Obama says debates should go forward

Stupid move as tonight's debate proved... Stupibama... One of the first of many bad decisions which I am sure would happen quite often if he was in office, which I am sure he wont be now!! Way too arrogant w/ nothing to arrogant about.

BARAK AND ROLL

Uh, hello? These two men are not president yet! They are senators and they are being paid to do that job!! If I didn't see it before I see now how Obama thinks. This is a pretty important issue for me and I think our senators ought to be on the job. Heaven help us if Obama gets into the white house and makes decisions like this one!!
Thanks again, Mr. McCain for putting your country first!!!

McSame suspending his campaign and canceling his Letterman appearance was a loser's manure maneuver to regain the spotlight with his poll numbers falling. He is not ready to debate Barack Obama on the economy, and his proposal to postpone the debate to October 2nd, when the Vice Presidential Debate is scheduled, is an attempt to give Lipstick more time to prepare for a debate she will probably lose, or to eliminate that debate all together. McSame and his Lipstick would serve this country first, if they would just go home to an early retirement and end their farce of a campaign all together.

To be honest, I wouldn't want to debate Obama either. Especially when they're going to be asking all those questions and whatnot. ;)

But, yeah, we need to hear the candidates debate the myriad of crises we're in, much more than we need them to sit around D.C. waiting to vote.

I hope this isn't a sign that McCain will try to conceal himself in large numbers every time a crisis occurs. That's awfully Cheney-esque of him. Leaders stand in front, they don't hide in back.

I'd rather them actually campaign so that we know who we are voting to the top job.

Not a good week for McCain, and it's getting worse! How pathetic has this man become. That's what happens when you start hanging out with Karl Rove! Obama's counter punch has left McCain with only one option, to flinch!!! See you at the debates! Go Obama!

They are running to be promoted to the top job when neither of them are doing the job they were already elected to do.

Only insane people would promote a person to president who does not lead to make the change they promise when they already have power as senators.

Not sure what point you are trying to make. They are running campaigns for the presidency.

I understand exactly how Congress is supposed to work after decades of watching it. Knowing Congresspeople and Senators personally and professionally, I know the difference between a talker and a worker. I also see first hand the devastation the inaction of Congress, partisanship and influence of lobbyists has on our communities of color and those more than 45 million living in poverty across America.
I was at Congress just last September for Realizing the Dream's Report to Congress and the Out of Poverty Congressional Caucus. I'm returning to D.C. again this fall.
Congress people and Senators who are there to vote, debate, negotiate and compromise, are the ones who make a difference. It is necessary to be there and show up. Anyone who thinks otherwise, has not been there.It is not enough to just phone in or email your opinions. Being a U.S. Representative or Senator is hard work, and you have to be there to get the job done.
But if some one thinks they can school me on government and politics, let them knock themselves out. It would be somewhat amusing, if it wasn't such a wasteful use of the energy we all need to apply to constructive discourse and positive action.
Again, we need leaders who lead and walk their talk, locally and nationally. We need all of Congress and the two Senators running to become U.S. President to start leading and make the change we need in America.
Debates are great opportunities for candidates to spar and throw out their talking points and for media outlets to make big money. But the time for talk is over. We need action. For action, we need legislation and that is the job of Senators and Congress.

He probably needed an excuse to pull his hideous ads from tv. Now he doesn't have to explain the real reason why he needed to get them pulled. Because of those ads even those that support him are starting to see through the bullshit.

See, it all works out. Now Mr. McCain can just blame it on the economy instead of taking personal responsibility.

Agreed uroborus. After all, both McCain and Obama should have to defend spending a trillion dollars to bail out greedy millionaires. Perhaps this bailout makes economic sense, but I want to hear why from both of them.

This is the perfect time for a debate.

Touchart, your response just shows how much you don't understand how politics works. Obama and McCain are running for President. That is the reality. They show up for votes when needed while running. That was the case for Hillary too, when she was in the race, as well as Biden and Dodd. They aren't dishwashers or ditch-diggers--they don't get paid for sitting in the Senate. Look at how many of them are there when a Senator or Congress person is giving a speech. And showing up to vote is frankly a minor part of any Senator's life. It is all about working with others, working behind the scenes. The Democrats know when they need Obama's vote to get a bill passed. That is how the real Senate works--through behind-the-scenes talking, negotiating, and compromise. Obama has been doing that all along, whether you agree with his position or not. Perhaps you don't, which would make for a much more interesting post. On the issue of who has been engaged in the talks, Obama wins hands down. He has been in contact with the Democratic leadership, as well as Paulsen and the other key figures. McCain has not. Look at what Barney Frank said on that very issue. He has talked to Obama multiple times in the past week, and not at all with McCain. Your opinions are based on some idea of Washington that is frankly a childish fantasy. So, do some research, take a class on American politics, and grow up.

The real reason mccain canceled his campaign

http://current.com/items/89337242_sarah_palin_lover_revealed

Obama has not voted on a bill in months either.

Both candidates are U.S. Senators and neither has, up to now, been doing their paid jobs while campaigning for a bigger job.

Sound companies would fire both, not promote them to CEO.

They are all liars. People who don't see that are just being fooled.

The issues are crucial. More than 45 million people live in poverty in America, and these numbers were before the most recent financial crash.

Wise people are not fooled by either candidate or the ranting of their supporters.

Grow up and stop the name-calling, blaming and partisan attacks.

Demand Congress, including the two senators running for president, start doing their job TODAY and solve the dire problems facing America.

Touchart, you are spouting nonsense. McCain said just a weak ago, "Don't worry, the economy is strong." Now, he screams that he has to stop his campaign because he is needed in Washington. More Karl Rove fakery. McCain hasn't voted on a bill in months and months! He wasn't worried a week and a half ago, and now things are so dire that he has to stop campaigning. This is more of that old Republican campaign circus show. You can keep believing the liars if you want, but I have had enough. If you believe that McCain or Obama can't keep campaigning and still weigh in on the negotiations, then I have a bridge to nowhere you can buy from me pretty cheap. I hear that some Alaska governer said no to it(only she didn't). Or maybe you want the jet she sold on Ebay that she didn't sell on ebay. For God's sake, stop the hypocrisy and lies and ridiculous P.T. Barnum show, and debate the issues! A gimmick is a gimmick is a gimmick, and you can fool some of the people (Touchart) all of the time, but most Americans now see through these ridiculous charades!

Senator Obama should get to the Senate and do his job too.

These senators are already in power. They could have been leading and making the change we need, instead of spending a $billion or more campaigning to tell us why they should lead as U.S. president.

While they traisped around the country having rallies and making promises, the government has spiraled downward.

Obama used to say, we can't wait.

What the hell was he waiting for all these months while Bush/Cheney continued their crimial looting of the government, economy, civil rights and the Constitution?

Now, Obama says, he'll go to Capitol Hill if "they" let him know he is needed? Some leader.

These senators are getting paid by us to do their job in the Senate. At least one, is, at last, actually going to be there working and leading to make the change they both promise.

The other can't pull himself away from the adoring crowds. That may be just as well from his campaign's point of view, since, he hasn't been very effective to change anything during his rare visits to Capitol Hill in his first term anyway.

Obama is great at campaigning. Working as a senator is just not his forte. Too much like George W. Bush who knew how to win/steal a campaign, but not much about governing.

These times call for intelligent multitasking. And it's either two things, or both: maybe McCain is attempting to "convey" that he's "country first", which implies to me that he thinks he's already president and that his "campaign for presidency" isn't as important, which isn't a smart choice. Secondly, it could be that McCain can't really handle anything beyond the present, which is disconcerting.

Older people have always had problems with multitasking.

Let's call him John McGimmick! Everytime I hear McCain/McGimmick or one of his campaign aides speak, I hear circus music. They are running the most crass, political, disingenous, disrespectful campaign I have every seen. They make this look the Jerry Springer Show, except Jerry Springer is more fun. It is "Gimmick of the Day" from McCain. Sad, really sad!

What people are not talking about is the fact that both McCain and Obama are United States Senators. As a senator McCain is putting his current responsibility first. I mean we are in a pretty serious financial crisis right now. Obviously Obama can do as he pleases in this moment but it is my opinion that he is not fully representing the state of Illinois in there best interest. I commend McCain for putting his role as Senator first in this time of crisis.

McCain is a chicken shit .....lol......

i still dont get why pple support McCain

A few weeks ago we heard that McCain cannot type due to a problem with his fingers, now we are hearing that the poor man cannot debate.

This is quite tragic.....(snicker, snicker)....

If he suspended his campaign, didn't he give up his spot for president???
Weird. I didn't know you could do that.

Wait, wait, wait... I went to sleep and I've just woken up. Did I miss like two days of news here? What the hell is all this?

Obama '08.

Don't Delay! I want to VOTE TODAY!

He's only doing this because he doesn't want america to see the Palin, also what will he talk about, how he's a maverick and he was held hostage again... give me a break...
My wish is that the debates would be open for all candidate's that are running.....! Good move on Obama.

But I'm voting for Nader....

Check out the article in Rolling Stone Mag about Palin. It's gooooodd!!

I'll be honest, I was watching mcSame today on the news and he appeared as though he was very close to a stroke, or that he had a mild stroke - to me.

Could it be that he is using the financial situation as an excuse to recover?

RALPH NADER would debate those phonies any day.

wtf, bush is "inviting" the candidates to help???!!!! the debate is officially off. AGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Basically McCain is trying to use the current economic crisis to delay having to face Obama in a non scripted debate. Understanding that he lacks a comparable oratorical ability, McCain actually spun this request for a change in debate to make it seem as if he was putting his job before himself. However, members of the Senate are already close to an actual consensus and McCain is not really needed for the completion of the deal. Good job politically for McCain in regard to those who don't really follow politics. However, it should be recognized by all as simple and shameful tactic to avoid Obama in the debates for which McCain has constantly asked.

i saw Obama today in Dunedin Florida. He talks about making healthcare more affordable etc... but how can he say this? where is the money coming from? shouldn't the US Treasury be Bankrupt by now... ?

Obama, you're evil and so is McCain. America has lost it's last and only hope, Ron Paul.

Just one more example of why Obama should be your choice for '08.

the story before this, about McCain suspending his
campaign and wanting to postpone the debate is gone.

on tv, top story, well over 100 comments, and gone.

where did it go current? huh?

In my humble opinion, John McCain just threw away his bid for the position of President of the United States. When electing a person to this post; one expects the Commander in Chief to be present and accountable - not to skip out when the heat gets turned up. The debate should continue. In this day and age of technology, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished away from one's "work area". John McCain does not need to be in D.C. to work on the financial crisis - he can do it from wherever he is using technology. In today's proclamation by Mr. McCain - he effectively sealed my vote for Obama.

I was really looking forward on the debate Friday. How can he and his advisers need to focus now on Wall Street? They will do little or anything at all to help. What a BIG inexcusable lie he is making to avoid helping us making a decision whether or not to vote for him and not Obama.

I am now 100% for Obama, not 75% anymore. Good job, Mccain.

"i need to save the world one issue at a time!" of course you do mccain, but your thinking way ahead of yourself. the debates are being held so 'we the people' know exactly what you would do in situations like this. Dont forget you havent been initated president yet. Dont get me wrong the economic crisis is important as well as the other thousands of issues this nation faces. More importantly so is this ELECTION (go obama!). As I mentioned before let the debates speak for its self and show 'us' what you got. So how bout putting one shoe on at time and take it step by step.

of course the debates must go on..this just shows the weakness of McCain...Obama is correct that as President you might actually have to speak and think during a crisis, and just maybe do a few things at the same time...

Wait a second, McCain! I thought Foreign Policy was more important! Obama's reaction to this is simply a call on someone keeping their word. Giving moral support to the experts of the economy does not outweigh the obligation of speaking up for your campaign for President of the United States. This hard line that McCain has taken now has called for answers. This kind of move by him only aligns him closer to the behavior of George Bush. Bottom line, McCain...if you can take torture for your country, you can take a debate to speak up for your country.

Senator with 26-year record of disdain for oversight and regulation of financial institutions calls off presidential debate as to offer his personal oversight
for lending/insurance institutions that have crashed due to lack of political oversight and regulation!

Does anyone see the sick irony here?
Shakespeare couldn’t write this stuff!

Mccain are you strong enough, are you mentally fit, and is your health capable to endure the demand for the job?
Evidentially not!

"You better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a changin'." Dylan

I think McCain just drowned.

Do you realize he and his financial adviser Phil Gram wrote the deregulation that they are now going to Washington to help with. Wake up, this is a total political manuever. Last week he said the economy was fine, what this week it not and after the bailout it is good again. Please.

Damn right!!

What Obama said is so true!
In this time more than any other the American people need to hear from the person(s) who in less then 40 days will be taking the lead on this economic crisis as well as all the other problems facing our country.

If McCain has problems with the multi-tasking--being president is really not the job for him.

McCain's move A Sign of a real leader not a Hollywood Gimmick oshama!

Yeah... multitasking is an important necessity for the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!

Let Palin and Biden take the timeslot

haha the real reason they want to delay the presidential debate is so they can push the v.p. debate back.....they want to make thursday , the pres. debate . next thursday was the v.p. debate

Obama is definitely right on this one. Call a spade a spade.

I still don't think it fair that only the Dems and Reps are in the debate. Not very democratic at all.

Does anyone know exactly which shade of punk-bitch McCain is wearing today?

If Palin's foreign policy experience is measured by how many countries she can see from her front porch- it makes sense that McCain's ability to multi-task is limited to being a presidential candidate OR being a Senator...

I think it was unusual for McCain to want to postpone the debate. We want to hear how you plan on helping the economy so please tell us.

you can't run away forever Grampy McShame,......he probably wants the debates to begin on Nov 3, so no one has time to take in what has been discussed.

....and stay down, old man!

Damn that was good counter shot. Obama is the Master-sensi.

Somebody wanna help McCain back to his feet and help him find his dentures?

LMAO! That's right, Obama! Call his old dumb butt out!

Team Dumb and Dumber used the hurricanes as the same excuse. Economic disaster, Gramps is focusing on it, yeah, right!

Well bring your wrinkly old tail to the podium at Ol' Miss and prove it, Gramps!

I think, for the sake of Hack of The Debates..that we should just go on already!

Yes, there are several other that will debate Obama, bring em on. If McCain isn't up to it, you know....needs some down time and all, well.....there are other third party candidates out there chomping at the bits to debate.

imo

I think McCain's camp already knows the score for this first debate, especially in this time of financial economic crisis:

Obama: 1 McCain: 0

I think what McCain is really trying to say is...
"the dog ate my homework!"

good.

now let someone else besides these two chosen
ones speak at a debate.

I think Obama's response is exactly right. Yes, these are challenging times for economies around the world but a) right now at least, the world won't stop turning if these two men aren't at Capitol Hill and b) shouldn't a potential president be able to multi-task!?

If anything, the American people need to hear from them and their plans for this country. I don't think a few hours on a Friday night are going to get in the way of legislation. I think McCain is just trying to get some more time to prepare and look like he's taking the high road. This country has many problems and a president needs to know how to multi-task.

Sorry McCain, it's called multitasking.

Look it up.

I gotta give it to Obama (chalk one up for him)

Obama is the man, McCain is not good on the economy and I am sure he is a bit scared for this face off and he should be.

Obama :1 MCcain: O

Oh-bama. He's just too good when it comes to PR and playing the cards.

Is anyone else as confused as I am right now?
(okay. not AS confused. just confused will do)