McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to agree

[samsonite]

The AP just released this tidbit:

John McCain wants to delay debate with Obama to focus on economic crisis.

CNN is also reporting the same:

John McCain suspends campaigning to work on economy, requests postponing Friday debate; asks Obama do the same.

 

[G-Lexington]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

Brilliant move. If Obama refuses, it'll paint him as someone more interested in his own personal gain than on the welfare of America. If Obama agrees, then it'll paint McCain as the one who has America's best interests at heart, and Obama will look like one who can only follow-the-leader.

Lex

 

[samsonite]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

Brilliant move. If Obama refuses, it'll paint him as someone more interested in his own personal gain than on the welfare of America. If Obama agrees, then it'll paint McCain as the one who has America's best interests at heart, and Obama will look like one who can only follow-the-leader.

Lex

I agree. Another desperation (and gimmicky) move by McCain that undoubtedly puts Obama in a very tough situation.

 

[Inwood]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

Brilliant move. If Obama refuses, it'll paint him as someone more interested in his own personal gain than on the welfare of America. If Obama agrees, then it'll paint McCain as the one who has America's best interests at heart, and Obama will look like one who can only follow-the-leader.

Lex

Agreed.

However, I think it's a bad move to postpone the debate. People NEED to hear from the candidates without a news filter or a clip on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Suspend campaigning if you must, that much is prudent, but by all means, keep the debates on schedule.

 

[HenryReardon]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

Agreed.

However, I think it's a bad move to postpone the debate. People NEED to hear from the candidates without a news filter or a clip on[

Yeah, but that typically doesn't happen in these debates. Think about the vapid and irrelevant questions that were asked in the last round of debates.

 

[NickCole]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

I disagree with most of the above.

Doesn't put Obama in a tough spot. In fact he could turn it into a position of power.

I think it looks like McCain isn't ready and wants more time to prepare. Sounds like someone who asks for more time to study for an exam.

Afterall, neither of them is actuallly doing anything about the economic situation, they're only talking about it. It's not like one of them is the President now or is, himself, putting together a plan for Congress to present, or like we're on the brink of war or there's a natural disaster unfolding that threatens people's lives.

I bet McCain's having trouble getting up to speed in how to talk about the economy.

Obama should say okay. Doesn't matter how much time McCain spends cramming, economics befuddles him. I'm not so sure Obama understands it much better but unless he's debating with someone who really knows their stuff he's pretty good at bullshitting.

IMO

 

[samsonite]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

Update: CNN is reporting the Obama campaign says there is no reason to delay Friday's debate.

 

[G-Lexington]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

>>>I think it looks like McCain isn't ready and wants more time to prepare. Sounds like someone who asks for more time to study for an exam.

Oh, it WILL look that way...but only to the Obama supporters. To those on the fence, I think it'll play well for McCain.

OK - let's play political strategist. You're in Obama's camp. What move would you suggest to counter this one?

First idea off the top of my head - call his bluff. Agree to postpone the debates...if and only if he agrees to spend Friday and Saturday in a day-long economic summit with members of both parties and economists (and, obviously, Obama) discussing possible strategies.

...well, damnit. I was just getting into this.

Lex

 

[RandomAccess]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

I disagree with most of the above.

Doesn't put Obama in a tough spot. In fact he could turn it into a position of power.

I think it looks like McCain isn't ready and wants more time to prepare. Sounds like someone who asks for more time to study for an exam.

Afterall, neither of them is actuallly doing anything about the economic situation, they're only talking about it. It's not like one of them is the President now or is, himself, putting together a plan for Congress to present, or like we're on the brink of war or there's a natural disaster unfolding that threatens people's lives.

I bet McCain's having trouble getting up to speed in how to talk about the economy.

Obama should say okay. Doesn't matter how much time McCain spends cramming, economics befuddles him. I'm not so sure Obama understands it much better but unless he's debating with someone who really knows their stuff he's pretty good at bullshitting.

IMO

Something else that will be telling is whether McCain or Obama have their asses in their Senate seats. If not, there's nothing they can do about the economy. . . as candidates. It's a ploy.

 

[Spensed]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

I disagree with most of the above.

Doesn't put Obama in a tough spot. In fact he could turn it into a position of power.

I think it looks like McCain isn't ready and wants more time to prepare. Sounds like someone who asks for more time to study for an exam.

Afterall, neither of them is actuallly doing anything about the economic situation, they're only talking about it. It's not like one of them is the President now or is, himself, putting together a plan for Congress to present, or like we're on the brink of war or there's a natural disaster unfolding that threatens people's lives.

I bet McCain's having trouble getting up to speed in how to talk about the economy.

Obama should say okay. Doesn't matter how much time McCain spends cramming, economics befuddles him. I'm not so sure Obama understands it much better but unless he's debating with someone who really knows their stuff he's pretty good at bullshitting.

IMO

The bullshitting part is irrelevant nonsense. But, otherwise, I agree with you.

McCain hasn't, obviously, been doing too much about the financial crisis since it came up and his call for a postponement to me just comes across like asking for more time to do the assignment.

Hopefully, the public will see it as a sign of weakness, lack of preparation and inability to deal with more than one thing at a time.

 

[NickCole]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

Oh, it WILL look that way...but only to the Obama supporters. To those on the fence, I think it'll play well for McCain.

I'm on the fence and I think it plays badly for McCain.

That's just one person's opinion, but it is from the perspective atop the fence.

 

[NickCole]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

The bullshitting part is irrelevant nonsense.

Unless Obama is a lot more knowledgeable, and secure about that knowledge, than he was during his debates with Hillary, it's not irrelevant at all. And it's certainly not nonsense.

His bullshit paled next to Hillary's authentic understanding and proposals (which is why his numbers dipped after debates with her) but next to what I assume will be McCain's paltry understanding of economic issues, Obama's bullshit could carry the day.

I have no patience for this pretending nonsense that so many Obama supporters keep insisting upon. Obama hasn't said anything in the past week that's extraordinary about the economy, it's all been very ordinary stuff, and he's kept his comments to very strict talking points that clearly were developed for him, basically a compilation of what other Democratic lawmakers have said. That's okay but there's no indication he fully understands what's happening with this economic crisis or has any plan for addressing it. So he better have some good bullshit.

 

[syntax]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

The focus of Friday's debate is national security and foreign policy, not the economy. That is supposed to be McCain's strength. Why does he need more time to prepare?

http://www.olemiss.edu/debate/

 

[White Eagle]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

I have to agree with NickCole. To me it looks like McCain is afraid to meet Obama at the debate. "His dog ate his homework!" I hope Obama can meet it head on.

 

[NickCole]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

The focus of Friday's debate is national security and foreign policy, not the economy. That is supposed to be McCain's strength. Why does he need more time to prepare?

http://www.olemiss.edu/debate/

The economy will almost certainly come up at some point Friday.

If for no other reason, a healthy American economy is relevant to both national security and foreign policy. The moderator will find a way to inject it into the debate.

 

[construct]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

From the CNN article in the original post.

A McCain senior adviser said that Obama called McCain early Wednesday morning to asking a joint statement of "shared principles and conditions" for the bailout proposal.

An Obama campaign source confirmed the call and said that McCain returned his call six hours later, and accepted the concept and suggested the two of them return to Washington to join the negotiations. The source says that Obama told him that he would do that only if negotiators saw it as useful.

According to the Obama source, soon after they ended the call, McCain announced he was suspending his campaign and returning to Washington.

Earlier in the article, Sen. Harry Reid said that he didn't think McCain's and Obama's presence in Washington would be particularly helpful. It looks to me like melodramatic overreaction on McCain's part, but it's what I've come to expect from his campaign.

 

[swerve]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

So now we're supposed to SUSPEND Presidential campaigns due to crisis???

WHAT about the 2 wars we're losing???

What about the HURRICANE that devastated parts of Texas???

GIVE ME A BREAK...

I want a President that can MULTI TASK...

jmo...

p.s. I HOPE Obama becomes a LEADER and NOT a FOLLOWER with McCains latest TRICK...

 

[White Eagle]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

I happened to find this poll at MSNBC. Here are the results so far in it. and below is "comments' from these str8s that entered it. These people are mad. They are not letting McPain get away with anything.

http://james-eng.newsvine.com/_ques...ed-so-the-candidates-can-focus-on-the-economy

Agree or Disagree: Friday's presidential debate should be postponed so the candidates can focus on the economy


16.6%
Strongly Agree
8,860 votes
4.9%

Agree
2,593 votes
1.6%

Neutral
870 votes
12.1%

Disagree
6,487 votes
64.8%

Strongly Disagree
34,612 votes

Display Comments:
Strongly Disagree

McCain is trying to garner support. He hasn't been in DC all year, why now??
{"commentId":3080800,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"sweetlucy47"}

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43 votes

#
- Annette-489633
- 3:40 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Give me a Break... 26yrs in Congress now McPalin isn't ready for Debate so he finds this excuse... Where was either candidate all week?
{"commentId":3080956,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"jbybee"}

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33 votes

#
- Jason-Pittsboro_IN
- 3:45 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

One issue at a time for McCain and he wants to be President. You have to be kidding.
{"commentId":3080958,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"pmcgrath9"}

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35 votes

#
- PM-510192
- 3:45 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

This is just another ploy by McCain. It is his reaction to some pretty negative polls and I do NOT want the debates postponed.
{"commentId":3080978,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"cyndi-harvey"}

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33 votes

#
- audacityoftoast
- 3:46 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

a typical Rovian ploy - I hope Obama doesn't fall for this load of....
{"commentId":3080996,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"natkong"}

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33 votes

#
- 60 yr old white woman
- 3:46 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Disagree

McCain is loosing traction in the polls and just wants to buy himself some space.
{"commentId":3081004,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"mg66061"}

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27 votes

#
- ASU86
- 3:46 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Excellent Gamesmanship.... McCain's people are smart.
{"commentId":3081036,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"gary-stanfill"}

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6 votes

#
- Phoenix Democrat
- 3:47 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Don't delay the debate! This is the most important time to debate so we can see the clear differences between these 2 at a crucial point.
{"commentId":3081042,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"jtucker37"}

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27 votes

#
- J.T.-514842
- 3:47 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

This is a McCain tactic to "appear" presidential. He knows Obama will win in the debates. MCain has had 27 yrs to try to figure it out!
{"commentId":3081056,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"LSS53"}

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29 votes

#
- LSS-533878
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Disagree

Both candidates should be ready to debate on all issues surrounding the presidency they seek - including any debate about the economy.
{"commentId":3081057,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"lunelle"}

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18 votes

#
- JoleneD
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

mccain is just playing politics with the economy because his poll numbers are down.
{"commentId":3081065,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"gidgetgogoes"}

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13 votes

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- terri, dc
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

The republicans used a storm to downsize their convention, Now the ecomony to keep from debating.....sounds like they are afraid too talk!
{"commentId":3081066,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"gmcintyre888"}

#
- G Mcintyre
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Can't believe that McCain found a way out worming out of debating Friday. He knows he can't hold his own on the economy. Be a man McCain.
{"commentId":3081080,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"donnaO49"}

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24 votes

#
- donnaO49
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

The debate should go on: change the topic to the economy and the bailout plan and let us hear from both Candidates.
{"commentId":3081082,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"woodmilcab"}

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23 votes

#
- Mica-550949
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

we have 5 weeks to digest 4 debates, Mccain is just trying to shorten the distance to the goal. what do ya bet they cancel the vp debate.
{"commentId":3081096,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"bravo-1"}

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26 votes

#
- floridadem
- 3:48 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

This is how McCain is doing after his free fall in the polls. It's another political stunt.
{"commentId":3081109,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"jradmacher"}

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25 votes

#
- Joe Radmacher
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

The most important thing is for Americans to hear from both candidates. McCain should not duck this.
{"commentId":3081113,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"linda-16"}

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22 votes

#
- whatcomlady
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Now is the time for debate...especially now. McCain knows he can't win, so this is how he shows that "he's the leader". He's pathetic.
{"commentId":3081114,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"maaxflux"}

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20 votes

#
- maax
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Is McCain going to postpone issues throughout the presidency as well? Face the issue head on, don't run from it like the current prez.
{"commentId":3081115,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"freakmeout7"}

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22 votes

#
- NewHope777
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

mccain is a coward
{"commentId":3081121,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"walsher"}

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17 votes

#
- mike, colorado native
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

We are not at war. Wall Street is at war.
{"commentId":3081125,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"ejkincaid"}

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7 votes

#
- J.Kincaid
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

If they can't multi-task before getting in office I want to know it!
{"commentId":3081142,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"mearth1961"}

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20 votes

#
- mearth1961
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

This election is far too important to cancel the 1st debate. McCain is just grand standing because he is week on the economy.
{"commentId":3081155,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"joycowles1"}

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4 votes

#
- Joy-550974
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

Now is the time to openly discuss what must be done. This is not the time to go hide in Washington.
{"commentId":3081156,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"tom-43"}

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12 votes

#
- Az Prof
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008
Strongly Disagree

This election is far too important to cancel the 1st debate. McCain is just grand standing because he is week on the economy.
{"commentId":3081167,"threadId":"366503","contentId":"1906168","authorDomain":"joycowles1"}

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2 votes

#
- Joy-550974
- 3:49 pm EDT on Wed Sep 24, 2008

 

[HenryReardon]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

WHAT about the 2 wars we're losing???

.

The WAR on poverty has been ongoing for four decades, with no end in sight.

The WAR on drugs was a mistake from the gitgo.

 

[spiderhead]

Re: McCain wants debate postponed, asks Obama to a

I guarantee you he's postponing it for health reasons