McCain seeks to delay debate (to focus on financial crisis)

[Pale Blue Dot]

Source: MSNBC

NEW YORK - Republican John McCain says he's directing his staff to work with Barack Obama's campaign and the debate commission to delay Friday's debate because of the economic crisis.

In a statement, McCain says he will stop campaigning after addressing former President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative session on Thursday and return to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.

McCain also said he wants President Bush to convene a leadership meeting in Washington. Both he and Obama would attend the session.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872907/

---

:wow:

[TexasLady]

1. just heard

WTH??

[MindMatter]

208. Counter: The debate is the perfect time to speak some plain truth to the American Public

No way Obama should let him off the hook. But maybe he should be open to switching the focus of this debate to be domestic issues including the economy.

If you let these people go around canceling the debates, don't be surprised if they try to cancel the election next.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

234. MCCAIN IS TERRIFIED OF HAVING A DEBATE

[YvonneCa]

315. Yes. I agree. I posted this in another thread and emailed...

...it to CNN, etc:

It IS possible to both believe there is an economic crisis AND think the crisis is being used for political reasons.

That's what is happening today in the presidential campaign...instigated by John McCain as he announces his intent to suspend his campaign and cancel Friday's debate on foreign policy. It is a disgusting, but probably useful, pattern by John McCain. Useful because McCain has nothing...no good record or vision for the future...to run on. So he uses these crises as a way of avoiding events where he has no chance to really compete. Like the convention, like a debate.


Need an example? There are several, IMHO:

Hurricane Gustav: McCain saw Obama's convention and knew he couldn't compete. So he said he needed to postpone it for unity (Country First), during a hurricane crisis. He really knew his convention was not going to be able to compete...either with numbers of people or in content. So he canceled day one, and then 'scaled down' the celebration.

Georgia/Russia: "We're all Georgians now." Really? McCain was ready to take advantage of the crisis...show he was a leader. And then the Georgians requested Joe Biden come over. :)

Now, the economic crisis: He's not ready to debate. Did you hear Joe Biden on foreign policy this morning? The issues he raised about McCain will ALL be raised in the Friday debate (if it happens). So what does McCain do? He suspends his campaign and cancels the debate. Why? He says it's because of unity in a time of crisis (Country First). He says he and Obama need to come together...put the country first.

I say BALONEY! He's USING this crisis for political reasons. I, for one, am not buying. ABSOLUTELY not.

And here's what some don't understand. When we Democrats say McCain will give us four more years of Bush, this is why...the disgusting tactics of using crises for political gain. Bush did it with 9/11 and Iraq. Shameful.

McCain is following the same pattern...Gustav, Georgia, and the economic meltdown.

We are in REAL TROUBLE is the American people fall for this AGAIN.

[Lubernaut]

319. He'd also like the election bumped up to two weeks ago...

...

[wordpix]

433. no doubt about it - and cries WAAAH - the imperial presidency will go on if he's S-elected

[caledesi]

246. I agree! NT

[krkaufman]

306. Exactly; agreed. Obama should suggest, if anything, switching the debate to economics ...

... and our government deficit & debt.

[madmom]

342. Can't do that either, because they have to write all new questions and mclame won't have time

memorize answers.

[krkaufman]

354. Nah, that shouldn't be a problem ....

.... since he'll be wired with an earpiece.

[MindMatter]

409. I don't see why his answers would have to change any

On national security: "Senator McCain, when your VP nominee had her only interview since being nominated, she seemed to suggest we may have to go to war with Russia. Is that your policy as well?"

McCain: "Dear friends, let me just say that there was a time when I spent 5 years without being able to have a foreign policy. When a person goes through that, it teaches you how to love your country, just as Sarah Palin does."

On the economy: "Senator McCain, you have fashioned an entire portraying yourself as a great deregulator. But in the past week you now seem to be sounding the opposite tone. Which version of John McCain would America get if you are elected?"

McCain: "Dear friends: when you spend 5-and-a-half years in the Hanoi Hilton as I did, one thing you realize is that the Vietnamese have loads of regulations, and look what that did for them. So before anybody wants to talk to me about regulations, I suggest they spend a couple of years being tortured and then we'll talk about regulations."

Really, how much preparation would this take?

[krkaufman]

423. Excellent post! Thanks.

[Life Long Dem]

408. That's pretty much how I see it. But I think it's more than the debates alone.

And Bush getting involved?

On edit: And maybe Rove can get involved, and we can all talk about the piggy bank breaking.

[patomime]

428. Perfect answer....

agreed.

[donco6]

2. Whoa. This is massive. n/t

[dhpgetsit]

353. Step back and allow the aDults to fix this thing.

Yes. aDults with a big D.

[bluestateguy]

3. Coward

nt

[Taverner]

4. Wow - he's panicking

[PatrynXX]

154. they must be scared shitless

Complains for months about Obama not showing up for his town hall debates and he pulls this. Was telling mom this and she echoed pretty much the same thing. Scared shitless. Think someone hit the panic button...

Obama should say no. McCain wanted a debate, lets give em one. But knowing Obama, he'll agree. He's not one of those people who hate people just because they don't agree with him. Now McCain and Palin, do'h......

[Bernardo de La Paz]

159. Desperation move . . . nt

[Lorien]

364. His spin machine needs more time to get talking points in order n/t

[wordpix]

434. house of cards is falling!

[hedgehog]

5. What can I say but

[ronnykmarshall]

54. That's a pretty chicken!

[hedgehog]

63. You know, it IS a pretty chicken. I wonder where I can get some like

that to add to my flock. Delaware Blues?

[hedgehog]

87. On researching this, I discovered that I picked the wrong image -

the Delaware Blue is a fighting chicken!

McCain is more of a



or more properly

[Shiver]

156. I would have to disagree

Implying that McCain is one of these kinds of chicken gives the impression that he is juicy and delicious.

[Jackpine Radical]

183. Only his wife

and about 1600 blonde gold-diggers know for sure.

[intheflow]

216. Oh god, no!

Get that image out of my brain!!!!!!

:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[D23MIURG23]

416. Here you go:

[TommyO]

168. Off topic, but beer can chicken is yummy!

The McCain campaign, not so good. In fact they're running scared, running from the American people, running from the press. He's toast.

[lapfog_1]

199. Maybe he is more like this one...

After all, he is "DUCKing" the debate, and he is chickEN... which makes him a TURd.

[yellerpup]

221. You layer your sarcasm so deliciously!

:rofl:

[ComplimentarySwine]

343. Is that a tur-duck-en? n/t

[lapfog_1]

349. You are a winner... now get me a piece of lettuce. - n/t

[Nihil]

432. I thought you had the right one the first time ...

... seeing as McCain is just a loudmouthed cock ...
:hi:

[bvar22]

289. Thats NOT a chicken......

It IS a rooster!

[dgibby]

310. More likely a capon!

:evilgrin:

[Strathos]

336. too funny

You must be from the city.

They're all chickens, but females are hens, males are roosters.

It's like saying a man is not human.

[bvar22]

348. Meet Elvis.

He's our rooster.



Here he is with one of our Barred Rock hens.
We have 7 more hens. We call our laying hens "chickens".
We NEVER call Elvis a "chicken".

Come and tell Elvis to his face that he is a "chicken".
Bring your first aid kit.

A rooster is the wrong image to use when calling someone a coward.

[tclambert]

388. Slow down, loverboy. That might be a rooster.

[katty]

64. yup-Obama camp should be all over Mac's ass NOW about this

[corkhead]

109. that's a rooster. this is more appropriate...

[hedgehog]

132. As a backyard chicken keeper, I have to tell you I've seen

some pretty tough hens!

[4_TN_TITANS]

287. Me too...

I've known some roosters and hens that weren't the slightest bit 'chicken'.

[dgibby]

324. what's that old sayin'?

The rooster does all the crowing, but it's the hen that lays the egg!

[colonel odis]

6. roflmao ....

[Scurrilous]

7. How maverick of him.

:thumbsdown:

[crossroads]

88. LOL nt

[caledesi]

249. Good One! NT

[OhioChick]

8. This should NOT be cancelled. n/t

[kirby]

13. Postponed, not cancelled is what they are floating... n/t

[OhioChick]

25. It shouldn't be postponed, either. n/t

[hamsterjill]

82. It should NOT be postponed

And I hope Obama jumps on this hard. Obama should respond that the financial crisis is the VERY reason why the debate should go forward as scheduled. The American people need to hear from the candidates regarding how they plan to DEAL with the financial crisis.

POW my arse. This man is nothing but a coward!

[WolverineDG]

92. Have the debate anyway

Obama shows up & answers questions. Questions directed at McCain? Point the camera at the empty podium & keep rolling during the time allotted for the candidates to answer questions.

dg

[hamsterjill]

122. I'd love to see that happen!!!

n/t

[bunny planet]

148. That's just what I was going to say

Wolvie. Obama should show McClone for the coward he is, and answer all questions about the economy in the 'debate' that the American people are waiting to see. Let it be painfully obvious that McCain is afraid to debate Obama on the issues since he won't show up to debate him. I listened ad nauseum to Johnboy complaining about Obama not agreeing to his lame town hall meetings, now Obama can say McCain refuses to show up for the biggest town hall meeting of all.

[caledesi]

251. Good One! NT

[Chorophyll]

253. Hell yes. Brilliant. nt

[dgibby]

311. What you said!

[woodsprite]

145. He didn't postpone his birthday because of Katrina. n/t

[Liberal Gramma]

421. Good point.

That should be in the Dems' talking points.

[BlueJessamine]

95. No postponement-

the financial problems we are facing are important, but so is electing the next president.


Update: CNN is running a chyron that says that Obama said there is no reason to cancel debate or suspend campaign. Another chyron says that they agreed to issue a joint statement (where is that?).

[Plucketeer]

66. Yeah - postponed

Until November 5th. :rofl:

[wryter2000]

75. OMG...great minds

Look at my post right below yours. :rofl:

[Plucketeer]

186. Yeah I saw that as soon as I posted.

LOL - if one actually thinks for themselves, how could one at least THINK of such a scenario? Thanks for your comment. Gave me a smile. ;)

[wryter2000]

194. Glad to give you a smile.

:hi:

[wryter2000]

71. Yeah, postponed

"Will November 9 work for you Barack?" :rofl:

[humbled_opinion]

166. I will be disappointed in Obama is he follows.../n/t

[RT Atlanta]

9. He's spooked

n/t

[TwilightGardener]

10. What? Why? It's not like he's going to actually go to the Senate to vote on it.

He hasn't done that in years.

[firedupdem]

11. NO WAY!!!!!! n/t

[TomClash]

12. What???

I smell poultry! Chicken!

:wtf:

[smb]

101. I Smell Something...

...and it's more like what comes out of a chicken than like the chicken itself!

[TomClash]

120. Ewww, but accurate! nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

224. this one?

[gateley]

14. OMG!! Somebody else just posted it and I thought it was a JOKE!

I was :rofl: and said "you know he would if he could"

I didn't in my wildest DREAMS think this was for real, just a clever, funny DU post! :wow:

[Dr.Phool]

15. Who didn't see that coming?

Breaking: Palin asks to cancel VP debates. Tripped over moose turd while trudging across the tundra to spy on Russia.

[Dhalgren]

70. She got a doggie-doo snowcone

stuck in the other eye...Sorry Frank...

[mikeytherat]

79. And the Husky wee-wee, I mean the doggie wee-wee has blinded me, and I cannot see.

Temporarily.

mikey_the_rat

[Dhalgren]

282. OK, how bout this/

At St Alfonso's pancake breakfast!
Where I stole the Margarine!

(Love that album)... :)

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

414. And weedled on the bingo cards

and blew up the latrine.

[mikeytherat]

431. I saw a handsome parish lady make her entrance like a queen.

While she was totally in chenille, and her old man was a marine.

They're so light and fluffy brown, they're the finest in the town,
they're so light and fluffy brown, they're the finest in the town.
They're so light and fluffy light, we'll raise a fortune by tonight,
they're so light and fluffy light, we'll raise a fortune by tonight.

mikey_the_rat

[wryter2000]

81. Yeah, she's needed in the Senate

Oh wait...no, she's not.

[Dr.Phool]

153. Overdose of yellow snow.

[Dystopian]

413. Oh the visual!

....while spying on Russia...

:rofl:

omg! lol!

peace~

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

16. WE CAN'T SPARE TWO HOURS!!!

[jkshaw]

17. No!

[newscott]

18. In the words of Roy Orbison

Just running scared!

[Mark E. Smith]

19. McCanoodle: "Haaallllppp!!!"

"Can't think. All going bad. Must hide."

[Pathwalker]

20. They were discussing this on CNBC. Also said he's suspended campaign,

wants bi-partisan meetings and oh yeah - the bail-out won't pass.

[beac]

182. Yeah, he's 'suspending his campaign' and 'reaching across the aisle' for ONE DAY so that he can

spend the next FORTY DAYS hammering Obama about 'putting politics before country' because Obama is smart enough to be able to handle more than one thing at a time.


McCain is a giant SACK of the stuff that comes out of chickens.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

21. Link to story here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872907/

[phantom power]

22. If I were Obama, I would immediately run ads calling him out.

"Why is McCain afraid to debate me? Is it because he doesn't want to face uncomfortable questions about the GOP's central role in this economic meltdown?"

[kirby]

26. Bingo! Exactly!

Even it is supposed to be a foreign policy debate... Stick it to them anyway...

[GinaMaria]

39. Our economy impacts foreign policy

should be no problem to bring this up in the Obama debate, McCain debacle.

[hedgehog]

23. Obama should show up and debate the empty chair if need be!

[RT Atlanta]

27. that's the way its done!

show that he's ready, willing and able to debate

[yy4me]

226. Agree 100%. It would be a good chance for him to talk freely

to the American people. If the other guy is too chicken to show, too bad. A couple of hours on a Friday night will not change the mess we are in. Mcsame is running scared. I hope Obama doesn't fall for it. This is as phony as a $3.00 bill.

Obama should insist the debates go as scheduled.

[dixiegrrrrl]

24. McCain says he is suspending the campaign for now.

The Campaign !!!

[puerco-bellies]

28. McCain wants the debates delayed to deal with finacial crisis

Source: CNN Network

Just announced on CNN

No link yet.

---

Breaking on CNN Network

[soleft]

29. He should be able to do both

[Bernardo de La Paz]

171. Old guy can't multi-task. If banks close & Putin invades Ukraine, you don't ask Putin for a delay.

If banks are closing or another domestic crisis arises and Putin invades Ukraine, you don't ask Putin for a postponement. Old guy McCain can't multi-task.

[habitual]

30. K+R

wowowowow

he's running like a scared, scared man.

[HeraldSquare212]

31. There's a crisis - why talk to the people?

[Hugin]

I'm thinking life should pretty much proceed as normal.

No need to panic.

[sinkingfeeling]

33. Don't think you're prepared, uh?

[napi21]

34. Not into multi-tasking John? n/t

[Zuiderelle]

38. Just saw it on MSNBC. Wow. Let's cancel Thanksgiving next.

I can't believe that this will play well.

[Eugenian]

425. "Let's cancel Thanksgiving next."

That's part of McCain's plan.

(The turkeys always want to do that.)

[Hardrada]

427. LOL!

[Jim__]

46. Bullshit. McCain's just out campaigning anyway.

He's not needed to take care of anything.

[bluemarkers]

144. is he in charge?

or rather, does he think he is in charge?

Heaven help us.

[Lorien]

366. He hasn't stolen the Presidency YET. Let BushCo try to clean up their own

handiwork.

[adigal]

32. No, No, No - the American people NEED to hear from these guys

right now, to take their measure and listen to their plans. What is he thinking? He looks like a scaredy-cat coward. Everyone knows he is certainly not going to work on it, or vote on it, COWARD!!!!

[Virginia Dare]

152. Exactly. One of them will be in charge in a few months..

they need to debate and talk to the public. This is utter BULLSHIT!

[GinaMaria]

35. Scardy Cat and his running mate

Frady Cat are working overtime to avoid exposure. Get the old man on camera next to Obama and we'll have an even starker contrast than Kennedy and Nixon.

[Bette Noir]

185. I'd say Kennedy and Grandpa Munster,

except that Grandpa Munster was one of us.

[HeraldSquare212]

36. Keep cam[aigning Obama - because you've been speaking the solution for months and months

[K8-EEE]

37. OK something's wrong with him.

Uh, I think they can spare 2 hours for the debate!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

45. And I know what it is!

He's a crappy candidate.

[Critters2]

40. He'll have to handle crises and day-to-day business when he's prez.

Unless he just isn't able...then maybe he shouldn't be prez!!

[GinaMaria]

55. I thought the same thing

like wonder if he had a stroke and is aphasic or something. Or is barely alive and they are hiding that fact until after the election, or his cancer relapsed.... The mind spins with possibilities none of them good.

[Demit]

90. Really. Is that what he'd do as president—ask the world to postpone its crises

because he's busy on another matter here at home?? This man is unbelievably pitiful.

[CountAllVotes]

41. hey McFlame ...

send Falin Palin to speak for you!!!

:kick:

[kirby]

42. My proposal: Swap Financial and Foreign policy debates instead!!! n/t

[Critters2]

44. That's my thought...change topics. Talk about this!!

But talk!!

[Neshanic]

50. Exactly. Switch topics.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

51. Good thinking, brainiac.

:)

:thumbsup:

[whistler162]

356. NOW THAT would panic McCain and his people.....

OH NO THE WRONG CLIFF NOTES!!!!

PANIC!!!!!

[Tansy_Gold]

367. "Swap Financial and Foreign Policy Debates"

Does that then become a Credibility Default Swap?


Sorry.


Tansy Gold

[Fiendish Thingy]

370. I think that's what McCain wants - to have foreign policy debate (his strength) last n/t

[Hugin]

43. We lived for around 40 years with the constant threat of global annihilation without canceling... ...

anything.

It ain't gonna happen now, John.

Get your teleprompters ready.

Put on your little radio-ear-piece link to Rover's man and get to the debate.

[Tuttle]

114. Maybe you've hit on something

Maybe the guy on the other end of the earpiece link can't make it so he's looking to postpone.

Stick to the schedule Macdaddy: you're the one who crows about Obama backing out of the Town Hall formats.

Tut-tut

[kskiska]

47. Maybe he'll want the election postponed, too?

[kirby]

49. In these tough times the markets cannot withstand a change of leadership!!! n/t

[liberalcanuck]

162. That picture of McSame is freakin' hilarious n/t

[elehhhhna]

325. don't change horses in the middle of a ....wha? The horse is repossessed?

nevermind

[BrklynLiberal]

170. No doubt that ballooon will be floated...

[FightingIrish]

48. This may be an indication that we won't have an election after all.

[ramapo]

52. Yet another political maneuver

Twists and turns...how will Obama respond? He is in a no win situation. Does he put the debate above "country first" or does he follow McCain's fine example of leadership?

So how long a delay? Damn I had my party all planned....

[GinaMaria]

67. He puts country first by talking to the people

and debating issues and presenting solutions. What the hell, do the Cons just have us on ignore? If you want a bailout McLoser convince us, on TV Friday night. How about addressing our anger and frustration over the bailout? How about calming fears and uniting everyone to a common vision or mission? How the hell did we become so irrelevant to these folks? (don't answer that last one. I know already)

[The Stranger]

111. What in the fuck are you talking about Obama being in a "no win situation"?

Are you kidding me? Obama has McCain running scared, almost literally.

He could respond in any number of ways to keep McCain running right out of the election.

[ramapo]

264. You're right

My first thought was this was a pretty good, though clearly very political move, by McCain.

After some reflection, I think it is an insult to the voting public and a flailing about by a man who just doesn't seem to know what to do next.

We've gone from a fundamentally strong economy to a crisis so severe that the presidential campaign needs to be halted because the other 97 Senators don't know what to do.

[BigD_95]

53. smart move on his part

freaking bull shit but Im sure the press will eat it up.

[Pattib]

96. I don't see it as smart at all...makes him look scared and unable to cope.

[hogwyld]

149. It is a smart move

The press will portray Mr. POW as a "Man of Action", with the "Country First" mantra playing 24/7.

[Hoyt]

217. Obama counter with a call to debate the economic "crisis".

What better way to address the issue, show where the candidates stand, and hopefully get the message out to people who really don't understand all the facets of the situation (not sure I do either).

They can meet in Washington and hold the debate there. Besides, they both can totally ignore bush.

[emilyg]

118. I agree. Very smart move.

[raebrek]

392. Agree...

I posted a similar thought below before reading the entire thread. My bad. The problem with debating is that no matter what they say it won't pass a law in DC. Going to DC to work will get something done.

Raebrek!!!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

241. This is supposedly a fucking democracy and Americans s/be DEMANDING answers.

I don't keep up with FUX "News," but much of the press no longer seems to be in McNasty's pocket. When even Campbell Brown bashes Yukon Barbie, you know something is going on.

I guess McNasty needed time to figure out an answer as to why his campaign manager was an Uncle Freddie contractor up until the bailout. Or isn't ready to address the FBI investigation.

I'm waiting for the announcement about 'postponed' election...

[budkin]

56. Total political stunt

[SpookyCat]

239. You, me, my freakin' cats...we can all see that.

But the average voter? Uninformed and easily swayed? THat's what worries me. That this will be spun as "proactive" and "presidential"...etc..and people will buy it.

I would love to be wrong, but people are mighty stupid sometimes...

[jmondine]

333. He probably could have, except...

This comes right after the "world's shortest press conference", the stonewalling of press in Palin's world leader 101 meetings, and the terrible gaffe about Spain. There's no way this looks like anything other than McCain trying to hide.

[SpookyCat]

391. From your keyboard to dog's ears...

I would certainly hope so, and I really hope you're right.

:hi:

[Tarc]

57. What a fucking lie. McCain is scared SHITLESS, and is running for the hills

After months and months of "the economy is sound" talking points, it is all crumbling down around them this week. McCain's handlers are petrified that he's going to be absolutely humiliated Friday night.

[katty]

72. yes, he is freaking out--he knows he will be knocked out

[Liberalynn]

58. Next thing he will want to cancel is the election.

They will suggest keeping Dumbya in office. Only partially kidding.
I am really kind of afraid this is what is going to happen.:scared:

[lilyannerose]

59. This is just a stunt

n

[GinaMaria]

80. to what end?

grabbing media attention? Turning the focus on him and away from the economic crisis?

[corkhead]

196. Last I heard, the economy was fundamentally sound.

When was the last time he voted in the senate, has it even been this year? What make him think he is going to make a difference.

This is a cynical attempt to make the situation look bigger than it is

Next he will patriotically offer to suspend the elections?

un fucking believeable


Barack will have an answer to this that I am looking foreward to... Just watch...

[defendandprotect]

395. IMO ... suggesting a national "crisis" --- one more urgent than elections, perhaps --???

[DinahMoeHum]

60. McCain = Chickenshit Pansy

:nopity:

[katty]

61. TOTAL BULLSHIT! He's scared and can't talk about Economy

because he hardly knows anything about economics--and Rick Davis is a Fan and Freddie lobbyist--Mac is scare that will be brought up.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

296. Exactly! McLame has nothing to add to the debate on the Wall Street and banking crisis.

So glad you pointed that out. It's grandstanding and trying to somehow dig himself out of his abjectly horrible responses to these issues. Obama has to be very careful how he responds. Tone is everything.

Besides, why can't this wait less than 48 hours until Saturday after the debate?

[Doodler71]

62. Hmm, how can we stall and if Obama calls "foul" we can make him look bad?

What a load of BS!!! Like two hours for a debate is going to make or break the economic crisis solutions. GMAFB.

McCain is scared, he is stalling, and he doesn't know what the f* to do.

[katty]

68. precisely!

[Parker CA]

89. Obama must respond like this:

As the President I know there will be times when multiple disasters and issues are going on at the same time. I will not be able to choose one over another or multiple others. I will attend to each in a proper manner, and I will make informed decisions about each one by granting equal time to each. Cancelling the debates is a sign that a potential President cannot handle multiple issues and cannot juggle multiple problems that happen to occur at the same moment.

If the economy crashes and a war begins in Iraq, will McCain turn his attention only to one issue? Doesn't make a lick of sense.

[bunny planet]

175. Perfect response. I hope that's the one Obama gives.

[SpookyCat]

263. NNNNIIIIICCCCCEEEE!!!!!!!

This is the perfect response! Gobama!!!

[gingersnaps1]

283. Spot on. I guess Obama or someone from the O-Team must be in sync with you

[Doodler71]

317. Someone must be listening to you

Spot on!

Go Obama!!!

[wryter2000]

99. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[Doodler71]

318. thanks!

I'm glad to have found DU.

[ramapo]

65. Move the debate to Washington

This shouldn't be such a difficult task...then show up and talk for two hours. Can't he spare the time to multi-task a bit.

[MikeE]

86. Thank you

My thoughts exactly. Move it to DC. Hell, all the staions are here and we have the space.

[ohtransplant]

102. Had the same thought. I'll help if they need me

I can carry Mac's step stool!

[trashcanistanista]

69. CNN reporting Obama reached out to McCain

to put out a joint statement on the bail out. McCain agreed. Obama asked if he would suspend his campaign, NO! Obama wants debate on Friday. McCain is running scared right now. Trying to close of campaigning and the debate. What a scumbag. Rick Sanchez says he is giving it to the Democrats.

[katty]

73. amazing--Mac is crashing again already

[Sivafae]

77. Yep, Obama's camp said they even got a call back from Mccain.

[greyghost]

Sanchez is spot on.

[Poll_Blind]

74. Now THIS from mister "Fundamentals of Economy Going Strong!" HA!

  Shitheel, who's falling for your bullshit? Having an Oops-I-crapped-my-pants moment thinking about Friday, eh, John?

(jingles keys)

PB

[humbled_opinion]

103. Maybe they were out of

DEPENDS

[whistle]

76. It's the Mc-Caine mutiny, someone give John two ball bearings to fondle

[ColoradoMagician]

78. If he can't handle two meetings in one day, He can't lead.

Set the f-ing debate in some tent in DC if that is what it takes, but I want my debates.

[Pale Blue Dot]

83. Several possibilities: 1)Washington Mutual is going to fail on Friday.

I think this is a fairly likely scenario, and if so, the nation would know just as the debates are starting. Not good news for McCain.

2. McCain is scared. (Discussed many times above).

3. The Shock Doctrine scenario. The republicans all seem to be on message today that the economy is really, really, really bad (even Palin said today that there may be a Depression). When the Republicans are all on message about something, it's a reason for concern, IMHO.

[tinrobot]

84. He's boarding the "no-talk" express.

No debates, no press conferences, no nothing.

The man is insane.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

85. This guy's Nucking Futs. He goes around putting down Obama for not willing to address him...

...at town hall meeetings, and now he does THIS?!?!

[trashcanistanista]

91. Obama should go on and debate himself!

I really don't think the public will buy this. McCain is on CNN right now playing the economic fear card! He is saying employers won't be able to pay employees. Maybe this is what they wanted and why this economic shit hit the fan right now. . Next they'll postpone the election. Fascist motherfuckers.

[SemperEadem]

93. No. Do. Not. Postpone. This. Debate.

He needs to face the fire. He can't hold fast and firm in a crisis, so his answer is to postpone facing the American people? He's just going to cut and run? What kind of fuckin' leader is that? How can this country trust a coward who can't stand in his truth and own what he did to bring this mess about?

I swear!!!

[DaDeacon]

176. Right on...

Now is a man up momment.

Response from Obama's camp should be:

While it would be easy not to face the nation at this time we feel . We look forward to seeing Sen. McCain on Friday evening presenting his ideas for the nation moving forward. .

[Shardik]

94. This is bullshit. Neither he or Palin want to debate at all.

They won't do well at all and they know it. Now he's trying to control the field.

[humbled_opinion]

97. HE IS TANKING IN THE POLLS SO HE

Tries this Panicky cowardly BS. Obama don't fall for it. These idiots have got to be held accountable once and for all.

[crossroads]

267. Hear Hear! Well said... nt

[smb]

98. McCain seeks to delay debate (to hide from public scrutiny)

Title edited for accuracy.

[humbled_opinion]

107. Isn't it his campaign that was in deep doo-doo

because of contributions by old boys network at Freddie and Fannie...hmmm scrutiny my ass they all need to go to jail

[EnviroBat]

100. I said exactly this about two weeks ago...

MCain/Palin, biggest fucking Cowards on the planet.

[Alcibiades]

104. It's 3:00 am and John McCain gets a call

It's a crisis.

It's 3:10 am and John McCain gets another call, and it's another crisis.

Can John McCain postpone the first crisis so that he can deal with the second? Apparently he cannot deal with more than one thing at a time. The straight talk express truly has turned into the no-talk express. He can't talk because it takes him some time to work out his lies. He needs time to be coached so he can stay on his talking points.

[GinaMaria]

112. Then let Obama have the 2 hours of free airtime n/t

[SemperEadem]

115. the "straight talk express"

is really the "stfu and run" express.

[Don Davis]

105. McCain Seeks to Delay Debates, Until After the Election

http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=3439

[WolverineDG]

106. CUT & RUN! CUT & RUN!!!

When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream & shout.

Oh yeah, just the kind of leadership *I* would like to see in the WH for the next 4 years.

:sarcasm:

dg

[krabigirl]

108. LOL - he is panicking! They should not allow this to be postponed. What's he afraid of??

[ohtransplant]

110. Hail Mary...

"I'm down by nine and need a miracle. Whatcha got fer me? Huh? Suspend what? Postpone what? Really?"

[Reform]

113. Unbelievable

Im at a loss for words

[pinkpops]

116. How bout each send their VP picks to substitute?

[SemperEadem]

184. I second that one.

good idea.

[Zorra]

117. He's grandstanding, and he's afraid. Just say no to McCain.

Let the debates begin.

Or, let Obama address the nation himself if McCain doesn't show.

[Name removed]

279. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pryderi]

335. To perform ostentatiously so as to impress an audience.

GRANDSTANDING. Agreed. It's the first word that sprung to mind when I heard the story. Definition:

[northsongs]

119. Suspending his campaign?

Couldn't have anything to do with avoiding answers re: Rick Davis and Freddie/Fannie issue, right?
maybe he has to suspend his campaign because he has to fire his campaign manager and get another one, quick!


He's running scared. I think people are going to want mcBUSH to stop avoiding talking to the American people about these issues eventually. McSame don't want to do that. When you're losing as bad as they know they are, you can't make it worse by avoiding a face-off with your opponent.

Think guilty murderers not wanting to testify in their own defense at a murder trial...the risk is greater to cause yourself harm by testifying, than to avoid it altogether.

[Ian_rd]

121. D E S P E R A T E

Suspending the campaign a month before the election? He's going for another all-or-nothing Hail Mary pass, as he did with selection Palin, taking a massive chance to change the game to his favor. Palin, after looking promising, is proving to be a loss, or a wash at best. Now he's going for another shot.

[desktop]

123. Actually a smart political move by McCain

McCain know he is starting to lose badly. Anything he can do to try and brake Obamas momentum is being tried here. Obama may have to go along with a 1 week postponement even though this whole move is sheer politics on McCains part.

[louis-t]

228. Good point. Timeout works in sports, too.

GOP is circling the wagons right now.

[FirstLight]

124. I just heard this on the car radio,

Couldn't wait to get here, and it's the Front Page headline...

:WTF:

It could mean a couple things, I was thinking as I drove back to the office...

- he's scared because he has NO clue

- he doesn't need to campaign, because Martial law will be declared and the coup will be complete

- He really believes that if these banks fail, we will be looking at the Apocalypse (Sarah has been whispering in his ear ...)

:scared:

I hope it is because Barack will kick his ASS, and then serve it to him, and he knows it. I hope to god that Barack won't let him get away with this,
that he shows up and looks at the empty podium and says
"okay, I guess that means I win......"

First they want to cut out the press, then they "suspend " the campaign, ignore subpoenas (Palin)and now want to avoid the debate? hmmm... looks either calculated or chickenshit....

[greyghost]

214. CHICKENSHIT!

[santamargarita]

396. McChickenshit if you please

~

[slewfoot]

125. Chickenshit! N/T

[cui bono]

126. I call BULLSHIT!!!

"He's fleeing the debate!"

He knows he will be sliced and diced and is running like the little ***** that he is.

[Alcibiades]

127. If he cannot even handle a debate, how can he handle a crisis?

Just staggering.

[BallardWA]

128. If we all see this for what it is -

...is it possible that George Liquor, American! will perceive it as such? Surely, no-one could possibly see this as an act of courage.

[K8-EEE]

129. This after the 11 minute press conference. There's something wrong with him.

"Postpone" my ass, he's trying to get out of debating or defending his stance on the issues! Scared to death! Soon they will be too "focused on helping" to have elections at all. They're such a distraction, right? Fascists!

[madmax]

130. What makes him think he's so fucking valuable!!!???

:mad:

[humbled_opinion]

163. HUBRIS... Its something inbred in them all.... LOL

[SpookyCat]

292. Just want to go on record that I'm taking the high road for once,

and not grabbing that straight line you fed me...it's causing me actual pain, but I will rise above...this once...LOL!!!

[BooScout]

131. What a chicken shit he is n/t

[The Backlash Cometh]

133. Oh, I hope Clinton isn't colluding with these people to take away

Obama's thunder. That would just be horrible, but the signs are all there.

[indio55555]

134. LOL! Check his diaper.

Whatever happened to “I’m ready to debate Mr. Obama anywhere anytime”. Oh well if he can’t go Ahmadinejad is ready for the debate.

[Muttocracy]

135. So is he trying to delay it due to early voting starting already? nt

[Vinca]

136. Well, that does it. I'm changing my vote. Kidding, of course.

Why on earth would McBush, an avowed ignoramus on economic issues, decide he suddenly must be in the middle of the fray in Washington? Can't he multitask for heaven's sake? This is a political, chickenshit ploy to delay the inevitable whooping he's going to take in the debate. Either that or there's a bigger negative story coming out tomorrow morning in the NYT that he wants to deflect.

[AzDar]

137. Yeah...the process of electing a new President is pretty goddamned vital, too.

Say NO! to the coward.....

[corporatemedia]

138. Obama should say .............. ............... .................... .................... NO WAY !

They can talk (debate) Friday night and be back to work on Saturday.

This is BULLSHIT.

[LynneSin]

139. You know this worked for when Hurricane Gustav was coming thru

this is different. If they need to, they could reschedule the debate for somewhere in NO. Virginia so they could work on the budget crisis and then have their debate.

This is nothing more than McCain trying to weasel his way out of doing a debate.

[PuppyBismark]

140. This is not school - John didn't do his homework so he wants an extension.

[JBoy]

206. That's exactly what I thought.

[goodhue]

141. silly stuff

[Roland99]

142. What a coward

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

143. McCain explaining his stance

We gotta fix that economy son.

[Virginia Dare]

146. I guess I'll tell my boss I need to stay home the rest of the week..

to deal with my financial crisis...:eyes:

[yurbud]

147. that's a hail mary pass toward the wrong end zone

[yurbud]

151. I vaguely recall seeing a skit like this about a debate once. When one guy finishes speaking...

the other guy drinks a glass, of water, says "excuse me," and RUNS AWAY.

[Roland99]

150. McCain just conflated "patriotism" following 9/11 with now.

[GinaMaria]

155. but he and lipstick have time to chat with Bono? n/t

[Raksha]

259. I thought they cancelled the meeting with Bono. n/t

[Frisbee]

157. I thoiught the ecomomy was "fundamentally storong"

you f---ing moran.

[humbled_opinion]

158. McCain cant do two things at once... .IDIOT COWARD./...

[Dukkha]

160. he's clearly unfit to command if he can't simply talk in a debate

now he will be cowardly hiding from the media like his little loud mouth running mate

[lelgt60]

161. I wish I was as confident as the rest of you about how this will be seen...

McCain is going to spin this as he's someone who is "above" the fray and a statesman. That he has taken the initiative to stop campaigning when the safety of the country was at stake, no matter the political consequences.

That is sure how I'd spin it.

[desktop]

173. You're correct. Obama needs to go along with 1 week postponement

It's sheer politics as McCain tries to brake Obamas momentum.

[PassingFair]

340. He's already stated that he KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THE ECONOMY!!1!

Is he suspending his campaign to take classes at
the local community college?

He can TRY to spin this one!

Deep sixing Palin hasn't done them any good either....

[Pale Blue Dot]

345. Polls are ALREADY showing that it's not being seen well.

It seems that this is already really hurting McCain.

[cvoogt]

164. cynical, but smart move

I think this will play well to his base and possibly independents, bust mostly to people who don't actually read the news, and only see headlines. It plays into his (artificial) image as a maverick and a leader. He has to shore up his base, and by playing the leader he does that. Where was he the last couple days when Congress was trying to piece together legislation? Now that he feel it is taking too long, he can ride in on his white pony and save the day. What's funny is that at the same time Bush is planning to address the nation - I think in the end this will only connect him more with Bush - the law of unintended consequences at work.

Yes, he probably does want to get out of the debate, but he knows he can't just cancel them. They've been postponed, and he wouldn't have made this move if his advisers didn't think it would benefit him. He has - in the eyes of his base - elevated himself above the fray, at a time when the MSM is wondering out loud where Obama's concrete ideas on the bailout are (even though he has them!!).

I think for Obama's campaign to attack and push McCain on the debate postponement could really backfire in this case. It will make Obama look petty to many Americans. I am talking here from knowing my own extended family who I know will not be voting for Obama, if only because he's black. It's a shame, but there are still many people who think that way. There is a large segment of the populace who will latch onto any slight evidence that McCain is the Promised One, just so they don't have to contemplate voting for a black man. McCain's move has made the choice easier for some swing voters, let's just put it that way. A lot of people won't see such moves for the cynical ploys they are.

[kenfrequed]

165. BS express

McCain is trying to soften the perception that republicans are bad for the economy. The answer is clarity and being public.

If McCain thinks this is an important issue he can debate on it openly and honestly and let the American people decide what they think of it. This is too important for back door dealing and secrecy.

And if McCain and Bushie think they want to do something about it they can put a rational bill over to congress or get on board with their bill. Maybe one that doesn't involve creating an all powerful bailer and financier in chief to service teh rich and make us service the bill.

[BrklynLiberal]

167. One word: BULLSHIT.

There is no reason whatsoever to postpone this debate. I hope the Dems do not give in on this.

[jzodda]

169. Interesting Political TRICK

This has nothing to do with McCain being afraid to debate. That notion is silly since he has been in over 70 debates in his political career spanning 30 years.

Its a trick. Grab the headlines and make people in this country think HE'S in charge. He wants the public to believe he will ride into Washington and then take charge of this bailout and set the parameters. What a game changer if the public falls for this trick. I am sure the house/senate Republicans will all help him with this perception.

Obama has to act fast before the public really believes McCain is decisive in his leadership on this. Obama has to make sure that McCain is not seen as being in charge.

[foxfeet]

275. Good point! n/t

[defendandprotect]

399. In charge of what...? Helping Paulson protect his $700 million interest in Goldman S -- ???

Mc Cain has told us he knows "nothing" about economics -- !!!

This looks like a ROVE move ---

[IronLionZion]

401. I think you hit the nail on the head.

and I would love for Obama to ask him what exactly he did to save America from....the last 8 years of failed leadership.

[Bette Noir]

172. Chicken.

Does he also want to delay the election?

[StatGirl]

174. So he should send Palin to debate in his place.

Problem solved!

[madmusic]

177. Translation: my lobbyists have to go to Washington

To help craft the Department of Homeland Financial Security.

[Lubernaut]

178. Chicken McNuggets©

...

[chelsea0011]

179. Polls are crashing and Palin needs to be replaced.

[maple25]

180. Obama should make 2 suggestions...

He should say that the debate must happen but suggest 2 alternatives for McSame to pick from:
1. Change the location to DC and the topic to the economy
2. Allow the Biden/Palin debate to take place Friday

[Fly by night]

181. Here's the message I just left at www.johnmccain.com

It took a while to get through, but I'm glad I persisted. Here's the message I left McAWOL:

"Why do you want to postpone the debate? If you think your presence is suddenly necessary in Washington to help clean up the mess you helped create with your deregulation efforts, I have a better idea.

"Why not just withdraw from the campaign now and concede the election to Obama? If you do that, your political party will be spared six more weeks of embarrassment, Sarah Palin can return to Alaska to (finally) start being the mother she has failed to be so far, and you can spend some time starting those 13 cars you own so their batteries won't die. Like your campaign just did.

"If you were still the maverick you were in 2000, I would still respect you. What, pray tell, ever happened to that John McCain? I expect his picture to start appearing on milk cartons real soon."

[mnhtnbb]

219. ROFL

:rofl:

[Name removed]

273. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Fly by night]

297. Welcome to DU. Maybe you'll be here long enough to get a clue.

But then, maybe not.

As for Hillary, I don't think Chelsea got pregnant (one or more times) before she graduated from high school. I also don't think Chelsea joined the military to avoid jail time for vandalizing the brakes on school buses, like the Palin's oldest child. It does sound like the Palin family could use some parents who could provide some adult supervision (and example).

At the very least, I want Rethugs to keep their values away from my family.

Lastly, I don't pose for anything. But I think you might have meant "poseur". It's amazing how many short-time DUers have so much difficulty spelling what they mean. If you're around here long, you might find the "spell check" button and use it. But then, that may not be necessary.

[felinetta]

187. McSame is a total transparent PHONEY - just give him no air time

Why don't we just give McCain no attention at all? Just dismiss him as another ignorant American. He's a waste of time. McCain's comments are so foul, I can smell them in my home on the West Coast! He's a bully and a punk and wants Obama to obey his every order. Well screw you McCain and your demands. McCain is so confrontational just like Bush. He must be a real joy to live with.

[gingersnaps1]

188. Obama team says "Debate On" according to DaillyKos posting

here is the link form ABC
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/mccain-not-comm.html

[Haole Girl]

189. Running scared

As he should be.

:rofl:

[dave123williams]

190. War Hero. Political pantywaist.

[cosmicone]

261. What war hero?

He got caught and was held prisoner. No "heroism" there. Like he had a choice to be or not be a prisoner and he chose to be one!

[dave123williams]

328. Dude, the guy was in a death camp for five years. Give it a rest.

I don't think being a POW, in any way, qualifies him for the office.

[tavalon]

430. Of course he was a war hero!

That doesn't qualify him in any way shape or form to be a President.

[nichomachus]

191. He found out Cracker Barrel was starting an early-bird special n/t

[JonLP24]

192. It's for political points

I don't see McCain as running scared as foreign policy is supposedly where he is strong at and that is the debte I expected McCain to do the best in.

[Bragi]

193. Not debating will fix everything, for sure /NT

[fencesitter]

195. That McCain, He's decisive, on top of things

Why waste time debating, this is a crisis, dammit! The man's got his priorities straight.

Now, next on Fox News.....

[musette_sf]

197. "to focus on the nation's financial problems"

too bad he couldn't be bothered to vote on Gramm Leach Bliley.

[rocktivity]

198. cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck

:evilgrin:
rocknation

[Bernardo de La Paz]

200. Freepers confused. They think it's Obama's idea, but they want to send Palin to debate Obama!

Freepers say Media is claiming its Obama's idea. But freepers don't know shit from shinola:

Obama can debate an empty chair or better yet McCain can have Sarah Palin debate him while John McCain takes care of the business of the country....

[GinaMaria]

211. Bring It!

[fryguy]

201. 26 years in the Congress....

.....and NOW he decides to start focusing on the economy?!?!??! How convenient!

:argh:

[nichomachus]

202. McCain trying to fix the economy is like Borat in the antique store n/t

[zazen]

312. if McCain's Borat, then who's Borat's fat, hairy, occasionally naked "producer?"

[blossomstar]

203. The bastard opportunist!

His campaign is tanking and he knows it. This man is literally INSANE. This is so very obvious for anyone to see that McCain is USING this crisis to try to salvage what is left of his pathetic run for president. He sickens me, the corrupt bastard.

[progressive_realist]

204. McSame is in a panic b/c Obama is forcing him to take a stand.

From the article:

"The Obama campaign said Obama had called McCain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to propose that they issue a joint statement in support of a package to help fix the economy as soon as possible."

Very clever team we have: If McCain is forced to add his name to negotiations, he can't just skip the final vote and then blame the bailout on the Dems. He was trying to stay clear of the mess, but Obama just checked him.

:headbang:

[Johnnyheadstone]

205. wow is right, don't let him off the hook

he wants to delay because he knows he is toast once that debate gets under way and the economy is going to be #1 topic....I hope Obama simply replies by stating that this is the best time to have a focused open debate about this crisis, how we arrived here and how as the next president each of the candidates would be addressing this situation if they were currently in office....

[Lugnut]

207. Chickenshit.

This is beyond ridiculous.

[flamingdem]

209. buck buck buck ...

[asdjrocky]

210. NO NO NO!

If the MSM, if Obama, if we as American citizens let him get away with this we are doomed. A six year old could see through this ploy.

[MrTriumph]

212. Obama should reply that this is EXACTLY the right time to debate

Obama should reply that this is EXACTLY the right time to debate.

He should state forcefully that we have seen the tragic results of stunted public debate and that our country is better served by more, not less public discussion.

[JBoy]

213. Send the VP candidates in their place. That's what happens in the real world.

That would suit me fine.

[Janice325]

215. I think McCain is being a chickenshit about the debate

and that it should definitely take place Friday, with or without Mr.McPOW. However, it makes me wonder why Dimson is addressing the nation tonight.
I HATE it when I put on my tinfoil hat.

[paparush]

218. Let's See, Palin won't answer questions and McCone wants to put off the debates.

They've got Cheney's tactics mastered.

[Zech Marquis The 2nd]

220. i need that picard graphic bigtime

The one where he's saying," WTF is this shit?!!" :wtf:

This has to be the most totally FUCKED UP campaign I've ever seen :argh:

[Captiosus]

383. As requested and I agree completely.

[mnhtnbb]

222. Not ready for prime time.

[jberryhill]

223. Give Obama ALL of the time, then. /nt

[13 Hawks]

225. It's not McCain's decsion to make.

I'm not real sure abut the rules, but isn't it up to the
Debating Committee to make this decision? Obama needs to keep
the debate on target; the Committee can easily change
locations and or length of the debate. The danger is that if
it is canceled, it sets a precedent for future debates. 

Personally, I take offense at McCain comparing this to 9/11.
That's pretty disgusting and sad. No one is going to die here
or get burnt and maimed. Is it serious? Of course. But he's
just stoking fear and when the smoke blows away, he will be
seen as non-presidential, conniving and even cowardly.

[Maestro]

227. So McBush hides Palin from the press

and now he doesn't want to debate. Seriously, if it is not clear to everyone that the repukes do not serve the public, what does one need to see?

[indio55555]

229. This is an excuse that he’ll use later.

He knows it’s not going to go well, so he tries to delay. If he can’t delay he’ll say that he didn’t want to debate and wasn’t prepared for it.

[nightrain]

230. Oh such BS. This is a Friday night 9P EST, what else would you

be doing that would be more important? Napping?

[LatteLibertine]

231. Yep

He knows he's going to get pwned. Panic!

[Eugenian]

232. headline

McCain seeks to delay debate (to focus on financial crisis)

The phrase to focus on financial crisis should be in quotation marks. We all know it's just a stunt to (a) appear to understand, and be doing something about, the Wall Street clusterfuck; and (b) avoid getting pasted in a debate for which he clearly is ill-prepared. He wants to stay home from school because he hasn't studied for the test.

[FlaGatorJD]

233. I can smell the fear all the way down here in Florida! (n/t)

[yowzayowzayowza]

235. "Perhaps if we ran away further?"

k&r

[2CheeseEnchiladas]

236. inFUCKINGcredible

What a pussy. (sorry ladies)

[krkaufman]

237. Let's see if the media reports McCain's unilateral suspension of the campaign ...

... as something other than strictly politics.

[Butch350]

238. McCain is a Chickennnnnnnnnnn

Lookin for loop-hole to get out of a debate he has no chance of winning!!

[krkaufman]

240. Dem's hitting back hard. Reid: We don't need "a campaign photo op." Ouch! n/t

[Eugenian]

242. Obama should announce

that he's willing to extend Friday's this debate by an hour, with the extra hour devoted entirely to strategies for addressing the situation on Wall Street.

[tandot]

243. In the debate he might have to explain how this f*cking war contributed to this economic crisis

The only thing he has left is POW & 9/11 and people are tired of them using it to scare us.

[Danieljay]

244. Just say NO EFFING WAY! n/t

[tpsbmam]

245. Bwwwwakkkkk bwwwaaaakkkkkk bwwwwwaaakkkkkkk!

McAddled is afraid he's going to look McAddled when everyone is going to focus on them and what they've said/have to say about the economy.

[GinaMaria]

247. weigh in your opinion here

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-mccain-economics-poll,0,366001,post.poll

[smb]

248. CNN Poll On The Subject

(insert standard caveats about online polls)

It looks like about 70% of respondents ain't buyin' it.... :rofl:

[GinaMaria]

250. 80% at chic trib

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-mccain-economics-poll,0,366001,post.poll

[specialed]

252. Lincoln is rolling over in his grave....

Anyone want to buy some crap on a stick? I mean that's what they're selling here.

[FloridaJudy]

254. He's squeezing this lemon for all it's got.

But I'm not buying the lemonade. Not for $700 billion. I've already lost my house and my job, and seen my retirement savings go down the tubes due to corporate malpractice. Now they want to take the pathetic little I've got left? I don't think so!

[Phred42]

255. COWARD!

[2CheeseEnchiladas]

256. Freerepublic just went down

Im sure the servers got overloaded.

[RufusTFirefly]

257. It's a good thing the campaign can use the financial crisis as an excuse

If not, they would've had to duck the debate to honor the 39th anniversary of the release of the Beatles' Abbey Road.

[RobertSeattle]

258. Focus or F*** Us?

[DogPoundPup]

260. It's A FOREIGN POLICY DEBATE McCAINIAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

McCain's lobbyist / deregulator ADVISORS can handle D.C. can't they or can't they walk and chew gum at the same time?

[MilesColtrane]

262. The dementia must be getting dramatically worse.

Keeping reporters away, and now no debate?

If McCain is really working on the economy so much that he can't make the debate, why doesn't he send his ultra-qualified vice presidential pick to stand in for him?

After all, that's what the VP is for, to take over when the President can't.

[crossroads]

265. Running scared!

He is afraid to face Obama in the debate! What a maverick! What a suck up... trying to pass Bushs bailout! I believe the average voter will see thru this ploy!

[deutsey]

266. McCain's a former POW. He didn't have debates in his tiny prison cell.

:eyes:

[llmart]

301. Yes he did.....

but they were with himself and he always won.

[krkaufman]

268. Has anyone in the media noted that McCain's declaration today is BAD for negotiations ...

... in that now everyone will be holding off making any progress until The Original Maverick™ gets back to Washington on Thursday evening? And what if a quick agreement is not reached between Congress and the White House? For how long should the Presidential election be suspended?

And what happens when an economic crisis hits during the next Presidential term, in parallel with some international crisis... Will McCain call Putin or Ahmadinejad and ask for a time-out?

What a weak, purely political maneuver by McCain.

[gal]

269. Go vote not to delay the debate!

http://james-eng.newsvine.com/_question/2008/09/24/1906168-agree-or-disagree-fridays-presidential-debate-should-be-postponed-so-the-candidates-can-focus-on-the-economy

[still_one]

bullshit. A few hours on Friday does not change ANYTHING

regarding the financial crisis, and should NOT affect anyone's ability to vote, and that is exactly what Obama should say

[RoccoR5955]

270. I hope that Obama's people tell him...

...that it's okay for him to suspend HIS campaign. Obama can concentrate on more than one thing at once.

McCain is so full of fecal matter, it's not funny. He doesn't want to have ANY debates, and Bush wants to suspend the elections, declare martial law, and himself King George!

[MrsCorleone]

271. Add your comments to these McCain campaign suspension stories. See links.

http://voices.kansascity.com/node/2146

http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/09/mccain-shocker-demands-delay-o.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/09/24/politics/fromtheroad/entry4475541.shtml

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/reader_feedback/public/display.php?id=852

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/mccain-not-comm.html

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/09/bailout-mccain.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122228304121472135.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[liberal N proud]

272. The McCain campaign has to be the most reclusive campaign in history

They know that the longer they don't appear where they have to answer questions, the better their chances with the voters.
Both Palin and McSame are hiding from reporters and anything that smells like there might be questions.

[scarface2004]

274. what... he s down to 5 houses and 8 cars now?!?!

and is shitting his pants?!?!?!

[FightingIrish]

276. McCain is asking for a time out, a free pass and an instant excuse.

He can also stop the bleeding by making Obama quit spending. Nice try, McCluck. You may have lost a few of your diehards with this lame gambit.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

277. Does he want to delay the first debate or all of them?

Will the order of topics change?

Is McLame trying to push the foreign policy discussion (which, like it or not, he's perceived as of now to have a strength) as close to election day as possible?

[Javaman]

278. mcinsane just blinked. nt

[Magleetis]

280. If Obama

doesn't agree. The McCain campaign will say that Obama is putting his desire to be President before the welfare of the country. This is a calculated strategic move. They have something up their sleeve.

[glitch]

281. McChucker. nt

[krkaufman]

284. Obama: "It's going to be part of the President's job to handle more than one thing at once."

suh. NAP!!!

[old guy]

285. I have no idea what the best path is here,

but if the debate is to be changed it should not be postponed, it should be cancelled. It is a foreign policy debate which is supposed to be McCains strong suit. This was set up for him to gain some momentum at the start of the debates. I doubt he will want to squander his only chance, even if it is only in his mind.

[chill_wind]

286. Man! "Fun Steve" really IS dead! The McCain/Schmidt Campaign is in a death spiral.

eom

[gingersnaps1]

288. I love Obama's response.. I freakin' love him!!!

Yeah, Gramps, you can only handle one thing at a time

hahahahaha

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[AnnetteFun]

293. Barack: The debate is more important than never now!

I LOVE HIM!!!! McCain is such an a**. Enjoy your death spiral, McPain.

[mwooldri]

290. If a President is too busy sometimes they delegate...

then the solution is easy.

Obama can debate Sarah Failin'.

[hasssan1]

300. Love the Idea , I hope it happens !

[immoderate]

291. A leadership conference with Bush and McCain? Poor Obama!

:puke:The things you have to do to run for president. :shrug:

--IMM

[dweller]

294. He is fleeing the interview ....

HE'S FLEEING THE INTERVIEW!

:rofl:


listening to Randi Rhodes, she keeps playing that cut.
dp

[krkaufman]

305. Good one. ('Fargo') Now I just want to see Tina Fey do that soundbite...

... as Sarah Palin.

[DuaneBidoux]

295. Run run run you chicken shit...

You just couldn't stand up to all those questions about the votes you cast that got us here.

[wowimthere]

298. McChickenshit

He needs more time to study. No deal!

[onethatcares]

299. what happens if the spread sheets are kept on computers?

will john mcbush be able to access them properly, or will he need remedial computer classes? Tune in tomorrow for the next round of "What the hell do I do now" starring john mcbush and his sidekick sara.

[harun]

302. Obama doesn't need to make any strong statements about this

The media will eat McCain alive on this one. Obama see's the blood in the water and he is going to step aside and let the sharks eat.

[krkaufman]

303. Good god, did McCain just kill his campaign? He said the negotiations were "dead" ...

... which could very well require his supporters in Congress to kill the negotiations in order to help McCain save face. And the Bush Admin has already said McCain's characterization of the negotiations as mistaken.

And this isn't a Friday afternoon. This *has* to hurt McCain.

[OakCliffDem]

304. The Main Stream Media will take McCain's side and spin this in his favor

It is about time for the poll numbers to flip again, and this looks like the bright shiny object to distract the inattentive voters.

The polls will flop back to Obama a week after this blows over.

[Dumak]

307. I wouldn't be surprised if McCain agrees to debate via teleconference

That way he can get all the help he needs.

[L0oniX]

323. Do you actually think he knows how to do that? Tele what?

[kmdemqueen]

308. I smell a rat people

[pa28]

309. The scent of bitter almonds.

I'm glad he suspended his campaign. I think he should.

However, this is looking less like a crisis and more like a crime scene. I think McCain/Bush/Paulson/Greenspan/Bernanke have done quite enough. They should step away and let the adults try to piece the wreckage back together.

If he wants to join Obama at debate and answer for Republican failures he can do so.

[Raster]

313. McCain seeks to delay debate to inhibit focus on financial crisis

The poll numbers speak for themselves. McPalin is getting trounced since the "financial crisis," and rightly so. He and his party are prime contributors to this clusterfuck.

[DesertRat]

314. We need a debate now more than ever!

The American people need to see these two candidates debate side by side. What better way to decide who is best to lead us in a time of crisis?

What's next? Canceling next Thursday's vp debate?? NO WAY!!

[crazy_vanilla]

316. oh hell no

He is scurrying away with his tail between his legs.:wtf:

[RufusTFirefly]

320. Being President means being able to walk and chew gum at the same time

Obama put it better. Ouch!

"Part of the president’s job is to deal with more than one thing at once. In my mind it’s more important than ever."

[deacon]

321. He's a chicken just like his running mate. n/t

[L0oniX]

322. I'm calling bull shit on McLame ...he is a coward and is looking for an excuse to not debate...

because he knows he will get slammed.

[happygoluckytoyou]

326. MY POEM ------- OWED TO A FINANCIAL CRISIS

While he needs to work on the economy ---
And figure out why it is fail'in ---
Test out that Pig with the Lipstick ---
And send in your second...Ms Palin --------

While the deregulators are squirming ---
And your other cronies need jail'in ---
And you can't get to the debates ---
We'll accept your qualified...Ms Palin ----------

[Arugula Latte]

327. When my kids were little and it became clear they were losing at CandyLand or Hi-Ho Cherrio

they'd suddenly declare: "I don't wanna play any more!"

Hmmmm ... Wonder why that memory popped into my mind ...

[Dinger]

329. Oh Boy, His replacement Should Be Named Soon

palin/jebbie, here it comes.

[Dinger]

330. Oh Boy, His replacement Should Be Named Soon

palin/jebbie, here it comes.

[grahamhgreen]

331. Obama can clobber him with "He can't handle crisis', 'he wants to give 700b to billionairres'

[Myrina]

332. Au Contraire, McLame ... a national forum is the PERFECT venue ...

... for both candidates to address the populace - you know, us folks who are going to be footing this $700B tab? - about what, why, how, when, etc etc ... show some real leadership (like Senator Obama has been, steadily for the past several months) instead of even more brazen cowardice. Stand up in front of 'your friends' during TOUGH TIMES, Senator McLame, and explain to us why and how you should be the one to lead us out of this shitpile your greedy gazillionaire CEO friends have led us into, instead of hiding behind your running mate's Parka & using national and economic disasters as an excuse to dodge reality.


:freak:

[jmondine]

334. New name for McCain's bus: The Cut and Run Express

[90-percent]

337. To me

To me it seems like a tactic to hurry along this 3/4 of a trillion bail out with out any debate or deliberation.

This is the Bush administration pattern and it has worked for them in the past. Cheney spoke to Congress yesterday and their credibility is so shot even the Republicans are not lock stepping any more.

This bail out concept seems to be getting very small public support. I'm with my good Senator Dodd on this. Lets not rush it and lets try to fix it right and fix it once.

Seems like the Republicans want to create a crisis that isn't there yet? They used up all their Shock Doctrine allotments!

-90% Jimmy

[Bluenorthwest]

338. Run Johnny Mac, Run!

Hilarious, just beyond craven.

[nichomachus]

339. Here's what happened -- seriously

They were holding debate prep sessions. They always do. And it just became shockingly clear to his handlers that he couldn't even handle the softballs they were lobbing at him. I'm guessing that he was just wretched beyond all human belief. He couldn't even rise to the level of Dubya.

I'm pretty sure they had no choice but to cancel -- or the campaign would have been over for good on Saturday morning.

[Poll_Blind]

346. I agree, though it's doubtful that he could ever do worse than Bush did in his....

...first few debates against Kerry. Still, this move is even smacking about 1/3 of the freepers as a "tail between the legs" move. They know McCain is weak. They know Palin is weaker. They know that if he wanted to be a part of this at any time in the past, he would have. I'm sure half of the remaining 2/3 know it too, but don't dare express it. The last third, of course, are totally out of their mind, full time.

  Now, it just smacks of politics and fear of debating Obama. Because he knows he's going down.

PB

[YvonneCa]

358. I agree, and it's a pattern for them...

I posted this in another thread and emailed it to CNN, etc:

It IS possible to both believe there is an economic crisis AND think the crisis is being used for political reasons.

That's what is happening today in the presidential campaign...instigated by John McCain as he announces his intent to suspend his campaign and cancel Friday's debate on foreign policy. It is a disgusting, but probably useful, pattern by John McCain. Useful because McCain has nothing...no good record or vision for the future...to run on. So he uses these crises as a way of avoiding events where he has no chance to really compete. Like the convention, like a debate.


Need an example? There are several, IMHO:

Hurricane Gustav: McCain saw Obama's convention and knew he couldn't compete. So he said he needed to postpone it for unity (Country First), during a hurricane crisis. He really knew his convention was not going to be able to compete...either with numbers of people or in content. So he canceled day one, and then 'scaled down' the celebration.

Georgia/Russia: "We're all Georgians now." Really? McCain was ready to take advantage of the crisis...show he was a leader. And then the Georgians requested Joe Biden come over. :7

Now, the economic crisis: He's not ready to debate. Did you hear Joe Biden on foreign policy this morning? The issues he raised about McCain will ALL be raised in the Friday debate (if it happens). So what does McCain do? He suspends his campaign and cancels the debate. Why? He says it's because of unity in a time of crisis (Country First). He says he and Obama need to come together...put the country first.

I say BALONEY! He's USING this crisis for political reasons. I, for one, am not buying. ABSOLUTELY not.

And here's what some don't understand. When we Democrats say McCain will give us four more years of Bush, this is why...the disgusting tactics of using crises for political gain. Bush did it with 9/11 and Iraq. Shameful.

McCain is following the same pattern...Gustav, Georgia, and the economic meltdown.

We are in REAL TROUBLE is the American people fall for this AGAIN.

[Ikonoklast]

341. McCain found out there would be no pudding afterwards.

You know how cranky old people get when there's no pudding.

[APPLE_PIE]

344. It's a stunt. n/t

[lynettebro440]

347. What a fucking stunt

I'm so tired of this bullshit..Makes me just :puke: in my mouth. God I hate these fuckers.

[lapfog_1]

352. Action... tv show... Jay Mohr is Peter Dragon, film producer.

Peter Dragon's ex-wife: Peter, my husband doesn't want the world to know that you perform all of his vaginal stunts.

Peter Dragon: And what a cunning stunt you are!

[StrictlyRockers]

350. Wait until they realize how bad Sarah Failin is at debating.

Are they going to ask to postpone her debate because she needs more time to study foreign policy? (by staring at Russia through binoculars on the beach?)

"We need to postpone the debate until we can figure out how we can win this thing!"

[tclambert]

412. They are now talking about delaying VP debate, too.

Good call. Your prediction was spot on.

[nankerphelge]

351. Running scared

n/t

[patriotvoice]

355. The first step to halting the election. EOM

[NorthCarolina]

357. Suspending the McCain campaign, a prelude to suspending the election?

:shrug:

[TheCowsCameHome]

359. Send us your comprehensive financial plan via e-mail, you old fool.

[BlackmanX]

360. Mccan't is trying to have it both ways

everyone mentions that he's trying to look like a statesman but if he shows up to the debate and says that he'd rather not be there because he could spend his time better on capital hill and loses the debate to Obama they'll spin it as mccain being distracted by being focused on the economy. It's all about managing expectations and the dems are playing into this by screaming that mccon isn't ready. either way they're trying to win and I don't know how this will play

[yellowdogdemocrat1]

361. The Debate will Go On!

McCain is such a weasel, it's difficult for me to believe that
he even cares about the United States. Anyway, according to:

Last update: 5:48 p.m. EDT Sept. 24, 2008

OXFORD, Miss., Sept 24, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
"The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is moving
forward with its plan for the first presidential debate at the
University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss. this Friday,
September 26. The plans for this forum have been underway for
more than a year and a half. The CPD's mission is to provide a
forum in which the American public has an opportunity to hear
the leading candidates for the president of the United States
debate the critical issues facing the nation. We believe the
public will be well served by having all of the debates go
forward as scheduled." 
SOURCE The Commission on Presidential Debates 

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved 

[Laelth]

417. Welcome to DU.

:dem:

-Laelth

[matt819]

362. Take a look at the comments on the NYT website

There's little question that the majority of readers/commenters see McFeeble's ploy as just that. What is remarkable, though, is the number of true believers out there who are convinced that this is the act of a man of honor, who truly puts country first and only wants to find a solution to this crisis. They don't seem to notice the disconnects. First, McChicken and his cronies caused this crisis. There's nothing McCain can do singly in Washington to help resolve this crisis. There's nothing stopping McCain from being involved in discussions on this crisis. Perhaps he's heard of telephones and converence calls? And video conferencing? And, as Obama says, if they need to be in Washington for a vote on Friday, they can do this and still be in MS in time for the debate on Friday night. Big airplane. Go fast. Back to my original point. It is unbelievable how many kool aid drinkers there are out there.

[Fire1]

363. Terrified?

Or can't multi-task? Either one is a disaster. I always envisioned a president being able to do more than one thing at a time! LOL!:o

[nc_gadfly]

365. McCut-n-Run

He doesn't want to show up Friday because he'll get pwned.

[barbtries]

368. it's bullshit

every time he opens his mouth he sticks his foot in it. he knows, and his campaign knows, that obama will run rings around him in a debate. this is bs.

[shellgame26]

369. wtf???

[and-justice-for-all]

371. Yup...sounds like trouble in Jesusland to me...

McInsane is clearly a poor speaker and has no substance, but with the millions of people who are going to watch the debate, they would surely like to know what each one would do to resolve the issue. Obama knows that and does not want to leave us in the dark about his solutions, McInsane just does not give a shit.

If anyone looks weak, it is McInsane/Mooseilini.

[Gman]

372. McCain's internal polls have got them in a panic

they want Obama to suspend too to stop his growing momentum. This is all about stopping or at least slowing down Obama and nothing to do with the economy.

McCain's people are literally THIS shook up by their internal polling.

[superconnected]

373. I had no idea he had power to do anything about the financial crisis.

Perhaps he means he needs time to study to fully comprehend there is a financial crisis.

[NOW tense]

374. If this is a coup and

things go badly I may be going to places if all the conspiracy is true
COLORADO
Trinidad - WWII German/Italian camp being renovated. Granada - Prowers County - WWII Japanese internment camp Ft. Carson - Along route 115 near Canon City

[jimlup]

375. If he really wanted to delay the event because of the economy...

He could have gone through back channels directly to the Obama campaign. That would have been the correct way to handle this issue.

This is NOTHING BUT A CHEAP POLITICAL TRICK. It is a very RUDE act and should be meet with the same.

[Imagevision]

376. Friday debate to go on with or without Mccain...

[StrictlyRockers]

380. What kind of political theater are we in store for here.

I'm going to go pop some popcorn, because this is gonna get good!

:popcorn:

[LatteLibertine]

377. I'd say

he wants to delay the debate because he was prepared for international and security issues not the economy.

[Heywood J]

378. He's probably broke. He wrote himself into a corner trying to bend public financing rules

to his benefit, and now he probably doesn't have enough money to run the ads he's supposedly pulling.

[AngryOldDem]

379. Desperation.

And all anyone has to say to him in response are two words: Keating. Five.

But I am afraid that a grandstanding move like this will serve to jump-start his campaign. I hope, hope, hope Americans aren't THAT fucking dumb.

[nc_gadfly]

384. Keating Five--exactly.

Why don't he send his chief economic adviser to go in his place on Friday?

Heh, on that note:

"You know, these financial institutions are just having a mental bankruptcy. They're a bunch of whiners."

[President Decider]

381. "McCain On The Run" ..... The new hit movie coming to a theatre near you!

[President Decider]

382. "McCain On The Run" ..... The new hit movie coming to a theatre near you!

[lonestarnot]

385. BBBBBBBBBWAA AH AH HA HA HA HA HA! Can't do two things at once!

McSameinthetumorbrain!

[raebrek]

386. I think that McCain made a smart move.

If Senator Obama says no hold on the campaign let us debate instead of returning to Washington DC to work on this problem then McCain says, hey, I guess the economy is not such a big deal to you after all. If Obama agrees that it is a good idea then McCain can claim the idea os suspending the campaign to work it out was his. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Who will flop first?


Raebrek!!!

[Gap Spanner]

387. What does this mean for elections?

Could this simply be a precursor to 'delaying' the elections as well? I hope they don't try that - with as angry as people are, there would be rioting for sure...but then I suppose Bush-Fuhrer could establish martial law 'for the good of the country.'

Okay, pass me my tinfoil hat.

But then, the only way to make sure that 'it doesn't happen here' is to make sure everyone realizes that it COULD.

[defendandprotect]

393. We're both thinking the same thing ... !!!

[defendandprotect]

389. WHAT they really want to cancel are the ELECTIONS ...

"the crisis is coming, the crisis is coming, the crisis is coming ..."

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

390. Looking Glass McCain

Don't let go Obama!

[Shipwack]

394. Fark.com has the best headline...

"Frail old man runs from African American asking for change"

:rofl:

[krkaufman]

397. Bush is trying to help McCain out, by calling both Obama and McCain to DC.

McCain would have been down and out had Bush not done this. Now Obama is obligated to go to DC, even though it will have no net effect on the remedy package.

Nice life preserver tossed to McCain by W.

[Imagevision]

398. McCain numbers drop - Rick Davis found collecting $15,000 from Freddie thru last month

McCain shit just started hitting the fan, plus Palin is starting to lose numbers as well!

[mcollier]

400. Be viligant... I think the bush administration

is up to something...;-)

Physchological warfare on the American People....

Don't listen to them this time.... Im not so much worried about you guys as I am the millions of Americans that seem to think bush is the savior of our world...

[krkaufman]

402. As you've highlighted, why is it not being noted that McCain is NOT immediately suspending ...

... his campaign, but will still be speaking to the CGI on Thursday.

It's killing me that this stark hypocrisy is not being highlighted by ANYONE in the media. McCain appears to feel that speaking to the CGI crowd is more relevant to the election than attending Friday's debate? Arrghh!!

[Mari3333]

403. *BWAK BWAK BWAK BWAK*

[yorkiemommie1]

404. McCranky can't walk and chew gum at the same time

Hey, MC Cranky, A GOOD president is expected to handle dozens of important issues at the same time!

[Crowman1979]

405. McCain is more like Vegan Chicken.

Since his campaign has no meat! LOL ?v=0

[Historic NY]

406. McSames October surprise...........duck and run

It looks like he is trying to duck out of debating Obama. Now isn't the time for him to decide he wants to go back to Washington to fix the economy., Where was he for the last eight years when it started to tank? This bailout of more banks by the taxpayers isn't going to be fixed in a day, a week or even perhaps at all. We know find out that the WH has had a bailout plan all along perhaps for months..more corporate welfare for Wall Street while Main Street suffers. I call it a stunt or McCain's October surprise he can't or won't debate.

[droidamus2]

407. Okay how about this

Usually candidates take off at least one day before a debate so they can get ready. Was McCain already set to stop campaigning to prepare and this just fell in his lap. Sure let's suspend the selection process for the next leader of our country because the current President and his people are such fuckups. So now they want the Democrats in Congress to stay in DC instead of going home and campaigning and then the want the Democratic presidential nominee to stop campaigning too! John don't go hide behind closed doors and pretend you are doing something come out to the debate and tells us what you would do. We have had enough of secret deals and scare tactics. TALK STRAIGHT JOHN!!!!

[tclambert]

410. McCain has to go to Washington in person

because he doesn't know how to use the e-mail or the cell phone thingy. How else can he communicate with people there? He could try the telegraph, but some of the newer Republicans don't know Morse code.

[Infinite Hope]

411. Rumor is they want to reschedule first debate for Oct 2nd (day of 1st VP debate)...

Which tells you Palin STILL isn't ready for prime time come October 2nd as they want to push that date back as well. WOW! That selection is going to blow up in their face.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

415. BUT OF COURSE McCain wants to delay the debate!

The bottom is falling out of America thanks to the Repuke sh*theads from Reagan on to the present, and he's a 71 yr old man with cancer 3 times, who's just not sure he's going to be able to debate ANYTHING. Why wouldn't he postpone it? In fact, I'm sure he'd rather have no debate at all.

[jimmyb]

418. MCCAIN - BUSH - DECEIT HAS DESTROYED THIS COUNTRY

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT THAT MCCLAIN IS NO DIFFERENT THAN BUSH - DECEIT BEING HIS CALLWORD- THEN YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS VIDEO. IT IS SHORT BUT SETS OUT HOW BUSH-MCCLAIN,REPUBLICANS HAVE DESTROYED AMERICA. SEE WHAT AMERICA WAS AND WHAT IT HAS BECOME.

THIS PLOY TO POSTPONE THE DEBATES IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE REPUBLICAN DECEIT.

PLEASE LOOK AT THIS AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF:

http://www.geekstinkbreath.net/board/topic/56427/

[Liberal Gramma]

419. He's just called a time-out because the opposition's three-point shooting is hot

Just to break the momentum.

[dweller]

420. well, it's getting some great coverage on Late Nite w/ Dave L

:rofl:

Dave is tearing him a new one. And Dave has a very large audience.
dp

[ryanmuegge]

422. Something seriously fucked up is going to happen soon. This is scary.

I think this is more than a political tactic.

[earth mom]

429. First thing that came to my mind was the election would be called off. But...

I'd rather think that McCain is just a chickenshit.

[sohndrsmith]

424. This walks and talks like a strategic precursor to me....

Apologies if this has been hashed and re-hashed in the previous 400 + posts. I confess I didn't read each one word for word, but I did look through most of them.

My guess is this has little to do with postponing the Obama/McCain debate OR how doing so could have even the slightest negative impact on the economic crisis - just the opposite! We need to elect one of these guys and they need to interview for the bloody job! No... my guess is this is a set up to delay, postpone, disrupt, etc. the "other" debate. Even if he's making statements to the contrary. I smell a rat.

This is pure theater. Dumb, wasteful theater. If McCain wanted to do something really beneficial, he could call out for the debates to focus on the economy and NOT foreign policy. It's not reasonable to think that either candidate (or anyone else) has "the" solution - or will by Friday evening. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't hear unscripted statements about anything and everything on their economic positions. We can't have a debate because... there isn't a solution yet?

How can the debate be about anything BUT the economy? How can any candidate dismiss the need to show the voters how each of them handles or understands this most *fundamental* issue? John McCain thinks, "Nah, I don't have to show the voters that I can think on my feet or that actually grasp the concepts of economics."

There's a catch, though:

There are no pre-written speeches, no staged empty rhetoric to hide behind,

this is when each candidate has to prove himself using nothing more than his brain and his voice.
And that, I think, is monumentally important to provide to the voters.

This maneuver is absurd, and I really think it has nothing to do with prioritizing the economic crisis, and everything to do with reorganizing (read: intercepting) the VP debate.

HELLO! I think it might be important to see how the candidates handle this crisis - as they keep to their responsibilities. When you're president, you don't get to duck and run in a crisis, you have to be present and accounted for - and provide positive leadership!

Unless McCain has the Napoleonic idea that he will be able to resolve our economic situation singlehandedly - within... 48 hours? As long as he doesn't have to be "sidetracked" by the debate! He will provide SUCH a pivotal fix - unless it is undermined by the debate? Is he freaking kidding? Sadly, no. I think not.
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Okay - I'm really bad at this posting thing (actually, I'm just bad at this "writing" thing)... I've got to get it under two paragraphs. I'll do better next time. I doubt people read lengthy diatribes like this. Sorry

[patomime]

426. It's a Rovian tactic...

trying to get the press back on talking points about McCain caring so much about the economy which is now his weakness. It's the elephant in the room -- trying to grab back the press cycle mid-week to shift focus back on McCain-Palin campaign.

Allegations about troopergate, campaign manager receiving funds from corporate bail-out companies were about to surface. This is a way to cover that up also.

It's probably not going to work, because Obama/Biden have proven to be so good at seeing the other sides tactical moves.

[wordpix]

435. Now jobless claims up 32,000

More tanking of the economy as BushCo sinks deeper in the muck of their making.

[workinclasszero]

436. McCain is a CHICKENSHIT!!

McBush is afraid of the American people! Run and hide Johnny! You need a time out little fellow!:rofl:

[BrightKnight]

437. LMAO - What makes him believe that a Bush "leadership meeting" could solve anything?

They spent 8 years digging this crater and Chimpy is going to fix it in an afternoon?