Live-blogging with The Best Political Team

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/11/art.forum.9.11.cnn.jpg caption="Weigh in with CNN's analysts and contributors."](CNN) –On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama each take the stage to discuss service and civic engagement in a forum at Columbia University.

What do you think of their ideas? How does the role of service determine what kind of nation we live in? What does national service mean to you?

Along with CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley, CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider, CNN Political Analyst Roland Martin, and Republican strategist Bay Buchanan, thousands of you weighed in.

Click "comments" below for a look at the entire conversation.

Filed under: Candidate Barack Obama • John McCain

soundoff (4,056 Responses)

larry

For the person who commented about the poor performance of the educational system in Illinois... You should take a look at ours here in Arizona...

September 11, 2008 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
jeanie

Palin cannot run and hide because she does not like how newsmen ask her questions. It is such a shame that she is getting away with such behavior. The media would not let a male candidate get away with it. why should we let a woman?

September 11, 2008 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
Suzanne

RE: ConcernedAboutAnotherElephantintheRoom

I have to agree with your statements. What concerned me the most, was the obvious war mongering comments that lingered in my household after the interview was shown. Our country is becoming increasingly cynical about wars and why they are waged, and here arrives Gov. Palin, who only seems to speak about more war.

Then, in stark contrast, we saw a great forum on service from the Presidential candidates.

What I don't understand is why or how people in this blog continue to say Obama is in over his head, especially when it comes to a forum on service. I mean, wasn't it only a week ago that Gov. Palin made fun of Mr. Obama's history as a community organizer?

September 11, 2008 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
Bill

John McCain is coming late to the game on national service. He has, if anything, denigrated non-military service and he allowed a whole host of speakers, including his VP candidate, at the RNC to do the same. Obama is the man on this issue. McCain can't touch him.

September 11, 2008 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
Leah DiMarco, Texas

Today was the first time that Palin was asked questions since McCain announced her as his pick. In my opinion she failed terribly. We now know that she doesn't have a clue what the Bush Doctrine is and now she has made comments that are saber rattling with Russia.

I am very fearful for America and the world.
Please God, do something to end this nightmare.

September 11, 2008 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
becky in va

obama, as usual, gave deliberate and serious responses about community service, and how to implement same.

meanwhile, i am still in shock that so many american citizens are elated by the choice of palin for vp. if you were a woman who supported hillary, and have made a gender based decision to switch to the mccain/palin ticket, then you are a walking contradiction.

September 11, 2008 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |