nonsence!!! the man just isn't ready, and probably never will be; however, the date, place and time were scheduled for some time now, and should be adhered to, so we can see for ourselves who seems best suited to take the reins. let's see what happens.

Sent by mike mcgonigle | 3:11 PM ET | 09-24-2008

No How, No Way, No Cancel. Neither man has a critical role at this moment in time and should appear before the American people as planned.

Sent by Lynn Gaulin | 3:21 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I am so sorry I didn't call this one. I should have seen this coming - it is so typical. And of course Obama will look like he doesn't care about the economy if he wants to go ahead with the debate. McCain is running scared and his hiding behind the economic issues at hand. If he were smart he would go ahead with the debate and hope the media will focus on the economy and not his poor performance as a debater!

Sent by Nora | 3:26 PM ET | 09-24-2008

NPR recently reported that 80+% of American people said they were "likely" to watch the debate....No doubt in large part to hear the candidates on this mess....McCain's suggestion wholly reinforces the "trust us we'll fix it" approach that got us here in the first place. Show up and show us what you've got!!!

Sent by Kate Allen | 3:42 PM ET | 09-24-2008

This debate needs to take place. The country is waiting and anxious to see them together, and anxious to hear from their mouths our future. The bailout plan is in other hands, and McCain isn't needed. Don't Cancel.

Sent by anxious for November | 3:44 PM ET | 09-24-2008

You heard Senator McCain say that "Trust Me" just isn't enough.

But what if the P&B Team throws in a, "But Seriously Dude."

And why do I feel like we are starting the Paul and Berne's Bogus Journey?

Sent by Christopher M. Brown | 3:52 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Obama should say "sure, I'll accommodate your request -- as long as you agree to hold the vice presidential debates this Friday instead." This way Palin will be pushed into a scenario she is not at all prepared to handle.

Sent by -Anonymous | 4:08 PM ET | 09-24-2008

John McCain should be ashamed of himself. Cancellation of his participation in the debate just reinforces my opinion that he's out-gunned by Obama. Perhaps, however, Senator McCain SHOULD return to Washington where he can do what he does best: pander to monied interests. I wasn't going to vote for him, anyway, and I don't know why anyone else would, either.

Sent by James Rochford | 4:11 PM ET | 09-24-2008

he's seen the recent poling figures.

even tho i know this is a political ploy on his part, he could certainly not "suspend" his campaign while returning to congress for sub-committe meetings if he felt that strongly and altruistically. obama could easily do the same.

this puts obama in a non-enviable position. mccain will stoop to no low.

Sent by michael beck, chicago, il | 4:11 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I will take McCain at his word on this one. This is one of the biggest crisis in the history of the United States. If Congress does not get this one right - well, it could equal, "crossing the streams," the line from Ghost Busters - which meant global melt-down or worse.

Sent by Ike Eichenlaub | 4:13 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Good idea to postpone the debates, ALL congressmen should be in on this one. I hope that Senator Obama plans on being in the Senate when all this turmoil is hashed out, whether or not he is on the relevant committee. I am a Obama supporter. It's unfortunate that this should happen so close to the election. We can't always pick or choose the time for difficult events.

Sent by Donna Ascalon, Bellingham, WA | 4:16 PM ET | 09-24-2008

If John McCain wants to be president then he needs to learn to multi-task. This debate should not be postponed. Bring it on!

Sent by Chelsea Coles | 4:17 PM ET | 09-24-2008

How about discussing the bailout and economy instead of foreign affairs? The debate should be on the economy.

Sent by Lincoln | 4:18 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I think this is definately a strategic move for his campaign.

Sent by C.P. Kelley | 4:18 PM ET | 09-24-2008

It seems to me that McCain can't handle more that one challenge at a time. This seems to me to be a significant weakness in a President.

Sent by Rick Fox | 4:18 PM ET | 09-24-2008

McCain only wants to put off the debate so that Obama won't totally own him and so that he looks decisive.

I find it so ironic that McCain is pandering a bipartisan clean up when one of his own advisors, former Rep. Senator Phil Graham is the one responsible for the monumental finance deregulation that allowed for this crisis.

Sent by Rebecca Reser | 4:19 PM ET | 09-24-2008

LOL. I wouldn't wanna show up either, if I were McCain.

Sent by Tim Rosenberry | 4:20 PM ET | 09-24-2008

LOL. I wouldn't wanna show up either, if I were McCain.

Sent by Tim Rosenberry | 4:20 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Brilliant, Annonymous,

Bring on Biden and Palin!!!

Sent by Jeanne Hutton | 4:20 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Typical Republican tactics--abusing public fear to play to their advantage, or at least to belittle and tear down the Democrats. If either Senator McCain or Obama had a critical role in the decision making, it would be a different scenario. But as it stands, it is merely an empty symbol of "commitment" to the American people, one meant to distract from other relevant and important issues.

Sent by L. Nichols | 4:23 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Please America! Don't fall for this ploy. Senator McCain and his cronies have played a huge role in what has happened to the Financial Industry! Just ask his Campaign Manager Rick Davis. For him to use this as a way to postpone the debate, is disappointing, yet not surprising. The American people deserve to see this debate and see how each of the candidates will respond to problems that we will face as a nation together in the years to come!

Sent by Celeste | 4:24 PM ET | 09-24-2008

If neither candidate is part of the acting committee, why and for what reasons should the debate be canceled? Sounds as if McCain is ill-prepared, or playing redundant politics at this point. He should step up to the mic (as well as Obama) and tell us all how they plan to tackle this situation, but only when President. We are all concerned at this point. Let the populace hear what he has to say on Friday, not when his hypothetical plan is hatched.

Sent by Matthew Hulse | 4:25 PM ET | 09-24-2008

First the McCain camp protects Palin from having to answer questions, and now this?!
Regardless of who one supports, this is an affront to the democratic process and it makes a mockery of our election process...

We deserve better than this

Sent by Charles J. Herold | 4:25 PM ET | 09-24-2008

The "plan" put forward by the bush administration, if you can call it that, is seriously flawed. There are several ideas in it that are at best ill conceived and at worst unConstitutional. The notion that it is acceptable to buy this paper above market value if foolish. The proposal to bailout Wall Street without giving tax payers a financial stake, and without exacting a pound of flesh from a greedy industry that refuses to regulate itself, is infuriating. To think it is somehow acceptable to put Treasury above the law is unthinkable.

Bernanke, Paulson and bush must have been suffering from some sort of mass delusion to think they could push such a shoddy proposal onto the American public.

Something needs to be done, but this ain't it.

Sent by MildlyMisanthropic | 4:26 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Wow- is he serious? Why doesn't he just sell one of his (8?) houses and donate the money to the economic bailout plan. On with the debate!

Sent by Heidi | 4:27 PM ET | 09-24-2008

If Obama falls for this one, we're really in trouble.

His response should be, "I will deal with this mess you and your Republican friends made, but I will continue my campaign as well, because the American people NEED new leadership.

This is what leaders do, and I'm a leader!

Sent by R. Mullen | 4:28 PM ET | 09-24-2008

He's stalling. We need to hear what the candidates are proposing what to do as president, thus the need for the debate. He has already admitted that he doesn't know much about economics.

Sent by Diane Milburn | 4:30 PM ET | 09-24-2008

We say NO to canceling the debate!

Sent by Mary Reed | 4:30 PM ET | 09-24-2008

"People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake" John Macain. Few days back, the fundamentals of our economy is strong, but as the date of debate is approaching Americans are loosing homes and we should rush to bail out all the firms who acted irresposibly. Now Macain wants to skip the debate and rescue from the national polls

Sent by matt | 4:33 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Scaredy Cat!

Sent by Anonymous | 4:33 PM ET | 09-24-2008

While the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continued, and thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed in Texas by Hurricane Ike, it was campaigning as usual. Now that money's on the table, Sen. McCain -- notwithstanding his acknowledged ignorance on economic matters -- must ride to Wall Street's rescue. Yeah, right.

Hold the debate with or without him. Maybe Gov. Palin would like to stand in...

Sent by Bob Ax | 4:42 PM ET | 09-24-2008

This is just another instance of McCain taking Obama's position and making it his own. Obama called the McCain campaign this morning to suggest that they give a joint statement supporting a plan. McCain called back this afternoon and agreed to this in theory. A few minutes later he calls a presser and comes out with this statement to pretend that he's taking initiative.

I used to have a positive view of McCain, but, while in decline over the last 8 years, that view has been completely destroyed by McCain's own actions especially in the last several months.

Sent by Sharpening my pitchfork | 4:47 PM ET | 09-24-2008

It never ceases to amaze me how a good intention of trying to put your country first, gets backlash from the liberal swine which has infected this country. If Obama was intelligent enough to come up with this idea he would be praised, and the liberal media which created him, would be saying "Obama - putting his country first - not John McCain." I think the liberals in the country need to wake up and see just how important this economic crisis is; and postpone murdering infants, providing checks to lazy Americans, and recognizing gay marriage.

Sent by Michael Romero | 4:49 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Regardless of the severity of the economic crisis, neither McCain, nor Obama have a place at the decision making table at this time. As mentioned, neither man is a member of an applicable committee. Furthermore, neither of them have yet been elected president! It sounds like Senator McCain is asking for a test run, both for himself and Senator Obama.

Sent by JS | 4:50 PM ET | 09-24-2008

It just makes sense to cancel, although not exactly for the reason specified. It's just that right now a debate on foreign policy is totally irrelevant to what is actually happening. While neither of the candidates is a player on the committee most involved in working out the details of a bill, I would rather see them in Washington participating in the discussion and voting on the act, if and when it comes to the floor, than gallivanting around the country saying what they would do as president, meanwhile ignoring what they should do as senators.

Sent by KAR | 4:54 PM ET | 09-24-2008

hmmm, stalling for time so you can learn about the economy, John? I love the suggestion above that we hold a vice presidential debate instead,excellent!

Sent by jim diamond | 4:54 PM ET | 09-24-2008

WHAT A FARCE! I guess McCain had to do something when Obama is 9 points ahead. The whole thing is shameless, but why should anyone be surprised. I hope EVERYONE sees through this! Let the debate go on Fri night!!!!

Sent by Kim | 4:54 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Give me a break. Put up or shut up. Just show up at the debate and tell us what you'll do different than what you've been doing since Bush got elected and you've voted for 90% of the time.

Sent by Nate | 4:54 PM ET | 09-24-2008

This seems like something that happened a few years ago in Kentucky. Sen. Bunning (R) was scheduled to debate, but cancelled on the grounds that he had to be in Washington for an important vote. There were rumours that Bunning was suffering from a "dimming of the faculties" and the rationale sounded bogus. Then he consented to a debate while he was in Washington and the challenger, Daniel Mongiardo, was in Kentucky. The kicker is that Bunning had a teleprompter set up in the studio with him so he could read the answers. (Or maybe the real kicker is that he got re-elected anyway.)

I think McCain is trying to pull a Bunning. The debate should not be contingent upon any outside event - the election certainly isn't and we will all have to vote by Nov. 4 no matter what.

Sent by Roger Perrone | 4:54 PM ET | 09-24-2008

This is McCain trying to look and sound "presidential". I also believe that this a ploy to move the debate to a time that is more favorable to his campaign. it is a set-up to another campaign line that Obama cares more about winning 'than the welfare of the country

Sent by Ted Williams | 4:56 PM ET | 09-24-2008

McCain knows Obama can outspend him on ads and campaigning 6 - 1, no wonder he wants to suspend the campaign. If he is the candidate of change, why hasn't he made or recommended those changes in his million years in the senate all ready.

Sent by Bill Giss | 4:58 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Didn't McCain postpone his campaign last year because of a financial crisis?

Sent by ES | 5:00 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Finally someone decides to step up and solve this matter. One more lousy contradictory spill aimed to tell people what they want to hear from the democrats can be put aside.

Sent by Kody | 5:01 PM ET | 09-24-2008

The debates will take only few hours but this economic crisis would not be resolved within the short time period. please look for long term basis. Don't pass the legistration quickly using fear politic like they did for Iraq war.

Sent by jin | 5:04 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I agree with Lincoln. If McCain wants a change and the economy is so big on his mind, have the subject of the debate changed to the economy. Or, as Anonymous suggested, move the VP debate to Friday.

This is such an obvious ploy by McCain. Rove would be proud.

Sent by Steve | 5:05 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I think that congressmen should be where they belong-hashing out the issues. They are drawing their senator pay while campaigning, we are in crisis, get back to work!

Sent by D.S. | 5:07 PM ET | 09-24-2008

McCain demonstrates he is not ready to tackle the tough job ahead of the next president. Buzzwords like 'crisis', 'patriotism' and 'leading' are all drawn from his campaign's playbook and if the Congress succeeds, the words will be used again and if Obama does not agree he runs the risks of not being a patriotic leader who drops everything to help his country during a crisis.

Senator McCain seeks to suspend his campaign because he can only stand so much scrutiny. I suspect the same can be said for Governor Palin, by the way. An American president must be able to do achieve things in varied areas and perform under intense pressure.

Sent by Anonymous II | 5:07 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Isn't anyone interested in seeing how the vote on this issue?

Sent by JB | 5:09 PM ET | 09-24-2008

It seems like this evolving "financial crisis" will have a greater impact on the next four years of our lives than almost any other issue this election season. Shouldn't the American people have a chance to find out exactly how either of the candidates would handle this sort of problem "flying by the seat of ones pants?" Rather than wait for the dust to settle, and the pundits to weigh in, the candidates need to address this issue now, while is is pressing and current, like they would if it happened in their administration.

This tactic seems to indicate that McCain is not ready to handle these sorts of issues in a debate with Obama. He probably has not been training for answers in regards to the inevitable questions this situation will raise.

I highly doubt McCain's presence will be missed in Washington, it is far more important the American people are able to make educated decisions about the country's future. These debates will be the only way to ensure the right candidate is put in office. The American people deserve immediate answers, not more politics as usual.

Sent by Connor, Rochester, MI | 5:10 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Im glad somebody can make a wise decision and put aside some lousy debate that will showcase classic Democrats saying whatever pleases.

Sent by Kody | 5:11 PM ET | 09-24-2008

McCain: impulsive, erratic, temperamental, vapid, very disingenuous, deceitful, desperate
What a sorry fellow trying to duck the debate.

Sent by Peter | 5:11 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Ridiculous and lame!!! It is just another sign that Senator McCain is not ready for being our next preseident and will never be. My interpretation is that he does not feel that he has been preped enough to face a real debate on cirical issues in front of the nation, through an unbiased medium outlet. I bet he would claim that he is ready to debate anytime if he is speaking only to his core voting block, most of whom would not change their positions whether he answers the questions properly, inteligently, or not. Too bad and absurd, but not entirely surprising.

Sent by Lei | 5:13 PM ET | 09-24-2008

The owner of this blog is biased, he would not post my comment since I actually like the wise decision of Mcain while disliking the contradictory statements of the democrats.

Sent by adam | 5:13 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Seriously?! This is just an indication that he's not ready for a debate. C'mon. Give me a break - John McCain needs to put on his big boy pants and show up for the debate

Sent by Sharon Wappel | 5:13 PM ET | 09-24-2008

this is the BEST time for a debate!

Sent by Kathryn | 5:14 PM ET | 09-24-2008

there IS one thing more important than our [so called] $-crisis... it's who will be president in 6 weeks!! The debate's on Friday, man... BE THERE!!

Sent by Christopher J. Feahr, OD | 5:20 PM ET | 09-24-2008

he's just arrogant....as if he (McCain) being in Washington will make a difference? he's just not ready to talk to the public. he cant even answer questions that the media asks, only 7 minutes? in august 26 minutes? he won't last long in a debate with obama!

Sent by meiling | 5:20 PM ET | 09-24-2008

To watch McCain and Obama sit down with George Bush during this time is frightening, at best. Talk about the potential for creating 'quotes' out of context for future TV ads...! I just listened to Nancy Pelosi on NPR and I say "good for you", Nancy! The fact that the Republicans are 'hiding' Palin, and now, suspending the campaign is using a potentially devastating situation for political gain. Shame on you, Mr. McCain!!!

Sent by Name witheld by request | 5:27 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Barak can show up alone and debate his fine points and critique the other ticket. It will be just like reading a NPR blog. Although what will Bloggers do with themselves if McCain is absent to dish up any fodder for their commentary. A sad day for the dems.

Sent by robert | 5:34 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Can you believe this- the old man wants an extension. Guess we have to take off points for lateness before the debate even gets going. What's next, the moose ate my homework?

Sent by Roni Jordan | 5:44 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Should we postpone the election as well? Since this crisis probably will not be solved within 45 days, we should not have election, huh?

Come on! If Mccain cannot handle this financial crisis and the election campaign at the same time, how can he handle being a president?

Whatever respect I have for him in the past, it is gone. He should resign from his candidacy since he does not have the ability to handle the situation.

Sent by Lisa Winston | 5:48 PM ET | 09-24-2008

McCain's just chickening out on this one. Does he really think canceling will effect the financial crisis?

Sent by N. Mosier | 5:54 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Patriotism my ass...it's typical GOP bull crap; wrap it up in an American flag, cram it down your throat, and put the fear of god in anyone thinking of stepping out of line. It's just one more excuse in avoiding the inevitable flaying of John McCain.

And please, stop interjecting Sarah Palin as a surrogate for addressing the real issues. To begin with I think by now anyone with half a brain will know she's an imposture, but if you feel you must entertain yourself grab a tabloid at the supermarket check out.

Engage your brains...

Sent by george gekas | 5:57 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Any chance for a reasoned compromise on the bailout probably went out the window with this stunt. Ridiculous.

Sent by Meera | 6:03 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I find it curious that McCain waiting until today to call for delaying the debate when this financial crisis and proposed bailout has been in the news since last week. I sincerely hope the American people don't fall for his ploy.

Sent by Lizzie | 6:18 PM ET | 09-24-2008

The owner of the blog is bias, he would not publish my comments either. Typical liberal - FREE SPEECH - only on their terms.

Sent by Michael Romero | 6:22 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Michael Romero and Adam,

We publish comments based on our discussion guidelines, not on their political content.

Today's news generated a high comment volume, and we got a little behind on posting (it's tough to write and read at the same time!), and I apologize for that...but I'd suggest checking again. Michael, yours definitely went up. Though, Adam, I don't see any other comments from you today. (Were you using a different handle?)

I'll add, though, that if you dislike this blog, you are welcome to read something else instead. The internet is voluntary, after all!

Sent by Evie Stone, NPR | 6:46 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I totally agreed that they should go back and cast their vote on the bailout. However, the presidential debate is on Friday. They can debate their positions about the bailout and this crisis for the world to see. Then, both of them have enough time to go back to Washington to debate more with Congress and cast their vote. Senator Mccain said himself in his statement that the Congress would probably come out with decision on Monday morning. There should be plenty of time!!!

Sent by Adam M | 7:36 PM ET | 09-24-2008

What a blatantly transparent political stunt McCain is pulling. Rushing in like the hero to meet with President Bush and save the world. As if he and his policies are not partially responsible for this mess in the first place.

He knows he'll look weak opposite Obama and he's just looking for the best way to wimp out without looking wimpy. Pathetic.

Sent by Sherna | 9:42 PM ET | 09-24-2008

I have a solution for McCain. How about Obama agrees for Palin join McCain on the stage this Friday?

Sent by Jeferson | 10:10 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Up to this point McCain and Obama have been doing fine communicating their concerns to the senate and the public. There is no need to postpone the debates -- they are essential for the electorate. There's little time left.

I get the impression that McCain is afraid of what will happen when Palin debates Biden. He'd like to postpone that as much as possible to limit the damage.

McCain won't be canceling his campaign -- it's simply a diversion, a smokescreen. Good try! You're following in the sure footsteps of Bush/Rove/Cheney.

Sent by veritas | 10:15 PM ET | 09-24-2008

Hey morons, Friday's debate is about foreign policy. If you actually read about political issues rather than salivate at the feet of Obama and his pathetic socialist ideals, you'd know this.
Maybe Obama should actually do his job this time, if he really thinks he'll be president, he's going to have to live with the decisions Washington puts into place. I don't think McCain wants to chance someone else setting us ALL up to fail. McCain's been asking for debates time and time again. Obama will be lost when he has to stammer on his feet.

Sent by FormerDem | 12:06 AM ET | 09-25-2008

Just a few months ago, McCain was in lockstep with Bush saying the economy was just fine and there's no need for the American people to worry. What, all of a sudden there's a problem? McCain is so out of touch with the economy, it's baffling how anyone can vote for this guy! It's his way of showing the American people he has no clue what he's doing, and a further delay tactic to the inevitable - showing the American people, once again, he's incapable of running this great country!

Sent by notjustone | 10:39 AM ET | 09-25-2008

If Senator McCain does not want to debate, there are plenty of 3rd party candidates who would. The Commission can choose the 3rd party candidate that is polling highest nationally.

Sent by Pam Sawyer | 10:41 AM ET | 09-25-2008

McCain IS pushing to post-pone VP debate!!! It's on CNN politics. Do we really neep another president that feels like he doesn't have to answer to anyone?

Sent by Are Bee | 11:32 AM ET | 09-25-2008

Of course McCain's call for a delay was a political decision. He is a politician, and so is Obama. Obama has made politically-driven decisions too, you know.

Although McCain's desire to delay the debates probably isn't the best decision from a variety of perspectives, at least he recognizes that he and Obama have day jobs as U.S. Senators.

Sent by anonymous | 11:52 AM ET | 09-25-2008

I think this action of McCain to postpone the debate and to suspend his campain is the surest indication that this guy is not the real stuff. May be he should substitute Governer Palin in his place just like thy do it in a game of football or basketball. McCain is not presidential mateial. He never was he never will be. He looks like a fighter pilot who did not know which way to turn and is shot down. Please remember that Bush (Jr) defeated mcCain in earlier primary elections and if you look what Bush has done during the past eight years, selecting McCain to replace Bush will sure be the biggest folly of this presidential election.

Sent by BND | 12:42 PM ET | 09-25-2008

I've never been on this site but i like it. Also, I totally agree that the debate is the business, for Obama and McCain anyway. If they're not on the committee why waste time...let's get it on tomorrow@ 9!

Sent by S@brin@ | 10:20 PM ET | 09-25-2008

The debates should not be cancelled!

Sent by Sally Papageorge | 10:47 PM ET | 09-25-2008