CNN

John is saving our economy and just like he saved us from the hurricane why debate with a loser who hates America. I want to see beautiful Sarah debate Biden who never saw Russia in his life!!!!

When mccain was asked the question in debate .. he would think and try how to lie again .. when the two minute times will up and he'd nothing to says.. shame on you mccain... i'm looking forward to count that how many times mccain says " my friend like we believe that " very annoying.. dear, mccain " you cann't win this election no way sorry for you "

Observers at the White House meeting:
"Mr. McCain was at one end of the long conference table, Mr. Obama at the other, with the president and senior Congressional leaders between them. Participants said Mr. Obama peppered Mr. Paulson with questions, while Mr. McCain said little."

What is McCain playing at? The House Republicans pulled the plug on the deal now so that it looks like McCain is riding to the rescue later. But McCain has nothing to contribute anyway! This is partisanship at its worst from McCain. He is putting the economy at risk so that he looks good. Unbelievable.

====mcBush thinks we are stupid............are we???????

If McCain or Obama, for that matter, were so crucial in solving this crisis they would have been in Washington as soon as the need for a bailout was announced. Obama, called for calm while McCain announced the "Economy was fundamentally sound" and five days after the Paulsen plan was given (2 1/2 pages long) McCain admitted he hadn't read the plan. How important is it to McCain, if he did not take the time to read the plan!? He is out to lunch, and in his own words does not understand the economy.

As Senators, neither of these gentleman are on the committee that is taking the lead, therefore they can add input, but there role is basically to place their vote. That said, they can use all of the wonderful technology (cell phone, webex, blackberry, email, fax, etc...) to share their ideas.

McCain has gone to Washington, and not once stated his position on the bailout. Shame on the McCain campaign for providing the US citizens nothing but photos and no substance.

Former McCain supporter!

What's that old saying, If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen
McDoogle is a sham with no principals....political ploy equals political suicide.......This isn't the first time McCain has bailed on a Presidential debate, he did this in 2000...............poll numbers slip sliding away for McCain

John McCain will show up and explain why we must be afraid of bad people like Stalin, Ho Chi Minh, Hitler... uh, er, what do you mean their dead? Never mind...

This is so PATHETIC!! This should show America that Obama is the only choice for President!! He is able to handle the crisis and debate and communicate with Americans at the same time. That is what I want in a President, not someone who runs and hide. Just pack your bags McBush and take Eskimo Barbie with you!!

Obama/Biden '08

McCain has nothing to contribute to the economic crisis and he has nothing to contribute to the debate. Senator Dodd and his colleagues were working for hours and days to come up with an acceptable proposal for this rescue plan. Mighty Mouse flew in to Washington and threw a wrench in the works. I will watch the debate, along with millions of Americans. I will vote for Senator Obama on November 4th. Nothing John McCain says or does is relevant.

I can see the scenario, like a grade-b movie, McCain's presence at the debate is up in the air. McCain takes the House Republicans to the wood shed today and late this afternoon there will be an announcement that the House Republicans have resolved their issues regarding the Federal bailout thanks to McCain's leadership. McCain shows up at the debate at the last minute smiling and waving the V for victory sign with his hands. The reporters at the debate gush when he walks in. Loud applause. McCain in the best B-Western movie manner says, " Shucks. It weren't nothin".

McCain was not needed in Washington this was pure grandstanding,,
All that ws needed for him to do is go and vote.. he was not to negotiate this deal if it was why wasn't he there earlier. as of tuesday he had not read the bill, had not negotaited on the bill,was not on either of hte committes to write the bills so why did he think he had to grab his Navy pilot license and put all hands on deck to get his party to vote the way of the President.
And to All of this republicans that are on here defending this actions Sorry but you cant forget although you want to that McCain is not the head of your party.. BUSH IS,,,, And Paulson was a BUsh Pick
Bush is the head of your PArty Sorry!!!!!

George Bush and the republican party have nearly destroyed our country.
Look at the Clinton and Regan years as opposed to the Bush years.
And now people are supporting McCain and Palin!???!!!
WOE to our nation.

THIS IS TO NOAH........

Mr McCain is no man of principle he is a man of DRAMA. His whole life has been about drama. He always had to be in the spotlight, the maverick, the little show off guy who had a bad temper. Always about the drama... His campaign is all about the DRAMA of John McCain... To be noticed.. He has the short mans syndrome, he MUST be the star of the show..... He doesn't give a rip about any one but his drama.. He doesn't care about this country, just the drama of it all.. Bottom line..... He's a drama Queen..... NOT A PRESIDENT...

Yeah, McCain... the entire fate of the economy hinges on those TWO HOURS! What a hero... NOT! Funny how he didn't "suspend" his campaign when the $700 Billion bailout proposal was announced, but "suspended" it when Obama gained a 9-point lead in the polls. And when did Katie Couric get elected to congress? What a hero!

Eracism...tell the confederates it's over and it's been over.JUST SAY NO TO CONSERVATISM...SUPPLY-SIDE ECONOMICS. SAY YES TO SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. SAY YES TO BUY AMERICAN AND BUY UNION.

Wow… People are calling into question McCain's actions for suspending his campaign and possibly missing a typical party line debate...

Are any of you going to learn anything new from this debate that you all ready don't know???

Lets see the thing McCain wants most is to become president… Instead of proceeding with his campaign and debating Obama over things we have all heard for months now… He decided to put his most important personal accomplishment on hold… so he could meet with the people who are deciding on the biggest proposed financial bail out plan to save our country's failing economy.

I guess atleast 47% of you do not know what leadership is about or what Country First means!!!

If McCain does not show up, my candidate will have at least an hour of unfettered face time with America. He can dispell rumors pertaining to his policy. Inform the public of his intentions once he gets in office and generally improve his standings around the country. This does not bode well for McCain. He needs to get his act together and get down to the debate....OR QUIT!
Either way, Obama is going to win this election.

CNN please post this comment

I wonder where some people put their brains when they blog. its either from ignorance or just being stupid. I guess if mccain was in Bush position last week he will suspend his Presidency, shut down all airlines, military, media and every aspect of the country. What was he thinking? I thought he said Sarah was a right pick and cant she stand in for him?
Even on 9/11 the country didnt shutdown everything continued. Airlines and flights continued only diverted for the moment. People should really see that only an idiot will send everybody else into panic attack cos of a meltdown that is a week old.

McCain, if you do not show up you do not look very presidential, in fact, you look like a WIMP!

No way, no how is McCain a man of principle. He sold those to the devil back in 2006 when he cashed in his integrity and spoke at Jerry Falwell's "Agent of Intolerance" university commencement.

Suspending his campaign is nothing more than a cynical stunt.

One candidate is a multi-tasker(Sen. Obama). The other needs to postpone EVERYTHING, from his campaign, his debate and his running mates debate. Sounds like a McChicken sandwich without the bun.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

"How about a Plan C that allows 3rd party candidates speak?"

I like this plan a lot John!

ONE NATION

The non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates and the University of Mississippi have been planning this debate for well over a year – Ole Miss has spent $5-1/2 million on it. While the financial crisis demands the attention of both Senators, they should be able to spare 3 hours or so on Friday night to participate in a debate with an anticipated 65 million voters. If a financial plan is worked out today, I am certain the Senate will delay the vote for a few hours so both candidates can return to DC. That is what jets are for.

We should also note that Sen. McCain also dropped out of a debate with George W. Bush in March, 2000 – again with only a few days
notice. What a coincidence.

John McCain is playing games with my 401K retirement and I don't appreciate it one bit!

What would this old fool do as President play chicken with nuclear warheads?

I certainly hope that the Obama campaign roast McCain on the SUnday talk shows if he does not show up, as well as the national media and the VOTERS!

Wake up and see this for what it is people. Mccain and Palin are running scared. There are articles in all of the major papers and on the internet about Palin and the McCain campaign impeding the TrooperGate investigation, Palin rambling on incoherently in interviews and when answering any questions, etc.

To elect this team would be disastrous for the U.S. and the American people.

Senator McCain is way too unpredictable. He is a hot-head with unpredcitability. What is his take on this bailout package? No one knows. Yet he wants to drop out from debate. It is a political stunt. It is sad that Republicans could not find a spot for Mit Romney in their ticket. He or Arnold are the only two GOP candidate I could vote for. Thought of Palin Commander-in-chief gives me a chill. It is horrible. They keep talking about Putin. Why Putin? Because of Mccain and palin do not know the name of President of Russian. It is terrible.

I am hoping that McCain will show up for the debate.

Otherwise he will be considered a

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

All the King Horses and all the King men could not

put Humpty Dumpty together again

It will most likely be considered a great loss for McCain not giving his input on the debate.

Millions of people will be tuned in for this and that is a fact.

I am hoping that the station do no cancel.

Straight Talk, he is not. I will tell the people the Truth. not so

A lie is a lie and he was caught redhanded. David Letterman ripped him apart. Which is what McCain deserved.

Maybe Palin can take the place of McCain in the debate, after wall she is only a heartbeat away.

Now it looks like it is going to be the old and the restless.

Cmon McCain. You can do this. Don't be skurrd.

ANOTHER POINT GOES TO OBAMA! WE ARE EXPANDING OUR LEAD

OBAMA/ BIDEN 08

39 DAYS TO GO UNTIL WE SAVE AMERICA FROM THE TYRANNY OF GEORGE W. BUSH AND HIS GREEDY WALL STREET BUDDIES!

This is why McShame don't want to show up

"The debate was to focus on foreign policy and national security, but the economic crisis is likely to be a dominant issue as well."

Obama?Biden '08

I think McCain is desperate to finding a way around not to debate Obama..

McCain will skip the debate so that it can be rescheduled for the night of the Palin / Biden debate. She's clearly in way over her head, & the McCain campaign's only chance is to continue to hide her.

At the beginning of this decade, McCain was the politician that I respected most. I still respect his courage and service to our country, but what has he turned into? It's like he sold his soul to Karl Rove to get elected. His slogan should be "Election First."

I really only want to hear Obama anyway.

Mccain is holding the debates HOSTAGE blackmailing congress in to the bill! like my 6 year old throwing a fit when he doesnt get his way
AND SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY SUPPORT THIS MAN my husband lifelong republican is ashamed of that party and is voting for obama/biden

Real Real Change,
please, give me a break.
The only thing McCain is doing is photo ops and not working with either party... He dont even know what is going on. he could just have send his advisor's to do the same if not better job...

But if playing dirty politics with the American people and our future is fine with you, please go ahead and vote for him..

To Noah,

McCain is not needed in Washington at this point at all(except to cast his vote when the time comes). And so far his presence (along with a few others)only seemed to hamper the negotiations. He IS NOT on the banking commitee that will have final approval on the bailout plan nor was he ever asked to come to Washington but he did get his photo op with Bush didn't he? Heck, Obama was only there because Bush personally asked him to come.

Bottom line, the debate is this evening so there should be no real reason keeping him from this. Or to quote David Letterman, "Or is it?" Seriously, why can't McCain do the debate tonight, is that past his usual bedtime or something? There is more to this story than we've been told, I'm sure of it.

New McCain voter’s mentality

Obama has my vote. Although my family believes I’ll punch McCain as I smile and tell them I will. While I'm in the booth all alone I will punch Obama, because I believe in his vision for American and main street.

I hope McCain doesn't show up. Obama can have the eyes and ears of the entire nation to himself. He can lay out everything he is going to do AGAIN since people want to act like he hasn't said it before. He can answer questions from people who are pretty much a red state and turn them a beautiful shade of blue.

What exectly is John McCain going to do in washington? He is not on the banking commitee . It is sad to see John McCain acting like this is something new. Many american have been feeling this bad economy for a very long time, Just last week he said " the fundemental of the economy was strong" then he changed and said "The fundemental of american people was strong" He must really believe american people are stupid.

John McCan has 13 cars and 9 homes. what does he know about crises. He is only concerns about loosing some of millions of dollars he has in stocks and bonds.

How can one compare town hall meetings with debates, pray tell?

Cancel the debate because of a crisis, McCain?

What's next? Cancel the election?

There is nothing more important than the democratic process. Not the economy, not terrorism, not war.

McCain, poll numbers first.

It will be just fine if McBush doesn't show up for the "debate".

I'm sure Senator Obama can use the time wisely by taking questions from the audiance.

Besides they will love being able to ask him every question they have in their heads and he will have time to give them a straight up answer.

It'll be great.

McNut has nothing in his head anyway that isn't a lie or a big drama, so it will be just fine if he isn't there.

That should be "McCain" not "McCaina"

A town hall meeting!!! With McCain not there????McCain will look like the meddling, posturing fool he is., no matter what he does now. I am glad to hear that the good people of Mississippi who have invested time and money in this debate will not be disappointed.

McCain needs to fire this campaign manager as well. He's worse than the last one that got the boot.

Some are saying "well McCaina asked for town hall meetings" – so are we to change the format to everything because it makes McCain more comfortable? I am sure you can find a number of past presidential candidate who would have preferred a town hall or "let's sit in a circle and discuss" format but they did what they had to do perform in the standard debate format.

If McCain was to be president, will he give the state of the union address from his livingroom because it's comfy?

So if McCain debates tonight, what has he done any different than Obama in regard to the Bailout issues at the capital? The only difference is that he was grandstanding while Obama simply handled his business.

I thought McCain liked debates. He kept asking for them. I guess now we caught his bluff. The first one comes and he's too chicken to show up.

I always thought McCain as a hero because of media, even though he didn't win anything. Now I know that he is no hero. He is too afraid to face Obama.

McCain should debate. He should show Hussein the door. I admire his willingness to do something instead of talk. Maybe they both can attend the meetings in DC and phone in the debate.. They can both Multi-task right? The dems are the biggest spinners.. They have spun so much their brains are mush..

Micro-Management?? Leaders should outline objectives and their expectations to the subject matter experts on the working committee and then move on to the next task. These subject matter experts should be able to then hammer out a plan that meets those objectives. These subject matter experts represent relatively equal voices on relatively level platforms. Let the SME work and present leadership with the plan.
Leaders are provided the opportunity to MANAGE situations. If you have to drop all other activities to MANAGE/WORK one element of your many responsibilities you call into question the competency of the working staff.
To stop in and check on progress is appropriate if issues arise. Ceasing all operations is not.

as to McCain asking Barack to do 10 town hall meetings....give me a break....it is the one and only format that McCain is comfortable in. He doesnt like intelligent questions to be given to him with a specific time limit to answer within....he does very poorly at a regular debate....so he proposed the only format he might can carry his own weight......a good president has to be able to shine in EVERY format....not just one.

The show must go on

and i hope that the economy, as Sen. Obama has said, is a focus as well

I would like to see what he has to say, as i know it will be good.

Go Obama

Tonight's Presidential Debate is going to be Great. I can hardly wait.

BUT the MOST ANTICIPATED...........DEBATE...........Will be NEXT THURSDAY.................THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBAT.................

THIS IS GOING TO BE COMICIAL. I HOPE THE McCAIN CAMP BRINGS LOTS OF ICE FOR SARAH.......................... BECAUSE SHE WILL BE FEELING THE HEAT FROM JOE BIDEN.

GIVE IT TO HER HARD JOE.

SAMPLE VP DEBATE QUESTIONS:

BIDEN – WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE IRAQ WAR AND IN YOUR OPINION SHOULD THERE BE A SCHEDULED WITHDRAWAL?

PALIN – I LOVE YOUR HAIR, WHOSE'S YOUR STYLIST?

BIDEN – HOW CAN THE ECONOMIC CRISIS ON WALL STREET BE SOLVED?

PALIN – HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW LINE OF BABY CLOTHES AT WALMART?

BIDEN – IF ELECTED WHAT IS ONE OF MAJOR CHANGES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IMPLEMENTED CONCERNING HEALTHCARE?

PALIN – HAVE YOU HEARD THAT COVERGIRL HAS A NEW SHADE OF RAVISH RED LIPSTICK?

BIDEN – HOW WILL YOU IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO THE CURRENT ECOMONY SO THAT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN DOES NOT FEEL ANY UNDUE BURDENS?

PALIN – GEE, YOU LOOK HOT, CAN I HAVE A HUG?

McCain's dramatics and theatrics are nauseating. It looks to me as though he's intentionally trying to steal ANY thunder or ANY form of spotlight, no matter how, when or where he's able.
Give it up, we don't need you. Just phone in your concession now, because this bus is only going further down the cliff than anyone has suspected so far!

Foreign policy is supposed to be McCain's strong point. If he bails out of this it will seem to me that he wants out of this race. Period!

McCain=Coward

While I don't agree with Palin on ANY policy issue, I must say I feel for her, the way the McCain campaign treats her. She's not being allowed to speak to anyone, and that's got to be demoralizing for her. Her lack of self-confidence was evident during her interview with Couric. She's trying hard to be what McCains handlers want her to be, instead of being herself. I bet she's wishing she could get off this trainwreck and get back to Alaska, where she can be herself. It's really very sad.

he is afraid of of obama, 90minutes will not change any difference in the economy. he has been in congress for 27years all that year McCain has been sleeping in the backset or warming the beanch.

McCain will show up. He knows if he doesn't that the election is totally lost. His gamble isn't working and he has to know that he is looking very unpresidential right now. If an agreement is reached on the bailout,McCain will declare Mission Accomplished. Where have we all heard that before? I want to hear from Obama and McCain on what they are going to do to ease our pain.

Just make it a Biden/palin debate....that would be hilarious!

the debate SHOULD go on with BOTH candidates. Even in the middle of a national crisis, the president has to address the nation and explain the problem and his solutions. Why should the candidates be any different??????

STop letting John McCain hold this debate HOSTAGE. He should be absolutely ashamed of himself. Does he think that his is some kind of a game, like "Keep America Waiting"

Jeff, Noah and the rest of you 2 face liars...
I really dont know what country you guys are in or what planet u talking from....You are talking about the staged town halls that McCain planned to sink Obama? How about the cone of silence in Saddle back church ....It was later found out that McCain was not in any cone he was far away in his car....Obama is too smart to be trapped by McCain. Chris rock said it last night you guys are selfish racist. Who woud rather vote for incompetence than voting right to save the country.
Obama warns jmac about 48hrs ago not to go to washington to distract the bipartisan proceedings..Did he listen? No instead went ahead and the deal that was reached an hour b4 he got there went out throught the window.
For you information and to clear ur ignorance Obama didnt plan this debate ...the presidential debate commission did.

The debate must go on the state of Mississippi has spent over 5 million dollar for this debate. So let's get on as Mr. Marvin said. Go Obama/Biden

McCain will be there. I have no idea what kind of rodent he will put out of his hat to call a white rabbit. I am very happy with David Letterman and Paris Hilton, expertly done! So when McCain does show up – I think we owe a debt of gratitude to the celebrities that in the end forced him to recognize the power of celebrity status over today's polls and public opinions. Not all celebrities are bubble heads! McCain has gotten so much ridiculous press after ditching Dave that there's very few opportunities for him to make it better by election day, so he will spend the first 30 minutes of debate scrambling about Dave and how he really doesn't want to be there, and Jim will rip him to shreds I promise! This is exactly why I don't subscribe to early voting – candidates can change faster than the press of a button of pull of a lever!

No one is going to change what has happened overnight. If McCain was true in saying "Country First" he would have not picked Palin as running mate AND he would have gotten his happy butt back to Washington LAST WEEK.

Besides, there is no reason to run to Washington when we have webcams out there where everything being said on the floor can be received all over the country if need be. Heck, he can even vote via the internet if need be.

Moot point in having to be in Washington. He NEEDS to get on with the debate or have the V.P's take their place.

Good leadership multitasks.

Can you imagine if the President of a large corporation decided to suspend all operations of the corporation in order to focus all his efforts with the financial department to make sure that a resolution to a major financial crisis is obtained?

And oh, by the way, the President has no economics expertise!

The real world requires smart leaders of large corporations to manage operations effectively AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE DEALING WITH CRISES!

Besides, the debate is scheduled on a Friday evening (at a time when very little will get done on Capitol Hill anyways).

John McCain has so been involved in what has gone wrong since George Bush got complete control in White house and Congress for first 6 years of his Administration. No wonder everything is such a mess

Keith substituted for McCentury on Letterman the other night. What's good enough for Letterman should be good enough for the Debate.

If McCain does not show up for this debate I want to know what he is doing at EXACTLY that same time.....I want a camera on him showing the world how he is saving us from the economic crisis right that very second while the debate was to occur. While Barack is doing there facing the questions unafraid, I want to actually see what McCain is doing....right that same moment....while everyone else is watching the debate....while all the other committee members are eating dinner or home in bed or watching the debate....what is it that John McCain will be doing to save the economy all by himself......If he really truly has a reason...some pressing business that takes precedence while everyone else in the world watches the debate over their dinner.....then show me...prove it....put a camera on him at exactly the time he should be debating.

It's off topic but I start to feel sorry for Palin. To anyone who saw her giving the interview to Couric, you can't help but think she makes a fool of herself in front of millions. If it were only her, it would be one thing, but to think of her children who'll grow up having this image of her mother, being ridiculed for months and months.

Iam quite angry at McCain for that. He chose her knowing she had no qualification. He was solely interested in getting some votes from Clinton's supporters and the right-wing nut cases. Of course she was going to say yes, the woman thinks she is qualified, which goes a long way to tell you how much , her and her witch hunter pastor, she's off the map. I hope she will quit before it's too late.

There have never been more then 4 televised presidential debates in the general election. There have never been televised presidential debates before the respective political conventions, when the candidates are *officially nominated* by their party. Was there a lot of certainty going into the conventions about how they were going to proceed? Could the conventions have been total game changers resulting in different nominated presidential candidates? Absolutely. The debates are held after the conventions for a reason.

So, McCain calling for a bunch of town hall debates was a cheap political stunt and a sign of instability.

Now we've got an economy in crisis, it's been a couple weeks since the conventions, it's been a long time since the primary debates, and we've just got a few weeks before the general election. People need to know what the different candidates stand for, and people need to see how those candidates stand against each other. Obama and McCain should be informed on the bailout process, but they're not on a banking committee, they're not on a finance committee, outside of reading the finalized bill and then voting for or against it they don't have a Senatorial role to fill in this crisis. Additionally, the Senate is not going to be doing anything about this bill one way or the other at the time when the debate is scheduled.

McCain should show up and debate, and refusing to do so is a cheap political stunt and a sign of instability.

But it will play great with his base.

people, please understand that McCain at his age can not multi task. The guy can bearly focus for 5 minutes!!! This political stunt will not work. Give some credit to the american people

Hopefully, if McCain does not show up for the debate, CNN will have a close watch of McCain's activity during that time.

This whole Republican/McCain stunt to blindside Obama by reaching a deal while he is in Mississippi. Come in to town, mess up the negotiations, "save America while Obama is at the scheduled debate.

Hopefully the Democrates are smart enough to stop this utterly tragic ploy of playing with America's financial security by a pathetic man who is putting politics and himself ahead of Country.

Can you believe this, I just read an article that the McCain's campaign is blaming Obama for the break down of the bail out deal. Wow, I thought that I have seen it all. this is gutter polcitics at its best.

How much you want to bet, McCain isn't there for the start; the town hall meeting begins; then just as Obama's hitting his stride, who should make a dramatic entrance but - McSuperCain! Striding form the wings onto the stage, seizing the microphone to proclaim with modest pride that he, he alone, has wrought a bailout plan that will Save America!!!!

Obama is behaving like the VILLAGE IDIOT !!!

The Audience will put the questions to Jim Lehrer.
Jim Lehrer will then soften the questions and politely put them to His Highness King Hussein Obama just like they do with the Elders meetings in western Kenya.

This guy is a Joke !!!!!!

I'm speechless

You would think with all of McCain's experience and Obama's lack thereof, that McCain would be more able to handle more than one matter at a time. Let's face it, McCain was afraid of the debate because he felt the urgency shiftins toward the economy and knew that would come up at the debate regardless and he needed to find out from Rove and Bush what he should say. He's deceitful and I truly desparate for power so that he can start his own war and see himself as the "hero" again. He is truly senile.

Send in Pale-In to debate Oabma

Mc Cain is gonna come .. he is just looking for media attention

"All they need to do is put a cardboard cut out version of John McCain behind the podium and everytime a question is posed to McCain a cricket noise play…and then Obama says, "Jim if you don't mind, I will feild this question…"

blake.....You just made me choke on my coffee.....too darn funny!!!

Great, let's have the clueless McCain get involved in coming out with an economic proposal!!!! Who is he kidding? Nobody wants him there...didn't anyone tell him he is not part of the congressional committee anyway so he might as well do as all a favor and stay away? He better go and put a muzzle on Palin because the more she talks, the more we realize that she does not have much of an IQ ...

mccain want to prospone the debate because ... because he is unqualify and not ready to be a president yet...

If McCain is scard of Obama, how will he face Ahmedinajad?
Why is it that McCain is going to all his other scheduled actiivities?

Leadership here and now: Obama/Biden'08

McCain is an idiot and a joke. And so is his bimbo vp.

mccain/mr.gimmick

John McCain is a farce. I hope he doesn't go to Mississippi. I am sick of his antics and gimmicks. I would rather spend my 90 minutes listening to someone of reason with a vision and the intellect and focus to get us there.

Both has to participate in the debate
I want one more debate moderated by CNN Wolf Blitzer, Lou Dobbs and Howard Kurtz
I can count on these three
If this debate take place that will be fair, balance and trusted
I request Sen. Mc Cain please participate

economy should be part of the debate tonight . healthy economy is part of our national security.

MCSAME havnt done his job since APRIL. OBAMA has done his job up until JULY. MCAME wasnt worried about our crisis until the other day. You know why? BECAUSE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THIS ECONOMY IS STRONG!!!!! SO why do he need to go help?What is he going to do? He only has to check yay or nay. No deal made no vote so what is he going to do take a nap until a deal is made?

McCain has always been a drama king! If he doesn't show, he can pack his bags and go back home. The American people will tune in to watch their next President, Barrack Obama.

This is a no brainer. How much longer can McCain supporters deny the inevitable and the obvious. If you still support The republicans after watching Sarah Palin performances, I will be happy to schedule you a lobotomy. Finally, I am confident that the American people are seeing the light. Obama is a smart, fair, kind, and informed candidate. The United States of America will finally, after years of the village idiot in office, have some intelligence in the Oval office.

O8AMA

There is absolutely no reason that McCain can't spend Friday in Washington & then fly to Mississippi for the debate. He has a private jet at his disposal & a debate is usually only about 1 1/2 hours. There is no reason why he can't leave Washington for a few hours to debate. I want to hear what Obama & McCain have to say. Also I believe that McCain & Obama would be a distraction to the negotiations in DC.

Why is McCain copping out of the debate in the pretext of resolving the bailout plan. What is he afraid of . Did he become a chicken maverick? If he becomes the president he should be able to handle different issues simultaneously. It looks like he is prbably exhausted and needed a rest. His age and health are definitely of concern to the voters.

How can you not make it to a debate when you have your own jet? Spend the day in DC, fly to the debate, and go back afterwards....it's only a 90 minute debate.

this is a crock of .....ya'll klnow what I mean tell me a good reason not to have a debate now since tis crisis has unfolded , Mcain show's no leadership whatsoever , he want's to cancel the debate because he 's not prepared , i'm sick and tired of people making excuses for Mcain ,this man has no leadership qualitties at all , just look at his decision to pick palin thinking it would movewoman to vote for him , if that's not carelessness then i don't know what is , and that's just an example for him not to be a president

Frankly, either way, I'm thinking Obama is gonna get a huge benefit from this debate. He seems confident and ready for it, while McCain seems lost in the woods and just fouled up the works for the bailout plan. If McCain doesn't show, then Obama gets to use the time to connect once again with the whole country.

Noah September 26th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Senator McCain asked Obama to join him for 10 town hall debates and Obama refused. McCain is a man of principle and he knows that as a Senator he isneeded in Washington. Obama cares far too much about his own ambitions than to try and help the American people when they really need it.
___________________________

McCain only wanted those because he knew there would be small audiences and they wouldn't be televised.

McCain= Coward

Anything and everything to win an election
Country First- my foot.

I would bet almost anything that at about 4:00 this afternoon the republicans will make a big announcement that there is a deal on this bail out and give McCain all the credit for it. Then McCain will fly to Mississippi and while answering his first question he'll say that he's sorry if he's not as prepared as he should be because he was giving all his attention to the financial crisis. This has all been a set up and anyone who can't see through it shouldn't be allowed to vote.

McCain is running scared. If he doesn't bother to show America the respect of showing up for tonight's debate, we may be better off anyway. That way, Americans can listen to the intelligence of a real leader and hear how he will improve the condition of our country through real work and dedication - Barack Obama is the man we need to help our nation heal.

I respect McCain's military service, but getting caught in a failed mission and being a POW does not qualify or verify sound leadership, intelligence and a vision for your country.

I will be watching the debate tonight, along with millions of other Americans - with our without George Bush, Jr. (aka John McCain)!

McCain is waiting for plan "D" so it match's his graduating grade from the Naval Academy. And this guy has the backing of minds that aren't waiting for autopsy in the morgue.

Its over I never in my voting life have seen a candidate try and put a hold on a Presidential Debate .

If you McCain want Americans to have even considered you then you should be out their campaigning like you want it bad.

You and Bush are a total disgrace to our great nation .

I hope that you never get elected into the Whitehouse never.

America will come through this major mess where in but not with McCain who is just grandstanding .

We really need a true leader and one that will not just put on a show everytime their is a crisis domestic or otherwise that person in my book is Senator Obama .

If your an undecided voter reading this please consider Senator Obama.

He has shown me he is balanced level headed and thinking before jumping to a conclusion like McCain does.

Obama/Biden 08

I think McCain will show up. If the estimated number of people the media is predicting will watch the debate is true, McCain would only be shooting himself in the foot by not appearing.

The POTUS is in a unique position where he or she will be faced with several tasks at once. If either of them are prepared to lead as they both claim, then keeping and eye on the Economic crisis and doing a presidental debate should not be such a big deal.

It's the toughest job is the world...let's show the people that you can handle it.

No wonder the McCain camp wants to delay indefinetly the VP debates. As it stands now the polls suggest that Palin and Biden are in a virtual dead heat over who would win their debate. This tells us two things, number one that the American people have no real idea just how ignorant Palin is and number two, the McCain campaign is counting on the VP debate being canceled all together because a 50/50 split with Biden is the best possible scenario for them in an actual debate between the two. The McCain camp knows better however and they know that she will get knocked out of the ball park by Biden like a Ryan Howard homerun and they can't afford to let that happen already being behind as it is. If you have seen any of the interview between Palin and Katie Couric then you know what I'm talking about.
Couric: What do you mean when you say you have foreign policy experience because you can see Russis from your house?
Palin: "Well like the uhh, the children of Russia don't have maps like because the like, education maps are poor in countries like the Russia and like the Iraq, when Putin rears his head uhh, where do you think his head goes uhh, like right over Alaska because they are like in our state of Alaska and a ya know what I mean, like they uhh take something that you say and like they try to ya know, like uhh, uhhh, ya know".

Imagine! A town hall meeting and John McCain won't be there.
This whole episode, right down to the sneak attack by House Republicans, smells of a political ploy to let McCain escape a debate - and more, to somehow sneak Palin through without debating Biden.

It's okay McCain, just take a deep breath and come from behind that skirt and just start talking.... you've done it before, remember when you had to tell your crippled ex wife you were leaving her for Cindy Moneybags! McCain is a creep and I am glad to find out all of this before hand. Let's make the right choice and put Barack Obama in office and get this country going in the right directiion. Vote for Obama 08 and 2012.

The only reason to have McCain at the debate is to see the angry, old white that it itching to come out. A townhall-style meeting with Obama would be a great opportunity to hear some policy detail.

You mean Obama is not afraid to multitask? No way................where is mchero,mcderegulator,mccoward,mcgamble,mcliar????

Read between the lines. McCain is just pulling a stunt. His entire campaign has been shady, so why should I believe he is suddenly sincere? McCain is full of hidden agendas. Are you sure he's not my mother-in-law in disguise?

One can only guess McCain's motives here. Couldn't Sara Palin step up tp bat and take over for her running mate? As a possible future Vice President that should indeed be her role.

I think John McCain deliberately caused the Republicans to put a cog in the wheel yesterday to keep the economic fix from happening.

Now if he is successful with his "new ideas" this morning, McCain can claim he has saved the Union.

I think Karl "Rasputin" Rove is behind this.....it sounds like a Rove move.

Genius! McCain has always been a big fan of the town hall format, so there is no way he can possibly object to this plan.

McCain is no financial expert by his own admission, so the idea that he is going to ride in on a white horse and save the economy is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in politics, and that is saying something.

McCain needs to show up for tonight's debate and look like the frightened, confused old man he is while Obama looks calm, cool and Presidential. Then we can go ahead and put this election away and we can all get on with our lives.

if bush did what mccain was doing the libs would complain that he was not in washington taking care of the bailout. all it means is that libs will say whatever is politically expedient.

If McCain does not show it will be the single most humiliateing moment for ANY Candidate in the HISTORY of US Politics.

If Obama is the only candidate who is willing to get under the hot lights and answer to the PEOPLE then McCain should just Concede now.

Do the REALLY think they can hide from the people and press all the way to the Whitehouse??

McCain is going to show. Right after he and the Republican hold outs come dashing in with an agreement. Then he'll spend his time during the debate telling what a Maverick he is and how he alone was able to seal the deal.

Anybody who buys into this stunt is just plain crazy.

I hope Obama kicks his behind all the way back to Arizona.

McCain is only doing this as a political move. It has backfired on him here in small town America, I can tell you that. There seems to be a consensus that this move was political only and did not help anything with the bailout. How can he be there to show leadership when he will not even say what his position on the issue is? I honestly do not get how anyone could say with a strait face that he his being there shows leadership. He is simply running scared. Putting off the debate and suspended the campaign helps him because the further into the issues we go, he knows he will be on the losing side. This is NOT leadership John McCain.

Has anyone heard the Plan B proposals from the GOP on bailouts? These Republicans actually want MORE deregulation and capital gains tax cuts to benefit none other than.......WALL STREET!
Give me a break!
Debate on!

CNN..............When will we hear more "COMEDY" from Sarah Palin.
I want to be sure to set my TIVO. This stuff is FUNNIER than Saturday Night Live.

I'm all for the open forum concept for Obama if McCain is a no-show. The less air time McCain/Palin gets the better as far as I'm concerned.

I would much rather hear Senator Obama answer questions for 2 hours than listen to John McCain at all.
McCain is showing the public just how incompetent he is – first with his vice presidential pick and now with the economic situation.
McCain is completely out of touch. ALSO, his plan to ride into Washington on a white horse and "rescue" the bailout backfired!
He and Bush have worked behind the scenes together since his campaign began; oil drilling, Iraq, Russia, Iran, and now the economy have all been behind the scene ploys to get McCain elected.
Do your homework, watch the Bush press conferences followed by the McCain press conferences, and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. 2 peas in a pod, conspiring to colapse the United States.

Both senators are on the payroll to serve the nation. I expect them to demonstrate leadership by working on this crisis until it is resolved. They should reschedule the debate if necessary. Solving our nation's financial crisis trumps any debate on concepts.

What are the chaces that the republicans are waiting for Obaba to leave Washington for Mississippi before they agree to a bailout ? It would make McCain look like he saved the day.

McCain is playing us, again. He will show up for the debate, in a supposedly surprising way.

If there is one area that he has something to say, that would be in this debate. He cannot afford to skip it over some lame political gimmick.

Barack! Be ready that McCain is coming with a lot of rage and political gesturing, get under his skin and show his true color.

Obama/Biden 2008/2012

If McCain skips the debate he will look like a fool.

If mcsame want to avoid the debate ... why he should be running for the white house... he want to change his policy from war to economy ??? he should learn about the real change from obama..

obama 08'

That Obama's going to be there playing politics while Country-First John is back in Washington doing the job he get paid for. I aint scared at all about ths finacial crisis. Country-First John 'll save America from them Democrats. You wait and watch he will. He's a good 'en that Country-First.

Mr.McCain,
Please show some courage to handle things in parallel. You need to buy more time for preparation before debate as expected from you. As a candidate, you need to show capacity to handle multiple problem without loosing ground.

The president job is to be ABLE TO DO MANY THINGS AT THE SAME TIME.

John Mccain is really disapointing me.

a debate was planned long time ago, the american people has been waiting for it because they need to make up their mind about who to vote for.

Should a major financial crises occur, you must adress it, and still attend the debate.

This move on McCain's part shows that :

- he is not able to deal with many situations at the same time
- He does not respect his promisses
- he has no respect for the american people
- he tried to escape when he is under pressure.

im am totally desappointed.

Barack is right- a President needs to be able to talk and chew gum at the same time, and there is no reason whatsoever for a guy like McCain, who is not a leader on economic matters, to stop campaigning to go to Washington. Fixing this problem does not require the presence of John McCain.

If McCain doesn't show, this should be seen for what it is: cowardice, and pure politics.

If that clown McCain doesn't show up, America should wake up! He and Sarah Palin are sideshow freaks, they have no respect for hardworking American people. I am soooooo sick of this year's election! Can we please just vote TODAY! I'm sending Obama a donation TODAY!

Drill ...Drill...Drill now and only now.

Bail out.......Bailt out now and only now.

Suspend campaign..Suspend Campaign now and only now.

Rush back to Woshington now and only now

Can we debate now,debate now and only now.

P.O.W on A.W.O.L

AMERICAN VOTER ARE THE REAL ZOMBIE.

There should be no reason why Mccain can not debate for 90 mins when he has done tons of interviews in the last 24 hours. McCain can work all weekend. McCain needs to face the people and lead.
McCain looks weak.

Why does John McCain "Suspend" his campaign INSTEAD of letting Sarh Palin step up and "BE IN CHARE" while he is in Washington.

IF SHE CAN'T BE TRUSTED TO RUN A CAMPAIGN FOR TWO OR TRHEE DAYS................WHAT MAKES HER ABLE TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY,

if mcBush wins the election this year ======>

1.)Race
2.)Cheating(which Republicans are good at it, remember 8 yrs ago florida)

shame on those who have closed their eyes and ears.

Schoolyard bully challenges the wrong kid, doesn't show up for the fight. Sound familiar?

What is Maccain going to do when he has to deal with an earthquake and war at the same time ? maybe he is going to suspend his presidency . I was independent for a long time but I made up my mind as I believe that Obama is acting with more integrity.
MacCain is out of touch with reality even I have to multitask every single day at my job because they had to lay off 3 of my collegues.

The president job is to be ABLE TO DO MANY THINGS AT THE SAME TIME.

John Mccain is really disapointing me.

a debate was planned long time ago, the american people has been waiting for it because they need to make up their mind about who to vote for.

Should a major financial crises occur, you must adress it, and still attend the debate.

This move on McCain's part shows that :

I must say, I will not watch another preening event for Obama, if Mc
Cain is not there. Obama would rather preen and talk than roll up his sleeves and work on the very serious situation in DC; that is, Obama really doesn't care what happens with that, get that? Obama thinks the presidency is all about talking and looking pretty before the cameras. What an empty suit! He took the whole week off from senatorial work and from the presidential race to get "preened and groomed" for the Fri debate. Don't want any of this kind of president, no way! Do you people realize that the US tax payers are paying full salary to a man who to be a senator who does nothing in DC? You think he is more valuable to you with his preening and talking?

BOTH candidates should actually sit at the table and help work out a solution to our economic crisis! Even to suggest that the voters are better served by watching/listening to them debate foreign affairs (the subject scheduled for the debate) is ludicrous....another case of "fiddling while the USA burns".

Only one candidate showed that he had the intelligence that God gave a goose, McCain, and I'm voting for him!

Grandpa's a-runnin' scared, y'all.

Palin/Quayle 2012

If the McCain/Palin camp had their way, the presidential AND VP debates would be postponed until AFTER the elections....what a joke!

If McCain can't make it how about sending his number two to represent him. Lol!!!!

Let McCain no-show if he wants. He has already made a fool of himself with this little stunt. If he does show he will probably just act the hot headed old fart that he is.

It is emotional black mail for Mccain to say he will not debate unless congress agrees to a bill by today. 700 Billion is a lot of money and the public needs more time to come to terms with the bail out and why we need it. there should be no reason why the bill should be forced on us by tonight. We still have the weekend to work through it.

I like the idea of having Bob Barr or Ron Paul attend in McCain's absence. Or have McCain send his VP pick as a stand in if he needs all his focus in Washington. A debate needs to happen for all of us to make up our minds in less than 40 days.

Great!! It is good to see the Obama is able to Multi-Task. At this point I don't think anyone cares if McBush shows up or not. Either way people will see that Obama is the only one capable of being our next president!!

Obama/Biden '08

I would much prefer to listen to Obama for 90 minutes. McCain can stay away as far as I'm concerned.

If the McCain/Palin camp had their way, the presidential AND

Obama might as well go, he is not helping in Washington and is letting the dems trash mccain for actually to help.

Of course, I am sure he loves getting the free prime time ad, oops, town hall meeting...

Go ahead and invite Bob Barr and/or Ralph Nader to participate, I believe they have been begging to be included. The American people deserve to hear from the candidates who want to speak to them.

I am sorry fellow Republicans but I have absolutley no faith in McCain, I feel like Obama may be the better choice but I have never voted for a Dem........so I am just going to stay at home!!!!

I just can't vote for McCain/Palin ticket!! Wish we could have had Huckabee/Romney

How come ALL candidates are not being featured in the debate? I want to hear what every one of them has to say. Actually, I'm tired of not hearing what needs to be said by O & M.

With McCain's participation ....or without him.....this debate will be worth watching.....it will go down in history !!!
The only sure thing is..... Barack Obama will make America proud.

Some would rather work on America's future than debate it's failings..

mcsenile knows he'd better show up for this debate.

After all, foreign policy is supposed to be his strong suit (yeah right). Did you know that he was a POW.

This is so much political game-playing on McCain's part. He needs to keep to debate despite economic crisis, in fact, because of ecomonic crisis! Voters need to know where candidates stand, how they deal with crisis and how they handle themselves in debate. There are still quite a few undecided/ indepedent voters out there!

Obama is demonstrating true leadership and diplomacy, I question McCain's motives....

If McCain skips the debate then his campaign needs to reimburse the University and the city/state for all money spent on preparring for the event.

Run, run, hide, hide, distract here... Look Haley's Comet over there....

McCain and Palin are running from the American Public and they both are a farce.

Do you really want the disoriented McCain as President? Years in a POW camp is bound to leave a few screws loose. Remember the movie Manchurian Candidate. Has he published any medical or psychological records?

Know-nothing Palin isn't much better. Her last interview was a joke! Did you see where she was exorcised by her minister (witchdoctor)!

America wake up.

Will someone please ask Obama to put his Ego in his pocket until
our national financial crisis has been settled?
This moment in history is not about TALK, it's about dealing with
a national crisis.
Once these troubled waters are calm, then we would all enjoy a healthy presidential debate.
But, not at this moment!

Virginia

"When the going gets tough...the tough suspend their campaign"
Step-up and talk about the issues McCain.
Oh, that's right, you have no idea what to say!

Obama/Biden 08

McCain is an idiot. He's only trying to keep people guessing just to keep himself in the news. These people are shameless.

W. "we gonna get this baiout wheather you slaves want it or not, cuz we shouldnt have to pay for our bad decisions."

Please everyone dont vote for any of these clowns, vote somebody new in, and stay on them so we can avoid this mess again.

I tried to call... Is Obama still waiting by the phone?

I think we're beginning to see how a "Maverick" leads: in fits and starts,
high risk/ high reward. The pay-off for McCain's leadership style
(picking Palin, ducking debate) is it gets media attention. The costs are a continual disruption of the process of orderly reflection and choice-making that leads to good governance.

McCain looks like an excellent choice as CEO of a small, agile corporation and a LOUSY choice as chief executive for a nation of 300+
million.

Grandpa McCain is tired and confused.

The REAL reason he can't make the debates is that he can't stay up past 9:00 pm. All of the excitement of the past week has just tuckered him out.

While McCain tries to look busy on Capitol Hill, Obama is going through the American presidential process.

Please enlighten us GOP zealots on what aspects of McCain's campaign are 'suspended'. It seems all campaign offices are operating normally, his surrogates have been giving talking points and are making the day show circuits and he is still playing politics but trying to tell us otherwise.

Believe Mccains tricks, pandering and lies have caught up
with him. The man has no creditibility, no integrity.
He thought he would ride in like a knight on a white
horse but all he has managed to do is cause more
problems at a very crucial time for America.
Country first, yea, right Mccain.
This man is not capable or honorable enough to
lead our country.

I would expect Obama tobe at the debate, yesterday was the first time in a longtime he was actually in washington doing his elected job. He does not give me confidence that infact he will be able to do any of the programs he has preposed inlight of the new bailout package. Therefore, why would I vote for him? Obama, now appears tobe just another flashy self promoting politican. I think for the next 4yrs I'll learn to hold my breath with McCain/Palin, and keep the Dems in the majority in Congress.

2012

If presidential candidate McCain cannot attend the debate his VP candidate Palin should take his place.

Debate planners need to get ready. Ask McCain for a yes or no, give him until noon or so to respond, and then, Obama willing, change the format and disinvite McCain.

McCain would be giving up his opportunity to discuss "his" topic, foreign affairs. And the current economic situation. AND Palin.

Let's just decide now that he is disinvited, and give the extra time to Biden-Palen next week. How about it, Debate Commission?

This really is obnoxious.

How can it not be a stunt by McCain when all he did was sit looking lost? He even lied to Letterman. McCain just can't be trusted. He is acting like he is the economic czar that is needed when he doesn't have an economic clue. Other than all his bills are paid and he owns multiple homes and cars. McCain is more than financially secure. Most Americans are not.

So McCain needs to own up to this debate and show up. If not, he has lost this. If candidates can debate during the Iran hostage crisis and worse, McCain can too. Unless it is true that McCain is confused, can't multi-task and is just not qualified to represent the people of America and be President. Obama has shown he can lead.

It'll be political suicide if McCain bails on this debate.

Sounds like a plan im on board!

OBAMA 08'

What is McCain afraid of!!
Maybe because he can't jump a bomb on another country.

How come Obama isn't in Washington DC working to find a reasonable solution to the economic crisis the United States is now in? That is his current job and he is NOT doing it! If this is how he intends to 'lead', by letting others fix the problems,I am not interested in a MIA President.

Obama should get his priorities straight and quit the political posturing – only for some votes, only to win – while the US economy goes down the drain! Fortunately or unfortunately, in this case – McCain is clearly the leader with his priorities correct. Obama is just Obama – only out for himself!

The Mississippi debate won't go on, because the two presidential hopefuls should be in Washington working on the Bailout. And as far as Obana is concerned, if he gets the presidential nomoniation, it will be the fall of America as we know it. Don't believe me, read his book , then you'll understand what Obama is all about, and you won't be voting Democratic.

Mccain you coward,,,you have let all republican down, Shame on you for running away from debate. Country first my a.......i will be so happy to see you and that STUPID PALIN loose this november.

Mc Cain and Co are planning to delay things so that Palin does not have to debate Biden. This is very clear. You watch!! They are beginning to see what they have inflicted on the American people? All he thought was ' Who can help me win' not who will be good for America. Country first my A......... I wonder what his next stunt will be. Get rid of Palin (maybe an accident) and Romney will be VP. Mc Cain does not seem to have any morals. And I use to like him!

Remind people to get out and register to vote and vote.

Go Obama!!! 08 and 2012.

I will laugh histerically if McCain doesn't show up.

Senator Obama should be present, however, this will not be a debate without Senator McCain who is stonewalling.....The American people see this and therefore he will lose more votes because of it.

Senator McCain does not want questions about the Bush Administration economic policies that he has supported 90-95% of the time. Economic policies that are "Voodoo" and trickle down instead of creating jobs for the future and a stable economy that has only been realized by Democrat Wm. Clinton during the last quarter of a century.

McCain is doing a grand stand. He is laying the ground work so the Palin debate can be delayed until after the election. As for Bill Clinton, he is busy with Palin. For the very FIRST time, I feel sorry for Hillary having such a pig for a husband.

The debate should go on. I hope McCain shows up. But if he doesn't then I guess Obama can do it however the Debate Commission decides to run it.

And yes the VP debate should go on next week as planned as well. Enough of the McCain campaign trying to shield Palin. If she is ready to be VP as they say she is, she is ready to debate, speak to the media and all the rest of it. If she cannot do these things then she has no business running for VP.

By all his grandstanding and threats to avoid the debate and attempts to look like the hero of the financial debacle and "suspending" his campaign–McCain has managed to get himself TONS more free advertising than he could ever have achieved otherwise. Very shrewd move on his part. Sad that he has to stoop so low to get it, though.

If McCain doesn't show, I'm really going to call im McChicken for now on. What is he so afraid of? It's just a presidential debate.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

John McCain is a little too eager to skip the debate. This might even
raise suspicions given Mississipi's history. The secret service may
even want to beef up security. Something smells fishy. If John
refuses to show up, just turn it into a town hall meeting.

Democrats 08.

McCain will win this election. No more Obama, no more Clintons. We don't need screaming pumas to win this election.

Palin 2012

John McChicken needs to show up, and stop pulling all these stunt to detour the American people from the fact that he nor Sarah Palin are fit to run this country. He keeps trying to find ways to throw Barack off, but Mr. Obama is so focused, he's now unstoppable. If McChicken didn't show up, then I'm sure Obama can handle the town hall style debate...

I love it! A 90 minute townhall meeting on National Television! that'll really irk the McCain campaign.

Hey the show must go on even if John McChicken decides to not attend.

Obama/Biden '08! Presidential...

If the Democrats control the House and the Senate why not vote.

Obama is wanting to give away our money

Senator McCain is really showing how unprepared he really is and how he is NOT READY TO BE PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES. Senator Palin, WOW, she is really stupid. They both are REDNECKS AND LIERS TO A FAULT! Some how I figured that this was true and when they told and are telling so many lies on national television it is shameful. I am so ashamed of my white people I just don't know what to do. they are the Bush clones and it is evident. I was going to vote for McCain/Palin, but now they can hang it up

Newlife in New York

John McCain better show up else everyone will think he's a coward.

Obama is more interested in the job he's trying to get than the one he has.
Also, he running scared because after attending debate schoole he's so afraid he'll forget the answers if the debate is dalayed.

America, this is the same empty suite he was when he was debating Hillary...................the same liar. Please don't reward this man for being unfit.
Chris Dobbs and Barney Franks should be arrested for treason.

John McCain is a MAVERICK! He's a WAR HERO and a former POW! He crashed FIVE PLANES!

Surely, he's not afraid of a debate with some light-weight arrogant empty suit that can't think without a teleprompter!

He what? He's not coming? Oh...

Nevermind.

I am over this election, I know who I'm voting for and mothing in the next 39 days will change my mind. John McCain and Sarah Palin simply do not have the JUDGEMENT, TEMPERAMENT or INTELLECT to be president and vice president of this country. Been there done that type of brainless presidency for the last eight years. ENOUGH!!!

Candidate debates are regulated by federal and state election laws. By law a debate must include at least two candidates. By claiming a one-candidate debate has a “town hall format”; it would not change the law and would still give unfair advantage to one candidate. If Mr. McCain is not able to appear, the debate will be postponed.

Like Obama said, the President needs to be able to multi-task. Surely the Senate can spare Obama and McCain for an evening. Besides, seeing that the election is not being postponed, the show must go on.

ADVANTAGE= SEN. OBAMA

WHAT A FOOL MCCAIN IS! HE IS SHOOTING HIMSELF IN THE FOOT BY NOT WANTING TO PARTICIPATE IN A 90 MINUTE DEBATE!

I SMELL FEAR.

Worried about a debate??? When the financial sector of the US is about to come tumbling down... Last I checked both of the presidential candidates were elected to do a job in Congress... I think it is very important that both of them are there to vote... then make public how they voted!!!

After reading some of the blogs... it is amazing how quickly all of you want to jump on a "quick fix" and blame McCain... It seems most Americans especially the younger generation seem to forget that they need to "look before they leap!!!"

I would prefer that the lawyers analyze the proposed bail out line by line to make sure this does not turn into another Great Depression...

In my little experience the quick and fast solution usually ends up turning into a big and long disaster!!!

Go ahead, John, bail. Or better yet, let Governor Palin sit in. Isn't that what the VP is there for? Give me a break. Barney Frank said that McCain's presence is no benefit to the economic debate going on. The American people need to see how their candidates would respond is a crisis. Here it is, let's see your stuff McCain.

If Senator McCain is needed in Washington, then he should send is second in comment Gov. Sarah Palin

John McCain is disrespecting Democracy. In the past 24 hours he has wrecked the meetings in Washington, threatened to not show up at the debates, broken previous commitments, “stopped” his campaign (ha ha!) and is political grandstanding instead of engaging in spirited debate.

If he fails to show up to tonight’s debate, the American people should treat this as a slap in our collective faces because this reveals him to be a man who panics in the face of adversity, cowers when the chips are down, and hides when he is counted on. Is this the man you want to represent the United States?

Watch you Republican losers as 'Cut and Run' Johnnie McCain'spresidential campaign come crashing down into a pile of rubble tonight if he doesn't show up.

You go, Obama!

McCain is going to be sorry he pulled this "drama queen" stunt.

If he has any sense left, he'll show up too.

McCain will show up. This is just another politcal stunt he is pulling to distract voters. That is the only way he can win, by distractions. He can't win on the issues so he needs keep sidetracking the issues.

What a con artist. Is that what we want in the White House?

The REAL leader is gonna be there!! I cannot believe after the University has spent Millions in preparations of this debate.. McCain is trying to "Bailout" on it.

Its Obvious his plate is fuller than he himself can handle. We need Obama who is not full of "DRAMA" to be President!!

I love the idea of Plan B though. The show must go on!!! LOL

This is an election here regardless of any crisis... McCain from observers in the meeting hasnt really said anything worthy of him needing to be there. Obama has said more and asking questions and participating more than McCain has. Yet Obama is going to be there.

I see who the real leader is and I think more and more many Americans are too!!!

That's the only way NOBAMA can debate – WITH HIS STUPID SELF!!! What a clown.

Great.. let the debates begin. Voters need to see and hear their candidates in this format. Yes, the economy is a crisis but there are other crisis still evolving daily. People are sleeping on the streets, soldiers are dying every day in Iraq and there are no jobs. Yes, we need these debates and we need them now. Ole Miss has spent millions of dollars preparing for this and man hours. Why disrespect Miss. for the sake of John McCain's campaign stunts.

How about a Plan C that allows 3rd party candidates speak?

Too bad America can't see past the 2 party system, which is completely unconstitutional.

Mc Cain will attend .. if he doesn't he looks like a fool!!!

Why Mc Cain did this Political Stunt:
1. Media attention
2. Cancel Vp Debate because Palin is a dimwit
3. Deter attention from Rick Davis .. BTW where is he???
4. Knew the Foreign Policy Debate would've been economy oriented .. knew he would have been slammed in this debate

many many more

Anyone planning on being the next president of these United States had better be there, if not you just watch the P
o

l
l
s dip

I think McCain just shot himself in the foot on this decision. If he doesnt go you better believe Obama is going to rip him and remind the people of Mississippi that McCain decided to leave them high and dry despite all their had work and money invested. If McCain does go then then its clear that he hasn't properly prepared for this debate and will go down in flames like his plane over North Vietnam.

I think the proposed new format could be better than listening to McCain for half of the originally scheduled debate time. Personally I would like to hear Obama answer quiries from audience members – questions representing what most Americans are thinking.

this is sad. i was really looking foward to a full debate and i am pretty sure millions of others all around America and the world were too. I understand the need for the candidates to complete their roles as congressman and senetors but it is necessary to let the American people know where you stand on issues that are currently effecting us. Thank you McCain for handing over the presidential bid to Barack Obama. The United States and the World ( maybe even the Universe) is so appreciative that you did.

Obama/Biden '08

Obama said that next president should have the ability to do multi-tasking. I can't blame McCain if he can't do multi-tasking, he's personal computer is still running Windows 3.1

Let McSame skip it. It will turn into a 90 minute ad for Obama and why he deserves to be President. Obama has come across as very Presidential during this crisis, while McSame has come across as confused and scatter brained.

If I were McSame, I'd be hiding under my bed after watching the Katie Couric interview yesterday. Ms. South Carolina ("U.S. Americans," etc.) comes across as more polished and would be a better VP candidate. Yet another example of McSame's POOR decision making abilities and knee jerk reactions. He's pathetic. Give him a Bingo card and sit him down in the corner.

Just say NO to Bush 44 and Caribou Barbie.

Go Obama/Biden!!!

McCain's smirky smile showed just how arrogant he is. I can't wait to see McCain and Palin fall flat on their face, and I hope they hit hard.

All McCain did yesterday was make a mess of things and wasn't needed in Washington, NOR was he wanted in Washington.

Other people working on this bailout had worked long hours all week, and then McCain steps in and creates a mess. Just to show how insensitive he is

McCain is a disgrace to this country. And you people who think McCain is for the country, you are all 100% wrong.

They need to disqualify McCain – he doesn't deserve to be in the public eye anymore.

If McCain decides not to show up I think that Obama should take advantage of this opportunity to speak to Dems, Repubs, and independents and let us all know where he wants to take our country. I think it would be a great opportunity for him if McCain decides not to show up.

I am still torn up about him huffing over the bailout 'tonight' for 90 minutes he could fly down to MISS and fly back to DC he has his own jet?!! What is the problem. He won't be talking bailout for those 90 minutes.... What's the big deal McCain??!!

Obama & Biden for 2008!!!

If Mccain Doesnt Show Up He Will Be Viewed As Unprepared Or Scared! Either Way He Wont Look Presidential At All!

Can someone explain to me re: the Ticker entry below, that 46% of people polled believe Palin will win her debate against Biden? A complete, truthful, and intelligent sentence has yet to escape her lips.

Why are they having the debate? This is the time for people in Congress to do things for the country first. Of course Obama is all about me first. I would rather have them work on settling the crisis, then giving speeches or having a debate. There is plenty of time for debates and I would rather see how someone is going to reach out to the other side for a compromise. I guess this is Obama's normal way of voting present.

Obama – a man of his word. No sneaky or egotistical attempts to wiggle out of the debate or get his VP out of a debate.

Go Obama! I'm looking forward to watching tonight.

And Obama's town hall will be watched by millions of voters who planned on watching the debate. Who will be watching McCain? Oh, yea, noone will.

I think by not making the slightest effort show up after all of the time and money Mississippi has put into the preparations is a slap in the face.

McCain is very self-centered and doesn't really care about people.

This is all political ppsturing by mccain...He will show up at the last mintue and tout how he saved america from financial ruin...which would have been done yesterday ahd he not intervened. he will also calimthat he did not ahve time to prepare because he suspended his campaign, that is lie.....he is still on tv campaigning, palin is campaighning, and ads are still running here in PA...so there is no suspension ..again a politcal trick.
If the repubs continue to block this plan...look for more banks to go under next week, and then we will all know who to blame.
Want to turn the ecomony around, and please the people of the country,. take that 700B and divide it to all the tax payers, send it to us, withhold taxes so that some of the money comes right back to the government. The the American people woudl ahve money to pay the mortgages, pay off bills, and make the economy liquid again. Give the bailout in it's entirity tot he people...now if that was proposed by someone and the facts as I think are correct, that would be the best answer and show that the government gets it.

This article just says what we already know. The whole McBush 'campaign suspension' was just a gimmick to make McBush look like he puts 'Country First' while in fact he continued with his usual campaign schedule. He canceled his appearance on David Letterman knowing that it would recieve media coverage and make him look as though he had to rush to Washington tosave America.
However, Letterman made a complete fool of McBush by proving that he was actually in the same studio as Letterman and was doing an interview wit Katie Couric. Then Letterman laughed at McFool on the Air and offered to drive him to the airport. McFarce is fast becoming a bad joke.

Even McCain and his inept campaign aren't stupid enpugh to let this happen.

Of course, I still believe this whole thing: "suspending" his campaign, "rushing" to DC 22 hours late, playing the hero, destroying the negotiation, is all an attempt to scuttle the VP debate.

He cannot allow Palin to be onstage for 90 minutes.

"The more people, in my judgment, exaggerate a threat of safety and soundness (of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae), the more people conjure up the possibility of serious financial losses to the Treasury, which I do not see. I think we see entities that are fundamentally sound financially and withstand some of the disastrous scenarios. And even if there were a problem, the Federal Government doesn't bail them out. But the more pressure there is there, then the less I think we see in terms of affordable housing."
-–Democrat Barney Frank in September 2003

This was when the bush administration was trying to implement Oversite on these 2 companies. Someone tell me why the democrats are not taking any responsibilities for this.

Any now he is helping to write a 700 Billion dollar bailout.

OBAMA IS A SHOWBOAT ANYWAYS. TALKING HE DOES BEST. ACTION IS LEFT OUT OF HIS SPEECHES.OBAMA IS A JOKE LIKE HIS SUPPORTERS.ALL HE BRINGS IS HATE,DIVISION AND RACIST.

McCain pulling these childish stunts just gets him more attention. He's as obvious as a spoiled little brat. And behaves like one.

No WAY !!!!!!

Will McDeregulator show up?

He looks sicker everyday.

Have any of you guys noticed this too?

And what good, pray, does McCain's absence of 90 minutes from the debate do to the economy? What can he achieve in those 90 minutes for economy that he wasn't able to achieve in the last 8 years?

Town Hall Debate – Priceless!

If McCain isn't going to be there, then his VP nominee should go in his place. Isn't that what a VP is for – to step in for the President when there's a crisis? If McCain is so gosh-darn valuable to finding a solution to economic crisis, then his VP should be called up. As a Plan B to this, then the entire VP debate should be switched and held tonight, and the first Presidential debate next week.
Remember that early voting and absentee voting has already begun. People deserve to hear their candidates speak in the debates.
Hold the debates as scheduled – substitute the VPs if necessary!

It shouldn't surprise anyone that McCain would want to dodge Obama. The only problem is, McCain's efforts to do so only make him look weak, and if Obama shows and McCain doesn't, it will put a spotlight on McCain's unpreparedness.

This whole "suspend the campaign to address the economic crisis" is crap. Neither McCain nor Obama sit on any congressional committee that has anything to do with this issue. Let the appropriate committees do their job without interference, and get on with your campaigning, including the debates.

Maybe they can contribute to help REDUCE the deficit.

These Republicans are making me sick,the Democrats wants to bring this country together,but the Republicans wants to play politics.Mccain is a idiot,so is Palin,but if the Republicans dont get their way their willing to bring down the whole economy,LIKE DOGS IF THEY CANT EAT SOMETHING THEY BURY IT.

2000 GOP Primary – McCain Backed Out of Debate
" John McCain has pulled out of a long-scheduled debate with Texas Gov. George Bush, set for Thursday in Los Angeles... Top campaign officials attributed McCain's decision to Bush's earlier reluctance to appear at the debate." Mavricky!

Sweet! Let the coward hold up with Boehner and the rest of their ilk, who are trying to destroy the American economy before they are slaughtered like fatted calves on election day!

You simply cannot trust McCain. He is a proven liar and an out-of-touch elderly fool. He doesn’t care about helping the American people. How was McCain going to single-handedly save the economy by returning to Washington once the bailout meetings were well underway and when his presence there was merely for a political one-up tactic?

More gamesmanship and dirty cheating tricks from McCain & strong-willed-lower-lip Palin on the way!

Watch them (McCain and the GOP) try to shield Palin from her VP debate if it’s supposed to last more than 23 seconds!

I just heard this morning that some churches in several are rebelling and will now preach politics from the pulpit.

I think this should cause them to lose their tax exempt status. See? Maybe all the hypocrits can contribute to the deficit we have.

I sure hope so.

Obama/Biden '08

That is more like it. We are fully ready to listen to your Senator Obama....or next president who is capable of handling multiple tasks at the same time. We don't want a president who drops one thing and go on with another thing.

Obama/Biden - 08/12

All they need to do is put a cardboard cut out version of John McCain behind the podium and everytime a question is posed to McCain a cricket noise play...and then Obama says, "Jim if you don't mind, I will feild this question..."

Thats it. McCain would have a better chance of "winning" this debate then if he was actually present.

This is insane. No one even talks about the fact that the University of Mississippi has spent 1 1/2 years and over a million dollar to set up this debate. I guess McCain wants Americans to pick up the tab if he no-shows!! Money doesn't grow on trees John McCain...well maybe in your world, but not ours.

McCain is as wrong as "two left shoes" on this one, if he doesn't show. The people of Miss. spent money to see him and Obama debate, so show up!

The debate pales in magnitude of importance to the economic meltdown.

BOTH senators should be doing THEIR CURRENT JOB- rather than campaigning as usual.

Why is it that McCain can back out and it's OK? This is nuts.

I think the FCC will have a big problem with this! If this does go off as a "town hall" meeting, I'm not sure it can be televised because it could be seen as a political advertisement. I'm pretty sure debates are categorized differently than news programs.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

Oh goody, another chance for Obama to pontificate his "vision" for America. as a lifeling Democrat I find it very difficult to listen to this guy prattle on. I would be happier if his record could substantiate his rhetoric.

Sweet I could care less about Mccain anyway, I cannot wait to see Obama answer the questions and I hope when they hear his idea's and realize what a smart man he is, the word will spread in the strong republican state's!

Multi-tasking!!!
Great Presidential attributes

On with the debate!!!

Come on McCain, what are you afraid of? Congress doesn't need you now.

Senator McCain asked Obama to join him for 10 town hall debates and Obama refused. McCain is a man of principle and he knows that as a Senator he isneeded in Washington. Obama cares far too much about his own ambitions than to try and help the American people when they really need it.