Obama rejects McCain call to delay debate

This is a rank political stunt by McCain. He's obviously not prepared to debate on Friday. The University of Mississippi has raised millions of dollars in good faith to put on this debate. It is shameful for McCain to try to weasel out at this late date. What a loser!

I think McCain will no show and Palin will SNUB the VP debate out of allegiance. Truth is she is not ready to debate at this level and I think the entire McCain Campaign knows it.

Katie Couric played her friendly version of "Stump the Candidate" today. Here's the clip found on the Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/palin-on-mccains-history_n_129078.html

What would it accomplish! McCain and his cronies must be hiding something! What is this joke!

hmmmm a link to the Huffingtonpost, thats akin to a Rep. posting a link to Davidduke.com. Yeah Biden is a polished guy and god knows he doesant say anything that would be construed as idiotic. Whats more important getting this squared away or an election campaign. Its Obama who will make an idiot of himself in Mississippi

Obama is a total hypocrite. He claims the President should multi-task, but can't be both a Presidential candidate AND the Senator he was elected to be by returning promptly to DC to work and vote on critical legislation. What would make it necessary for him to step back from the podium and walk the talk?

We don't need strong messages, we need strong messengers. McCain is a man of action, not empty words!

I finally found the Katie Couric/Palin interview segment posted on CBS.

It is better because it is the a longer version rather than just the short clip: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4476649n

Very enlightening and better than Gibson so far as I've seen.

Obama based his campaign that he would "change" the tenner of DC. He "promised" by his words that he'd be an "across the aisle guy". Today, he showed how much he can be trusted with his words and promises. So much for his bi-partisan efforts. In his exceedingly short tenure in the Senate, he has NOT ONCE attempted to compromise on anything his party has brought forth. On the other hand, John McCain has compromised in a bi-partisan manner on significantly more often than Obama. Today, Obama proved by his actions AND his words, that he is NO person to speak about bi-partisanship. He simply said he didn't want to help in attempting to solve an extremely pressing crisis. He'd rather spend his time somewhere in Mississippi, trying to make points for himself than suspend his selfish desire to become "somebody". I wonder where he'll be when a international incident arises. Will he be prepared to return to DC and assist in avoiding a possible nuclear incident, or will he vote "ABSENT" (as opposed to "present")? A sacrifice of a few days certainly cannot make that much a difference in this campaign, whereas a real, strong, and decisive bi-partisan focus on the economic crisis could make a huge difference in the lives of a lot of American citizens. Apparently the words, real, strong, decisive and bi-partisan aren't character adjectives that apply to Obama. On this one, Obama didn't even vote "PRESENT. Instead, he voted loud and clear "ABSENT" (Too Busy Elsewhere). So much for his being in touch with the little people like you and me. It looks to me like when the hard, roll-up-your-sleeves, get down in the mud and dirt, difficult labor that could have real meaning to this country, Obama is too good to get his empty suit soiled. He just votes "ABSENT!"

Today, he showed how much he can be trusted with his words and promises. So much for his bi-partisan efforts. In his exceedingly short tenure in the Senate, he has NOT ONCE attempted to compromise on anything his party has brought forth.

Can republicans tell the truth? Nope. It was OBAMA who called Mccain and McCain who used it for political gain. BTW McCain has been absent more than Obama.
So Today,McCain showed how much he can be trusted with his words and promises... you can't trust him at all!

I see that John McCain is trying to weasel out of the debate Friday. I implore the sponsors to go ahead and invite Sarah Palin to debate Barack Obama in McCain's stead. If she, as the Republicans would have us believe, is ready right now to be President, than she is ready to debate Obama on the issues she would face as President too. RIGHT?!?!?

This election is too important to skip over 1/3 of the debates and you know McCain will find excuses to hide later.This is a cynical and transparent political stunt to divert attention from his crashing poll numbers, the ongoing lies Palin peddles and the fact that we have just found out that Rick Davis's company was getting $15K a month from Freddie Mac as of LAST MONTH!!!

Pale n McSame are Bush all over again.
Bad for the economy, Bad for the Middle Class and bad for the free world.

Given the financial crisis, right now more than ever, the People need to hear from their potential leader. This is a time for both candidates to use this national forum to discuss openly their vision for this country's financial success, not to avoid the spotlight or delay the critical opportunity to inspire our nation. There are countless of working people who are looking for hope and inspiration form either candidate. This is not the time for them to suspend or delay anything! Time is of the essence. Everyday until election day matters. The People want to hear from both candidates, and be inspired by their vision and plan for our economic futures!!!

Chuck

Yes, that is true. In 26 years, McCain has been absent a few days more than Obama has in 4 years. Real good point!

Congressional leaders have already commented that McCain and Obama are not needed in these hearings, since the Congress is sharply divided and this Bill will likely fail to pass. McCain and Obama being present will only further disrupt the hearings by turning them into a candidates' photo-op. My impression is that McCain is attempting to dodge the debate in the face of falling poll numbers. Perhaps the apparent Bush-panic is rubbing off on McCain? There is no reason to delay the debate.

Congressional leaders have already commented that McCain and Obama are not needed in these hearings, since the Congress is sharply divided and this Bill will likely fail to pass. McCain and Obama being present will only further disrupt the hearings by turning them into a candidates' photo-op. My impression is that McCain is attempting to dodge the debate in the face of falling poll numbers. Perhaps the apparent Bush-panic is rubbing off on McCain? There is no reason to delay the debate.

Congressional leaders have already commented that McCain and Obama are not needed in these hearings, since the Congress is sharply divided and this Bill will likely fail to pass. McCain and Obama being present will only further disrupt the hearings by turning them into a candidates' photo-op. My impression is that McCain is attempting to dodge the debate in the face of falling poll numbers. Perhaps the apparent Bush-panic is rubbing off on McCain? There is no reason to delay the debate.

Sure, why not delay the election, as well. Who needs democracy?

What is the poiint of going to DC when as above said congress do not want them there for it would be pure politics and no one would get anything done...well nothing to be done anyway just say NO.

The economic situation is an URGENT, IMMEDIATE matter. Americans still have 40 days before the election. It won't hurt if Americans don't see the debate until 38 days, 35 days, 30 days, before the election. But the structure of the U.S. economy & its affect on the world economy is at stake - NOW.

Obama today just absolutely proved that he is only full of WORDS, empty rhetoric, but NO ACTION. He wants to have a "joint statement" - uhhhh, ok, and what exactly will that do for the good of anything? He is choosing to NOT do HIS JOB - PAID BY THE TAXPAYERS - as a Senator to go and attend to an urgent matter where he should be, in Washington, D.C. He is rather choosing to continue his personal, self-serving campaign. Yet he speaks of how a President should be "multi-tasking" and able to handle different matters at once. So shut up, Obama, and start DOING something!!! Just because he was on the phone with a handful of people regarding the economy doesn't mean that anything will be done.

Why can't he forget his campaign for a few days & work at something that will affect the country he's trying to be a ruler of? This is an example of the type of latent President we will have if Obama is elected. He'll just sit back and add it to his "to-do" list, but NEVER DO IT.

As far as the debate goes, it sounds more like Obama is disappointed that he can't have the opportunity to deliver the nice "orational" answers he's been practicing for the past months. This is finally his big moment to "shoot down" McCain with his nice, practiced speeches (as answers). But he won't have it, or at least not just yet as planned. What B.S.!! When it's time to take care of the country, he doesn't do it. Obama would rather display himself even more.

The debate can always be scheduled, although it is inconvenient for many. But hey, didn't the Republic National Convention have to reschedule many things due to the more urgent matter of the Hurricane Gustav? Did people complain?

Chuck

BTW McCain has been absent more than Obama.

Yes, that is true. In 26 years, McCain has been absent a few days more than Obama has in 4 years. Real good point!

Actually, from the past year alone, that's more than 200 misses (I got tired of counting ) .

http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=53270

Both Obama and McCain have been absent from so many votes that neither of them is on any relevant committees; neither have any business crashing that party for anything but personal interests. This, like the postponement of the Republican Convention for a nice shot of McCain packing up boxes of food in New Orleans, is just another publicity stunt. McCain's presence there was nothing but a waste of resources and a distraction from the people who needed real assistance. His presence in Washington to focus on the current economic crisis is the same thing. In my opinion, this is a really pathetic attempt for the McCain camp to try to show a little bit of acknowledgment and concern for the mess they helped to create. This is the perfect time for the nation and the world to hear from both of the men who are potentially going to inherit the disaster that has become the US economy. It's a convenient excuse to buy he and Palin a few more cram sessions.

WOW! you guys are to much. Both of these men need to back to Congress and help this country with this financial trouble after all they where voted into office to take care of business and doing a debate instead is not living up to what the voters elected them for. Tiy guys bit*h when they do and bit*h when they don't.
As always just my opinion.

well it is a good point, and won't hurt nobody delay the debate, if Obama did not accept this it is because hi is never interested in real matter to Americans, well as far as I know hi never vote against or in favor when congress have a meeting.

Tell the candidates to show up for Friday's debate - go to www.demandthedebate2008.com and sign the petition.

AWF Elem, Teacher in Florida; the problem is, and its a explosive one, is that late last night it was discovered that McCains campaign manager Rick Davis was receiving 15 thousand dollars a month since 2005 from FannieMae as late as just last month. This revelation came to light after McCain gave an interview in which he stated that Rick Davis was finished with that and hadn't been receiving any money from FannieMae since 2005.

To deflect impending media questions on this issue he came up with this preposterous idea of postponing his campaign until this bailout proposal is agreed upon by the Congress. The problem with that notion has several fronts. 1. The legislators are already at agreement on most of the sticking points and an agreement is eminent. 2. McCain came up with this idea on the sudden AFTER Obama had called him earlier and suggested they give a joint conference to encourage congress. 3. McCain does not sit on the of the committees that are working out the particulars of this bailout and would have no impact on their outcome. Finally, 4. Both the Democratic and Republican chairs of these committees questions McCain motives for such a move, especially because of points 1 & 3.

It is painfully obvious that McCain who makes the claim; "Country first", is apparently trying to stem the tide of both inquiries about his campaign manager and the sharp rise in the polls for Obama.

It is like I've said on many occasions here; McCain will say and do anything to become president including but not exclusive of selling his soul to the devil. This guy is so disingenuous its pathetic. What a tottering old buffoon.

And you think, Tammy, it would be delayed by one day? Who said? I simply do not trust that this would happen. Besides, it would take much more re-organizing (venue available on Saturday?) than one day most likely. But that's really beside the point as there is simply no legitimate reason for McCain to "delay" (forever?) this debate. He hasn't said or done anything since this crisis came to light - why the sudden need to be in DC on Friday night? If he refuses to debate then I suggest everyone watch C-SPAN to see just what McCain is doing instead of debating - anything???! The presidential debate wasn't delayed when the Iranian hostage crisis was going on and there are other examples as well. Why now? Last I heard there were planes flying between DC and Mississippi - why couldn't Obama and McCain fly into Mississippi in time for the debate? Why "postpone" it? Postpone it once, postpone it again, how much you want to bet? Face it, McCain's scared silly to stand up and debate Obama. NO DELAY!

Why not delay the debate a day someone asks? To try to simplify, I will use an everyday example. Perhaps your wedding was Friday night. You (MS, Ole Miss, Taxpayers) have paid a lot of money on the venue, food, flowers, etc. Guests (reporters, nonprofits, etc) have paid a lot on travel arrangements to get there. Participants (American people) have made schedule changes etc to participate. Then your in-law requests that you call it off and reschedule because they need to participate in a regular meeting of 47 other people(Senators) but you know that they haven't gone to this meeting since April. They say it is really important but you know that your soon-to-be inlaw has known of this problem for 2 weeks but did not decide to call off your wedding until the last minute. What gives!! You wonder what's the rush now. The problem existed for 2 weeks & they know that they can provide their input to 47 other people and be just as effective. They could also meet with these people Thursday & Friday, then fly to your wedding in three hours. Now, you & many others lose money & have to find a new time, new venue, coordinate participant schedules, etc. Will all of the particulars of your big show come together just because you say what's wrong with the next day. That would be wishful thinking.

McCain is so scared to debate Obama that he would rather go to Washington and face the press on the results of his lifetime of demanding deregulation. This is the banking crisis that McCain and the 177 lobbyists on his campaign created. This is a replay of Keating 5 writ large.

Get real. McCain is doing what we as tax payers are paying him to do. He's a US Senator and his place during this crisis is in the Senate Halls. Obama is just an elite welfare reciepient. He's more concerned about the debate and becomeing President then he is in the welfare of the people he was elected to serve. Must be nice to tell the whole Senate I will come if you need me but don't bother me unless its important. I think he gets his 165 k a year just as McCain but he doesn't feel he should have work for it. That should tell you what kind of a President he would make.

Obama is no Senator if he can not do the job he was elected to do. He was elected to the United States Senate to represent people from his state, not start to campaign for the office of President before he has even set foot in the Senate. So far he has not done that job at all. Now is the time from him to actually perform his elected job and work on a remedy to this financial crisis that faces this nation. If he can not perform as a Senator, how can he perform as the President?

Bravo for McCain for his wanting to work in job he was elected to do. As most Bush haters will proclaim, this is a political ploy. BS... I can not believe a Senator that has been around as long as McCain would shirk their responsibility to work on a bill that help turn this crisis around. This not a political ploy, this is the response I would expect from a Senator, Presidential candidate or not.

The thing os it all is McCain can not afford for thses debates to go at least not right now!

1. If the first debate is pushed back it might not be enough time for Palin & Biden to debate. He is trying to get her out of the debate!

2. McCain's campaign is in a bust right now! a. He is DOWN in ALL the polls
b. His campaign manger is on the payroll of Freddie and Fannie Mae as recent as last month. The sole purpose for him doing so was his connection to John McCain!

3. McCain knows the issues of the economy will surely be a major part of this debate and he has told the nation that je knows little about economics! Not good considering the state of the economy!

4. Palin's lack of interviews and the ones she has been on have all been a bust except the one on FOX, but he knows no one will take that one seriously. The one she did with Katie Couric today was the worst of the three!

McCain is in a desperate ploy to make himself appear something he is NOT, presidential!

Thought you all might want to see Sarah's interview with Katie, enjoy!

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4476649n

The news said the debate was on foreign policy anyway, so it can wait a few days. Obama DOESN'T want to go to the Senate because he doesn't want his name on anything. With so many eyes watching he can't get away with a "present" vote.

Tammy,
I don't mean to sound harsh but Mr. McCain's request for a delay in the Debate tell's me a lot of him! The President of the United State's is on call 24/7 365 for his 4 year term. If Mr. McCain can not deal with his Campaign, the Debate he agreed to, and also express his thought's as to how to deal with the present financial crisis to the power's that be in some form or fashion, I question his ability to be the President. I don't mean to be-little these 3 Issue's but consider this. If he is having a hard time dealing with these 3 Issue's how will he deal with Afganistan, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Georgia, China, Japan, the E.U., Mr. Chaves South of the Border, the Imigration Issue's, and last but not least the America Economy? If Mr. McCain should become president he will have to learn that you can not put off to tomorrow what need's to be dealt with today! At the moment Time is not a Commodity that is not available to us. Each day that this is not dealt with will determin our Future!

Obama for President? The wait and see candidate. I won't move or commit to anything until after it has happend. If I wait then my hands are clean and its everyone elses fault if it fails.

For all those whose mental prowess is 2 cards short of a full deck; let me explain this to you in simple terms:

Neither Obama nor McCain sit on the sub-commitees that are presently engaged in working out this bailout debacle. These meetings are held BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and neither candidate is allowed to participate in those discussions. As Senators, of course they can offer their suggestions as Obama and possible McCain has done, but the ultimate decision is made by these committee members ONLY.

Chris Dodd, the chairman of the Finance Committee said today that Barack Obama has been in constant contact with him and other members as well as with Paulson and Bernake on a daily basis. Senator Dodd, the chairman, went on to say that at NO time has John McCain tried to contact him. Not even one time. I repeat, not ONE time.

So, what does this tell one about McCain's contrived concern? The only conclusion that can be drawn is that it is nothing more than a desperate and despicable attempt to politicize this Wall Street meltdown and manipulate public opinion to give the impression that he's on top of this issue. But, if the latter point is true, why then did McCain wait almost TWO weeks before deciding to postpone his campaign? Not only that but it is mighty suspicious that just 2 days before the first televised debate McCain deems it necessary to delay it. Could it be that the Wall Street bailout will be just a little too fresh in the publics minds for comfort.

In conclusion, I am of the mind that McCain is a coward and despot. And any one that can't see through this sham is truly lacking any intuitive insight into the psyche of human nature and are willing to believe anything that will embolden their misguided trust in a very self-serving opportunist.

Obama needs to debate on Friday before he forgets all his lines!

The economy have been in crisis for a while now. Postponing Friday's debate will not change that. And it will not change within the next forty days. Will Sen. McCain bail out of all the debates until the economic crisis is over?

I saw McSame speaking at the Clinton Initiative today. The funny thing was, he wasn't in D.C. and it looked and sounded just like campaigning. I mean he didn't accuse Obama of wanting to loose the war this time but still....

John McCain is my Senator from Arizona. If he can't handle preparing for a debate concerning why we should put him incharge of the country and handle the current events that whoever is elected will have to deal with, John McCain should suspend his camapign for good and come home. McCain is under some illusion that he has the solution to this mess and simply by appearing in DC he can wave his palms over the troubled waters and all shall be calm. Up until last week, he was under the dillusion that foundations of the economy were sound. But then again, this is comming from a guy who's party got rich on the sound foundations of the economy, and now are proscribing an emergency $700,000,000,000 fix (hurry-don't ask questions-we didn't). At least George Bush could of appologized. McCain should go to the debate. There would be 1 less Republican in DC trying to cover their butt. But hey, McCain would be McBush but not quite as smart.

It appears that many are concerned over a none moot debate as to who is better than the other. Typical of most people taking offense if something does not go their way. Had I run my business as most of the comments being made...I definitely would be closed! None of the debates have been cancelled. They will re-convine... so what is your gripe? Are people afraid that McCains delay in assisting the country would hurt Obama's lead? WOW...regardless as to who does what... I am looking for the person that is right to lead the country... I probably won't even make up my mind until it is time to vote. So again...what is the point in getting so upset over a single debate to be moved to a later date!

I agree with you completely. Seems to me that McCain is putting his priorities on the table here and that is the people first. This is a huge chance he is taking by doing this but like he said he would rather do the right things for us the people then win an election. Thats putting country first. If Obama had half the patriotism and was not so self absorbed with himself he would have his butt in Wasington as well. From what I have seen he has spent his entire Senate Career on the Presidential Campeign trail rather then serving the people who elected him to serve in the Senate. Any one, even the left should be able to see that, but first they need to get out of bed and take the blinders off.

Why the delay, what is McCain going to do that he has not done in 27 years?
He is unprepared and should not use this as an excuse. He is being a coward!

Ok Mr. Straight Talking McCain what good do you think this latest stunt is going to do for you and NOT your Country First BS? This is nothing more than more political BS just like your pick of Sara Palin. For someone that I USE to respect now I can't believe how senile and sinister you really are.

If you really wanted to stop campaigning and delay the debate you should have talked to Senator Obama in private and then came out together with a real bipartisan plan. Instead you tried to act like daddy making a statement and waiting for Obama to say ok daddy. This is the worse, most despicable act that the American people have ever had to endure so far in this campaign. Go find a retirement home or homes, maybe seven, eight or nine of them and let someone run the country that cares about the country.

Does every post have to be about attacking the opponent personally? Why can we not look at the issues and determine what we think?

John McCain implied he called Sen. Obama. Sen. Obama says he called McCain after being prompt by Coburn. Coburn said on CSPAN this morning he called them both and the first to get in touch with him was Sen. Obama. I think this lends credibility to Sen. Obama's version of events.

John McCain said he was hoping Sen. Obama would join him in suspension of the campaigns to head back and work out the economic problems. Sen. Obama says he feels they can do both. Both are fair and for each the right thing to do!

Some see it as McCain grandstanding and some see it as sincerity. I don't know what McCain was thinking, but I do find it interesting that this happened when questions are being asked about Rick Davis and the 15K a month his business is receiving form Freddie Mac that no one can explain. It is also interesting that Davis also received almost 2 million dollars and reporters were tracking this until this story took its place.

Either some of you missed what Sen. Obama said or have chosen to change what he said. Sen. Obama said he would be there if it was required, but he has been in CONSTANT CONTACT with those on the hill. This morning Chris Dodd and Paulsen confirmed that Sen. Obama has been in constant communication with them. Dodd took it further and said he had not once heard from McCain, but was glad he was now showing an interest. Again, this lends credibility to Sen. Obama's concerns being there for some time.

Now we all have our person we support and I get that, but I wish you would at least be honest about who said what and who is doing what. If you think McCain is sincere about returning to the hill, that's your right. If Obama thinks he can accomplish more than one task at a time, that's his right.

If McCain feel running for President is not as important as filling his Senate obligations in person, again he can do that. If Sen. Obama believes America is better served by learning where the candidates stand before all time runs out, that is fair too. What we have to do is determine which fits our thoughts and it really does not require attacks on anybody.

I do find it interesting that outside of his announcement all that McCain can do is wait as he is not on any committee, and it is also interesting that Bush has set up a photo op to include Sen. Obama which I feel is to lend support to McCain.

It is unfair attacks to say Sen. Obama is at fault for preparing for the debate, it is what they both should have been doing.

Personally, I like that Sen. Obama told the truth about who called whom. I like that he did not allow a crisis to rattle him away from telling us why we should vote for him. I like that it has been confirmed that Sen. Obama has been in contact with Washington on these important issues. Unless someone can tell me how being in Washington is any different than showing up to vote, then I say Sen. Obama has America first in mind. if you can explains the need to make the announcement instead of quietly stopping, maybe I would believe McCain is not trying to figure out how to play this for attention/political gain.

I don't get you people. Everyone says that this could be the next depression if this is not handled correctly. Why would you not want both presidential candidates working on this full time for a few days. It is very important and the media says "There are other people in Washington handling it." You don't think our next president should be involved!

We need both of the senators to do their jobs and not just run for president. Both are still sitting senators, and our nation is in its worst economic crisis since the great depression, shouldn't both of them be working on the problem?

What is John McCain going to do in a couple of hours on Friday evening that he has not already (not) done in the last 20+ years, let alone the last 2 weeks? I find it largely irresponsible on his part to delay the debates. Now, more than ever, he owes it to the American people to tell us just what he will do as our potential leader. Shame on him....total political ploy!

I found it interesting that Obama said he told congressional leaders that he would be there if they needed him.......they told him he wasn't needed. Our possible future president not needed on a matter of this importance? Guess they just presumed he would vote present anyway. At least McCain is going to go and stand for what he thinks is best. Obama is unwilling to make a stand on this issue because before election time it may hurt his career, or it may help, one thing for sure, it shows us all that he is more concerned with his career than solving this problem.

I think that we can see the Truth Here--That Obama with his Lawyer-instincts is "Demanding his Right to Debate"! This is, as originally "Agreed at a certain time".
"And, I do-not want any changes in this Contract!" "But I WANT TO TALK-AND I
WILL TALK!" (I WILL BECOME PRESIDENT, by talking about it--that's My Decision!)
(I COME FIRST, BEFORE NEEDS OF THIS COUNTRY--Because they need me LATER-- NOT NOW!!) McCAIN-- you can "DO' What you want with COUNTRY FIRST-- but in this LAND--I COME FIRST!!

McCain has no defense. For those who are trying to say he is doing his job, funny this is the first time in a year that his job duties have been important. Obama has surrounded himself with economic experts and those connected directly with the proposed act. This is something they can monitor by telephone while dealing with the debate. Just like Obama said, being a president involves multi-tasking. McCain is grandstanding and buying time. He isn't ready to present himself as a strong confident leader. He has no idea what to do for regular people.

Delaying the debate another day would just be pandering to John McCain's childish ways. Why can't we treat him like a man that thinks he can run the country. You know, like do more than one thing in a day! Like take care of two things at one time. Maybe he is just too old for this job!

Why can't we treat him like a man that thinks he can run the country.

Well to Obama's credit he had a few reasons to decline postponing the debate but his biggest motivation came when Michelle said "fool if you cancel that debate I'll slap you silly"

tiger, it's 3a.m the phone rang,who actually took the call,a man of action or a man who's say's i'm sleeping call me later if you need me.

He's already Suspended reality!

I think I should send Mcain a pretty chicken for his back yard.

What's next? Suspending the election itself? Don't put it past the Bush administration and the McCainiacs to try.

congresive

I think he would if he could. McShame...McMummy.

Maybe he should be called TRICKY DICK..reminding me of Nixon's PARANOIA

As a Vietnam vet, I can honestly say, after reading your denigrating remarks about McCain's courage, I'm glad none of you were behind me when things got dangerous. You seem not to have any class or grace in your remarks regarding a man who has served this country for more years than most of you have been on the earth. I pity people like you. Your small minds can't find their way around any semblance of etiquette or politeness. The least you could do is stop sniping on a personal level and keep your comments focused on the issues and points others are attempting to make. By the way, the definition of "reality" is this: Realty is NOT what you SAY, it's what you DO. I watch to see what the candidates are doing, not saying. If you do that without getting all bound up in your hatred and anger, you'd see pretty clearly what the issues are in this campaign and who's best qualified and experienced to lead us. Thanks for reading this, and please be the kind of people your parents would be proud of.

That was a really intelligent remark Janet. I bet you burn water.

While McCain is doing the right thing by going back to Washington to vote on such an important bill Senator Obama puts himself above the best interest of the nation.

Obama's reply " Call me if you need me " WOW, how presidential is that. If this country should be so foolish to elect this Marxist is that how he'll reply during a national crisis " Call me if you need me "

I believe Senator Obama doesn't want to vote on the bailout. That way if it is passed then proves disastrous he can always say he didn't support it. Just like he did while in the Illinois senate, don't take a side. If something works out he was all for it, if it doesn't he didn't support it.

I think everyone agrees that McCain has served his country admirably. I have a great deal of respect for his service over the years. But looking with an eye to the future, he is not equipped to lead our country. He made a very poor choice of running mate and is now trying every trick in the book to win an election. Not too many years ago, I had a lot of respect for McCain, but the candidate McCain is not the man he once was.

I am exactly the kind of person that my parents are very proud of. I have analyzed the issues and made a decision based on what I believe is best for the future of our country. I firmly believe that Obama is the leader we need.

By the way, if you want to talk about denigrating comments ... take a look at some of the McCain supporters posts ...

We all love our country and want what is best for our futures. The hateful comments in many of the posts on Newsvine are really a shame.

wow!!

LostYankee hit the nail right on the head.

This is just another "present" (not) vote for Obama.

I wish he would step up and say this issue is above his pay-grade !!!

Janet

McCain should suspend his campaign..........PERMANENTLY

He might still beat Obama! LOL But at least Obama would have a chance.

I think everyone agrees that McCain has served his country admirably

More like "captainly." McCain was told he would never become a flag officer because of his complicity with his captors in North Vietnam. His father and grandfather rose to the rank of Admiral ~ but John McCain was flatly informed he would not follow them for the reasons stated.

Yes, McCain sure is showing leadership. After all, he's such an expert on economic issues. I mean, what would the congress do without him.. why they'd have to hobble along with actual experts and people who know what they're talking about. But, whew, now we're going to be safe, we have John McCain, war hero, bottom of his class, with no economic education or background or experience stepping up for the RNC and making sure it looks like the entire country is going to fall into a black hole if we don't capitulate to the president and hand over unprecedented power to the executive branch immediately. (wait, I'm having a dejavu)
And for sure, he simply HAS to be physically present on a friday night at 9pm and not a minute later .. 'cause, well, so much business is actually done then.. and he'll need the weekend to recover. (Remember, he doesn't do email, so any kind of remote communications in this day and age are probably out.)

And what's really amazing is not that only a few short months ago John McCain was an admitted neophyte about economics, but that his campaign has been so forward and accessible to the media and questions from the voters. He' been so honest and forthcoming and so willing to let the voters see him and his VP-pick in action, answering tough questions and flyin-by-the-seat-of-their-pants...
Why, it must be a real sacrifice to have to give up speaking about real issues and answer real questions in a non-scripted setting where you don't know the questions, your audience isn't gop shills, and you can't just run the talking points and slogans. It must be really great to get out of that "fox-news" infomercial setting.
And it's got to be tough giving up a chance to straighten people out on on those accusations that the "liberal media" calls "untruths" or "lies" just because they're not true..

yes, John is making a real sacrifice and showing real leadership and, no doubt, we'll all be better off for it.
Thanks John, for not using some silly debate as a stunt for political gain.

I agree, Janet. McCain used to be worthy of respect in 2000. However, in this presidential race, he is totally unethical and trying to use the old standard Republican spin into the White House. Given our greater technology, he can be in touch with the Senate and still do the debate. I read that the McCain campaign is trying to set the debate back to the date of the VP debates and reschedule them. I'm sorry but something spells fishy here. Perhaps, the real reason for this delay is to give Sarah Palin more time to cram?

She can have all she wants. You can't learn all the intricate details of foreign policy in a short month. Did anyone see the Katie Couric interview? She didn't even have a foregin policy question this time and still came across as not ready for primetime.

I think they should just trade nights; Palin and Biden can debate this Friday, and Obama and McCain can debate next Thursday. Sarah is ready to replace McCain on day one, so he's busy and now's her chance.

Oh, Lucy! Now that's just a very intelligent and mature response! Sounds like PeeWee Herman!

You're an idiot. McCain is wanting to do what he was elected to do. Obama has even been in the Senate long enough to know what he was elected to do..........

texasbluedarter

you are off base...Obama knows exactly what to do in the Senate. His career has rocketed him to where he is, by going along with the good ole boys and not causing any waves. This is how to get support when you are a relitave new commer, and he is. Voting "present" and avoiding critical issues to promote his own career, McCain was right, some people use politics to promote their careers others use their careers to promote politics. Obama is a very smart man, he knows how to draw a crowd and how to get elected, but do you think he actually knows how to run our country? Lets face it, most of his career has been to promote himself and get elected, taking care of the business he was elected to do has never been high on his priorities as he is currently demonstrating.

And Obama said that--!? "Don't Call Me--I'll CALL YOU??"

Maybe--I can get some of these "Name-callers" Riled Up!

Thank you.

I absolutely agree with you. He should suspend it permanently. He is such a pathological liar that it is truly sad. There was absolutely no reason for him to go running to Washington. Neither he nor Obama ARE ON ANY COMMITTEE that would deal with this crisis. Just another case of McCain feeling the need to get his name and picture in the paper.

ROTFLMAO.... Get real,he can't debate and whatch Fox news to see whats going on in the economy... He's NOT part of the negotiations.

Ruby is correct. Obama looks foolish. His constituents need his presence in the Senate
now. Would he choose to go out to the gym if one of his children or his wife need medical
care. Our country is ill right now, the constituents need their representatives in their
senate postions to help work out this problem. One more week for a debate is not
going to cause the world to end.

C'mon now. Oprahbama said that he'd only go to Washington if he's sure to be of assistance. When has that ever happened? Why start something new now?

Oh please! What can possibly be helped by postponing the debate? McCain, maybe? This is a typical politial ploy, and I can't believe anyone would be taken in by it. The way he's been the last couple of weeks, he'll change his mind by the time the plane lands in DC anyway. First he's against the bailout, now he insists is has to be passed? How is that going to be helpful?

Oscumma wont go to Washington because he may actually have to cast a vote for something that wouldn't just benefit his professionally entitled constituents, not just vote present.

Wait a minute... All of the other isues going on and NOW he wants to suspend a campaign and postpone debates? When gas prices were spiraling, military actions were taking place, etc. etc were going on, the campaign was fine. NOW he is feeling his voice is important? This is not an exectutive matter, it is a Capitol Hill one. Stop the grandstanding, show you are multiple tasking and handle this debate, prove you can handle the pressures. It would be great PR (Which it may be if he does the old, "I can't, I can't, I can't... By golly, I WILL!") and show what he is capable of. Better yet, as I said in my post, Palin said she is ready to step in... Let her! Show she can take the reigns on a moments notice and fill in for John!

McCain is using the worst financial crisis of our time for political advantage and his republican followers just cheer him on. Sick, really sick.

ruby

If McCain was the( Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee) he would have a legit

excuse.......he is NOT. Besides where has he been all week? Why wasn't COUNTRY FIRST

on day day one of the crisis. It's a Stunt he is dodging the Debate. He could change the

topic and debate about this Domestic Economic Crisis. Show America what his Ideas are to

fix it.

A President should be able to address more than one issue at a time.

Of course, 3 years ago when McCain warned of this happening, then Dems blocked him. Seems to me that he tried to put "Country First" quite some time ago and was denied.

Obama, MC Cain, has been calling you out to Town Hall Meetings for months......You have not even responded.....

um.. yes he did. He agreed to two debates. But of course McCain can't debate because he hasn't a brain. So instead his campaign just gets tools like you to post sh*t like this by outright lying in front of the cameras because they know the fools still loyal to the republican party are to lazy to find the truth (or are busy avoiding it)

The debate, the article itself... rather senseless. Our congress actually responding to questions of whether or not the blue or red candidates, candidates for president of the United States, are needed or not... what rot. Much ado about publicity stunts, political motives for showing or not showing, simple distraction. Any input from either Senator will have weight... if not for any other reason, because they ARE in the spotlight. Obama has dodged-consistently- any meaningful, actual discussion of issues and has been riding on sensational slogans, motivational speeches without substance... his hands are every bit as dirty with Wallstreet contributions as anyones... we all know McCain's no saint. Blue or red, same party with subtle differences... let us argue over pretexts, subtexts, and which presidential candidate owns what; never mind congress or the other key players that actually RUN the country. McCain is right on this one, although I'm certain more meaningless percentages will be tossed around about how 2 different career politicians, one with a short Senate record and one with a long one, have or have not made this or that meeting. Does anyone truly believe a scheduled debate of rehearsed, out-sourced written speech "please my party but also try to touch base with the masses" is more important than the current plan to force ridiculous bailout measures through, without someone stopping it before it can be thought through, and most importantly, us TAXPAYERS having input?

McCain welshes on an agreement and Obama is criticized because of it. McCain is as useless as horns on house cat in this economic wrangling. Hey, its been going on since last Friday and today when he sees his popularity sinking throws the long ball in hopes of gaining some attention. If McCain doesn't show up, don't have a debate. Use the time for a Q&A with Obama on an expanded format. Or let Palin stand in for McCain. She's qualified. Isn't she? Huh? Huh? Huh?

Actually, Jim, Palin is not qualified. OMG, did you see the Katie Couric interview? The sad thing is that this time she couldn't name any instances besides the deal with Fannie and Freddie where McCain has stood up for regulation. She told Katie that she'd get back to her. Can you believe that? It doesn't sound as if she knows much about national matters or foreign policy.

McCain has no clout to get this bill hammered out. Hell, he isn't even on the Senate Banking Committee which must approve any proposed legislation on this issue. But he will hang around the cloak room taking notes, and five minutes after a deal is reached McCain will be crowing how he had a major impact in getting it done. Hide and watch. Now he will meet with Bush and Obama tomorrow. I have every reason to believe that McCain will lay claim to encouraging Bush to set up the meeting. Desperate men resort to desperate measures ~ and the McCain camp right now is desperation personified.

actually Obama agreed to do 2 town hall meetings and mccain refused. He wanted 10 of them or none.

And now CNN and other news organizations are reporting that McCain is now asking to delay the VP debate too. Well, I think that is Sarah first, not Country first.

And if this is Country First, why did mccain wait 10 days to respond to this "crisis"?

He could have come up with this last week on tue/wed??

how about that.

Oh I don't know about that Carrie -- wouldn't it make more sense for McCain to sell that 8th house (the one he forgot he owned) and denate the money to charity. Or sell the plane he flies around in and donate that money? Or two or three of the houses he remembered he owned? His ploy to postpone the debate is borne of fear--fear that he'lll show how ill-prepared he is to be president. And God forbid that Paley gets anywhere near the oval office. But Carrie, don't mind me, vote against your own best interests (and the country's). We'll all just finish going to the dogs much sooner.

integrity

I couldn't agree more

Thanks GMM but it would be nice if I could spell!! It's donate and Palin. There, I feel better.

Obama '08

Many thanks to the spelling police.

McCain 'suspended' his campaign so that he could look 'senatorial' at least once this year. The man pays attention to one thing, the polls. The polls put this financial travesty at the feet of the Republicans (where of course it belongs). In an attempt to look 'Presidential', he hightailed it to Washington with the Bush millstone legacy of American financial ruin hanging about his neck.

America and the World can see right through his political shtick. If he could use a computer, he'd easily see he's nothing more than a caricature of a politician. The man is already worn out and totally unprepared. He canceled the debate so that the American people wouldn't see his ignorance and frailty.

And all this with Palin watching his back. She's out cramming for her geography test. No Sarah, you can't see Afghanistan from your porch.

Add to that Bush's decrepit foreign policy, oil prices, the worthless dollar, and the unending war. Clearly the financial crisis is the straw that broke the back of any chance for McCain to win the election. I just can't wait to hear McCain deliver his 'Checkers' speech.

Oh McCain, he can run but he sure can't hide.

But seriously, how in the world can anyone see this as anything other then what it is? A pathetic and cowardly little man who has been flinging insults, insinuations and outright lies taking off for the high hills like the weaselly little chicken he truly is? I mean, really! This- THIS is his brand of "courage?"

They held the debates days after the USS Cole was hit, they held the debates after bombings, they held the debates during wartime, they have held the debates. But, I rather suppose that over two CENTURIES of history means nothing to this little pathetic excuse for an "American." So, John McCain hopes to succeed when the terrorists couldn't? HA!

Way to support the nation there Johnny-boy!

Carrie, pardon me if I feel sorry for you. I'm not trying to be condescending here, I really think that you believe what you're saying and that's the sad part. That 28k a plate is called a fund raiser. Every candidate has them, including John McCain. And as one poster suggested why doesn't McCain donate some of those homes and that company jet to charity? Why is the onus on Obama only?

spoken like a true cynic; someone who doesn't really focus on the issues but plays the political game. John McCain has a big plane and wasn't quite thoughtful of the American people when allowing Wall Street function without regulation. The debates will not harm this whole process.

If you think Wall Street functions without regulation you are an incredibly uneducated person. Perhaps if we took POLITICS out of the economy and weren't worried about making everything a question of the party line we wouldn't be in this mess.

I know, Obama flies around in an airplane...the nerve! I mean John McCain only owns 13 CARS! It must be so hard for him to keep them gassed up. I bet he could just use his tears to run them. He's so self-sacrificing. Someone should let him know that there are phones and computers now, and if he's really so needed he can phone in his help. But I think the other 98 Senators will be able to handle this for now. Besides, how is Mr. Deregulation going to fix things? He and his cronies helped get us into this mess. Obama is right...he's going to have to multi-task. And BTW if M/P camp is so ready to help, couldn't they have postponed all her meetings with 3rd world leaders to discuss their family lives so she could fix this problem? Isn't SHE qualified?

BTW: I helped pay for that Obama plane with my campaign donations. Glad to help.

I agree with you, Carrie. Oscumma is all about Oscumma. Maybe actually castring a vote for something is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo scary.

Carie, How many houses, jets and cars does McCain own again?

He's just frugal. Look at how he saves money by allowing his brother to live in a box in Kenya on $100 a year.

@ Gary

Now that was funny !!!

But tell the truth it is a mud hut (much improved over said box) and $200/year.

Oh, please, Carrie. And Lucy, and Gary. Say something intelligent if you're going to post. First of all, where did this "Big Plane" of Obama's come from? Please please enlighten me. If you are unable to do so, then, like peej, I hope my campaign contributions helped to buy that plane. How many cars does Obama own? How many houses? Okay, now that we got that settled, can you please tell me what having a plane has to do with McCain refusing to debate Obama on Friday night? Oh, and btw? I always thought being a community organizer, teaching CONSTITUTIONAL law, representing Americans in Congress as well as turning down a lucrative (Carrie and Lucy - that means profitable, money-making) career in law meant that that person has thought very very much about the average person and cares. He has taught constitutional law because he cares that folks like you will have a constitution to protect you - by teaching others there will be more defenders of our constitution. I want to hear what that person (and Lucy, spare us the oscumma one more time, please - it really isnt' cute) has to say on Friday night and I want to hear how McCain can respond.

Does it really matter to you how his half brother lives in Kenya? If it does why don't you donate some money to internatinal aid organizations? And beyond that is any man responsible for his half brother who lives half way around the world? If so then how do you feel about the fact that Cindy McCain refuses to acknowledge her half sisters who live in this country? How about the fact that Cindy got 100 million in inheritance and her sisters got 10,000? One of them lives right there in Arizona near them. Their names are Dixie Burd and Kathleen Hensley Portalski, look it up.

Carl:
I agree. Unless there is a war going on foreign policy shouldn't play a large role in choosing our next president.

Carrie,
I agree with you. Obama really sounds like an individual who is for the middle class. PLEASE! He is a politician plain and simple. He probably won't go back to Washington, because his campaign managers won't be able to write his speeches for him and he won't know what to say to the committees. If he talks with fellow democrat Chris Dodd over the phone, then Obama's advisers can be standing right there telling him how to answer their questions, or Chris can make up anything he wants about the conversation he has with Obama.

Hasn't anyone noticed in the few spontaneous remarks he makes to the media he is stammering all over the place. The smooth talk is GONE!

If he cares about the economy like he says he does,and the American people, then postpone the debate and work for a bipartisan solution. If he actually helps with the solution, he is probably afraid his numbers in the polls will drop again.

Umm, Scott??? We ARE at war. So yes, perhaps we may want foreign policy to play just a teensy bit in this election.

I seriously doubt McCain chose to postpone this specific debate on foreign policy since that's his strong suit. If it had been the one on economic policy, that argument might hold some water, since he has admitted that's not his area of expertise.

I'm sure there is an element of political maneuvering with this decision (he is, after all, running for president), but he's also shown over the years that he's willing to risk his career on doing the right thing for the country.

fedupwithliberals:

I seriously doubt McCain chose to postpone this specific debate on foreign policy since that's his strong suit. If it had been the one on economic policy, that argument might hold some water, since he has admitted that's not his area of expertise.

He wants to do the Bill Clinton trick: talk about the economy while his opponent talks about something else. There's nothing either of them can do about the economy so they should focus on the debates they've already agreed to have. This is a blatant attempt to shore up his weakest suit that's currently damaging him and that is economics.

Scott, you do realize that this economic situation is pretty serious, don't you? You do realize that both Obama and McCain are currently Senators who are paid by the taxpayers to work on these issues? You do realize that debating foreign policy tomorrow night will not help our country keep from sliding into a Depression? And you do realize that whichever candidate is elected will be the one to actually enact whatever legislation is passed this week?

It seems logical to me for both men to get together with the President and discuss this issue; the debate can wait. If you don't know by now where the candidates stand on foreign policy, do a little research. Their voting records, comments, and proposed policies are out there for anyone to take a look at. The debate will take place at another time, and life will go on. Hopefully without the fear of economic collapse weighing on everyone's mind.

fedupwithliberals:
Clearly everyone finds it important which is why people are moving towards Obama: Democrats are trusted on the economy. The economy also directly impacts our ability to make war.

Actually... John and Cindy OWN their own private Jet along with their thirteen cars/SUVs and seven homes with 11 residences on the seven properties. Senator Obama and his wife own one home, and own one car... a Ford Escape Hybrid. With a net worth of over $125 million, the McCain's aren't hurting for gas money. I could live on the money Cindy spent on her campaign wardrobe ($1,300,000.00) for quite a few years.

Obama is just getting to the crux of the matter. Neither he nor John McCain will be allowed to get into the actual negotiations being conducted by the congressional committee. The ONLY reason McCain is there is because republicans want to sit idly by and see the house approve the bailout without any republican support so they can point fingers if it doesn't work. And oh yeah... John is sliding so low in the polls that he needs to grandstand to get some press.

John McCain is simply too old to be multi-tasking or running this country. He's an impulsive old warhorse who is grumpy and has a chip on his shoulder. This man is no statesman, he's not an economist, and he's certainly not a good judge of character with his background (admitted adulterer and member of the Keating Five). VOTE FOR OBAMA-BIDEN!

No but in this case. Congress is waiting for Sen. McCain to endorse a plan or they won't take a chance. Sen. McCain wanted to put aside the debate a few days until this crisis could be attended too. As a sign of it's urgency. Democrats challenge him to come back to Washington and he said let's do this and Sen. Obama is playing a game. Meli if Sen. Obama felt so strong about the postponement of the debate then why didn't he say NO to Sen. McCain when they discussed it. Because he wanted to play it both ways. He is political coward, but Meli maybe you can point to something of great courage Sen. Obama has ever done. Ever in his self-promoting life. Please enlighten me.

No one said anything about postponing the election...just a debate.

Which, by default, postpones the VP debate, buying even MORE time for the unprepared idiot Palin.

"I can MULTITASK @!$%#! Get your old ass up on the podium!"
__________________

**rhymes with witch"

OKTONOTKNOW. There are plenty of Senators to handle this. They are not waiting to hear from JM to act. That is a complete fabrication. I think they can take an evening to debate...I would even wager that McCain can stutter all he want about deregulating the insurance industry just like the banking industry. I have seen Obama all over the news lately, answering tough questions with style and grace while McCain flops like a fish who (he has admitted economics are not his strong suit) found himself on dry land. Palin isn't even speaking about this except to say it might be "another great depression" (way to chime in with that insight). So who is the coward, really? McCain is of course. I think the polls reflect that.

It's a complete load of carp. There is no reason why the campaign can't go on, along with the debate, and if McCain and Obama are needed they can fly back on short notice. This is McCain playing political games and little else.

Umm... What Sen. McCain was hoping for was that if Sen. Obama went with him and show solidarity that neither candidate would put nonsense in the bill and it needed to get done responsibly with both their endorsement. He was trying to reach out. They talked about this and Sen. Obama did not say NO to the idea when they talked. Why didn't he say No? It wouldn't have been an option if he had said NO then. But he is playing a game, always has.

Sen. McCain doesn't need to prep for this debate. Sen. Obama does. Sen. McCain wanted to send a message to Dem. and Rep. that this bill is not something that can be played with just because of this election and their own elections.

The good news is the debate will go on, the election will go on but hopefully there will be an end to this kind of politics.

This kind of politics, by the way, is Barney Frank and company running amok with Freddie and Fannie - and leaving us holding the bag.

I cant wait for the FBI to dig into the wrong-doings at Freddi/Fannie and follow the trail right back to Obama's economic advisor Frank Raines. And ultimately to Obama's $125k from same. This whole mess is brought to you by DFL.

Meli would you please let OK know that when Obama graduated from Harvard Law School instead of going and getting one of those high-paying Wall Street jobs, he became a community organizer to help people find jobs and better housing.

I would have much more confidence in the debate after both canidates had spent time learning the truth about the real importance of the looming economic disaster, rather that the arrogance of Obama acting like he's the savior of the nation when he hasn't even given the nation the respect of due diligence and answering the invitation to meet at the White House to LEARN about what's really happening. Obama is an arragant fool, the debate will happen, and he will be caught off guard as usual stumbling over his words because he stays out of touch acting like he's got all the answers. As for the time missed in Wash. aren't they both running for pres. give me a break.

OK, would you please let Rose know that having a Harvard Law degree does not make one a better (or smarter) person than someone who went to work in one of those "high-paying Wall Street jobs"?

You are a very foolish man

marie you are being very kind. Hey Mark your a joke. Keeping labeling people it makes it easier to write your nonsense.

Put down the Kool-Aid, Mark.

John and Marie, two more in the minority. The majority see what this is. McCain is USING a terrible situation for his advantage. Who in their right mind would think that John McCain and or Obama would be the only two people in the world that could fix this mess? YOU TWO OF COURSE.

Mark---your hero the New Messiah may actually have to vote for something that will give people a hint where his actual sympathies lie. After all the present votes actually voting for something that will show what he actually stands for not just what his posturing is. Any con is Oscummas.

Don't worry, Mscottring. John Kerry also realized the reality of Republican voter turnout.

Again, you're in the minority. Most people appear to understand that McCain is playing political games, at a time in the country when not one person is in the mood for political games.

Oh, and John, I for one won't be so arrogant as to make predictions about the election. I'll leave that to the boastful republicans.

marie-404587

You are a very foolish man

obviously hates the truth being pointed out to her.

Mark please speak with your friend mscottring about making predictions.

I wouldnt want anyone to confuse you with a repubican.

You Obamabots thought the Palin email hack was a Karl Rove tactic also. How foolish was that. It was a Democratic Rep's college-age son who committed this crime. You guys' head are so stuck up the Obama-bootie that you can't think on your own.

Why is it that the majority of McCain supporters in this discussion can't make a valid point without stooping to name calling and insults? I guess it is because they are Republicans and it's their trademark. Instead of offering reliable facts or points supporting their positions they go on the attack. Could it be because they can't argue with the truth and can't find one valid point for McCain to miss this debate? Republicans and their supporters can say whatever they want. From reading comments on this discussion and others, apparently, the majority of Americans do not want to postpone the debate.

It's above Obama's pay grade.

Yeah, the coward can use the economy to hide but imagine how McCain is going to look during a debate with his limited knowledge of the economy. Imagine the condition of the country if he can't do more than one thing at a time should we be DUMB enough to elect him . . . .

McCain's priorities are simple, use the second worst financial crisis this country has ever seen for political advantage. Pathetic.

And Oscumma isn't?

No, Obama isn't. Obama is saying lets keep going with the campaign and if washington needs us we'll fly back. Most people with the ability to think see how much sense that makes. That leaves republicans out.

mscottring...what a great attitude for the potential President of the United States. I'll be there if you need me..."please leave a message at the beep."

Obama stopped short of following his model, saying he had told congressional leaders that he was willing to help out, but only if they thought it would be useful.

So basically, you foolishly think Mccain, who has confessed on several occasions that he doesn't know sh*t about economics, and proven it by just realizing a few days ago we are headed into a financial crisis (even though the entire Democratic party has been saying this for months), would somehow be helpful in assessing the problem and helping to solve it.

Actually, Obama is about doing what's best for the people and not political grandstanding. Funny, how you've overlooked the fact that Obama called McCain at 8:30 this morning; however, McCain didn't get back to him until 2:30 pm and had already scheduled a press conference for 2:45 pm, which he conviently forgot to tell Obama when he spoke to him. Obama doesn't want to complicate the negotiations with political grandstanding like McCain. He's not on the committee to work on this and neither is McCain. McCain's losing in the polls and looking for a way to duck the debates. I also noticed that the McCain campaign is trying to postpone the debate to the date the VPs were supposed to have their debate. Frankly, I think that Palin needs more time to cram and this is the McCain campaign's way of sneaking that in.

Correction: Obama says he is about doing what is best for the people. What ever that means.

This weeks debate is not on economy. It is Foreign Policy, where McCain is far superior to Obama. This weeks crisis is on the economy. Obama would rather talk than act.

It also poses the question why Obama, given he potentially will receive the post to spur on whatever resolution is put into place, is not interested in participating in the process. His lack of interest seems to suggest that he is more a shill for the Democratic Party and not really an active participant in the political process. I think this just goes to show that he is the front man for folks like Dodd, Pelosi, and Kennedy. Same old same old political hacks.

integrityfirst,

Ahh the debate is going to be on foreign policy not the economy.

Maybe Joe Biden will lip sync the answers for Obama. Now that would be comedy.

you may want to eat your words when McCain meet the all knowing Obama. Remember one thing. Obama has 300 consultants acting as his brain. They will not be on stage with him during the debate.

McCain is a pompous arrogant @ss who is using this crisis to avoid the press (admittedly mostly bad for him) the debate, and all of the questions about why Palin can't talk.

Yeah Marie Obama has 300 consultants helping him and McCain has 300 lobbists helping him. I know which I prefer . . .

Obama '08

Obviously, you didn't see Oscumma in Europe.

marie-404587

you may want to eat your words when McCain meet the all knowing Obama. Remember one thing. Obama has 300 consultants acting as his brain. They will not be on stage with him during the debate.

Not worried. McCain and his consultants are clueless, as witnessed by all of America when he and his advisers falsely pointed out that the "economy is fundamentally sound" and Americans are in a "mental recession".

Freudianslip, you hit the nail on the head! I can't believe the hypocrisy of this man hiding behind his Senate duty, which he hasn't bothered doing since May!

Rose, you do realize Obama hasn't "bothered" to do his job either?

freud, the debate tomorrow was on foreign policy, not the economy. They wouldn't be discussing the economy anyway, so neither candidate would be telling us "what they'd do...if elected". As far as I'm aware, McCain and the President are pushing for a decision by this weekend; the election is still well over a month away, so there is still time to talk about what they might do. I would rather see them in action, however - that speaks volumes more than what they want to tell me they'll do.

Absolutely, wonderful insight. McCain is willing to do his job for which he was elected. While Obama puts on his phoney " Miss America" smile and essentially says," I want to bring about world peace and cure all known diseases".

Is it just me... but the conflict going on right now in Washington with the proposed bail out comes down to 2 issues: 1) The proposal has no accountability for anyone, not wall street, not Paulson, no one. It was a blank check proposal and does not even stipulate regulations in the future; 2) Because this will be interpreted by most Republicans as a Socialist action, Republican congressman do not want to be associated with passing it. This is why there is not bipartisan agreement at this point. Republican congressman don't want to go down with the Bush ship.

McCain knows that he is weak on the economy and that there are no suggestions that he will make that will solve this issue. Once again, he is trying to distract the American people from the fact that he does not know anything about the economy by running to hide in the Congress. This way he doesn't have to worry about talking about how to fix it in a debate.

After all, he was soooo concerned about putting "Country first" he supported deregulation of wall street. He has advisers from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on his payroll, and he has Carly Fiorina as an adivisor who walked away from HP fired with $21 million dollars while 20, 000 "fundamental" employees were laid off. Oh... and let's not forget it only took him 10 days of falling poll numbers to go back to Washington to help in this crisis, and put "Country first"--well just after he spoke at Clinton's global initiative and then he went to Washington. He knows that he will be more of a distraction to Congress than an actual help, just like Palin at the UN, but it just goes to show that McCain-Palin will stop at nothing to control the White house. How pathetic!

justthink-

1) Umm, that's why they want to sit down and figure out all those details like accountability, oversight, etc.; the original bill didn't contain a lot of those details, which is why no one wanted to pass it.

2) It's not a partisan issue at this point; it's an economic issue that affects every American. It's not just Bush's sinking ship. There's plenty of blame to go around. Republicans and Democrats alike realize that something needs to be done.

BTW, you really don't want to get into who gets money from where, who's advising whom, etc., do you?

it shows who really cares and who just pretends to care.

Obama cares, McCain is using a tragedy as a political tool and clearly doesn't care.

Oh Obama cares.

When this thing is all said and done the scandal will lead right to Obama's doorstep.

Who are his economic advisors anyway?

$125k from Freddi in only 2 years... wow, I'll bet he cares more than you know.

Gabriel, you must not watch the news. Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager is having a conflict of interest. You should follow up and find out how much he is tied to this Fannie and Freddie debacle.

Actually if you research a little on your own you'll find this leads to McCain's doorstep. Remember a little thing called the "Savings and Loans Crisis", this "mortgage meltdown" is almost exactly the same. A bunch of deregulation leading to relaxed rules, that get abused by the rich in order to get extremly rich. They peddle properties at inflated rates and artificially inflated values. Then the "bad paper" stacks up overwhelmes the banking industry and millions of average americans loose their homes,pensions, retirments and the banks get bailed out by the government (taxpayers) and the CEO's walk with millions more than when they started. Google these names together John McCain and Charles Keating, see what you find out.

OK, research done. Here is a quote from Robert Bennet the Senate Ethics Committee lawyer who investigated McCain.

In February this year, on Fox News' "Hannity and Colmes," Bennett said, :
"First, I should tell your listeners I'm a registered Democrat, so I'm not on (McCain's) side of a lot of issues. But I investigated John McCain for a year and a half, at least, when I was special counsel to the Senate Ethics Committee in the Keating Five. ... And if there is one thing I am absolutely confident of, it is John McCain is an honest man. I recommended to the Senate Ethics Committee that he be cut out of the case, that there was no evidence against him."

I guess you are saying you have evidence the committee did not have? Try to separate fact from fiction.

Also, look at the decisions that were made during the Clinton administration, essentially forcing lenders to give out sub-prime mortgages to high risk borrowers, so that everyone could have a piece of the American dream, whether they could afford it or not.

And then, there are the poor shmucks who took out those loans, assuming that property values would continue to skyrocket and interest rates would stay at historic lows. I realize that there were definitely predatory lending practices being used to manipulate people into signing away their lives, but these were adults who CHOSE to live beyond their means.

As I said in an earlier post, there's enough blame to go around.

Rose Black,

So tell me your story on the Rick Davis conflict of interest. I would love to hear the "facts" as you know them.

Anybody that equates "watching the news" with actually knowing what is happening in the world is just a bit naive, wouldnt you say?

Make it easier any courage political or otherwise.

How about passing a bill in 2006 ensuring government's financial transparency? Oh, you know, the transparency Palin vowed she would work for when elected! Oopsydaisy! That Palin. She's done it AGAIN!

Who fought that. Come on. You have got to be kidding me. Courage, that's courage. Umm... how about how he fought against all those congressman on old nuke proliferation or his awesome ethich bill which everyone voted for which means either every politician is honest or the bill is a lame duck. You pick. Courage guys. You know what the word means. You have to have something to lose.

Peej I will give you credit at least you tried. It's tough, right?

I know everything I possibly could about Sarah Palin. I've seen her personal emails, her daughter's fiance's myspace account, her sister's divorce documents and in depth interview with the former mayor of Sasilla who got beat by her. What I don't know is how all Sen. Obama documentation during his time in State Senate is missing, the actual papers that show where the money came from that Rezko and him bought the house and land with. Oh and I don't think I will ever hear from Alice Palmer.

Your absolutely right. That the press in this country have become political shills is where the real story is. 20 years ago I would have scoffed at the notion of a totally biased press. Now it's a reality.

Obama supporters will answer for Rezko as soon as McCain supporters explain McCain and Charles Keating!!!

Just what Congress needs another spongeJohn getting in the way. Who pleaded for John to return. Sen minority leader, the Fed Chief, the President? Don't think so. Maybe he can bomb the Fed on the flight in. McCain unfit for command in 68 and still unfit, and now unstable.

Not important? I have to admit, for maybe two or three minutes I sat here staring at your remark wondering what to say. Something had to be said - that is the only reason I spent two minutes of my life thinking on how to dignify blatant stupidity with even a bad response.

I wonder, if you don't care about the issues, then why the hell are you on here commenting? How long did it take you to register, wait, think (?) about what to say, type it, wait, submit, wait, and then view your ignorance?

Two elections ago Gore debated with Bush on the issues the next president would face. You must not have watched. I did. It was a picture perfect example of what it looks like when a qualified intellectual debates with an idiot who is held up by strings as a puppet. As fate works the puppet won (by default because the election was fairly close and the intellectual was winning but there was some confusion that made it to the Supreme Court that was appointed by Bush sr., so we go that puppet). Odd enough, the American public's interest in the debates and their 'give-a-damn' remained and when once again this cowboy puppet ran against another qualified man, he took the election, again like a poor comedy after which you feel like laughing but you suddenly realize the depth of what just happened and feel like moving to Mexico.

No when we have another bush yes-man running against another intellectual you say "oh, the maybe debate is not so important?" Wake up and pull your head out, man! This isn't a soap opera or a reality show - this is ultimately the potential fate of a nation. Anyway, all interested and those who have done their homework argue it is the most important election to date. Do you even know the issues to be debated? It is too obvious you don't understand any of them. And this debate is the first absolute proof of the measure of each man in their race. The last two elections and debates that ensued proved that it all does matter.

Is there an "Americans for Dummies" book out there? Someone should write one…

Really? Hope you have sent in your paycheck since he thinks it is you patriotic duty. Hope we
never see him in the White House.

yes it would.....I'd laugh my butt off each day because he'd say something different, something confusing each day!

Yeah? You can't plagiarize the Presidency.

Joe could hold a debate with himself, and lose.

marie -

"Really? Hope you have sent in your paycheck since he thinks it is you patriotic duty. Hope we never see him in the White House."

I'm sorry, you must have also voted for bush (twice?). I find something interesting here, besides the fact the majority of misspellings and illegitimate grammar is written by those supporters of McCain/Palin - bush showed us all that it is alright. You fail to remember (or currently notice) that it has become a Reepublikon thing to give tax breaks to those within the top 3% who earn the top salaries (namely top corporations such as Halliburton), and a Democratic thing to work for the middle man. Furthermore if bush had not been so eager to deal out his 'economic stimulus' checks to all us Americans in hopes of vamping his popularity, and put that money into this current financial disaster we might not be paying on a $700 billion financial rescue plan right now – McCain is grinning somewhere as he cleverly shifts the attention from a potential debate with an actual intellectual to the current tough decisions facing us all. I wonder, can't he do two things at one time as a president should? As the next president that soon will inherit a lot more similar and potentially devastating problems should ?

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A grainy YouTube video surfaced Wednesday showing Sarah Palin being blessed in her hometown church three years ago by a Kenyan pastor who prayed for her protection from "witchcraft" as she prepared to seek higher office. 'Come on, talk to God about this woman. We declare, save her from Satan,' Muthee said as two attendants placed their hands on Palin's shoulders. 'Make her way my God. Bring finances her way even for the campaign in the name of Jesus. ... Use her to turn this nation the other way around.'"

I found this moments ago – not hard to find coverage that exemplifies the "other side." Marie, do we need another radical in the white House? Are we truly any better (given the current trend – since the past two terms) than any other third-world nation dictated by radicals toting guns and smiling as they kill wolves from planes and moose on the Alaskan tundra, saying we have nuclear weapons and if you don't get rid of yours we'll shoot you with ours?

Anyway, if you believe Palin has more experience and expertise in the White House than Biden, vote for McCain and Palin and keep the sand above your eyes and ears when you bury your head.

"Something like this"? Tells you how little Democrats know about current events.

John its obvious to anyone with half a brain that McCain is using this economic crisis to his advantage because he is not ready to face Obama in a debate. Also this is to buy more time for Sarah Palin's upcoming VP debate which is going to be a disaster for the republicans since she is mentally retarded.

"Something like this"? Tells you how little Democrats know about current events.

Excuse me? This seed from 3 weeks ago shows how the s-l-o-w republicans still hadn't figured out where the economy is headed. Now that they've ignored the facts for so long that it's become such a big emergency that we need to pass this $700 Billion dollar bail out immediately --your eyes have been opened LOL!!! Pathetic.

http://pfmills81.newsvine.com/_news/2008/08/28/1796064-economy-shifted-to-higher-gear-in-the-spring

Carlson ...you hate George Bush and will swallow any cockeyed conspiracy that undermines the facts that the economy isn't as bad as the democrat lies portray them.

I understand your predicament Jim, you want to believe what's worst for America, because when America wins, socialist Democrats lose.

john-407542
You dem's are just never going to be happy with any good news regarding America and honestly don't know why you choose to live here. If you loose the White House again, I'm getting me a front row seat near a bridge and enjoy the show. But look on the bright side, even if you do loose the election you could consider suing your way in again like algore..

Paul kahn
All you doom-and-gloom Liberals just CANNOT admit you are wrong about the economy. Where's that recession every Liberal talked about incessantly...the recession that just never happened. It never happened, despite the hundreds of billions of dollars that were involved in the bad mortgage scandal, the almost trillion $ loss in the banking industry. What other country in the world could have survived these kinds of paper losses and still remained intact??? The recession you claimed was here never arrived because the Administration, not the Congress, took positive steps to stabilize the dollar against the Euro....Stop reading bumper stickers and try a book on Economics 101!...And I won't give away the def of Depression, but I'll give you a hint: if we aren't in a recession, a depression isn't even on the radar screen! And I don't need Rush Limbaugh to tell me that, any Freshman Economics major can do that.

Beckwolf
No recession, no depression, not by any legal definitions of the words. Hard times and recessions do NOT go hand in hand, your accusations of being naive or rich are 100% unfounded. The poster was right, hard times are here but not a recession to be found....

Peter17
I love how when people see numbers that don't match their personal views they attack the numbers. They don't want to be confused with the facts.

JohnnyBoyz

good news there will be a debate!!!

Sorry to hear about the half brain thing. But it does explain many of the comments on this post !!!!

Good for you, Richard

I see the republicans want to twist the facts, fairly standard. Obama never said he wouldn't be able to cast his vote. The only thing he's said is that there is no reason not to have the debate, which is at the end of the week. He's right.

Being in Washington at a time like this is above his pay grade.

He is just scared he will be out debated....they should be debating right now I want to know who is going to be incharge

McCain keeps showing what a chickensh*t he is, now he's showing he can't multi-task. The man is not capable of holding the job of president, but then again neither was bush.

One of the candidates takes a risk, takes a stand and takes action.

The other one? Words, just words.

One of the candidates takes a risk, takes a stand and takes action.

And what risk is he taking, Gabriel? Other than his little stint at showmanship will be seen for what it truly is ~ showmanship. McCain is not on the Banking Committee, thus he has no input or influence on the bill's final draft. He can roam around the chamber and pick up a few talking points to use later as him having major impact on the bill's passage (if it does). If it doesn't, he can blame Democrats for lack of leadership when the Republicans don't vote the party line. There's no risk here, the stand is specious on its face, and there is no action whatsoever by McCain. He's not even talking to Chris Dodd, the Committee Chairman who literally holds the keys to this bill going forward of dying a natural death.

Jim in Texas,

McCain has never feared making his position on a topic clear. Ask a question, get an answer. You have the ability to agree or disagree with him because you know where he stands.

This is a risk Obama goes to great lengths and huge verbal gyrations to ovoid. Voting "Present" was the path of least risk - and the path chosen most frequently by Obama.

Look at the results delivered by the jr. senator. What, other than writing his memiors, has he actually accomplished? This lack of achievement is frightening in many ways.

Fundamentally in Obama we have a candidate with no real track record. All we have is the myth created by the media and the man himself.

Do you really know what you are voting for when you elect Obama?

There is an old saying about "The devil you know".

There is absolutely no reason why the campaign can't continue, these two aren't going to make or break this thing and can fly back at any time to cast their votes.

I'm with you. They can either take a couple extra hours and fly back or with technology today, debate each other on a right there in Washington with just a camera crew. I would hope that the president we pick is flexible enough to know his mind and positions no matter where he's at.

While I do appreciate the elegance of a practiced speech on subjects, I'd 10 times rather hear the real deal after all, that's what the debates are all about aren't they? I think McCain is missing the point by postponing this. He can be anyplace he wants in the US within a few hours and right now the American people need to hear what he has to say so they can make an informed decision come voting day.

Exactly. Although there are a lot of republicans on here pretty much proving my point about this being used as a political tool, I have yet to hear a reasonable reason why the debate can't go on.

It's there job as senators to add input and help shape whatever bill there is that will save the Republic.. This is an historic moment in America hisotry. We're facing the complete collaspe of our economy. We've been told all week that this is the case. McCain has made the right choice and Obama is showing poor leadership. If he were President and Russia was pointing a nuke at us getting ready to fire.. Obama is showing me that he'd think whatever he's doing at the time is more important.

The Republic is in danger and Obama wants to ingore the urgurency.

Lewis-458011

Obama hasn't ignored the urgentcy, he knows like most of America knows that there is nothing he can do in Washington that he can't do in Mississippi concerning this crisis. What the heck is McCain going to do in Washington? Take control of the committee that is already in place working on this issue? You don't have to be in Washington to have input, suggestions or comments about this matter. He only needs to be there for a vote.

He will do absolutely nothing in Washington, but try to figure out how he is going to debate Obama when this crisis is over.

Gee in this day and age why do ANY congressman need to be there at all? Why don't they all just show up via webcam pointing at one big webcam in the center of the room.This is just the biggest economic crisis our country has faced in decades! Obama is obviously just hellbent on being president,everything else be damned.

Well now.. Doesn't Obama earlier stance make him look stupid.. He'll be in Washington after all now that the president has explained that this is a very serious issue. Now why would he want to debate if they haven't reached a deal yet..

This shows that Obama isn't ready to be President.. He's to green and doesn't understand what's really important.

Maybe you ought to check things out before you libel someone. His wife has the wealth, not him.

Lucy,

I know republicans aren't all that smart. But if his wife has it, so does he.

Yes, we are all well aware of the struggles of Senator McCain. I mean his father was an admiral. That means his pay grade is just above minimum wage...right?

And we know he has not been changed at all by his wife's wealth. Isn't that why MCain voted against raising the minimum wage 9 times, so he could support the fundamental American worker?

If that is the way he votes for the American worker and puts Country first--I'd rather he be at the debate.

Ever study basic economics?

What would the result of increased minimum wage be on the fundamental American worker?

He Cholla you should lay off smoking the hard stuff is clouding your brain. Why don't you tell your homie McCain to put on his pretty yellow panties and show up at the debate like the little girl he is. Tell me something what is your IQ 6?

cholla - unfortunately, after reading many of these Dem supporters' comments on MSN & elsewhere, I'd have to agree that you may be right in a general fashion. These Dems are really stupid, plainly stupid, AND with low to very low morals. No wonder they are voting for Obama - because he hands them nice speeches with fancy stylish background stages. And unfortunately, they are the majority of the country & possibly the majority of the people voting. This country is going to waste with these Obama voters.

huh?

Your all brilliant. Now help me with this. Sen. Coburn calls both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain last night because of concern that Congress may not be able to pass a bill without the personal involvement of both.

Then Sen. Obama calls Sen. McCain because he is also concern. And then Sen. McCain says to him we should stop election politics including the debate until we get a deal done. And then Sen. McCain makes the decision that he will suspend his campaign until the deal gets done. And then Sen. Obama thinks cancelling the debate is a bad idea. And all the Democrats especially Sen. Schumer say that they are not needed at all. So hear is my question. Why didn't Sen. Obama say NO Postponement when Sen. McCain was discussing it. It seems simple YES or NO. Not I was Present during those discussions. What am I missing?

Sen. Obama and the Dems are milking this for all its worth but the simple question is why didn't Sen. Obama say NO when they were discussing it. I mean is Sen. McCain supposed to know that Sen. Obama is full of it when he calls him with this overwhelming concern. The Media will never ask this question. Listen MSM he won't break. Ask him so you don't have to keep guessing. Hey why didn't you say NO to the guy who actually suggests it in a conversation you initiated. Is he supposed to guess your posturing or believe you actually care about your country. Meanwhile they want Palin to answer for Rick Davis dealings. It is beyond out of control.

Agreed,I don't know neither! The one thing I do know is that our precious to party system has let us down and we have two candadites that both look scary to me,MCcain being the lesser of two evils.Our country is in chaos and we are forced to vote for someone who wants to be king of wonderland.The chesser cat wouldn't even smile at this!

George you are so right. Man, these politicians have lost their minds. Their telling us it is a crisis never seen since the depression and then their arguing over debate scheduling. Look you morons get in there and come up with a piece of legislation you can both sell and then get your stupid parties to agree and let's move on. I understand the politics both ways but when President Bush looks like the smart one even through that hit squad MSM, it means knock it off.

Seriously why would you try to panic an already stressed market. This is not a joke.