September 24th, 2008
04:43 PM ET
15 years ago
Obama 'inclined' to debate
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/24/art.debate.gi.jpg caption="Obama wants to press on with the debate."](CNN) - Barack Obama is 'inclined" to go ahead with the debate Friday night, campaign sources tell CNN.
McCain said Wednesday the debate should be postponed if the economic bailout has not passed congress by that time.
Obama is expected to make a statement around 4:30 p.m. ET.
I don't buy it one bit, only McCain will benifit if Obama cancels his campaign. Stop travelling and going to Washington is a great plan, but don't stop the ads and fundraising. Canceling the debate only helps McCain buy more time to memorize those Karl Rove canned answers.
MCCAIN PLAYING POLITICS. MCCAIN INSULTED THE AMERICAN VOTERS WITH PICKING PALIN AND NOW WITH THIS STUNT.
What do these two things have to do with each other? Is one party trying to manipulate and blackmail Congress? What do people in the Republican party and McCain stand to gain from this? Why would we want to stifle debate on this issue before everyone knows all about the plan? After the schools and cities have gone to much expense and preparation, to postpone this debate would be a disservice to them and to us.
McCain is exploiting the bailout for political gains. This is the same way erratic behaviour he used to select his running mate. I think Obama will accept to this deal but should blast McCain outright for this cynical move. He is trying to stop Obama' s momentum. Sad!
The debate should definitely go forward. There is no reason for the two candidates to drop everything at the last minute and fly to Washington. They both have advisors on hand keeping them up to date and they can fly back and cast whatever vote is necessary. The only reason to request suspension of the debate, Senator McCain, is that you aren't ready for it.
Thank You Sir Obama.
Yeah what if they don't reach an agreement. Do you keep postponing everything? The elections? I want a debate!
First.
This is clearly a gimmick. He is afraid to do the debate. He is slipping in the polls. Have some guts.
Yet again, the ONLY Real Leader in these elections made the right decision.
Obama is going to follow this time, again. Just give him some time to think it over and to run it by his 300+ advisers. 🙂
McCain/Palin 08
Well, I see that McCain was trying to pull a fast one and avoid a debat on how "National Security" has gotten us in this Economic Crisis.....him and his advisors can't hold a candle when it comes to Obama and his intellect!
Nice Try McSame....I must give you that, nice try. Now Obama is about to whoop you on this issue!
OBAMA FIRST, TAXPAYERS ?
Obama can do what he wants! I respect McCain for realizing this is a crises and calling for bipartisanship. I agree with John–I would rather lose a campaign than lose my home, job and livelihood. People are living in a dreamworld if they do not think this will happen without action from government!
...but not inclined to get into the town-hall-meeting arena. Glad to see where this man's priorities are.
I say that this is a pathetic political stunt on behalf on the McCain campaign.
McCain is the weaker of the candidates on several fronts, but, most notably, when it comes to the economy this only shows that Obama has the edge in the polls when it comes to this.
McCain is trying to look like a take charge kind of guy when all he is really doing is buying himself time.
I do think that this crisis is certainly crucial, But does not call for a suspension of either campaign, and, most certainly, does not require a delay in the first debate. With only 40 or so days til election day, the debates are crucial. McCain amazes me more and more every day (WEAK ) Let's get on with this debate.
McCain has time to go to Bill Clinton's thing, but not debate for all the American people? If something comes up and they really need him in Washington he can hop on a plane and go. It isn't necessary to postpone the debate.
Congrats to Obama for standing by his committment to have this first debate...............A man who stands by his word !!!!!
McCain has found an excuse to get out of the debate. He is indicating he may not have the confidence he will be successfull..................
Hopefully the Commission will rightly reject this request !!!
debate him Obama this is a ploy Republicans are Scared Why did they wait to the polls came out to do this?
Perhaps if McCain had shown his face in the halls of Congress over the past 3 1/2 years his plea to postpone the debate might have some legitimacy. Why is he suddenly so concerned about this nation and its economy. My read is that he is simply an old fool who believes he has the credibility to control the election. Has he been in touch with Justice Scalia?
This is a cheap political ploy by McCain.
He's getting killed in the polls on this economic crisis and he wants to be seen as doing ... SOMETHING ... ANYTHING ... to contribute to a solution.
Indepedents will see through this.
Yes, McCain and Obama should make sure they vote on the bailout bill but I don't see a need to suspend the debates.
Obama will have to take the temperature on this one.
OBAMA would be a fool not to debate Mc(I do not have a clue). This looks like another way for Mc(can't stop lying) to try and get out of getting his butt kicked in front of millions. This man has no plan but to run and hide!!!!!
Obama/Biden 08/12
I do not believe the fate of the country is hanging on whether or not the two candidates take a couple of hours out to debate. If the country is at risk of going under financially because McCain and Obama are out of the loop for a few hours, then the problem is much greater than anyone ever realized. This is completely and obviously an attempt to avoid the debate by the McCain campaign. Suck it up, John. You're going to have to defend yourself against Obama sooner or later, and Palin is going to have to talk to the press sooner or later. Those two events will be the beginning of the end for your campaign (if that begining hasn't already been reached).
Obama will be looked at as more of a fool than ever if he chasticizes McCain for returning to Washington if the economic rescue has not taken place. McCain has already taken the lead by announcing his plan to postpone the debate. If Obama doesn't follow suit he will help seal his own fate!
Good for you Barack !,don't let MCbush take control of the issue.
Don't back down Obama- debate this crusty old curmudgeon! McCain is right, the whole mess is historic, now get out there and have the debate and talk about it.....or are you, Mr. McCain, simply ill-prepared and afraid.
Swap Nights of the Debate with VP Candidates
If McCain wants to help solve our present economic plight instead of debate on Friday night that’s fine. Why don’t the Presidential candidates agree to swap nights with the VP candidates? Biden/Palin debate this Friday and McCain/Obama on October 2nd.