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 agree with Obama. The economy is obviously vitally important at this time, but is McCain single-handedly going to pull the nation up by its bootstraps and avert crisis?
He can add his vote and consider the consequences of the bailout, whilst also committing to debate Obama. The election is also vitally important – probably the most important election in memory, based on the quagmire that person faces – and a debate helps all voters to evaluate the candidates at this critical juncture.
Let it go on!
Extra study time isn't going to help, John.
It's Official! They said Obama's Topic was not discussed, they didn't say it was Mentioned, I sure they left a message on what they wanted to discuss! Just like Obama made the first call on 9/11 to McCain to do a joint meeting. Obama always leading!
I'm SURE McCain's group had NO IDEA Why Obama would be calling him in the middle of a National Crisis..Please….
I feel so much better now! Palin/McCain 2008 – 2012..
and I have a Bridge and Road in Alaska and a 700 Billion dollar bailout to sale you to
P.S. for those who listen to Rush talk about Obama taking money from Freddie and Fannie, it was regular workers, your every day joe/jane, McCain got more money from the Executives/Lobbyist, but you didn't hear Rush mention that!
Wake Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have all known for sometime that this was a crisis. Obama and McCain can do their parts as Senators but this is no reason to halt a campaign or kill a debate.
Yes, we are in the middle of a crisis, but the direction of this country is a crisis as well – so they should go on as scheduled.
McCain wants debate delayed because he knows that he is falling behind in the polls and possibly needs more time to program his running mate , Paline " the gorgeous lady" which is the only thing that we have been allowed to hear from her meetings with foreign leaders. Another true sign that they know she lacks experience if they don't even want us to hear any of her interviews. She looks like his little obedient wind up doll that is programmed to say and do whatever he wishes.
McCain is trying to get out of debating Obama. Jack, I hope that you and the media are not going for it. All the senate needs is for McCain and Obama to vote when the times comes. McCain can't disappointment the American people like this. Jack, I planned a party on Friday night for this comedy show. It's going to be MAY THE BEST MEMORY WIN!
It's time for a president who can handle two crises at once!
If John McCain isn't up to the task, he should bow out!
Its very clear now from Obama's press conferance that he is BIG TIME playing politics with this economic crisis while claiming that he is not. You can flower up his comments, but he all he is doing is trying to make himself look better. Obama has had no clear response.
McCain is afraid to debate and doesn't like the fact that he is losing in polls. This is just politcal grandstanding. McCain has been touting his deregulating views and policies for how long now? And all of a sudden he wants regulation and wants to suspend his campaign? What a joke. Do the debate McCain.
MCsame is scared, MCbush is scared, and MCcain is scared.
I want a President that is capable of handling more then one issue at at time. If John McCain is telling me that he can only focus on the economy debates in Washington, and can't focus on the debates with Obama. Well then he is not fit for the job.
call him out call him out obama dont let this guy run away he knows his part of the problem keep hammering him on economy. its a done deal Obama owns the white house mccain is done people. obama is the person we need now and GOP is no good for this country from rich to poor. Everyone is loosing their money and businesses. Obama/Biden 08!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks MCCain....PPRECIATE YOU SIR
OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!!!!!
Is this not the very moment we NEED a debate in this country? The debate would provide a chance for the 2 opposing parties to lay out their solutions to the current economic crisis we face. That McCain wishes to delay the debate is a clear sign he is stumbling. Voters will see through this. If McCain can't debate the issues now, then when can he? We shall not be fooled.
I thought the President had to be able to handle many things at a time. McCain can't handle a bailout discussion that has been going on all week AND do a one hour debate??? Doesn't sound like he has the stamina to be President to me! We all know this is a ploy. McCain isn't ready for the debate so the Republicans are desperate for any excuse to pull him out. Palin has done nothing but hide and now McCain is hiding from a real debate with Obama. McCain and Palin are both liars and hypocrites. They have no honor and cannot be trusted. Here is just another example. Cut and run when you don't know what to do – what great leadership skills – must have learned them from your best buddy Bush.
I would be inclined to debate too. Early voting is already open. Let people make a choice!
Why should they postpone the debate? While George Bush may have caused more problems than solutions during his presidency, I doubt he is working on the economy alone.
It's called Multi-tasking McCain. If you can't handle more than one disaster at once you need to look for an easier job than the Presidency of the USA.
Again McCain is being disrespecful to a Black man by telling him to go cut the lawn. If you need a drink of water, go roung back, I've got a water hose hooked up fer yer. The Blacks can pick out a suspected Bigot a mile away. All these people are of Full Gospel vein. Embedded in doing everything God has told them to do.In the Bible, god says in the last days there will only be Black people left on Earth. That should tell you who you should vote for this Election. Don't end up with those bigots.
Why not debate on Friday, go to work on Saturday? Or Monday.
C'mon fighter pilot tough guy McCain...this is no time for a photo-op!
SMILE PRESIDENT OF IRAN YOU MIGHT ENJOY YOUR DAY !
Debate, Obama McCain just isn't ready!!!!!
Obama 08
Some one should tell Obama that the debate will not have any available teleprompters and then maybe he'll decide that the debates should take backseat to America and its economy. That's the problem with Obama...it's all about him. What's best for him. He'll do whatever it takes to win this election oh and to sell his up and coming third book about himself. This man is full of stories...too bad they're mostly made up.
Obama and McCain must debate on Friday...period.
Obama and Biden need to push back and say Yes! We! Can! debate and deal with the crisis the Republican Party put us in as well.
America wants the debate!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08
It is obvious that Mccain is shaking in his boots. His nervous attitutude and again, the scare tactics do nothing to boost my confidence in his ability to lead. The distinction between McCain and Obama's approach is striking. Mccain is showing fear, Obama is showing a take charge leadership. The American people deserve the debates as scheduled. Life happens and we cannot manipulate the situation to serve ourselves. Leadership is the ability to carry on regardless of the situation.