Commission Says Friday Debate Will Go Forward

How can he run a country and deal with GLOBAL issues if he can't multi-task a marketing plan (campaign), attend a debate, and "get down to business of the country", which is not soley his responsibility to fix? Dodging reality.

Sent by mary Lindsey | 6:31 PM | 9-24-2008

THIS MAY BE A TRAP or FOR ONCE MY REPUBLICAN INTERNSHIP WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND IMPRESSIONABLE CAN BE OF USE INSTAD OF AN EMBARRASSMENT

You know, it might be that McCain's drama on this could be a trap.

1) Now people think he in unprepared, because he cancelled the debate

2) Should they actually debate this dramatically lowers his expectations and raises Obama's

3) tomorrow or Friday McCain agrees to the debate

4) In the debate he gives vicious one liners and quips and appeals to patriotism and remembering his time as a POW. And demands Obama tell the truth.

5) His supporters cheer out of turn every time McCain speaks.

6) Even though Obama wins on substance, McCain appears to win on emotional appeal.

7) McCain goes up on the polls.

And if you think this is too complex for the McCain campaign staff, you are mistaken. You CANNOT under estimate them.

XXXXOOOO

Kurt

Sent by Kurt | 6:58 PM | 9-24-2008

Kurt - Yeah, bush did the same thing in 2000 and 2004.
Everyone was so sure he'd lose that by not falling completely on his face - although he totally lost and just sort of stumbled his way through - by not just sitting there and drooling on himself HE WON in the eyes of America.

Good tactics don't go away. *Shrug* Some debate professor's rolling around in her grave right now

Sent by Matt | 7:23 PM | 9-24-2008

Looks as if the man if completely overwhelmed. After years of completely ignoring the financial problems of our country, he is going to give this "crisis" his "full attention"-which apparently leaves him too exhausted to debate Obama. This man is the wrong guy to lead us for the next 4 years.

Sent by Catherine Flynn | 8:13 PM | 9-24-2008

Backing out of a presidential debate?! What kind of "patriot" would do such a thing?

"DEPENDS," eh?

I think I know what's happening to his supposed intestinal fortitude. ;)

Sent by Ken | 8:21 PM | 9-24-2008

I think I'll invite McCain to McDonald's and buy him a McChicken, then tell him that I can see Russia from my house!

Sent by Juan | 10:24 PM | 9-24-2008

If McCain can't (or won't) be there, then let's have Palin and Biden go on Friday and McCain and Obama go next week. That way the voters don't get ripped off by being cheated out of a chance to see the candidates debate. I am very eager to see what the real Palin is like on her own. I am sure I am not alone in this desire.

Sent by Gary from Texas | 10:57 PM | 9-24-2008

He is scared to go up against Obama right now. Either that or he is waiting for his custom ear piece to arrive via UPS because he knows he will never be able to answer the questions all by himself. Does anyone remember the one Bush wore during his debates in the last election? He could not think for himself either.

Sent by Melody | 11:08 PM | 9-24-2008

I'm more interested to see if they keep "Deer In Headlights" Palin out of the V.P. debate to save the country a good laugh.

If the economy is too important of a priority to run for President, then stay a senator!

Sent by Leigh Cutler | 7:45 AM | 9-25-2008

I am somewhat surprised that instead of insisting that the debate go forward, Obama didn't insist that the topic be changed to cover economic policy. Surely, this would have been the better counterattack to McCain's postponement suggestion?

Sent by Dan K. | 9:39 AM | 9-25-2008

I believe that this debate is essential to the American voters needing to identify with the candidates. Postponing a Presidential debate seems like a big plot to benefit the McCain camp. Im not so naive to think that McCain is not ready, I do however believe that he knows that he will be beat by the Harvard Scholar in any debate. In my opinion it's simply ridiculous to not show up for a Debate. If he does not show, I wonder what the political pundits will have to say about McCain not appearing in his first Presidential debate.

Sent by Eric Capehart | 10:33 AM | 9-25-2008

Kurt,
Excellent post.
McCain would look like a hero by rushing from the Capital just in time for the debate.
Expectations would be low-to-non-existent. He'd be awarded several points just for showing up.
Plus, all the talk of postponing the debate would surely have a negative impact on Obama's debate prep.
So it's a win-win.
1. Points just for showing up
2. Lowers expectations
3. Weakens your opponent by distracting him during debate preparation.

Sent by Steve A | 11:56 AM | 9-25-2008

Isn't the first job of an applicant to show up for the interview? At the time when nervous voters need reassurance the most, and need to know where the candidates stand on our economic future, how can McCain suddenly decide to go MIA? (no pun intended) I understand the concern he has for the economic crisis, but there are plenty of smart people working 24/7 who actually understand the economy...he needs not to get in their way but to show accountability to the American people by showing up on Friday.

Or could it be that he's so insecure about the economy and his team is just trying to buy time for him and his running mate? He probably realizes that if he looks like he doesn't know what he's talking about on the one issue on everybody's mind---his ratings will drop faster than the Dow--and won't rebound the next day.

Sent by Jason Cheng | 12:46 PM | 9-25-2008

I had the same idea as Gary in Texas. If McCain cannot/will not appear on Friday, let Palin and Biden take the stage.

Sent by John Kelly | 3:50 PM | 9-25-2008

LET NADER DEBATE! Ralph Nader has graciously offered to step into McCain's place if he doesn't want to come.

Sent by star777 | 5:11 AM | 9-26-2008