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.
Don't let the old man off the hook that easy.
Congress is already addressing the situtation.
Obama reached out to McCain to suggest a joint non-polical statement.
Rather than to do that McCain decided to grandstand.
Not a smart move...
I think that this is as much of a political ploy as anything that John McCain has done thus far. The delay is uncalled for as this 'crisis' is no more worse than it has been or will be for some time now. If anything the debate should and must go on!
good choice barry.... you first, country second...
Well, you know. McCain is right. Both were hired to do their jobs in the Senate. The financial crisis in America comes before the campaign. If Obama opts for the debate instead of doing his job. That tells me that he would not be a good leader.
The debate should go on. What is McCain going to single handily do to solve this economic crisis? Personally I believe it makes McCain look unprepared.
McCain is scared of looking like an utter fool in the debate, and with good reason.
The huge problems we face is even more of a reason to have the debates.
First he hides Palin from the public, now he hides himself. What strange decisions McCain makes! Palin, no doubt, will invent some reason not to debate as well.
I think Obama is doing the right thing by making a statement to the press and the people . after all the Republicans made the mess, why should he have to fix there mess . When he wins the election then he can become "The Cleaner"....... Or is McCain afraid that his name is going to come up with the Feds? Ohmmmm.. We shall see.....
Looks like McCain is McStalling for time...
Go Obama!
exactly. dont fall for it Obama. Congress certainly doesnt need Mccain "keating 5" helping out with the bailout. You'll be doing the country a favor by keeping Mccain away during this time.
McCain even takes opportunity from this financial crisis HE helped create to conjur a political ploy. Do not delay!
Hmmm?
Why don't they just change this debate to Economic issues rather than national security?
That way everybody wins, and everyone can see how lost McCain is when it comes to these issues. He's just trying to pull a Bush, by claiming disaster rather than facing a difficult discussion.
What a lame answer.
You are not a leader Obama. you make me sick.
Yep – McCain knows he's going to get shredded in any debate with Obama, and this offered a perfect way out.
The McSame campaign is imploding! Obama/Biden all the way!
Of course he wants to continue with debates. The country can't be saved until the Savior gets into office. He needs to take care of #1 first before he can attend to the needs of the country. Yep, and CNN won't post this, as usual.
HOW BOUT THAT, A PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO MORE THAN ONE THING AT A TIME!
This is another attempt by the Republicans to run an endgame around the election process. They change the rules whenever it gets tough for them. They are running scared! Palin is an insult to intelligent women. Let's get on with the debates and discuss the real issues. Or is it just Republicans who don't want to talk real issues.
McCain getting cold feet already!!!! Needs to postpone the debate.
McCain is desperately trying to push back the debates to give himself more time to prepare for 'fixing the economy'.
There are enough very talented people working on the problem so John, your planned debate for President does not need to be postponed.
If he's not ready to debate then he's not ready to be President. Deadlines happen. Events happen. You can't just push things back because you're not ready. The President MUST be able to handle more than ONE thing at a time. This debate should not be postponed for his personal reasons.
I find it hard to believe that John McCain could be so disillusioned to think he could win this presidential election. Obama wins 333 Electoral College votes.
Bring on the debate!
The American public has a right to see and hear this debate to learn everything possible before choosing who will lead this nation.
And it is time that McCain's campaign stop shielding Palin from the press. The press doesn't have to show "deference". No questions, NO CAMERAS!
I am quite sure that my candidate can multi-task, dealing with current issues while attending a debate. He's ready. He has the right judgment and anyone who follows the news can see that.
Is John McCain not ready to debate? Did the dog eat his cliff notes? Can he not focus on more than one thing at a time?
If he's not ready to debate Friday, why should we think he's ready to lead come next January?
Obama/Biden!
I'm very proud of Barack Obama for not giving in to this political gimmick by the McCain camp! A President should be able to multi-task and handle more than one issue at a time.
We still need to have a campaign, we still need to have the debates. We are constitutionally required to have an election.
It seems the electoral model of 'primary, debate, vote' is being tossed aside in favor of 'election by soundbite'.
I can't see why they can't just move the debate to Washington, D.C., in some basement alcove if time is of such essence.
If Congress can vote, and take junkets at the same time, they can handle a real crisis and debate our future at the same time. It's called "multi-tasking".