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McCain to attend debate despite lack of bailout deal
By Nedra Pickler
Associated Press
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Republican John McCain agreed to attend the first presidential debate Friday night even though Congress doesn't have a bailout deal, reversing an earlier decision to delay the event until Washington had taken action to address the crisis. | Video | Bush scrambles to save bailout | WaMu becomes biggest bank to fail in U.S. history

With less than 10 hours until the debate was scheduled to start, the McCain campaign announced that the Arizona senator would travel to the University of Mississippi. The campaign said that afterward McCain would return to Washington to continue working on the financial crisis.

Obama had always planned to attend the debate and was aboard his plane preparing to take off when McCain's announcement was made. McCain quickly moved to his own private aircraft and headed South with his wife and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his wife, Judith, on board.

The action contradicted the position McCain had taken Wednesday, when he announced, "I'm directing my campaign to work with the Obama campaign and the Commission on Presidential Debates to delay Friday night's debate until we have taken action to address this crisis."

McCain had also said he would suspend all campaign activities, but in reality the campaign just shifted to Washington while the work of trying to win the election went on.

McCain had taken a gamble with the move, trying to appear above politics and as a leader on an issue that had overshadowed the presidential campaign and given him trouble. But Democratic rival Barack Obama had not bowed to McCain's challenge, and instead questioned why the Republican nominee couldn't handle two things at once - the debate and involvement in the bailout negotiations.

An Associated Press-Knowledge Networks poll out Friday just before McCain's announcement showed the public overwhelmingly wanted the candidates to debate, 60 percent to 22 percent, with the rest undecided.

By Friday morning, it appeared McCain was looking for a face-saving way to get to the debate even though a deal had not been reached. He met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, before heading to his campaign headquarters and issuing a statement that blamed others in Washington for the failure to reach an agreement.

"John McCain's decision to suspend his campaign was made in the hopes that politics could be set aside to address our economic crisis," the statement said. "In response, Americans saw a familiar spectacle in Washington. At a moment of crisis that threatened the economic security of American families, Washington played the blame game rather than work together to find a solution that would avert a collapse of financial markets without squandering hundreds of billions of taxpayers' money to bail out bankers and brokers who bet their fortunes on unsafe lending practices."

Just before McCain's announcement, Obama told reporters that he had spent Friday morning on the phone with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and congressional leaders and he was optimistic that progress was being made toward a bailout deal.

"At this point, my strong sense is that the best thing that I can do, rather than to inject presidential politics into these delicate negotiations, is to go down to Mississippi and explain to the American people what is going on and my vision for leading the country over the next four years," Obama told reporters aboard his campaign plane as they prepared to travel to Mississippi.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a McCain supporter, said the Republican made a "huge mistake" by even discussing canceling the debate.

"You can't just say, 'World, stop for a moment. I'm going to cancel everything,'" Huckabee told reporters Thursday night in Alabama before attending a benefit for the University of Mobile. He said it's more important for voters to hear from the presidential candidates than for them to huddle with fellow senators in Washington.

Both McCain and Obama had returned to Washington on Thursday at the urging of President Bush, who invited them to a meeting with congressional leaders at the White House. But a session aimed at showing unity in resolving the financial crisis broke up with conflicts in plain view.

McCain's campaign said the meeting "devolved into a contentious shouting match" and implied Obama was at fault - on a day when McCain said he was putting politics aside to focus on the nation's financial problems.

Democrats differed, saying the refusal of McCain and other Republicans to support the plan worked out by congressional negotiators was creating a road block.

"The insertion of presidential politics has not been helpful," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Friday.

When asked whether the meeting was a mistake, Obama replied, "I'm not sure it was as productive as it could have been. I think at this point it's important to just move forward."
Take a look
Jason Griffin prepares the site for the Presidential Debate on Thursday at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. The first debate between the presidential nominees, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama is scheduled for Friday. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama speaks during news conference in Clearwater, Fla., Wednesday. In response to Republican John McCain's statement Wednesday that he wants to postpone Friday's debate to deal with the nation's financial problems, Obama said "it's more important than ever" that the country hear from its next president. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Republican presidential candidate John McCain delivers a statement to the traveling press corps in New York, Wednesday that he is directing his staff to work with Barack Obama's campaign and the debate commission to delay Friday's debate because of the economic crisis. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Reader comments on this story - 224 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

let's be reasonable wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:23 PM:

" Key findings: "Underlying Obama's surge in support: An historic boiling over of dissatisfaction with the status quo. An astounding 86% of voters now say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States, while a mere 10% say they are satisfied. That's the highest wrong track/right track ratio ever recorded in the Newsweek poll." "

excuseme wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:14 PM:

" But..But...But...Clinton!.....ROFLMAO "

let's be reasonable wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:31 PM:

" As many do, I don't read Kitty's nutty posts anymore (and obviously don't reply). "

The Cat wrote on Oct 8, 2008 4:51 PM:

" (un)reasonable and (no)excuse: Being “progressives” the prospect of a one party dictatorship appears to appeal to you particularly with a Hugo Chavez marxist clone like Obummer. Any candidate like he is with ties to marxists, unrepentant leftwing terrorists, organizations engaged in illegal campaign activities like ACORN (and the DNC for that matter), those that really caused the current financial mess like ACORN again and Raines/Johnson/Fwank/Dodd/Cuomo, radical black liberation preachers, and illegal foreign sources of campaign donations like Hamas and Hezbolla can’t be even a tiny bit outside the mainstream or a threat to the Constitution and the Republic, MUCH. (un)reasonable: Your boy Bubba was at the heart of this meltdown mess with his administration’s push for more lending to diversity deadbeats and the crew he put into Freddie and Fannie and it is YOU who is misrepresenting the “child predator” bill other wise known as full sex education starting in kindergarten. "

let's be reasonable wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:27 AM:

" In retrospect, the 2008 election will mark the death of the republican party as we know it much as the Whig party declined in the 19th century. The party is void of any moral leadership as witnessed by the decisions of the Bush presidency, virtually all of which have been a disaster. This is accented by the misinformation spread by the McNut/Palin ticket of which a prime example is misrepresenting the bill Senator Obama supported which promoted protection against child predators. The republican party has lost any sense of really helping American citizens. Nominating an intellectual nitwit such as Palin is really what the party deserves as it fades into political obscurity. "

excuseme wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:31 PM:

" Duh...The kitty Cat. What has McSame accomplished? Sara said she would look it up and get back to us:)....what's his claim to fame other than Savings and Loan scandals and funding Contra rebels? "

let's be reasonable wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:18 PM:

" I wonder if folks like Cat are so delusional that they don't realize that about the vast majority of American citizenry does not like the fact that republican economic policies have virtually destroyed the economy and in fact the economy is literally approaching the China Syndrome for financial nuclear meltdown. The trillions of dollars of Bush (and left over Reagan) debt has only compounded the problem. Spin it however you want, but Clinton balanced the budget and overall had a robust economy while Bush made very bad decisions hoping that trickle down money would work. It never does. You can't cut taxes, not collect revenue and end up w/a positive Uncle Sam bank account. LOL in Nov. when Obama wins in a landslide. "

The Cat wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:08 AM:

" (no)excuse: And Obummer is going to do what about Iran, North Korea, on Fannie/Freddie? He took the second biggest political contribution from Fannie/Freddie, his homeboys in ACORN were responsible for maumauing banks into granting bad loans, his advisors and supporters like Peanuthead Carter were architects of the Iran and North Korea problems, and his response to Russia’s invasion of Georgia was tepid to say the least. (un)reasonable: Your 10/6/08 9:10 PM post shows a complete lack of thought but a big swig of Obummer and DNC kool-aid. Obummer has no history of leadership or knowledge of the private economy in his background. His “experience” is academia, leftwing law firms and non-profit groups, and a lightweight Illinois and US Senator. He has accomplished exactly NOTHING but has surrounded himself with ultra leftwing associates that hate private enterprise and the US. By hiding his records, ducking legislative votes that would betray a political philosophy, and disavowing associates when challenged, he shows himself to be duplicitous and dishonest, hardly leadership traits. More taxes on productivity and investment, giveaway programs, and “investment” in “green” energy are hardly realistic economic policies. "

let's be reasonable wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:10 PM:

" From Hugh McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bank of America:

What is needed in Washington is sound judgment and exceptional leadership. Through the years that I've been a businessman and before that an officer in the Marine Corps, I saw what qualities make effective leaders. I see them in Obama: a sharp intellect, stiff spine and steady hand.

Obama's economic plans will restore market confidence and provide a blueprint for a better future. His pragmatic, intelligent economic plan will stop our financial slide and restore the expansion and confidence we knew in the 1990s. Obama's tax relief plans for small businesses and the middle class should provide much-needed economic stimulus.

Obama also has an energy plan that makes sense. He will shift energy use from foreign oil toward alternative, domestic sources. This will create millions of “green collar” jobs and enable us to capitalize on alternative energy. These cleaner energy solutions will protect the planet for our children and grandchildren and free us from depending on hostile nations. "

excuseme wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Gad: Too late. North Korea...no progress in 8 years. Iran...no progress in 8 years. And Putin has regrown his country as evidenced by recent activities and China owns must of our mortgage debt we are going to bail out. (139 billion of Fannie and Fredie alone.) "

gunsmonkey wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:20 PM:

" RON PAUL "

The Cat wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:11 AM:

" (no)excuses: Hussein sure is a reassuring name for a presidential candidate in today’s environment. BTW, Malia and Sasha sure beats Willow, Trig, or Trac for common names in this country. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:59 AM:

" the cat and gad:
regarding namecalling:


Hey kettle its pot......guess what....your black! "

excuseme wrote on Oct 5, 2008 9:17 PM:

" So..anyone want to answer: What's in Cat's pipe? Willow, Trig, Track or Crack? "
Or how can anyone be so stupid as to name their kids these stupid names? "

gad wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:09 AM:

" to all who argue nonstop with the looney leftists.............i admire your work ethic. maybe you'll help change the minds of people who have open minds. "

gad wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:00 AM:

" unreasonable........i've gotten bored with your predictable leftist points and childish name calling.

what's frustrating is facts don't matter to you looney nutbag lefties, but i ain't gonna lose no sleep over that fact.

what's scary is that that less than worthless obama might get elected. but maybe this country needs four years of a REAL moron as president to get it's head out of it's butt. plus, putin would appreciate the time to regrow his country. and who knows what china may do...........if anyone has investments in taiwan.....hmmmmm? "

The Cat wrote on Oct 4, 2008 3:03 PM:

" (un)reasonable and (no)excuse for you: Noticed that you’ve been reduced to insults since your “facts” have been refuted. Sweetcheeks: A little research will show you the truth of the facts I post like the Donkey hoof prints all over this mortgage mess or the bumbling stumbling statements of the Obummer/Biden team and the utter falsehoods and/or distortions of the leftwing posters like who controlled the House and/or the Senate at a point in time. As to insults, continued posting of incorrect information by certain posters and stupid politicians don’t deserve kind treatment. There is a saying for you “progressives”: ignorance is bliss. Keep drinking that DNC, leftwing, Obummer kool-aid. Unfortunately, the hangover from that brew is going to be wicked. "

excuseme wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:36 PM:

" What's in Cat's pipe? Willow, Trig, Track or Crack? "

let's be reasonable wrote on Oct 2, 2008 12:50 AM:

" "BTW, does anyone read Cat's posts anymore?

Um..nope lol They are not worth reading."

Your right. I just skip over them now. Of course, Cat is mad at me now because I won't respond. But, actually i don't even read the posts. It is a waste of time. Follow the Crap get's my attention now, but I think I will stop reading those posts too--they are way to dry.

I always read LOL liberal. Great sense of humor. "

LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:55 PM:

" DK61727, no, fiction, definitely fiction. "

DK61727 wrote on Oct 1, 2008 3:51 PM:

" LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:20 PM: " DK61727, you are my favorite fiction writer.

Of course, you are referring to my comments on 09/27, of me criticizing the original bailout plan devised by the Bush White House, and the Democrat leaders of the Congress, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.

Turns out that about 75% of the American people agree with me, so if that is "fiction" to you so be it, but the more appropriate category woud be that I am your favorite "prescient writer". "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Oct 1, 2008 3:47 PM:

" the cat:
You are the main person on here slinging mud so yea I don't really think your posts are worth reading most of the time. All you do is twist facts and twist others posts and use childish name calling because you can't think of anything smarter to do. "

The Cat wrote on Oct 1, 2008 2:01 PM:

" (un)reasonable and LOL: Apparently when facts are presented to refute you fantasies your response now is to hold your ears and say, “I can’t hear you”, or apply the on line equivalent of, “I’m not going to read your posts”. Real “adult” of you and shows how sure you are of your “facts”. At least that is a switch from changing the subject when challenged with the truth, which was your previous approach. Sweetcheeks: Did you have a thought on this thread. Looking at the posts there didn’t appear to be anything there other than a couple of one liners without substance. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:14 AM:

" LOL Liberal:
BTW, does anyone read Cat's posts anymore?

Um..nope lol They arnt worth reading. "

excuseme wrote on Sep 30, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Normal Jay...ty for straightening out FTC. FTC could care less about the facts. He/She just cuts and paste the Rush Limpballs talking points. "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 30, 2008 5:51 PM:

" McNut was probably trying to remember which car he drove and where it was parked. It has to be tough having 7 houses and 13 cars. Senator Obama has only one car and personally paid off his student loans. "

Normal Jay wrote on Sep 30, 2008 11:45 AM:

" FTC,
Nowhere did I say I thought McCain went there to vote. And nowhere did I defend Obama, I was only pointing out the inaccuracies in your post. My eyes are plenty open. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Normal Jay

Once again, he didn't go there to vote. He went there to get the republicans involved and to participate in this. That is what he went there for and that is what he accomplished. That and to make sure they put stipulations in the bill to keep CEO's from getting big payouts and limit liability on the tax payers. Obama added more liability by trying slip his ACORN organization into the bill to recieve 20%. This is a crisis and has nothing to do with political oraganizations getting pay offs yet Obama made sure to get them included in the bill. Open your eyes and see what Obama for what he really is!

Look, neither of these candidates are any good, but Obama is the worse and this guy cares nothing about you! "

Normal Jay wrote on Sep 30, 2008 12:52 AM:

" FTC,
Once again you do not let the facts get in your way. There was no Senate vote on the bill because they saw it was not going to pass in the House. You didn't see anywhere that McCain had voted for it, did you? And he went there because he wanted to be seen as the savior, as putting "Country First". But neither he nor Obama should have physically been there. Neither one of them is on the committee and their presence only made it easier to politicize the negotiations. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:46 PM:

" excuseme

Um, he didn't go to get it pushed through. The dems already wanted to push it through the first time which they could have since they have the majority vote.

McCain went there to get the republicans involved with negotiating a bill which they did.

After getting flooded with 99 - 1 calls from people being against this most of the republicans voted no siding with the people and some democrats did the same.

Again, the dems could have still pushed it through this time but they had 95 democrats vote against it! 13 of them were key democrats and friends of Pelosi and even they wouldn't side with her.

Where was Obama??? Why did he just vote his usual "present" instead of voting on this??? Did he not like it? He has bragging that HE has been on the phone everyday making sure they had stipulations to protect tax payers in this bill, yet he would not vote on it! LOL "

LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:23 PM:

" Could anyone come up with a more comical script than this one? "

LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:20 PM:

" DK61727, you are my favorite fiction writer.

BTW, does anyone read Cat's posts anymore? It's like reading the transcript of a Sarah Palin interview. No, check that. It's like reading the 500th of 500 Sarah Palin interview transcripts. No, check that. It's like reading the 5,000th of 5,000 Sarah Palin interview transcripts. No, check that. It's like reading the 50,000th of 50,000 Sarah Palin interview transcripts. No, check that. It's like reading the 500,000th of 500,000 Sarah Palin interview transcripts. No, check that. It's like reading the 5,000,000th of 5,000,000 Sarah Palin interview transcripts. No, check that, well, you get the idea. "

LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:15 PM:

" DK61727, you are my favorite fiction writer.

BTW, does anyone read Cat's posts anymore? It's like reading the transcript of a Sarah Palin interview. No, check that. It's like reading the 500th of 500 Sarah Palin interview transcripts. "

excuseme wrote on Sep 29, 2008 6:27 PM:

" I'm glad that the 'bailout" plan got pushed through by McCANE so that he could attend the debate. What a fine job he did! ROFLMAO "

normal jay wrote on Sep 29, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Beachluvr,
I am not sure where you got your data, but I find your claim that the majority of our military personnel support McCain suspect. Obama has received donations from 6x as many active duty members as McCain. Even Ron Paul has received donations from more soldiers than McCain. And the split was about even for both officers and enlisted. McCain's lack of support for Veterans' aid packages has cost him votes as well. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 29, 2008 1:03 PM:

" Independent?

I'm well aware of how these polls are slanted. There are designed to influence voters to vote for a certain candidate. A lot of people are like sheep and if they see a poll shows X percent is voting for this candidate then they to will vote that way. People like to follow and many only see and hear what they want to see and hear no matter what the facts may be starring them straight in the face.

Its not much different from all the bashing ads the candidates run. People claim they are sick of them, but lots of people still fall for them and believe it. Its want they want to hear or like to hear. More sheep! If people didn't like them they would hurt the candidates and they would stop running them. But they work and people still suck it up. "

Independent? wrote on Sep 29, 2008 12:07 PM:

" Follow the Constitution... I hate to sound like a condscending old man explaining to you that you simply "don't understand," but let me explain to you the science behind polling. The idea of a poll is that you take a sample that is representative of the population as a whole so that you can generalize from a small sample to the rest of the country. You will never, I repeat, never see a respectable polling firm (who uses scientific measures to ensure generalizability) poll 50,000 people for this type of poll. When I mean representative think about this. If your poll is on a Republican website or conducted by a conservative group, who is more likely to respond? Republicans and conservatives who will naturally think McCain won the debate??? tadah... that's how you can get such drastic numbers. Think "Dewey Defeats Truman." That was predicted due to an unscientific poll that oversampled those who would support Dewey. Now, you can argue all day who you think won the debate, but your lack of knowledge of basic polling data and procedure definitely undermines your credibility. "

4_nubbs wrote on Sep 29, 2008 1:38 AM:

" re-'let's be reasonable' President Bush wasn't against Stem Cell Research, but embryonic stem cell research and anything that didn't forbid Cloning!
The maintaining of substandard national achievement test scores, expecially of minorities and children of learning disabilities, always have sparked campaigns by local and state representatives, and special interest to argue for more federal, state, and local appropriations (higher taxes), which meant more divertable funds for sport programs etc..
Now with the no child left behind, those schools who are fundamentally failing in the education field, has a choice. Allocate more of the appropriated money to Education and less toward the sports and rise to the standard. Or remain the same and watch as parents can move their children to another district without facing the costs that once were levied to keep the level of appropriated monies coming.
What was advantageous of keeping children in these underacheiving institutions? What was advantageous of keeping minorities in these underacheiving institutions?
Sounds more like he has been for fundamental acheivement, over deceptive practices that robs the taxpayer and deprives many of an education. "

4_nubbs wrote on Sep 29, 2008 1:30 AM:

" re'The Cats' If McCain came in and thwarted the first 700 billion deal that included 20% going to ACORN and other benefactors favorable to the Democrat party, then I applaud McCain. He did suspend his scheduled campaign speaches and engagements to make the trip to Washington as he promised. He never suspended his commitment to the debate and again doused Obama and the Democrats hopes that he would be a no-show. Palin and McCain have had appearances on Morning News programs but didn't receive the softballs floated to them like the Obamas as exhibited on "The View". And McCain not supporting Veterans is also a farce. He opposed bills brought up by Democrats who think that by proposing money, as a feel good effort, under the guise of a "Veterans Package" with money earmarked to their own causes and efforts much like the Bailout bill. I would hope he opposed it as well! "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 28, 2008 9:12 PM:

" Cat: NO COMMENT!!

I have decided not to respond to Cat (ever). "

The Cat wrote on Sep 28, 2008 6:45 PM:

" (un)reasonable: Since the Nobel Committee have given the prize to the likes of Gore, Carter, Arafat, Elabardi, Maathai, Kofi Annan, Gorbachev, Mandela, Tutu, UN Peacekeeping Forces and several leftwing groups, somehow an “endorsement” of Obummer by recipients isn’t exactly something to rave about. Even Woodrow Wilson, the US “progressive” dictator, got a prize in 1919 for getting how many US boys killed in a war that we didn’t need to be involved in. "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 28, 2008 3:26 PM:

" It is hard to argue with this:

"A group of 61 Nobel Laureates have gotten together to endorse Barack Obama for President. Their letter and the signatories are below. This is the largest number of Nobel Laureates to ever endorse a candidate for office..."

The reason we have fallen behind in science and education is the disaster policies of the republicans. If they had their way teachers would teach for no pay or for pay and 50 students in each classroom. That way they can put more money into tax breaks for the wealthy. Bush, the anti-intellectual, who voted against stem cell research, is against scientific progress. "

GetYourPitchForks wrote on Sep 28, 2008 2:28 PM:

" " ...a light will shine through that window, a beam of light will come down upon you, you will experience an epiphany ... and you will suddenly realize that you must go to the polls and vote for Obama" - Barack Obama Lebanon, New Hampshire.
January 7, 2008.

Is anyone else seeing a light...I sure haven't seen anything.

Maybe Obama has "supernatural" powers? or maybe it's just voters, as well as the liberal media, are so ignorant and self absorbed, they fail to research a candidate and base their votes on his empty speeches.

Have they forgotten his 20 year relationship with Rev. Wright? We don't want a Black Supremist in the white house!

Check out Bill Ayers, Saul Alinsky, David Axelrod...and the list goes on...

Hopefully Obama's powers will not provail or that voters will wise up and get educated on our candidates...he's a dangerous man!

I'm not a fan of McCain - probably would've voted for Hillary, but READ MY LIPSTICK... NOBAMA! " "

The Cats wrote on Sep 28, 2008 11:35 AM:

" DK writes...

"Everyone watched these facts play out right in front of their faces. Does anyone need more evidence of which candidate is better qualified to run this nation? "

No, it is clear Obama is the man. Even arch conservative George Will says McSame is not Presidential. The facts are clear. A deal was close, McSame comes to town and it falls apart. He leaves and the deal (McSame still will not state a position on the issue as of this morning on his appearance on "This Week") is done. He can't do 2 things at once why would anyone think he was up to being President. The radical conservatives have it right (amazing I would agree with them)...McSame and Sarah ("They fly over Alaska"...in response to what she knew about foreign policy...BTW what is she hiding from in the investigation on Alaska?))Palin are just not up to it. LOL in November. "

The Cats wrote on Sep 28, 2008 11:29 AM:

" It was not about winning and loosing...it was about influencing the undecided voters. By all polls (and just watching) Obama clearly won that battle. The trailing candidate cannot just break even and expect to win. Thank goodness McSame continues his almost daily habit of saying something thoughtless and then having to back track. Impressive though was Palins reluctance to clarify her position on Russia. They fly over Alaska? It is almost sad to watch her stumbling, mumbling answers. Wonder if she will be able to finish a sentence on Thursday. I also wonder why she won't appear in news conferences (McSame did his first in over a month last week). Wonder why she is hiding form the truth in the Alaska scandal? LOL in November...your candidates are coming apart at the seams. "

The Cats wrote on Sep 28, 2008 11:25 AM:

" Get writes...

"Fox news poll had McCain at over 80% while Obama only had 16%

I'm sick of the liberal media and the "talking heads' giving us our opinions - preselected audiences - give me a break. FOX poll was call in -"

The scary thing is that "Get" thinks that FIX News is not biased towards McSame and that their viewers are a cross section of the American voter. Thanks for the laugh. Obama gained over 10 points with independents..the only voting block left to influence. The rest of us have already decided. I am just not ready for 4 more years of knee jerk reaction to issues then apologies and back tracking to..."I really meant (fill in the blank) to say. LOL in November. "

The Cats wrote on Sep 28, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Just another flip flop from McSame. Says he will suspend his campaign and still campaigns. Says he must go to Washington to fix the problem...then is asked to leave by his own party. Says he won't debate (if you can call what he did a debate) until the problem is resolved then debates anyway. At least he is consistent. Changes positions hourly on subjects then tries to repair the first statement ("Fundamentals of the economy are fine"...LOL). Makes outrageous statements then denies he made them. He was quite amusing today on "This Week". LOL in November. "

GetYourPitchForks wrote on Sep 27, 2008 5:03 PM:

" To Mr. Night - CNN has preselected voters - how fair is that?
Fox news poll had McCain at over 80% while Obama only had 16%

I'm sick of the liberal media and the "talking heads' giving us our opinions - preselected audiences - give me a break. FOX poll was call in - but the average voter is not going to call - but that's a huge difference from CBS & CNN which bathe themselves in their love for Barack.

I'm not a McCain fan - would've voted for Hillary. Obama scares the hell out of me so READ MY LIPSTICK...NOBAMA!!! "

Mr. Night wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:50 PM:

" "CBS Insta Poll shows Barack Obama won 39% to John McCain's 25% with 36% saying the debate was a draw."
"Insider Advantage reports of those polled Obama won 42% to McCain's 41% with Undecided 17%"
"CNN reports voter opinions that Obama "did better" 51%, McCain "did better" 38%"

So it seems that a Obama clearly won the debate last night. McCrazy seemed Old and out of touch. He's old and his Pen was old too...lol. "

4_nubbs wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:32 PM:

" re-'swirl54' I thought McCain held his own in the debate against Obama. If you want to bring in race, how many do you think will be voting for Obama for reasons of his race? Much like your attempt to shame those into voting against their conscience or beliefs because of his race! Will that be his final recourse when or if Obama slips farther in the polls? That if you vote against him, you are a racists? "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:24 PM:

" I watched old Dirty Harry Reid on TV report that he and intelligent Republicans in the Senate, House, and the White House had already cut a bailout deal for financial industry fatcats, but then "you know who" came to town and the deal was shut down.

Folks, whenever Dirty Harry and Republicans in the Senate and Bush White House agree upon something, it is past time for McCain to get on his great white stallion and gallop off to Washington, D.C. to rescue our nation.

So, McCain immediately took control, suspended his campaign, went to Washington, D.C., exercised his bountiful influence and, within hours, the old deal was flushed and a new one, more acceptable to and more protective of the taxpayer is being formulated.

Everyone watched these facts play out right in front of their faces. Does anyone need more evidence of which candidate is better qualified to run this nation? "

4_nubbs wrote on Sep 27, 2008 11:34 AM:

" re-'swirl54' You can say the same of Obama. If he wins it's all about race. I thought McCain handled himself rather well and tripped up Obama now and again. Yet let's talk of those voting for Obama simply for his race. You know it is a reality, yet we don't hear of that being considered racism. And individuals such as yourself also hope to play on the race card by trying to shame individuals into voting against their conscience, because if they are white and Voting for McCain, they are simply Racists! That in itself would be voting on Race itself! But good try! "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Santo Fan wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:37 PM:
" Occam: Hmmm, a poll surveying 500 independent voters came out pretty strongly......Obama as the winner. Only 22% thought McDumb won. Wow....poor little McDumb. "

Must have been one of the MSNBC polls made up of 500 media personell! LOL

You must of have missed the poll of over 50,000+ that voted 82% McCain, 17% Obama and 1% undecided. That was within the first hour following the debate. More were still voting. That's over 41,000 for McCain out of 50,000 in case you don't understand simple math! "

airhead wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:08 AM:

" to al: How do you rejoin the campaign once you have suspended it. I think there might be more to this stunt than meets the eye. Otherwise can Hillary just start running?McCain suspended his campaign after becoming the nominee. I think overall Obama won the debate about the debate although noone is mentioning it. McCain wasn't going to come. And let Obama speak before 100 million for 90 minutes. And where is Sarah. Where is Sarah Where are you. Where are you? There are a couple of major things besides the debate. The absent vp and McCain's bluff he lost. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:49 AM:

" A poll of over 50,000 following the debate was 82% McCain, 17% Obama, 1% undecided. Out of 50,000+ people, over 41,000 can't all be wrong!

Did you people even take notice how Obama dodged answering the question, what he plans to cut from his plan to pay for this bailout? He acknowledged he has to cut things but never answered what he will cut. All he kept saying was he plans to just SPEND SPEND SPEND! He will grow government to the greatest size in history which will cost tax payers with the biggest tax increase in history. You have to be completely blind to not be able to see that.

The scariest thing of all is his total lack of experience on foreign affairs. This guy could put us in the biggest world war of all time! Now that is scary! No wonder the terrorist are all praying Obama wins! God help us if he gets elected! "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:36 PM:

" McCain looked old, weary, slumped posture, and just kept repeating the same old points revealing he is not agile as an intellectual in a debate setting. Obama, on the other hand, stood up tall, looked McCain in the eye (which McCain never did), and articulated a wide range of points. BTW, Eisenhower NEVER wrote a resignation letter for use if the Normandy invasion failed. McCain pulled that fact out of his rear end like most of his points. "

Santo Fan wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:39 PM:

" Good catch on the pen.....McDumb is just clueless. And how about McDumb admitting on national TV that we have tortured prisoners. Wow...I am sure Cheney is beside himself. "

Santo Fan wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:37 PM:

" Occam: Hmmm, a poll surveying 500 independent voters came out pretty strongly......Obama as the winner. Only 22% thought McDumb won. Wow....poor little McDumb. "

Socrates wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:51 PM:

" McSame McDonald loses debate! Declares sharpie an old pen! Plans to get a new pen! Obama will be the next President of the United States! "

Occam wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:43 PM:

" Debate # 1 -- The nOOb is pwned by McCain. "

Santo Fan wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Wow...McDumb is an angry little man huh? His little dentures just about came flying out of his mouth when Obama referenced his rendition of Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran. Poor little guy. "

Santo Fan wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:14 PM:

" Bah ha ha ha....McDumb is about 4 foot tall. He is so tiny "

Realist wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:14 PM:

" Frankly, I cannot wait until the debate. Once and for all, you will get to see how little Osama knows. I'm sensing the beginning of the slippery slope for the media's chosen one! "

Realist wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:05 PM:

" to Swirl: Give me a break, Osama is NOT the best candidate, you're the one that needs to grow up. He's not going to win and it is not about race, it is about the best candidate. "

Socrates wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:57 PM:

" 7:55pm. . .Obama wins debate! McCain stumbles, talks in circles, and falls on his face! "

trxll wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:57 PM:

" McFlip, McFlop "

albundy54 wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:51 PM:

" I am glad he decided to show up for this first of several roasts of the chosen one, O'bammer. It takes a real American such as McCain to suspend his campaign to return to Washington for such an intricate matter. O'bammer first said he was going to stay on the campaign trail, that alone gave real Americans a look at what he truly is. It was only after numerous polls and advisory meetings that the boy king agreed to go to Washington. Funny that he even remembers how to get there. Bottom line is that tonight McCain is going to completely obliviate the boy king in this debate and it will be evident to even the most staunch left wing lug nut liberal, that O'Bammer is out of his league in the election. "

swirl54 wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:29 PM:

" To be honest if McCain wins it is all about race, it is clear who would be the better president and leader. Also you hillary supporters who won't vote Obama grow up and vote Obama he won for a reason. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:23 PM:

" ofc313

He doesn't know how to do his job. He only knows how to run around and campaign just to get elected. But once elected he is lost. So he jumps to the next ticket to compaign again. He thinks he is running in a pagent of some type and has no clue of the importance of the position he is running for. He just wants to win a popularity contest! "

Realist wrote on Sep 26, 2008 5:52 PM:

" McCain wants to delay debate to get country's finances in place, Osama supporters criticize him. He agrees to attend the debate, Osama supporters criticize him. Wow, you try to cut down the opponent regardless of what he's doing, sounds like a group of people who know they're about to lose the election. Pretty funny if you ask me! "

The Cat wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:55 PM:

" Otown_boy: For the RECORD, Obummer’s “financial expert” team is full of Fannie Mae ex executives that looted to “company”, Dodd is the biggest recipient of Fannie/Freddie contributions with Obummer number two (over his short Senate “career”), Obummer’s homeboys in ACORN got big contributions for Fannie/Freddie, Barney Fwank’s ex live in lover was a Fannie executive, and Fannie/Freddie was the out of political office big bucks home of many Donkeys (most from the Bubba administration). BNilliniFan: Apparently you are totally unaware of all the real “community organizer” work throughout the world that Cindy McCain has done. If the Obummers did 5% of that effort perhaps their creditability of “compassion” might have some justification. airhead (typecast moniker there): Donkeys controlled the Senate in 2001-2002. "

The Cat wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:51 PM:

" Apparently this alleged “crisis” isn’t quite what it’s made out to be since the Donkeys are spinning yesterday’s meeting like whirling dervishes. Obummer caused total chaos with his lack of management skills and total partisanship resulting in the meeting collapsing. The Donkeys “claimed” a deal was there when it wasn’t. Paulson and staff, in a truly Donkey partisanship move, gave Obummer a heads up on the Republican House input that he trashed killing the entire discussion. Real “Presidential” there Obummerites; clearly shows his total incompetence and lack of qualifications. Even more so since he still is a setting Senator with a day job and one of these two will have to live with any agreement come January. BTW, one reason Obummer wants the Donkey deal is it gives his homeboys, ACORN, and related “community organizer” groups 20% of the proceeds from this “bailout”. As to the “debates”, why does Obummer duck townhall formats if he’s such an outstanding candidate? He’s afraid of questions that will expose his total lack of knowledge about issues and true marxist agenda. airhead (typecast moniker there): Donkeys controlled the Senate in 2001-2002. "

excuseme wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Can you say FLIP-FLOP? Or can you say Alzheimer? Poor old man McNut has lost it. "

ofc313 wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:03 PM:

" If Obama was truly the savior the Libs claim he would have jumped in with McCain in DC to fix the problem. If Obama had dropped the shoe first about going to DC instead all would be bowing at his feet. He was elected in this State to do a job and he is out courting the world instead of his job. If any of us were out trying to get a diffrent job while we neglected our current post we would be fired ! "

LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:49 PM:

" So, if this isn't flip-flopping, what is? "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:40 PM:

" How can we protect ourselves if we are bankrupt? "

Socrates wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:13 PM:

" So McCain comes to his senses and will be at the debate...and without a deal done...what a joke his words are...he is full of it...his campaign was never suspended it was in full swing. Folowtheconstit. . . .for you and anyone complaining about MSNBC, all that network does is balance the the other extreme of fox news...the daily show is the only fair and balanced one. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:08 PM:

" How can we protect ourselves if we are bankrupt? "

Otown_boy wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:29 PM:

" LOL! McCain already has web ads out claiming he's already "won the debate". A photo of John McCain smiling flanked by American flags with the words "McCain Wins debate!" another web ad observed has campaign manager Rick Davis a lobbyist for Freddie Mac quoted as saying "McCain won debate--hands down!" It's interesting than a campaign would release ads claiming your candidates won a debate that hasn't even happened yet LOL. "

The Cat wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Apparently this alleged “crisis” isn’t quite what it’s made out to be since the Donkeys are spinning yesterday’s meeting like whirling dervishes. Obummer caused total chaos with his lack of management skills and total partisanship resulting in the meeting collapsing. The Donkeys “claimed” a deal was there when it wasn’t. Paulson and staff, in a truly Donkey partisanship move, gave Obummer a heads up on the Republican House input that he trashed killing the entire discussion. Real “Presidential” there Obummerites; clearly shows his total incompetence and lack of qualifications. Even more so since he still is a setting Senator with a day job and one of these two will have to live with any agreement come January. BTW, one reason Obummer wants the Donkey deal is it gives his homeboys, ACORN, and related “community organizer” groups 20% of the proceeds from this bailout. As to the “debates”, why does Obummer duck townhall formats if he’s such an outstanding candidate? He’s afraid of questions that will expose his total lack of knowledge about real life and true marxist agenda. "

beachluvr wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:19 PM:

" to all that responded to my blogs. I respect your opinion, but I STILL stand by my statements. And for the person that stated that I have NOT switched my political preference, to you I say, your wrong. There are quite a few, like me, that have made the switch. And just for the record, remember that the majority of our military, strong in numbers, active and inactive, strongly respect and trust John McCain to protect us much more than a candidate who's never worn the uniform, and doesn't understand the "brotherhood" shared by those that have. Not to mention the "seasoned" experience, McCain has over your chosen candidate, which speaks volumes. For some this has turned into a popularity contest, which is sad. Just as an example, take away all of the ppl behind each candidate, writers, advisors, you know, no cue cards to read by, and stand them side by side to speak of their individual personal experience in gov't., military, etc. .I don't know about you, but I've always believed that the true mark of a leader is in their life experiences. WELL, that should'nt be hard to see. "

Native wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:15 PM:

" Dave, Thank You for once again proving my point for me! "

Generation Bleach wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:00 PM:

" I saw a commercial for Morgan Stanley last night on the tele. They claim to be making money for their investors.... Is this a safe spot to put my hard earned Pesos? "

McLovin It wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:58 PM:

" I am by no stretch of the imagination an Obama supporter. I don't trust his political roots (Chicago politics) and I disagree with most (not all, but most) of his stance on most issues. That being said, I have a feeling that history will show that McCain may have just made the biggest error of his campaign with his "suspending my campaign" idea. If he wanted to go to Washington, fine, go to Washington, but keep it lowkey and get the job done. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Independent?

Give me a break! Obama has ZERO experience and you are worried about Palin??? Palin is VP. Obama is running for President. HELLO!!!!

This crisis is more important than any debate which can easily be rescheduled. But looks like McCain gave in to Obama because now he will be there for the debate tonight. Personally, I think this irresponsible of both of them to be more concerned over a debate than the crisis at hand. McCain had the right idea the first time.

Obama is putting politics into this crisis. The dems had a plan, Obama was for it, the dems have the control to pass it, but they are using politics as an excuse blaming the republicans for not supporting it. So they are saying they don't want to take responsibility alone for passing this. Some leadership! "

i said that wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:36 PM:

" McCain's suspension of his Presidential Campaign, and his threat of possibly dropping out of the first Presidential Debate, reminds this voter of Ross Perot in 1992. Those who remember that Presidential Election will remember Perot had a very large following, actually got the other candidates to talk about the most important issues of the day, The Economy and NationalDebt, and then for some mysterious reason dropped out of the Presidential Race entirely, before deciding to jump back in it. Perot lost all credibility with even his most ardent supporters. I believe that is what has happened to John McCain, he has lost his credibility with the voters, especially those who were on the fence. People will now see him as a candidate who is unsure of himself, and will question any decision, or stand, he may now make, whether it is on the Economy or Foreign Policy. If people were uncertain of McCain after he claimed just 10 days ago "the fundamentals of the economy are strong," while the rest of the world was thinking quite the contrary, I believe, after this "Electric Kool-Aid" inspired mess, they have absolutely no reason to support his Candidacy. "

Socrates wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:32 PM:

" okay FollowTheConsitution . . . instead of addressing all of your mess, I have to say, how in the world do you figure the dems are responsible for the economic mess? The dems weren't responsible for the unethical morgages and teaser rates...the idea that helping lower income people get houses is the cause of this crisis is completely false. The republicans need to take some responsibility for what they have created. The dems have only been in control of congress (barely) for 2 years (not even). "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:26 PM:

" ktlin

You have been watching way to much MSNBC. LOL "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Dave

No, the banks have NO money to loan. When the bank ends up with a nonperforming loan that restricts the bank from loaning 10 times that amount until they get that bad loan off the books. So for every $100k of nonperforming loans a bank has that ties up $1 million of money they are not allowed to lend. Now multiply that by tens of thousands of bad mortgages out there and that ties up a lot of money banks can't loan out. All these bad mortgages are bankrupting banks! This is why Washington Mutual just went under and this is why you will see many more banks go under! "

4magoo wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Wait a minute. I have been in a coma for two weeks. I thought the "fundamentals of the economy are strong." What did I miss. I am going back to sleep. "

LOL Liberal (:-D) wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Is this comical or what!

I just wish it wasn't such expensive comedy. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:06 PM:

" Beachuvr:
Even Ed Rollins the Republican consultant said skipping the debate was a bad idea. He states this for the reason that the campaign has focused on middle america and not wall street. McSame is running back to washington to "rescue" america from this crisis looks bad since he has mentioned nothing of it before. "

ktlin wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:47 PM:

" to voice. Perhaps someone needs to explain that to you. McCain has not been putting country first. It is McCain first. Why does it look like he cannot have a coherent thought? Why can't he do 2 things at once? He probably thinks the fundamentals of the economy are fine. They are still exactly the same as they were one or two weeks ago. Which are they? He appears to be a gambler not maverick. You want a gambler for president? That is the last thing we need right now. I support Barack Obama more and more every day. Instead of the circus clowns that McCain and Palin have become. "

Dave wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:29 PM:

" I just heard one of the Fox commentators lamenting about banks having no money to loan to consumers. I actually screamed at her. The problem isn't the lack of money by the banks but the opposite. Consumers have no money to give to banks. The money has to trickle up, not down. Us common working people are being put in total subjection to some international bankers. We have to beg for the crumbs so we can pay our bills.
Thomas Jefferson who opposed state owned banks said: "banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies; and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."
Remember people. It isn't the politicians who are asking for money. It's bankers, headed by Bernaske.
They want us to give them money so they can pay off debts made by them so they can pocket the profits.
It's insane!
Any everyone sits around and argues about a stupid debate-- "

Native wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Help! Is there a single original thought posted here? Or just more of the same old crying and name calling? "

Voice of Bloomington wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:24 PM:

" Hopefully McCain will explain to Obama what it means to put Country First tonight at the debate. "

BNIlliniFan wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Let's hope that Cindy McCain doesn't break a nail or run out of pain pills during the debate or John McCain will have to suspend the debate! "

Controller wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:14 PM:

" No plan yet and McCain's going to the debate. So... let's now hear the conservatives justify this. I'm sure they will try even though it contradicts the arguement they've been making here in these comments. "

Independent? wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:11 PM:

" Cntd. I'm going to go with lying. Who did he show up to the meeting with George W. with? Campaign Adviser. Who'd Obama show up with? Policy adviser from his staff. McCain also managed to give a major speech speaking of his selflessness and "country first" after "suspending" his campaign. From the time he suspended his campaign to arriving in Washington (a few press conferences later), it took him almost 24 hours... Urgent? Country first? or McCain and presidency first? Given that neither Obama nor McCain serve on committees directly dealing with this crisis does it not make more sense for them to tell the American people what they will and would do in such a crisis (given that one of them will be leading our country very shortly)? Rather than becoming a distraction by implementing presidential politics into a delicate situation, would they not do us better to come out with a bi-partisan joint statement from Obama-McCain listing what they both demand together? John McCain is 0-2 on major decisions that could affect the lives of millions. "

Simple Simon wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:04 PM:

" so McCain goes back on his word. "

Independent? wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:04 PM:

" Beach lover- Tell me you are kidding. Pleeeeeeease tell me you're kidding. Simply by exclaiming "country first" (and implying your candidate does just the opposite) does not make it true. John McCain has repeatedly said he would never put his political goals over the country. Now, lets look at his recent actions. He selects Sarah Palin. Enough said. Not only does she lack ANY, I mean ANY, foreign policy experience, she is completely clueless on foreign affairs. In the last few days she has defended the argument she has foreign policy experience because her state is next to Russia (Since I live near cornfields can I be a farmer?), and manage to call some of our most respected military and foreign diplomats naive (Henry K. and Powell). Next McCain says he is suspending his campaign to deal with the crisis- "country first." He is either too dumb to realize there is no way he can separate himself from presidential politics 40 days before the election or he's lying. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:57 AM:

" FTC:
yours:
American will wake up and elect the Dems and pay a horrible price

Socrates:
American will wake up and elect the Dems or pay a horrible price. "

Notice the OR in there. Nice copy..paste AND edit there. Nice try desperate one LOL "

Sweetcheeks wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:38 AM:

" FTC:
yours:
American will wake up and elect the Dems and pay a horrible price

Socrates:
American will wake up and elect the Dems or pay a horrible price. "

Notice the OR in there. Nice copy..paste AND edit there. Nice try desperate one LOL "

Meh wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:20 AM:

" FollowTheConsitution, oh come on. A crisis get 100% attention? Oh come on. Life goes on. Anyone in a position of responsibility knows that problems come up from time to time and you deal with them, but never to the detriment of your other duties. If you can't handle a major problem and your other duties as well as the rest of your life, then you're incapable of the job. If McCain can't deal with this bailout, campaign, and handle a debate, then he can't be President. The job is too demanding. Its also probably why you're old and have a combined income of $60k/year - no ability to multitask and handle responsibility. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:43 AM:

" lindini

Don't blame McCain for the ignorance of other people that watch to much MSNBC.

This has nothing to with being able to multi-task. A debate is not a crisis. Wasting valueable time focussing on some debate right now while we have a major financial crisis on our hands would be totally irresponsible! They need to be putting 100% of their attention on coming up with a plan that everyone can agree on. Wasting time on some debate that can easily be rescheduled is not important right now. If people choose to view that differently it just shows how clueless and ignorant they are! "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Socrates wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:22 AM:

"American will wake up and elect the Dems and pay a horrible price. "

There, now your statement is accurate! We are paying a horrible price now because of the dems! They are responsible for this mortgage mess due to their laxed lending policies they wanted! It failed badly and now the American people are getting stuck with the bill for this mess! And YOU want MORE of this type of government??? Take the blinders off and wake up! "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Pants1977

It's one thing to have to multi-task when you have more than one crisis going on at the same time. A debate is not a crisis and can easily be rescheduled.

The crisis at hand needs 100% attention until they come up with a plan. Not 50%, 80% or 95%....but 100%! Taking time away for anything less important than this crisis is being totally irresponsible! Rather than wasting time flying across the country wasting time on debates that time needs to be spent on focussing on a plan that everyone can agree on. If they are not together sitting at the table working they should be sitting in their rooms working on this getting ready for the next meeting. Not focussing on a debate they can have later! THAT is the responsible thing to do! So whether this is a stunt or not, it IS what NEEDS to be done! Period! "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:28 AM:

" Pants1977 wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:41 AM:
"the only people who are having economic problems right now are the ones who are living way beyond their means. My wife and I make about 60K combined a year. We have had no financial problems...you know why? We live within our means. We bought a house we can afford, we pay our bills, we save money, and we can still afford to go out and do things."

Welcome to the republican party! LOL "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:26 AM:

" If the democrats what the crappy bill they have passed the republicans can't stop them. The dems have the majority vote! What I find interesting is how Obama blames politics for being put in the middle of this that is holding it up. Really??? Then WHY is OBAMA using politics to hold it up??? LOL

The dems want to shove this bill through now. The republicans want to make wall street liable for this instead of tax payers. The dems have the majority vote to push this through if they want to. But the dems are saying unless they get at least a 100 republicans to support this with them they won't push it through. So they are blaming republicans for this not going through which the dems have the majority vote to push it through if this is what they want! What are they afraid of??? Are they afraid the republicans are right and afraid to take responsibility when it doesn't work? Even when the dems have control and the power to do want they want they still try to twist it and blame the republicans! LOL "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:26 AM:

" I see. The dems push for something they want and get it. After it proves to be a disaster it becomes the republicans fault because they had the majority vote where they could have slapped the dems hands for being so stupid and stopping them from allowing this! You people love to live in denial and twist everything any way you can to cover up what the dems are responsible for! LOL

Bottomline people! This was a democrat program they wanted. They got what they wanted. Now it we have a mess on our hands that could bring down the economy forcing this country into the greatest depression of all time and you want to just sweep the facts under the rug by trying to pass the blame because the republicans didn't push hard enough to stop the dems from creating this mess in the first place. BRILLIANT! LOL "

Socrates wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:22 AM:

" beachlvr wake up...you were never a democrat unless your name is lieberman... McCain is scared, weak, and worthless in times of crisis. He doesn't know which way is up when it comes to the economy. Palin is clueless and like a deer in headlights in interviews. American will wake up and elect the Dems or pay a horrible price. "

lindini wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:06 AM:

" I for one am totally in favor of McCain not showing up for the debates. I spoke with a few undecided voters yesterday who told me that McCain's inability to multitask on this issue finally switched them over to Obama. I have to say from my incredibly unscientific polling it is looking like far more people view this situation as negative on McCain than on Obama. In the end this was a political stunt which will appeal to a very limited group. Great show there John! "

Meh wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:04 AM:

" floyd, think about the McCain townhall scenario. Obama would be completely on McCain and Karl Rove's turf. The audience members would be Republican loyalty screened. McCain would have prior knowledge of all questions asked by audience members. Obama would not. McCain would receive softball questions. Obama would receive questions designed to cause misunderstandings and negative soundbites. Essentially, it would be events to make McCain look good and Obama look foolish. Why would Obama give him the opportunity?

Think about it. If the Obama was demanding townhalls where his campaign was organizing the whole thing, would McCain attend? No and with good reason. Debates and discussions have to be organized by an independent, nonpartisan third party. "

Pants1977 wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:41 AM:

" First of all, no matter how you spin this, this is a major political stunt being perfomed by the McCain camp. Secondly, the only people who are having economic problems right now are the ones who are living way beyond their means. My wife and I make about 60K combined a year. We have had no financial problems...you know why? We live within our means. We bought a house we can afford, we pay our bills, we save money, and we can still afford to go out and do things. (i.e. pump money into our economy) For anyone having problems, this is your own fault and I shouldn't have to pay money to bail your sorry butts out! Two more thoughts about this whole suspend the campaign and cancel the debates so they can "fix" the economic problem. First off, if they can fix the economy in a week, than this should have been done already. Second, a president should be able to multi task. If McCain can't handle a 90 minute debate while fixing problems in this country than he is not worth a single vote! "

Chicago wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:45 AM:

" What time does this start? It's tonight right?? "

beachluvr wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:39 AM:

" one other footnote... McCain has more experience in the political arena, as far as hands on, military, longevity as O duma does in his little finger.. If it were NOT for the writers behind ALL of the words that come out of his mouth, he would do nothing but be able to stand there and say nothing but a,,,a,,,,a,,,,a,,,a,,,,a, which is a part of his speeches right now.. believe it or not,, I WAS a strong democrat before our party elected THIS guy as the candidate of choice, but I have joined with Clinton, and other democrates that can see right through this guy, and have NOT stayed with the party because as they are, as I am, not so proud to admit who is best FIT for the position. And if ya'll don't think that McCain has not heard the statement "4 more years of the same" and is determined to prove that statement wrong, then you have to be in strong denial. "

floyd wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:29 AM:

" Meh. Why did Obama turn down 10 town hall debates that McCain wanted to do? I'm sure McCain is afraid of Obama after dealing with commies from North Vietnam. In the meantime where is the news Pantagraph about the democrat governor and his investigation by the feds on his corruption? Seems like that would be a major topic when they say there is enough information to indict out sitting governor but they'll bring up an old story about witchcraft. Rezco is going to squeal and things are going to get ugly. "

beachluvr wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:11 AM:

" In my opinion,,, Who seems more "PRESIDENTIAL?", The candidate that wants "FACE time during a debate," that could be delayed for a few days, for the sake of joining the other polititians in an attempt to straighten out the mess this country is in? OR, the one that feels that putting "COUNTRY FIRST" is more important right now? The answer to that should be a no brainer. If Obama "cares" so much about the American people, he would have made quite an impression, if he would have taken the 9 million $, his campaign made from the $28,000 a plate dinner given by Barbra Streisand and her hollywood cronies, and rushed it to help the ppl in Galveston. Thank goodness there are enough ppl in this country that
are NOT buying into his "just saying what he knows what you want to hear", crap. "

airhead wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:54 AM:

" to pangloss: Because anytime anyone says anything good about Obama and his ideas and leadership they are attacked and are accused of drinking koolaid and whatever else can be thought of at the time. Obama wanted to get a bipartisan statement out to the public. He has been connected to Washington by current technology and advisors this week and last week and last month etc. He wanted to reassure people that progress will be made so that they won't panic. And he wanted to see that executives didn't get golden parachutes, things were fair to both sides of the equation and things of that nature. And then there is McCain who wants to drop his campaign and scare the dickens out of everyone. And stop a debate that has nothing to do with it especially since we have jets today. If McCain wanted to be on Katie Couric tonight I bet he could manage. He can fly in do the debate and fly back to Washington like a president would. And he doesn't have to drive the plane he can even sleep on the way. "

airhead wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:41 AM:

" to temp: Looking back, being there in person really helped didn't it? If there was a vote all he had to do was fly in and leave. Remember we have telephones, and conference calls and we can WORK from remote areas. Apparently little John needs to become aware of that. I think in the long run the White HOuse meeting held yesterday will become a joke. A not too funny one. Everything was going smooth. McCain came to town and spoke at the end of that meeting for 2 minutes at which time he said nothing. Real game changer there. If anyone thinks his idiotic performance represe