, in any capacity (even peaceful), for 100 years
6. He's spent his career pushing for deregulation, and he seems unable to reconcile the fact that the current financial crisis is due, entirely, to lack of regulation
7. He picked a vice presidential candidate who is woefully underqualified. Given that there's about a 1/6 chance a president will die in office anyway, regardless of age, I'm just not willing to take that chance.

Let's get past the petty bickering and "gotcha" politics, and look at values.

McCain…….STOP!!!!……I have to go to Washington to save the country……..Whew……that was close……..let's see…….oh yeah…..the debate……

Every Republican will think the same what Mike Huckabee thought if John Maccain gets elected……

Even the smart rats are jumping off the ship. At least Huckabee makes sense but most republicans will see this as another triumph, just like the Keating 5 (oops sorry that error in poor judgement slipped just like Bush's approval rating) The republicans are in trouble and desperate.

Hey Belle1,

That deal was set to go before McCain ever even made it into Washington. But then he showed up, injected presidential poliTRICKS and ruined the whole thing…Republicans fail again.

Can you say "POOR JUDGMENT"? McCain continually displays a severe lack of judgment in regard to his campaign and the politics of the day.
Can ANYONE seriously contend that he his fit to be the leader of the most powerful country on the face of the planet? After Palin's limited exposure to the press, it is patently obvious that she is nowhere near qualified to be be VP. Has a less qualified ticket EVER been placed before the American public?

What kind of message are we sending our younger generation re: education? We're saying, you can have limited formal education and hold the highest position in our country. McCain - no degree; Palin - only undergrad degree. Whoa!!!

Reid, Pelose, Barney Franks, and Chris Dodd need to be fired. They are a disgrace to our government.

If Huckabee wasn't such a Bible thumper and a potential racist, he could have been a far better candidate than McCain. Truth be told, the Republicans do have some interesting counter offers toward the bailout plan, but none of them have anything to do with the proposals that McCain wanted to see implemented. As far as McCain's request goes, the bailout is satisfactory. And for everyone saying that his travel back to DC was McCain doing his job… I'm sorry, is McCain running for President, or staying in Congress? It's his current JOB to prove to the American people that he's ready to lead this country.

ONE NATION

Mike Huckabee has always been like that - he SPEAKS his mind! Why does everyone believe they should all just agree withever their party does or says. That's why I like Biden as well.

Palin is so scripted now, it's ridiculous!
and what happened to John McCain 2000?

Deregulation caused all of this mess. Bad lending and borrowing also contributed.

Q: Who did the deregulation?

A: Republicans

If you don't like the bailout, you should think about who did it. You won't be able to borrow money if this is not fixed. No car loans, house, student loans. Your employer is already having problems borrowing money.

Think about it.

I am sorry, but aren't McCain and Obama senators? shouldn't both of them have gone to work in congress to deal with this economy? or I am mistaken and they should keep collecting a paycheck for running for the presidency and not facing up to their obligations for which both get pay as senators. Have Obama or for that matter McCain work this year or since they started the running for president? What is the matter in this attitude? They have to go and work in congress in this mess since they, again, get pay to do this sort of stuff in congress or is it a free check? Enough nonsence please.

I kept hearing Republicans say, well that's great that he's putting politics aside and going to the White House. They said it's a good idea that the debate be suspended.

Now that McCain has flip flopped on it… what are those same Republicans saying now?

I bet they feel awkward.

He's still going to do everything he can to get Palin out of debating Joe Biden. There's another tropical storm forming as we speak.

This made me laugh out loud. Seriously. For the longest time, I respected McCain's candidacy, but preferred Obama. Unlike the last election, which I saw as choosing the lesser of two evils, I saw this as a win or win slightly less.

Then as I saw how McCain chose to campaign–it was just dirty. I began to dislike his tactics more and more and my respect for his campaign dwindled. After this week, it is abundantly clear that McCain is desperate and absolutely unfit for the presidency. I fear for our country's future should he win the election, because he has proved absolutely erratic and incapable of managing himself with even day-to-day activities. God help us if we have a major crisis after the election with him as president.

If McGame wants to help out so badly in WARSHINGTON then I say leave him in the senate. He obviously can't do more than one thing at a time, so how can he RUN THE COUNTRY?

AND PEOPLE CALLED KERRY A FLIP-FLOPPER?????
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008-2012

The GOP has made mistakes for 8 long, grueling years, same mistake w/McSame, same mistake w/Palininthebutt. Still..most republicans I know cannot handle the truth and can spin anything to the point of rediculous. They'll vote party everytime. Even to the detriment of their fellow Americans. It is so sad!

Screw the campaign. Where's my tax dollars going??

When Bill Clinton praised McCain he was being honest. When Mike Huckabee criticizes a decision made by McCain, he is a sore loser.
Double standards?? Thanks Mike.

McCain tried to walk into Washington, made a mess of the whole thing and this morning I thought he was trying to persition himself to being the Republican House Reps saving grace, to try and be the savior of the 'crisis' that clearly failed and now he's trying to salvage some face by running to the debate - all of this won't mean a thing if Obama isn't able to beat him well tonight. This could push Obama to a two digit lead over McCain and the Biden/ Palin debate will just add to it - however if McCain is able to make Obama look flustered and not to the point then the polls will again level out and more doubt will be cast on Obama -

McCain slipped up with this latest gaf, however Obama needs to hit the ball out the park that McCain has tossed up.

Palins interview on CBS was a joke, and highlighted again that she's repeating crap she knows little about - the more she talks to reporters the more she looks so unqualified to do the job.

Fingers crossed Obama is on point tonight!!!!!!

Finally some republicans are as smart as rats. They know when to jump a sinking ship.

Obama 08

Mr. Reid says last week that the Democrats won't do anything about this crisis unless McCain comes to DC and is involved. McCain comes to DC. Reid says McCain's presence in DC is just "political". Obama hems and haws and finally says he'll come to DC "if he's needed". Bush asks him and McCain to attend a White House meeting on the crisis so Obama has to come to DC. Hmmm. Who's being "political" and who's being a leader of the country? McCain 2008. Hillary 2012.

He made a huge mistake in picking Sarah Palin for his running mate. She has too much baggage in her personal life. I believe he should have gone with Heidi Klum she's better looking in a swimsuit…

You'll never see a democrat say anything against another.

It's Party before Country for them.

Huckleberry is mistaken. It stopped the "Bama Movement" aka "BM". I think I will use Hukabee as a "Reverse Barometer". Why on earth would someone even listen to this guy? Especially since they almost had to come out and drag him off stage. Mike go home please, your 15 minutes of fame are over with.

This is one issue that me and Huckabee agree! I would only add that not only did McCain MAKE a huge mistake, but he himself IS a HUGE MISTAKE for AMERICA!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!

McCain thought he could dodge the issues and avoid being forced to speak to specifics on the ecomony. Well, the public demands he provide his position. He had no alternative but to speak, although a town hall meeting with Obama would have been very interesting.

Obama = presidential
McCain = panicky pandering

If John McCain is confused as to where he needs to be from day to day can you imagine what he would be like as President!

Now, that's a scary thought with him and scary sarah in the White House we all better dig bomb shelters.

In regards to Cindy McCain! Who is at the top of the Republican presidential ticket? Is it Cindy or John? I have never in my life seen a wife of a presidential candidate under their spouse as much as Cindy is under John. This reminds me of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Is Cindy feeding John anwers to questions like Nancy did for Ron??>

I feel sorry for McCain and Palin. It is said when you do not know what you are doing. I do not agree with Obama on everything, but he seems like the only right choice. There should be a test taken in before you even run. This is better than reality TV.

When are people going to admit that Obama is just better suited for the job?

Good decisions vs. knee jerks
Capable VP vs. Palin
Steady leadership vs. hail mary
even keel vs. bad temper

Let go of the petty stuff and the deep seated racism. the guy is a better leader for our country and as a 55-year old white guy in a solid red state I'm proud of him.

MAN IS AN OUT OF HIS BIRD WANNABE DICTATOR.

The diversion tactic of "suspending his campaign" (which he didn't), and running to Washington to "save the economy" was unthinking, ridiculous, impulsive, and just shows the danger we would be in if he should be voted in to the Presidency. Being an egoist is bad enough, but since he can't back it up with good action, it's even worse. Tonight is going to be a lot of entertainment for which I don't even need to buy a ticket.

I felt all along that he was making a big mistake, but thank God someone in the GOP is sticking their neck out and disagreeing with him. It was a good thing Obama said what he did that anyone running for president should show the nation that they can juggle more than one crisis at a time. Hopefully, Barack will mop the floor with McCrazy tonight and keep on rollin'.

Chris from NC

I don't know what to think of John McCain. He reminds me of a Chihuahua, barking and yapping and jumping on his hind legs for attention.

The only impression I've gotten in that past two months of the campaign is that this guy is spastic. He has intuitive knee jerk reactions to shake off the opposition - but nothing of substance to offer himself.

At least we know who goes to the job we are paying him to do, and who just wants to talk. Obama didn't know what to do, so he does what he has always done talks and votes present. Obama is a follower not a leader.

In suspending his campaign, Mr. McCain declared that he would not attend the debate unless a deal was worked out. There is no deal yet… What has changed for him to attend the debate. Can some one please educate me???

John McWayne is neither a "maverick" or a leader. He is just another desperate old out-dated politician who would do or say anything to be President. His antics, changing the campaign weekly with "hail Marys" presumes the stupidity of the American voter.

Words to John… we are not stupid!

as a supporter for Obama from the beginning, I saw Huckabee here in Iowa, and really liked him I think Huckabee should have been the nominee, we really liked both Barack and Mr. Huckabee here in Iowa. Too bad they chose McCain. Huckabee should definetly be the GOP's choice after Barack is done with his time in the white house.Obama 08′12 Huckabee 16

McCain/Palin……..deer in the headlights

I like John McCain.

My problem is his mindset and means of handeling adversity is too 1980's. I'm confident he'd be a good commander and chief but POTUS requires a grasp of all the problems we face economic, energy & environmental in addition to international.

Feelings aren't facts and gut reactions (Palin VP pick, campaign suspension) are moves that must be thought out. Gut reactions don't cut it.

Being an american hero & a good man doesn't automatically = a visionary, pragmatic great leader.

That's what america needs now.

Maybe it was a mistake, but as usual he DID WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS RIGHT. Nobama did not want to even show in DC, and was content to keep studying for his debate. He took a shot despite the political consequences, and you morons think Nobama has courage!! Makes me sick……

Hey Truly American, you need to change your name to Pathetic American. You have harmed America with your past two presidential votes, and you wish to continue your pathetic mistakes with yet a third moronic presidential vote. This country would not have made it beyond 1800 if it had had too many such 'Truly Americans'. That these electoral dimwits think they can persuade others to continue to vote for failure is a sad comment on the current state of our nation.

Im an independant but geez I am liking Huckabee even more each day..

Huckabee, although a bit of a whack job is far more sane and logical then the two that the RNC have right now. He at least thinks.

Let me tell you what will happen next in the RNC world, since plan A, B and C have not worked…

Palin will drop out stating that she really needs to be with her family.
And it will happen right before or right after her first debate, and the phyco Romney will be appointed.

Mark my words, the last interview that she gave showed even the most die hard GOP supporter how she is in over her head (I'm being very polite). Country first? Ya OK.

Peace.

To all those who said McCain showed leadership with his stance to suspend his campaign and postpone the debate — the deal is still in limbo — why is he having the debate? Only goes to show his rash judgement in a crisis. Folks, he is a "good" Senator but would NOT make a good commander-in-chief. A commander-in-chief needs to be
level-headed. The Plain pick is another example. Her interviews are just plain SCARY!!!

So true. McCain, as usual, wasn't thinking straight. Maybe he's slipping back into his war days and thought he could pull an AWOL on the American people. Nice try, dimwit.

I see so much hate and nasty rhetoric. Rather than attacking McCain, maybe some of you Dems or Liberal Independents can begin to define your candidates positions. As a Libertarian minded independent, I find nothing agreeable with either candidate because they both abuse the Constitution and attempt to gain emotional momentum rather deeply roouted principles.

Yea Huckabee, exactly my sentiment.

What did you expect from this LIER and his Moronic Campaign leaders? When a Person from his own party says that McCain made a huge mistake you that he is done for.I am so sick of all McLames games and his Insane ramblings.

McCain was right to suggest postponing the debate. If he hadn't he would have left the door wide open for Obama do do the same thing. Then we would have heard nothng but praise for Obama for such a wise decision for weeks to come.
The media continues to direct the path of this election.

I {HEART} Huckabee!

Katie Couric helped me to see the light. Honestly I am prejudice and now I really realize it. I would never have even considered voting for any black person as president. I was taught not to like black people. I was encouraged to support “my own” people. I listened very hard to that Palin/ Couric interview and I really started to feel bad….I mean really bad. I could see that Palin was not the right person for VP. I prejudged Obama as unworthy solely because he was black. I never really listen to his views at all. I also prejudged McCain and Palin as being the best for America. I just started listening to Palin and it brought tears to my eyes. She is not ready for VP. I was willing to vote for someone just because they were white and not on the issues. I was wrong. My future is at stake here. I don’t think I can support the McCain/ Palin ticket anymore.

The republicans on this blog are showing their true colors for and from their party. This is why will we no longer accept the disrespect from the right any longer. The majority of you need to get you lips of the exhaust pipe of the Republican party and come on down a little bit from your high horses. So, he is coming to the debate… big whoop!!! Enjoy tonight everyone.

Obama/Biden 08

MCBUSH IS OUT OF HIS EVER LOVING MIND.

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE HE WOULD WAKE UP

THINKING HE IS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE,

AND DECLARE WAR ON ENGLAND.

I believe that McCain is having some severe mental and physical problems. He is not in condition to be our next President. The thought of Palin trying to lead us is terrifying!!

People who borrowed money and had no income, no credit and no means to repay those loans- SHOULD NOT be bailed out.

Neither should predatory lenders.

Neither should those who flipped homes for profit.

Greed and stupidity should be punished, not rewarded.

My 401k ans 403 b are now at risk because of the actions of fools.

Enough already. Bail out my 401K- invested in on good faith.

McCain the Ma-vo=WRECK strikes again with sleezy tactics to gain the limelight for his fledging campaign. Intelligent voters know the strategy of McCain is to do whatever he thinks is necessary to win the election. His judgement shows that he is not ready to be the leader of this nation. He's not stable at all. I have little hope with a McCain/Palin ticket. It's all so crazy and ridiculous to see McCain, the Ma-vo-WRECK continue to amaze and surprise his own party. The grit he has is all in his mind! He, the wrecking machine, alone can make a difference with this economic crisis. P-L-E-A-S-E! Enough is enough!

By the way, CNN is not even covering the most important news and has jumped on the bandwagon to carry out McCain's distractions for
the debate. P-L-E-A-S-E!

The comments of McCain supporters are becoming increasingly irrelevant (that is, nothing to do with the article at hand, just talking points stolen from Bay Buchanan).

Everyone is turning against McCain; soon supporting him will be taboo.

John McCain rolled the dice and crapped out again!

Do you want this self professed risky gambler running our country?

Just say no to:

More War McCain &
Taliban Palin

I think it was just a long term ploy to cancel the VP debate!! I guess he realized everyone would have seen right through that. I'm glad he will debate tonight. I'll be interested to hear where he stands on all the issues today. Since he has been changing his mind so much it is hard to tell.

When you invest in a Country, why would you want to re-invest, if the Government of the Country dont want to help when it goes wrong. Bail out just anybody, they spend it just anywhere… He (John McCain) put the Country first…

@Judy from NC - I completely agree with you.

thank you . huckabee, where have these BOZO's been, we have been in a Panic, a CRISIS, DOING TWO AND THREE JOBS FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS. Losing our homes, not buying the food, clothing, heating and cooling that we need, let alone what we want! we can't even help ourselves and our loved ones, WHY SHOULD WE BAIL OUT THESE GREEDY COPERATIONS, WHY NOT HELP THE VOTERS, THE REAL BACKBONE OF AMERICA?????????? OBAMA-BIDEN

no freak'n kidding.

I am glad to see McCain following the leader in attending the debate.

I swear that Huckabee and thos on the far right want McCain to lose so they can go back and rebuild the Republican party in their "Evangenlical" image. They are afraid McCain will take the party in a new direction away from Evangelicals, and they would rather see the party crash and burn and have to start from scratch rather than see that happen.

"THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE ECONOMY ARE VERY STRONG!"……..enough said.

OBAMA'08

Although as an Obama supporter, I don't aggree with Gov. on a lot of issures but I must confess that he is a likable republican! and I might vote for him in 2016! He is absolutely right on this issue.

I believe Senator McCain suggested postponing the debate rather than canceling it. I don't have a problem with his actions and believe he gave the matter the attention it deserved.

Let's see…..

The fundamentals of the economy are strong!

Then less than two weeks later……

I am suspending my campaign because the economy is in crisis!!

Then less than two days later……

Even though there is no solution to the financial crisis, I better go to the debate.

And, given that McCain feels that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, yet there is a financial crisis……

it isn't surprising that Harry Reid still doesn't know what John McCain wants as a solution to the financial crisis (whereas Obama has made his position abundantly clear).

McCain made an even bigger mistake by NOT PICKING HUCKABEE AS RUNNING MATE.

Instead he was told to pick Caribou Barbie, and he did. Huckabee would have sealed the election for him, Huckabee is a known quantity, he's not afraid of the media, and he's not an absolute moron. he's well spoken and he's popular.

McCain/Huckabee would not be losing. I'm an Obama/Biden supporter, but I wouldn't have been nearly as concerned about a McCain/Huckabee presidency as I am about a McCain/Palin presidency. If the election had been Obama/Biden vs McCain/Huckabee, I would have tolerated either result.

But McCain just palin has terrible judgment.

psssst…. Repubs….. Right now you're probably wishing that you'd nominated Huck, aren't you? LOL!

This proves the debate post-ponement idea was completely political. Nothing has really changed since yesterday, so why is it all of a sudden acceptable to debate?

The McCain campaign is just fleeting from idea to idea hoping something resonates with the public to improve his poll ratings. However, this tactic is flawed, his erratic behavior is not going to make peoople think he is ready to lead the nation during a crisis.

McCain: What a mess

WHAT HAS THE STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS GONE?
LOOKS LIKE MCSANE HAS JUMPED OF HIS OWN BUS.

McCain & crew once again show that they have no direction, they flail around trying everything to get the focus off the fact that McCain has no clue on the economy….

115 days 10 hours and 57 minutes left in this 8 year nightmare

I'm not surprised that Harry Reid says he still doesn't know where McCain stands on the bailout. He could have read the statement of principles his candidate co-signed with McCain. Of course that would involve effort and fairmindedness: something that his performance is critically lacking!

McCain has reached an agreement and has fixed the economy, the world is now a better place. So lets continue the campaign and debate real issue. The ECONOY and real issue affecting the ordinary Americans. Wow! what a drama and a political misscalculation!? And you want to be our President!? Boy, give me a break!

What McCain did was more than a mistake, it was putting his avarice for the oval office above the best interests of the American people. All hands on deck. What a sham. This from a guy who a few days earlier told us the economy was strong, who as of last Tuesday hadn't even read the Paulson proposal. To interject himself and with that presidential politics was rash, and endangered the agreement the appropriate committes had been working on for days and nights.
His recent behavior has elicited voices of concern from his own party on just how fit is he to hold the office of president, i.e. George Will and his column of a few days ago.
Fortunately from polls most people see this for what it is Poltical gimmicktry. Sad to see a once honorable man stooping so low, he wants this office so badly he is willing to put the country at risk.

But… but… Mike… he's a maverick, remember? A maverick! He HAD to go to Washington to oversee the commission discussing a topic he knows nothing about. That's what mavericks do. Duh!

Yet another reason why Huck should be in McCain's position!
HE'S GOT A HEAD ON HIS SHOULDERS!!!

huckabee -i thought he got a comedy show on some channel.what a joke he is .go mccain.

You know one more stunt like this and I think that McCain will take away Ross Perot's title of being greatest "drama queen" to ever seek office of President.

i disagre with huckabee . mcain focussed on what his current job is and that is to contribute to fix the economy instead of working for what his job might be in 4 months. Obama looked so imamture and inexperienced when it came to take a stand on economy and do something about it instead of talking. only academics and analyst talk . leaders work…

Is there anyone planning on voting Republican that doesn't have a problem with their candidate saying one thing (not debating until accord reached) and then flip-flopping and doing another (debating when accord is not reached)? Is this the kind of Republican president you want in the White House? REALLY? Do you really want a president who can't handle two things at once, or has a vice president so unqualified she has to be kept from the media for fear her ignorance will show? Is McCain/Palin REALLY up to the fine tradition of Republican presidents in the past? Tell me some of you aren't experiencing buyers remorse, and I won't believe you…

When I hear commentators comment that it was on Bill Clinton's watch that much of the deregulation took place. What they fail to also mention is that it was Newt Gingrich's Contract With America which orchestrated the removal of oversight on the market and financial institutions, as Ronald Reagan had initiated 10+ years before.
I also don't hear mentioned enough that Barack Obama tried to rein in the financial world by advocating stronger oversight 2 years ago, which John McCain opposed.

UNFIT FOR ANY POSITION THAT

REQUIRES A SOUND MIND.

MAN IS A LOONIE TOONE.

Of course it was a HUGE mistake. Why would a key player in the Keating Five, those responsible for the huge S&L debacle that led our nation's LAST bailout bill, think he could ride into Washington and "lead" everyone to a happy ending. What an absolute buffoon!!
America, wake up!! Did you see Sarah Palin's pitiful performance with Katie Couric?? This is how McCain puts "Country First," by thinking she is the best one out there to succeed him should he be elected president???
Give me a break!!!!!
It's time for McCain to retire and it's time for Palin to take her lipstick back to Alaska.

By the way NO ONE CALLED McCain to come back to Washington. He wanted to GRANDSTAND make a big show out of stopping his c ampain (without really stopping it) and rushing back to cause a disruption in the process and when he made it impossible for a plan to be approved he had to FLIP FLOP and jump back on the BAMD WAGON and head off to the Debate.

THIS IS NOT LEADERSHIP. This is SILLY mad man rushing to and fro with out a clue.

When the media are consistently biased against a candidate and in favor of the other candidate, their reports must not be trusted. This news section is one example.

When McCain first said he would not be there Huckabee praised McCain for his leadership - now all of a sudden he made a "huge" mistake.

Listen, I do not know what the love affair is with Obama but I do not see him offering any solutions to the crises or any other issue for that matter. McCain felt his place was in that meeting to protect the American people - Obama viewed it that McCain was afraid to debate him and that he could not multi-task. Well, I for one felt better when I knew at least one of the candidates was there to oversee what was going on and looking out for the all of us.

I do not see one thing Obama has done for any of us - ever. His cocky attitude is more than a person can hardly take. The name calling of Sen. McCain is totally shamefull. He did not cause this financial crises no matter how you try to pin it on him.

One more thing, how dare anyoen even sugget that McCain is afraid to debate Obama. In your dreams people. You are trying to smash him down with the economy issue but you will fail becuase no one is a "genius" in this campaign on the economy.

IF EVERYONE ELSE WAS SO MUCH SMARTER THAN MCCAIN ON THE ECONOMY THEN WE WOULD NOT BE IN THIS MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE - OR AT THE VERY LEAST ONE OF YOU SO BRILLANT DEMS WOULD HAVE NOT LET THIS HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE.

I CHALLGENGE ANYONE IN THE DEM. PARTY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW OR JUST SHUT UP. WHERE YOU ALL OF YOU TO STOP THIS BEFORE IT HAPPENED. YOU ARE THE LOSERS NOT MCCAIN.

Well, well, I just did some research and learned that McCain is not the first Presidential candidate to suspend his campaign nor was this his first time doing it. By the way folks it really wasn't suspended.

The town hall meeting was just a political ploy and Sen. Obama is smart enough to know that.

Where is Hillary?

She was and is the only candidate able to deal with this.

She showed us that during the debates- but at that time it was all anti-Hillary hate and puppy love for Obama.

Either one of the current choices will be a disaster for the US. Obama is the worst of the two.

I actually agree with Mike Huckabee on something. If you live long enough, anything is possible.

Memo to Senator McCain: Your own people are turning against you and in great numbers.

clueless mccain. this guy has problems =((((

My observation:
This is a glimpse into how these candidates would handle diplomacy. Whereas Obama remained calm and steadfast in his views, Mcain has shown he lacks spine to stick the consequences of his actions. Mcain could not imagine a town-hall style meeting all for Obama in Missisipi. This is not how heroes behave…they do not run away from neither fight - economy of debate. I think Missisipi could become a battleground for this erratic behaviour from Mcain.

To me. Mcain's hotneadedness, rashness, drama and temperament shows he is unfit to be President and leader of the brave and strong.

huckabee would have had the best chance of beating barack. instead the GOP chose the 'nosedive'. i'm voting for barack, now. mccain is damaging our country, daily.

@Doug.

Anyone who buys that McCain was really trying to help rather than just pulling a stunt should see it exactly the same way you do. You've pointed out the BEST case scenario for the American people. If Senator McCain WAS putting the good of the nation in front of the good of his campaign, he proved that he doesn't understand that multiple problems can happen at the same time.

Even if you believe he was well-intentioned, you HAVE to accept that he doesn't understand how quickly the world moves around him, and that is an unsafe attribute for the President.

these 2 get scarier by the moment. The nation is becoming the laughing stock of the world… WHY would anyone vote for them ? Please, try and think sanely Nov 4th….

One former governor of Arkansas says McCain acted in good faith, and another former governor of Arkansas said he did the wrong thing.

Now which was is the Democrat and which on is the Republican again?

Claire McCaskill, Christopher Dodd and a multitude of others have all call this a "Stunt" on the part of John McCain. Now Mike Huckabee agrees.

I hope middle America can see what a disaster electing John McCain and Sarah Palin would be.

We need to Stop the Madness….

A President needs to handle multiple serious issues at the same time and that's why he has been elected for the job. McCain needs some more time (?) to learn multi-tasking.

obama's brinkmanship was excellent. He called mccain's bluff. Regardless of mccain's motives, and his showboating, in no way can he afford to let America look at an empty podium while obama gives his views alone.

Obama has made a good show of his negotiating skills–mccain had no choice but to give in…

Craig, give it up or joint the pool of ignorance with McCain and Palin.

This is why I love Mike Huckabee: he speaks his mind and is willing to publically disagree with his own party.

Is McCain sane? Why is he so jumpy. He is shaky, and I like him better than most republicans, but he is so jumpy! He is trigger happy! Fire him, I will not be there, the economy fundamentals are sound, oh no, we are in an Economic crisis,,, By the way, cancel the debate, I can't be the economic crisis needs me.

Hmm, wonder why Bill had no shot at the nomination????

Keep your trap shut and crawl back into your hole!!

Hillary 2012

Have you been taking reading and writing lessons from Palin?

McCain is there to try to convince the reluctant House Republicans to get on board- but he can not appear to be trying to encourage them to support the plan.

McCain is doing the right thing.

Today this progressive liberal is supporting the fiscal conservatives in congress.

The Bush bailout is a farce. It is not necessary and will in fact weaken the dollar and create even more debt. How can anyone believe anything this President says? He has no moral authority! He seems incapable of telling the truth. While he said the economy was solid just a month ago, he was working behind the scenes on this power grab bailout!! Liar! He talks doomsday and great depression and economic crisis, but its all rhetoric just like Iraq, just like the constitution shredding patriot act. And the whimpy congressional Dems just swallow it up, falling over themselves to do his bidding.

We are a nation of industrious, creative, smart, motivated people who can easily overcome this current fiscal mess. Rewarding bad behavior is exactly the wrong thing to do! Those greedy Wall Street perpetrators should be in jail, not receiving a bailout! Do not continue to artificially inflate housing values - that was part of the problem!!

So whether it is because you don't trust this president to tell you what time it is, or whether you feel that the free market needs to stabilize itself at its true value without government interference, today we are united against this power grab. NO BAILOUT!!!

Call or email your congressperson today!!

Haha, never thought I would see the day when I actually agreed with Mike Huckabee!

GOBAMA

I have always liked MIKE…. i do think he is a man of God with truly a good heart.l;….. he has made some really dumb mistakes in this campaghn like the comment he made about obama getting shoot….

But i believe he is a really good person…

We is right,

im a republican that will be voting democrate this election…..

Obama/Biden

Tom,

"Actions speak louder than words"

Ummm…didn't McCain actually show up for work and try to do something. That is the definition of action. Obama said if they need me, I'll be over here waiting for a phone call. To me that is inaction.

I'd would rather my leader try something and fail, then do nothing and talk about others' failures.

Now we know why John McCain was a POW!

He makes Bush look smart!

Take him down Obama!

Let's hope McCain and Palin stay in the election through the end.

VICTORY FOR OBAMA

wow i feel bad for McCain. The man just can't get one thing straight.

First ,I expect Reid to say what he said about McCain. First Reid want McCain there and then he did not. Democrats never know what they want. McCain put the country first and when Reid heard McCain do it before Obama it was a flip-flop on Reid's part. I am glad McCain is going tonight to debate with Obama. It will give us a break from hearing trash over and over from the Democrats. My kids do not cry as much as the Democrats do.

Some people has no idea what a town house meeting is all about like that willy guy, he has no clue about anything just like his candidate so get a life willy grow up or go hide or just keep quiet

McCain McCain McCain what a disaster. Reminds me of the other train wreck that Obama derailed….Hillary Clinton.

What is is about this man that makes otherwise seasoned politicians act and look like complete and utter idiots. Could it be, he's a winner and they're just NOT!

I think so…

Obama/Biden

Thanks for speaking the truth. Americans appreciate that.

On Wednesday, McCain announced he was suspending his campaign and heading to Washington immediately. It then took him over 24 hours to get there. By the time he arrived, things were looking up. Now that they've completely collapsed, he's going to the debate because he says there is progress.

No wonder he thought the fundamentals of the economy were strong.

PS - I think the American people should be commended for not engaging in a bank run today. We're worried, but were not panicking, unlike McCain.

Let's look at the time line. When the news from Congress and the White House was that a deal was close, McCain claimed he needed to go to Washington to bring everyone together. Now that the deal is in shambles, McCain claims the sides are close enough for him to leave. McCain's actions show two things: 1) this was purely a publicity stunt and 2) he clearly lacks a grip on reality.

Huckabee and Reid are both morons, one is a sorry looser and the other is just plain sorry.The Dems are pissed at McCain because he stalled their settlement deal, funny, how one individual could steal the show isn't it? Humm, I wonder what kind of a Monkey wrench he threw at them? Just one guy brought the whole show down, hummm!!

I think this only proves that the "suspension" of McCain's campaign was just for show. A deal still hasn't been hammered out, and yet he's going to show up to the debate?! Wait a minute, I thought it was imperative to get this thing done! Come on, McCain was going to show up, no matter what happened; he would have looked like an idiot had he NOT attended. This campaign is a house of cards, built on nothing but lies and bluster. I hope Americans can see through this mess!

I agree with you, Huck. Truly amazed at McCain. What was he thinking? McCain does not have the temperment and juddgement to be President. In fact, it is scary that he is this close to being an option when after all of his graffs/mistakes that half of America is "stuck on stupid". We're in this together - how about listening to reason and making the best of this terrible situation. Give Obama a chance!

So……… If the Debate was cancelled …………

THE WORLD WOULD STOP TURNING.

Some people have big EGO.
Some people have big EGGS.

Willy Brown - Your remark is one of the stupidest I have heard this entire election cycle. 200,000 people to hear Obama speak in Germany plus another 85,000 to hear him speak in Denver during his moninaton acceptance speech and he is afraid of real people? In additon to that he does not hand pick who can attend his events. Support Mcain you two deserve each other but Obama will win this thing.

Obama/Biden 08

I'm looking at age, unbalanced behavior, daily changes in "positions" regarding issues, hot temper, lack of knowledge of major issues, having been a staunch supporter of deregulation for as long as anyone can remember ("Deregulation" sure sounds a lot more sexy than the resulting abuse of our accounting, insurance, energy, and investment sectors, not to mention the devastating effect on families all over the country, doesn't it?), and one question major question comes to mind: Can we realistically dare imagine what McCain might do under REAL pressure, as in having the final say on such matters during what would appear to be an already critical stage of the 21st Century?

He does not have to BE just like Bush in order to inflict as much damage on us and the world.He's doing just fine as himself.
How can anyone not be, at least, concerned???
Warning signs are, pretty much, anywhere one looks.

LEAVE MCSLEAZY ALONE.

HE LIKES TO PRETEND HE MATTERS.

THATS WHAT OLD GOING OUT OF THEIR MIND

OLD FOLKS LIKE TO DO. MY GRAND FATHER

DID THAT ALL THE TIME. HE WAS A DOCTOR BY

TRADE, BUT WHEN SENILITY CAME ALONG HE WAS

A PAINTER, THEN A GARDNER & FINALLY A HOARSE TAMER.

HE DIDN'T GET SLEAZY LIKE MCSHAME, THOUGH.

I totally agree… I've always though Huckabee was a stand up guy!!!!

Even Chuck Norris would be a better pick for the VP spot. Go Obama, no drama.

John McCain wasn't fit the last two time he ran for president and is not fit this third time.

I believe that a true leader puts personal politics and motives aside to support those who will make him president and that exactly what McCain did, not like Obama who wants to be infront of the media all the time……..

I know die-hard republicans don't like it - but McCain did make a mistake on this one. You cannot put the world on hold when you are president. His stance of "no debate until a bailout plan is in place" was just stupid.

What will he do if he is president and there is a terrorist attack in our country or on one of our allies while at the same time Russia has another invasion while at the same time our economy takes another nose dive? Is he going to say "hold on a minute, I can only handle one thing at a time. I need a time out. Put two of these items on hold."?

It does not work that way and everyone seems to know it does not work that way except for McCain.

Some people have been saying that the debates are not as important as the financial mess. However