Since McCain is running scared, have him get Cindy to write a check to Ole Miss to cover the expenses.

McCain acknowledged just yesterday that he had not even read the administration's three-page bailout proposal. McCain just doesn't like his polling numbers.The NO TALK EXPRESS needs to debate.

John McCain is dropping like a rock in the polls. This is an attempt to keep from hitting bottom and stopping his downward momentum. This is a transparent political maneuver to change the subject.

From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-trailing-in-polls-continues.html

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
McCain, Trailing in Polls, Continues Campaign By "Suspending" It

John McCain, trailing by 9 points in national polls, has announced that he is "suspending" his campaign.

Having lost significant ground to Obama on the issue of the economy, and facing a potentially defining and withering debate on Friday where he would be confronted on his statements on the economy that have led to this sharp decline, McCain has attempted to change the rules of the game, to erase many past errors through a putatively "unpolitical" move--something we have seen before.

A simple question: Under the same economic conditions, if McCain had been leading, does anyone believe that McCain would have "suspended" his campaign?

This is the ultimate in cynicism--using the current conditions in order to attempt to blunt a sharp decline and try to control the media dialogue, through a political act designed to avoid a potential political debacle. He is continuing his campaign--which was leading to loss in all directions--by "suspending" it. It is an attempt to silence media criticism and questions--and to prevent a debate on these issues that for him is sharply unfavorable.

McCain is attempting to avoid the debate in the face of this decline, through the type of evasion and lack of press access and communication that has characterized his campaign.

He surely would like to put off the debate, and attempt to create more favorable conditions for it. Don't be cowed by false sanctimony.

Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-trailing-in-polls-continues.html

like always, mccain does NOT think of the consequences before diving in, he did EXACTLY the same thing with his VP choice. ONLY thinking of himself. RECKLESS and UNPREPARED to lead the counrty.

I want to know if McShame will get back in time to give Bush a big ole hug after his speech tonight?

McCain is McScared. This procrastination has got to stop. They cannot hide from the world forever. It's time to get it on!

That's simply brilliant. What now John, what now?

A long-shot political stunt by John McCain. Let's see if it works, I doubt it.
________________________________________
http://www.internationalpoliticstoday.com

ironic you take a dip in the polls

and now you want to help save america?

funny how 24hrs changes things.

Why not have Biden and Palin stand in for this one? I'm certain Palin is ready. Sure. After all, she's got to be ready to step into the big job at a moment's notice.

You people are idiots. Continue to choose Partisanship over Leadership and you'll reap what you sow.

The President needs to be able to multi-task, exactly what expert input does McCain believe he will be able to provide?

Sounds like his attitude about the surge where he did not look at the polls and now even Obama admits its working.

McCain can suspend his campaign so that he can focus and get clarity, but that has nothing to do with the scheduled debates. Just because he needs to push pause doesn't mean we do. The earth is still revolving...

Why is McCain just now SO interested in being available to address the economy? Because...He knows that he will need to answer some tough questions during the debate! This is McCain's "debate and switch" tactic. Pun intended. On with the debate!

Suspend Campaigns? And Senator Clinton campaigns for Senator Obama on Saturday...McCain wishes this would work. He doesn't realize that SOME people aren't as easily deceived as they were some odd 50 years ago when he first got into the game.

So Mccain needs a "time out?" The most absent member of Congress needs a time-out! Senator their were millions of people that were counting on you to vote for equal-pay for equal work; environmental policies; veterans bills and deal with the housing crisis, but you did not show up to vote! It's only when the MAIN STREET crisis hit WALL STREET did you bother to look up from one of your 7 homes or 13 cars to act like you cared.

they should have spent the 5.5 million helping those less fortunate in MS learn to read and write- that would be a good start- check education stats.

Debates can be rescheduled

Impending financial implosions cannot.

Come on McCain... You and Obama can fly in for the debate (2 hours) and then fly back to solve the problems you created for us this past 8 years. McCain needs to figure out how to solve his disaster so his points will go up again, so of course, he asked someone with good judgement and knowledge to join him.... Obama.

McCain, learn something from Obama.

When the phone rings at 3 AM, you can't take a time out.

Obama. Better days lie ahead.

Notice to enemies of the USA:

If John McCain is elected President, please coordinate your schedules because he can only handle one crisis at a time.

WAFU

Another good piece of evidence showing how impulsive and erratic this guy is.

If McCain had called a truce last Monday or Tuesday, when the crisis erupted and he was ahead in the polls, that would have been leadership. Calling for it now unilaterally, when he's falling further back each day, is gamesmanship.
McCain First.

We already kicked Obama's but in the first debate. Also where was NOBAMA when he said anywhere anytime in June. Ducking McCain

Coward McCain????? You tell me John McCain - what are afraid of?????

Biden kicked you butt today and Barack has been kicking your butt in the polls - Let him finish the job and kick your fake maverick behind in the debate,too!

You are NOT needed in Washington - be a man and face your fears - debate Obama without hiding behind this crisis.

You voted for deregulation and even caused the S&L crisis with your Keating 5 lobbying. WE are NOT stupid. This is a ploy to raise his poll numbers!
A gimmick!

Everybody, VOTE for OBAMA. I don't want a coward for POTUS!

The country comes first. Good for John McCain. This shows leadership. Obama is a fraud. He has no idea about the economy. The Obama media does not want to talk about his association with thugs in Chicago, like the terrorist Bill Ayres, and his shady real estate deal.

Sounds like the neoCon's have their drawers all bunched up - doesn't it? McShame is showing us how he will lead- wait,WAIT a minute - I have to stop doing this so I can do tthis!

Sometimes emergencies happen---even to PRESIDENTS. One must have the energy, clarity to respond. Reject this ploy to stall and buy time. McCain knows nothing about the economy. He wants to steal Obama's expertise and glean some sof Obama's voters. Don't allow the latest trick to steal the election. Only delay if you swap in the VP debate....or keep the original schedule with the VP standing in for for McCain.

Hmmm, anyone think McCain is trying to have this debate held the same night as the VP debate?

That way the public wouldn't see how incompetent Palin is.

Today, Palin was asked a question. McCain's staff quickly interjected to prevent Palin from talking. When Palin looked at McCain, he shook his head no.

So...everyone was on the same page and working hard to find the right solution, so McCain rides into town and politicizes everything in the hopes nothing will ever get done. Way to put country first!

McCain is obviously a man of great chivalry and nobility. Ok all kidding aside, put Obama, Nader, Baldwin, McKinney, Barr, and Ron Paul in the debate. It may actually be interesting and fruitful.

Will you accept the scripted Presidential 'debate' again?
Brought to you by your 'good friends' at Wall Street.

No Paul or Nader Main Street USA,
nor Cynthia McKinney.

I think this is all a giant diversion from the Couric interview that was held today.

I am proud of McCain for this! what helps the country more, a debate or finding a solution to our economic crisis? im pretty sure the 2nd! when the election is over, the president needs to show real leadership and bi-partianship, when has Obama done this? Mcain and Palin seem like politicians that you actually trust, and to all you who think hes scared or this is a stunt, i think u need to realize that we need action now to economic problems not just talk.

political stunt...country first, right? Total bu((sh*t

Sen. McCain called for the debate to be postponed so that he could focus on the current economic crisis??? Maybe if he had been focusing on the growing economic crisis and spent a little time educating himself about the economy before he decided to run for president, we wouldn't HAVE crisis now. NOW, he wants to postpone the debates? Reminds me of the guy who murdered both his parents then pleaded for mercy from the court because he was an orphan!

McCain's polls are tanking, David Brooks and George Will have turned on him, Colin Powell says he was wrong about Georgia/Russia, Troopergate is exploding, the National Enquirer is saying they have proof his boss had an affair, and Chris Cox said that the Phil Gramm loophole is the reason that the SEC can't stop the unethical trading.

So, why doesn't he want to debate?

Is it that Rick Davis's company has been exposed as taking money from Fannie/Freddie through August of 2008?

Or, is it worried about Polar Bears?

What a coward McShame is.

McCain+ the republican government+ republic congress have brough the US economy and financial market on their knees and now he wants to bring the University of Mississipi on its kness too by running away and asking to postpone the debate? What a maverick and hero who has become a VERY BIG DISAPPOINTMENT.

THE DEBATE SHOULD GO ON!!!

This call by the McCain campaign to post-phone this Friday's debate is outrageous.

The American voters deserve the opportunity to hear both candidates debate. I can only imagine what distraction that having two presidential candidates inserting themselves into an ongoing legislative process will be.

1) Obama can help with the legislation, deal with a crisis, AND have a debate - after all a President has to multi-task.

2) Bringing Presidential politics into the middle of this will only delay the process, we are much better off with my Obama’s original suggestion of issuing a joint bi-partisan statement to rally everyone in Washington to work together.

3) As of yesterday, McCain hadn't even READ the 3 page proposal by his own admission, now he wants to "help".

4) His economic credentials being what they are, I don't think he can really help here and is would serve the public interest by staying out of it.

5) We have to balance the voters legislative needs with the reality that they have a choice to make between the two candidates and need information to make that choice. The debates are a part of that process and the voters should not be denied their rights.

6) How about this, have the debate but change the topic to the Economy so we can all hear how you would both solve it and decide who has a better plan.

This is an economic CRISIS! McCain is being McSmart to try to put all efforts towards resolving an issue that needs to be addressed IMMEDIATELY. The campaign can wait.

McCain I need a time out also... I am exhausted... I need some time to put on Sara's rubber boots to wade thru your crap this week. Give me tell Monday! Thanks "My dear Friends" but No Thanks.

Huh posted " Ok all kidding aside, put Obama, Nader, Baldwin, McKinney, Barr, and Ron Paul in the debate. It may actually be interesting and fruitful." Yes, that would be great! They should all be there anyway.

Wow those GOP people the epitome of opportunism. They did it with their convention, figuring out a way to keep Bush and Cheney away without looking like complete hypocrites. They're trying it now, with this debate. Mccain put Obama into a lose-lose situation. Say what you will, his handlers are genius at exploiting the situation for their own man's political gain. All this 'country first' bulls h i t will play right into their base's hearts and minds. And it will give them fuel for fighting Obama no matter which way he decides. Yes sir, they are certainly very good at being very bad.....

As a resident of Oxford who has not only seen the money being put into this debate, but been personally put out by them coming, I am furious. That ONE day for Mississippians is worth more than they will see in a lifetime. You can't come to the poorest state in your nation, yet you ask them to put out MILLIONS so that you can be comfortable and then you cancel 2 days before?????? COME ON. Wake up McCain. You just lost Mississippi. Even if I would have voted for you before, I sure wouldn't now.

This is not country first, this is Mccain first! He should be able to multi-task. This is just another attempt of Mccain to change the news cycle with one of his gimmicks! His whole campaign has been one gimmick after another, and most if not all of them have backfired. ie...

Obama hasn't been to the middle east in x days...well he went and got a "rockstar" welcome..

Obama is an "empty" celebrity like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears....well, a very RICH Mrs. Hilton was not thrilled and was sorry she donated to his campaign...

Sarah Palin Pick...she turned out to be a dud who is right now, still "sheltered" (although she is a pitbull) from the media and from the American People and only giving scripted speeches. Oh, and she is sitting up there taking pics with world leaders who will not even remember her name when they leave here and could care less...

And now the whole suspend my campaign thing when I am down and spiraling in the polls...

He's not a maverick...he's a gimmick! Let's be informed!!

brittney - McCain is an admitted economic idiot. The debate is about foreign policy. He should be at the debate that his campaign agreed to attend.

The prodigal son returns. John McCain has announced that America is finally confronting a crisis that he doesn't feel he can be absent for.

Some fun facts about John McCain: Of all Senators, John McCain has been the most absent. There have been 643 votes taken in the current Senate session: McCain has missed 412 of them.

McCain has not voted in the Senate since April 8th. Since March, he has missed 109 of the last 110 votes.

He missed votes on the GI Bill, energy policy, and in 2007 he missed "all 15 critical environmental votes in the Senate" -- giving him a 2007 rating of 0% from the League of Conservation Voters. Zero percent? I don't think that's fair. I think they should have given him an "incomplete", and told him that he had to stay for summer session if he wants to graduate from the Senate.

So welcome back, John McCain. If I were the Senate Democrats, I would now completely rejigger the Senate schedule in order to put things up that America would really, really like to see John McCain cast a vote on. It seems the least we could do.

Obama sums it up nicely:

"Presidents are going to have to deal with more than one thing at a time. It’s not necessary for us to think that we can only do one thing and suspend everything else.”

In light of the Financial Crisis we taxpayers face, I was wondering which candidate would manifest their message in deeds instead of words...It seems McCain is the one... Country First! He has my vote!

M: Hate to tell you this but Obama called McCain at 8:30 a.m. this morning asked him to work with him to help solve this problem. Your man McCain is one sick puppy... and if you vote for him.. You are one lame duck.

The ole Maverick strikes again. I think he genuinely wants to get in and solve this critical problem. He is now seen as reaching out accross the isle like he has always done to get the bail out solved. I ask when has Obama reached out to republicans and Independents?

How saddening that such cynicism is so prevalent in our country. Could it just be simply true that McCain considers himself a Senator from Arizona first, and a presidential candidate second? I guess not. Well, I reckon' I'll just go back to clinging to my guns and religon.

It's a good thing when you are president, John, that you will never have two problems to work on at the same time, RIGHT??

How DARE McCain try to cancel the Debate Friday evening! A Presidential Candidate should be able to handle BOTH Issues! He can Fly from DC to the Debate for 2 hours and then fly back to DC on Redeye! Does this mean Congress will be meeting Friday night...all day Saturday & Sunday??? I think not!

By his avoidance of answering direct questions from the Press and sheltering Sarah Palin from answering to THE AMERICAN PEOPLE through questions by the Press, it TRULY FRIGHTENS me to think that these tactics are acceptable by the voting public!!

Let us have the DEBATE as scheduled and still come up with a Bi-Partison Bailout Plan!

McCain should have chosen not to attend the debates based on the fact that 3rd party candidates are shut out. If he did that I would respect him. This is just a political gimmick. Good riddance silly republicans.

The university should not have to foot the bill for this. I say bill the Mccain campaign if it gets cancelled or postponed. Or better yet, just have Cindy write 'em a check.....

McCain and Palin are idiots just like their followers..

Annie: Your right. You should vote for the person who helped in a big way with all his votes to create the FINANCIAL CRISIS we are facing today. Please be sure to vote Nov. 4th.

Great leadership by MCCain. I am glad to see someone stand up to do what is right. This is serious stuff we are in. The Dem's that are in control of this mess should be relieved of their duty on this committee. Where is the outcry? As John Edwards said in the debate, Obama has never gone against his party when voting, he does not do what is right for the people. McCain has stood up against Republicans many times and against Bush. Well documneted.

McCain agreed to go to this debate. He had ample warning about the coming economic collapse, and he still agreed to the debate schedule. Ron Paul warned him about the economic disaster in the republican debates. He just chose not to listen.

Wow. The poster who wrote about how John McCain doesn't think through the consequences of things is right. Notice how he didn't call Obama privately and make his suggestion, as Obama had the courtesy to do with him. No, he had to be a drama queen and make a big fuss. It is totally unnecessary. In point of fact, the most important job the two presidential candidates have at this moment is to present their case to the American people. There are plenty of other folks on the ground who can debate the merits of the proposals. Furthermore, when people do get elected, they may have to deal with more than one issue at a time. On the test of mental dexterity and adaptability, therefore, McCain has already failed. I can only imagine how depressed the people who worked so hard setting up the debate are feeling right now. I suppose McCain is trying to fake Obama out and control the terms of the debate. But can we please cut the drama display? Take two hours to debate and then go right back to the economy if you wish, Mr. McCain. It's supposedly your strong suit, even if you don't know your Czechoslovakia from your Spanish leaders. So have at it and trounce Obama, as you should be able to do quite handily. Then, fresh from your mighty victory you'll have the economy wrapped up by Friday midnight.

The debate should go on! We have already been waiting too long! No more gimmicks! No more sideshows!

Annie - McCain is the MOST ABSENT MEMBER OF CONGRESS. He has missed more votes than any other Senator, including two out with brain tumors. McCain is only showing "deeds" now because his polling numbers say it's the politically expedient thing for him to do.

Walter: Obama asked at 8:30 am this morning.

OK, A Hurrican slamming the coast is heroic to simmer down the RNC, but this economy thing will be going on for awhile. I am SURE people would like to hear the answers for HOW to deal with the economy???? COME ON MCCAIN....let's go!

McCain is acting as if his party and his country has no leader, who as we are all still aware is still the POTUS.

That he's even trying to steal Obama's idea of calling him to set politics aside to help the market and rushing out to make an annoucement to the press shows McCain has a brain with a dull teenager IQ.

McCain is also trying to bury bad news with a news that should look favourable. When news broke that his campaigne manager is in the pocket and pay of the those that created the problem. Rather than answer questions the McCain campaigne choosed to attack the messenger, The Times that reported the shame McCain had denied yesterday.

People on here are saying the campaign can wait...so will the election have to wait also?

Mabye McCain would like to postpone elections until this credit thing has passed? It's just to confusing to have two problems at once. We understand, John, things like that can be confusing.

Ron Paul warned him about the coming economic disaster. He had warning. Now let's do this thing. I won't watch because 3rd parties are shut out, but he gave his word, money has been spent, lots of people have put in time.

A Democratic source says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid just called John McCain, and told him on the phone that it "wouldn't be helpful" for him to return to Washington.

Politico

John Paul Jones said I have just begin to fight. McCain states I have just begin the flight. This is even a bigger pander than picking Palin. The American people deserve better.

"M: Hate to tell you this but Obama called McCain at 8:30 a.m. this morning asked him to work with him to help solve this problem....
Posted by: beck | Sep 24, 2008 4:56:45 PM"

No, the Obama camp did not actually manage to speak to McCain at 8:30 (McCain was meeting with economic types, and then went on to the Palin-meets-the-world tour). The Obama camp did not put details in the message, so when McCain called back, he didn't know what Obama wanted to discuss. It was based on those earlier meetings with the economics guys that McCain felt he should go back to Washington, as they told him the tide was moving towards no bailout being passed at all)

They BOTH have an important CURRENT JOB to do before they accept the next one. Lets solve the problem now so that there is a reason to vote in the future. (as for the 5.5 Million. I am glad my school has better educational responsibility.)

This decision by McCain to stay home at one of his 13 or so houses could in fact make him one of the greatest politicians in the last 5 million years.

The debate should go on to see what
regulations will be put on the financial institutions who have gotten us into this mess

"A Democratic source says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid just called John McCain, and told him on the phone that it "wouldn't be helpful" for him to return to Washington.

Politico

Posted by: Paige | Sep 24, 2008 5:06:59 PM"
=========================
Huh?

Why would McCain pay any attention to Harry Reid, the DEMOCRATIC leader? I'll bet Harry has also told McCain that if he became president that "wouldn't be helpful" either.

LOL

Elect McCain and this is the erratic and irrational behaviour we will get in our president! I am a republican and I shudder the prospects of McCain running the country like a bull in the china shop as he is doing now.

Rather than McCain suspending the debate, he should do the only honourable thing and suspend his Presidential Campaigne indefinitely. Since McCain has agreed he's an economy novice and has no clue how to solve the US current problem.

It will help save any integrity he may has left. By November he will certainly has none.

Hmmm ... bet they call in Sarah as a substitute!

Oh the poor University, the country is falling apart and the University is all up in arms that they might lose a little money that was probably not theirs to begin with. Congress is threatning to go home without resolving the issue of the economy totally collapsing, and Obama's response is "call me if you need me", I'll be debating myself. What a GREAT LEADER this Obama guy is.

Wow! My friends and I have a Watch the Debate party planned and, like Ole Miss, we don't want to cancel. Seriously, between the McCain campaign trying to keep the press away from Palin - and now McCain trying to duck out of the debate - kinda makes you wonder if they have anything to say? I hope the debate goes on and McCain gets to tell Americans WHY he wants to be president. I could use a good laugh to start my weekend. OYE.........

Postponing the start of the Convention because of an immediate natural disaster was a nice gesture.

Postponing the entire election campaign so that Congress can talk for an extra few hours is a rather empty gesture.

"Hmmm ... bet they call in Sarah as a substitute!"

We'd all be better off if they called Sarah in as a substitute for the bailout issue --- she's probably the only one who has actually balanced her own checkbook.

John.... I am glad your school has a better educational responsibility. Let's not confuse the money they spent on the debate with the money they spend on their students and the facilities and all of the technologies. Ole Miss is not a poor school. Our students get the best of educations and have the best of times. That being said, yes we did spend millions on this debate and the experience for the students alone would have been worth it. But to someone who has spent more than 5 million on 1 of their homes, it's nothing. But to a poor state, it's a lot of money and he should have to foot the bill.

McCain put politics aside for his public service.