(CNN) - McCain supporter Sen. Lindsey Graham tells CNN the McCain campaign is proposing to the Presidential Debate Commission and the Obama camp that if there's no bailout deal by Friday, the first presidential debate should take the place of the VP debate, currently scheduled for next Thursday, October 2 in St. Louis.
In this scenario, the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin would be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined, and take place in Oxford, Mississippi, currently slated to be the site of the first presidential faceoff this Friday.
Graham says the McCain camp is well aware of the position of the Obama campaign and the debate commission that the debate should go on as planned - but both he and another senior McCain adviser insist the Republican nominee will not go to the debate Friday if there's no deal on the bailout.
You're kidding, right?
so that's what this is all about–not country first, but how to do damage control around palin–keep her out of public scrutiny for as long as possible. absolutely disgusting and vile republican tactic.
CNN PLEASE POST MY COMMENT.
Ha! This is all a stunt to postpone everything because Palin and McCain are not prepared to debate because they don't know enough about the issues!!!
O and Joe '08
What a bunch of cowards. This proves that they are not prepared to govern or have the skills needed to hold the Office of the President/Vice President of the United States of America and to deal with any crisis.
Well what do you know a politician that is actually willing to go to work for the people they have sworn to represent! Too bad Barak Obama has proven yet again that the wants and needs of the American people will have to take second presidence to his desires. No Hillary, no desire to work for the American people in our financial crisis, no vote from me in November.
Oh oh... they're scared of poll numbers. McCain camp knows things aren't going well...
McCain last monday – fundamentals of economy are strong
McCain today – we're facing crisis like great depression
Gives here more time to cram for the exam.
The debate is at night when the Congress and the White are closed for the weekend. Both candidates can debate. McCain not wanting to debate is a cop out of the decade ! Him not wanting Sarah Palin to talk to the press is another example ! We (the public) want to know where he stands on these issues and how he will deal with it as our POTUS. If he does not show up for the debate for us we will not show up to vote for him. There are enough people and the present White House staff who are dealing with the issue at hand. No need for Phoo OPS and gimmicks. Make a clear statement on expectations on how you and Obama would like to see happen and stay away. The way McCain and Graham are going about it pathetic and the public can easily see thru it. Good luck ... this election may be over in the next few days if you don't show up !!!
On second thought, cancel all debates, McCain can admit he's beaten, and we can all save a bunch of money and not have to listen to any more of his lies and his VPs lies.
Well, it's now starting to make sense. For a while, I thought maybe Sen. McCain was protecting himself, but now we see it's all for the Little Lady.
and he's stalling, stalling, stalling...
HA!! it is soooo obvious what the McCain camp is trying to do. Figure out a way to have Palin kept under wraps until after the election!
McCain, despite his statements, are clearly trying to politicize this crisis and keep attention off his failed policies and advisors who got us into this mess.
That would work out perfectly for Palin, keep her out of the hot seat as long as possible. Give me a break!! McCain, you're tankling and looking for any manuver you can to rescue your pathetic campaign!!!!
Lets get on with regime change as quickly as possible!
Obama/Biden 08
Misleading, he is asking to change the Presidential debate, which does create a ripple effect. How about that for your headline CNN!
This political stunt will backfire of McCain. God don't like ugly...
The definition of a leader is to Work Smarter Not Harder....McCain is all over the place. Where do I start, he has changed his slogan to mimic Obama's change message, he on the same day said the economy is fundamentally sound and AIG goes south, he then changes his mind on that within 24 hours and asked for the firing of Mr. Cox whom the President can not fire, he is DEregulator on Monday and a Regulator on Tuesay. NOW, he wants to change his mind about the debate on Friday. My Head is Spinning! He is weak, scattered brained, impulsive, reckless and an opportunist. Oh and by the way, we can add to the list distracting...because if he goes to Washington there is nothing he can do about the bailout negotiation, but make suggestions and "Photo Op". If you don't believe me, check your government policies and who should be a part of those negotiations, McCain name is no where involved with the negotiation!
Obama as usual showed complete Leadership today. The show must go on. America has to decide and vote, Election Day is Nov 4, We have to put a President in the White House by Jan, 20th. Time is ticking....... Stop playing around McCAin. If you are not up to the task or Multible tasks move out the way......
Chicken.....Palin IS NOT READY!
Obama/Biden '08
As a student at Washington University, where this debate is scheduled to occur, I'd strongly recommend that McCain not do for this. It would cause all sorts of problems on our campus, and his excuse to not do so is rather weak.
The McCain/Palin camp seems desperate, and is posturing simply to gain more publicity. Shame on you for using this CRISIS as a political tool, it will not work, and I hope more Americans can see through the lies and games of the Republicans
So this is what it is all about. PAILN IS NOT READY AND HER GRANDAD IS TAKEN ONE FOR THE TEAM.hmmmmmmm Too damm bad Friday the debates should go on as scheduled and if the debate commisoner in Mississippi want to play games with the American people, we should all boycott. This is too much for my heart and mind to take. I am really angry and tired of all this BS. So many people blogged and say it was about Pailn. And now it is coming out to light. THIS IS worst then the NIXON scandall, Clittonsex mess and Bush going to war. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God, this McCain campaign is so transparent. They need more time to prepare Palin to debate, and that's what this is all about. By postponing the presidential debate, they can postpone the vice-presidential debate. THAT'S the one I want to see. McCain is neither needed or wanted in Washington right now. The discussions are going fine without him. McCain and Palin are pathetic.
Nice try, McCain team! Palin isn't ready to speak to reporters, and now she's not prepared for the debates. But go ahead and blame it on the economy–it's going to blow up in your face!
Are they serious? When do they want the VP debate, after the election? Why not propose a swap, I bet Biden will be ready to debate Palin this Friday.
"McCain camp to propose postponing VP debate"
...until November 15th-ish, they said, claiming that McCain would have the whole mess cleared up on the 11th or 12th if Obama would just stop all this "debate the issues" stuff and be patient.
An unidentified member of the McCain camp told news sources that "McCain has a great plan not only to reduce the budget while solving this problem, but everyone will get a free house and a ride in a spaceship, too!"
Star Wars and Star Trek fans hailed this as something that will earn their support for McCain. George Takei could not be reached for comment.
What a shock. The real motive is revealed, Sarah Palin wants more prep time. Don't worry, I'm sure Bob Barr, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinnon, or other third-party candidates will be happy to take McCain's spot.