John have green background now. No town hall with Mayor McCheese make john mad.

The only way Senator McCain could draw a crowd-show up with Senator Obama

McCain wants this for at least a couple of reasons. One, he wants the upper hand in making an offer that Obama will likely refuse part of -- I'd be surprised if Obama will agree to 10 townhalls. Refusal in any part will allow for McCain to say Obama backed down from talking to me, how's he gonna talk to Tehran?, etc. This allows McCain to frame the debate, frame the whole structure of how we move forward. McCain sets the game plan, Obama follows McCain's lead. It's a little bit of a win-win for McCain. Now, of course, McCain's not the best orator, and neither was Bush, but perhaps McCain's hoping for a "look at the black man beating up on Grandpa" sympathy vote. There may also be something to the "so-many-debates-it-wears-people-down" syndrome, so that the populace stops paying close attention. One townhall blurs into the next, etc. Whatever ends up happening, please let's have some serious moderators for the debates -- no Stephanopolous/Gibson DISASTERS. No planted questions -- "do you love America as much as X?"

Why do you think McCain wants even more presidential debates?

It's a good question to ask. We're so used to Rovian treachery that it would be foolish to think that *this* time they're sincere. So what's the angle?

As others have mentioned it's a good way to get free publicity (and it gives me great joy to be able to type that he needs free publicity) by hooking himself to the Obama experience. He'd need 20 appearances to get the audience Obama gets in 1.

I worry that "they" have more than 3 or 4 gotcha points they want to toss out and these events would give 'em the platform. Hate to be so suspicious but it's not like it's out of crazy paranoia (I think).

To Hell with Babe Ruth and to Hell with John McCain. Talk *with* him when *you* want to Barack, not when Grampy Flipflop wants you to.

McStain simply wants to hitch his tired old wagon to Obama's rising star and ride his coattails for face time he can't get on his own.

I would look into how they would be rigging the game such as not allowing arguments to reach a conclusion but to make it appear as through the debate points are inconclusive. This is the tactic used by the creationists.

They deserve eachother.

So, McCain wants to run Obama's campaign for him does he? Tell the Gezzer to stick it. The same with McCain's insulting offer to take Obama to Iraq an school him in Neo-Con theory.

The man has a lot of gall if you ask me.

Obama's answer should be- Dead Silence.

McSame simply has no money to do anything but a "town hall" style meeting. And lets be honest, isn't it time we're all suspect when someone uses these outdated Americana terms like "town hall"? When's the last time you hung out around the town hall for some good ole' debate? Gimme a break.

Obama's playing to 70K-80K person crowds climbing over each other to see him, and McCain is lucky to fill a VFW basement for Tuesday night bingo.

FreeDUMB @ 11:

I would look into how they would be rigging the game such as not allowing arguments to reach a conclusion but to make it appear as through the debate points are inconclusive. This is the tactic used by the creationists.

That's a very good point. The strategy of the IDiots is to use the debate format to foster the illusion that there are two legitimate sides to an already settled issue.

Obama looked worn and tired during the Pennsylvania travesty staged by Stephanopoulos and Gibson. Obama had trouble deflecting the onslaught of inappropriate and inane character attacks, and Clinton had a chance to give her input on every one.

Democratic voters complained en masse about ABC's "debate," but we can't be so sure the American public at large would feel the same.

Say CHEEEEEEEZE, John.

Karen @ 4:

No disrespect intended towards C&L's clip of FUX News anchors bemoaning Gone InSane's oratorical gravitas, but folks . . . watch this one. It's hilarious!

thanks.......i think it was funny again in weird way satire

Note:
6% is not enough to overcome republican treachery ala electronic vote flipping, voter caging, voter roll purges, and the like. However, I do have confidence that we can get that number up.

Liberal AND Proud @ 12:

Polling polling polling.

There are tons of polls conducted by both sides and split the demographics in so many ways that it boggles the mind.

McCain NEEDS debates. That is the conclusion you have to draw based on what we've seen.

It's been alluded to already that this is Bob Dole allll over again, and in many ways that is completely correct. There is no way that a 70+ year old man who's been a Washington insider for over a decade can be presented as the agent of change.

The goal is to get Obama in a debate forum and hope he gets tripped up.

mcdouchebag is worse than dole...dole never sold out his principles to gain the nomination...he, like hillary, just thought he deserved it...

then came the campaign, and he changed his mind...he never wanted to be prez...and for that, i respect the man

mcoldfart really wants to be prez, so that his 20 year old hot daughter will think he is still cool

Karen @ 19:

FreeDUMB @ 11:

I would look into how they would be rigging the game such as not allowing arguments to reach a conclusion but to make it appear as through the debate points are inconclusive. This is the tactic used by the creationists.

That's a very good point. The strategy of the IDiots is to use the debate format to foster the illusion that there are two legitimate sides to an already settled issue.

Obama looked worn and tired during the Pennsylvania travesty staged by Stephanopoulos and Gibson. Obama had trouble deflecting the onslaught of inappropriate and inane character attacks, and Clinton had a chance to give her input on every one.

Democratic voters complained en masse about ABC's "debate," but we can't be so sure the American public at large would feel the same.

In other words (I am inferring):
Beware yet another ambush, indeed.

The point, to me, isn't whether Obama could handle McCain (in truth, it could be even more lopsided than Kerry v. Bush); Obama just doesn't need to do McCain any favors by doing anything the creepy crank dreams up.

Karen @ 19:

FreeDUMB @ 11:

I would look into how they would be rigging the game such as not allowing arguments to reach a conclusion but to make it appear as through the debate points are inconclusive. This is the tactic used by the creationists.

That's a very good point. The strategy of the IDiots is to use the debate format to foster the illusion that there are two legitimate sides to an already settled issue.

Obama looked worn and tired during the Pennsylvania travesty staged by Stephanopoulos and Gibson. Obama had trouble deflecting the onslaught of inappropriate and inane character attacks, and Clinton had a chance to give her input on every one.

Democratic voters complained en masse about ABC's "debate," but we can't be so sure the American public at large would feel the same.

great point you guys..........it's that further.. divide and conquer...strategy

How could everyone have forgotten that Obama ALREADY challenged Grampy McSame to debates- "anywhere, anytime." I bet the media won't remind you.

Gramps, with the aid of the corporate/warmachine/media, is just trying to co-opt Obama's offer. It's pathetic and no surprise the media is willing to forget Obama's previous offer.

In concern for his safety, I personally don't like the idea of the GOP knowing Obama's whereabouts or arranging for them. And let's not forget the ear piece Bush wore to aid in his talking points. No doubt, Gramps will claim "hearing aid" if he's caught. The media didn't follow up on Bush's ear piece, why wouldn't they allow the poor old man a hearing aid?

If any town halls were to occur, Obama will soar. Gramps hasn't a prayer -even if he's spoon fed some hearing aid Insure.

enigma4ever @ 27:

BTW I do very much want Debates, with Questions submitted by Voters, and Moderated by Keith....and a SPLIT SCREEN....my dream....

i agree.....i like the split screen and if they could use past video for rebuttal but keith being a wordsmith...they will say unfair advantage barrack

Obama should say "listen gramps, how 'bout i tell YOU where and when we're gonna meet?"

Better not lure my President into a goober-infested gun fest.

tyree @ 37:

republicans at the dnc are going to throw mccain under the bus and run someone else!

did Romney suspend his campaign or did throw in the towel completely

How bout we the people debate just the Dems on this.

Highlights of Democratic budget plan

Debt — Permits an increase in the national debt of about $800 billion to $10.6 trillion.
Defense-$1.1 trillion
Iraq-$70 billion

tyree @ 37:

republicans at the dnc are going to throw mccain under the bus and run someone else!

Yip them xover Cons are flocking over to get a piece of the action you got that right.

theWalrus @ 43:

Hasn't this presidential campaign been going on for 4 or 5 years now (!)...Weren't there, like 400 debates already?? Really, we don't need 10 Townhall-style debates moderated by idiot pundits with questions from audience plants. Let's just have the 3 formal Presidential Debates, moderated by a panel and get this over with!!

And how does the MSM all of a sudden get a free pass?

People forget quickly.

I wonder if Obama's poll lead would rise a couple of points if Bob Barr was included in the question.

What do you think? Should Babar be included in the formal debates?

Funny, when I think if McSame and Obama going head-to-head in any debate, I am suddenly reminded of a story I once heard about Milton Berle and his legendary large penis.

The story goes that some young pup who also, allegedly, was similarly gifted approached Uncle Miltie and challenged him to a measuring contest. Uncle Miltie replied, "Tell you what: you show me yours and I'll pull out as much as I need to beat you".

(I don't know where I heard it or if it is even true, but it sure is funny and relates very well and NO! I don't mean it as a "black" thing! LOL)

rhetorical tool @ 48:

I wonder if Obama's poll lead would rise a couple of points if Bob Barr was included in the question.

having barr point out that bush and mccain are not your fathers republician but a neocon couldn't hurt that's why they smeared and were very disrespectful to ron paul......no i'm not a paul guy but he deserves respect way smarter than mccain

CNN: "it's neck and neck".

I think McCain just wants town hall meetings because it gives him a chance to leave more voters in the dark.

Liberal AND Proud @ 12:

Polling polling polling.

There are tons of polls conducted by both sides and split the demographics in so many ways that it boggles the mind.

McCain NEEDS debates. That is the conclusion you have to draw based on what we've seen.

It's been alluded to already that this is Bob Dole allll over again, and in many ways that is completely correct. There is no way that a 70+ year old man who's been a Washington insider for over a decade can be presented as the agent of change.

The goal is to get Obama in a debate forum and hope he gets tripped up.

I have yet to read in the mainstream press what the polling methodologies are that they reference. I do not think these polls are accurate AT ALL!
Phone polling doesn't capture cell phones, young people use cell phones, ergo in most polls young people are not captured.
I think November is going to be a blowout. (jinx-off)

I think Obama should have some Town Hall meetings with McCain. Just looking at the two of them standing side-by-side will be enough to send people to Obama. Having said that, 10 Town Hall meetings is about 6 too many.

msm cannot moderate any more debates.

no more blitzer
no more stephie
no more wallace
no more chrissie
no more russert
no more cnn
no more fux
no more abc

The way for Obama to make this work for him is to get in to the habit of naming the game and doing it with ruthless honesty. For example, if McCain tells a lie and a distortion, Obama should instantly say, "You just attempted to advance what you know is both untrue and a distortion of fact. Why did you do that?" Or, if McCain tries to offer a revised version of history, Obama should say, "You know that isn't true; here's what really happened....Why are you attempting to decieve with disinformation?". Name the game. Obama is skilled at returning the monkey to the back upon which it properly belongs; naming the game is just an extension of that skill. No attacks, just correcting a lie or a distortion or whatever, and piercing a pretense of false integrity and trustworthiness each time he does it. Most people will see McCain for what he is.

L.A. Confidential @ 53:

Samson- @ 47:

L.A. Confidential @ 42:

How bout we the people debate just the Dems on this.

Highlights of Democratic budget plan

Debt — Permits an increase in the national debt of about $800 billion to $10.6 trillion.
Defense-$1.1 trillion
Iraq-$70 billion

r u a dem?

I've always voted Dem. However I am an American first and I'm not happy with Identity Politics and the fact the Dems lied their asses off to get in in 06.

nobody in their right mind likes it........that's part of the change that is needed...the bush administration with executive privilige,signing statements,media propaganda and constant secrecy has had an unfair advantage far too long......it's dirty stuff.

Joe! @ 67:

Hey John Amato, why do you keep insisting that Obama doesn't have balls?

probably because he thinks before he reacts....that's not part of the no fear culture

L.A. Confidential @ 53:

Samson- @ 47:

L.A. Confidential @ 42:

How bout we the people debate just the Dems on this.

Highlights of Democratic budget plan

Debt — Permits an increase in the national debt of about $800 billion to $10.6 trillion.
Defense-$1.1 trillion
Iraq-$70 billion

r u a dem?

I've always voted Dem. However I am an American first and I'm not happy with Identity Politics and the fact the Dems lied their asses off to get in in 06.

LAC, i respect that

and, you're right, they did.

i refuse to get in (another) shouting match over the 2000 election, but there was a certain segment of the liberal-vote that had grown so disgusted with the DLC/new econ/new dems/etc. that we tried to send a message to the DNC, that we want the dems to worry less about appeasing corporate interests, less about US imperialism, less about economic neocolonialism and more about the people and issues that support them.

didn't happen.

we have one political party in the US, with the D and R wings. we deserve real choice. the dems, if they broke away from the corporatists and market fundies, could be that party.

i know you aren't happy w/the 08 dem nominee, but, hopefully, the dems can right their ship. i'm not holding my breath though, not with the amount of corporate money waiting to buy influence

I would agree to a couple of "town hall" meetings, but ten is too many. I would agree to two or three....in addition to the three or four regular debates.

I love how the GOP is rubbing their hands together with glee because Obama has fallen into their trap.

Are you kidding me???

McSame is a senile fossil who is prone to frequent "elderly moments." I would take my chances with Obama...no matter what format. The sight of a slumping, pasty, scarred, wrinkled, liver-spotted, balding old man next to Obama will be quite striking.

In the immortal words of Chimpy...."Bring 'em on."

I have seen the polls be all over the place, between the three candidates. There was even a primary vote or two where Obama was pulling ahead of Hillary in advance polls, only to find out the advance polls were way off the mark. Obama was supposed to win both of the last two states, only to split with Hillary.

A lot can happen between now and November. A poll is a gauge of what a group of people think today.

I believe McCain is hoping that the standing room only crowds such events would draw might be attributed to him. Certainly the press will suggest that. No doubt the rules would be structured to make him seem less lame than he ordinarily would in an open debate against Obama.

McCain wants debates because that's the next page in the gop playbook. that's all. not a lot of thinking going on in that campaign.

Obama's team is up to the task of managing the course of this phase of the election.

watch out for their picking on the ole man routine....look the educated african-american elitist picking on the war vet..........i can smell it now....it's bs but it will be effective with certain demographic

"Looking back, John Kerry was down to BushCo. after they mishandled the DNC convention and wouldn’t even criticize Bush"

That's so rich ... I'm trying to remember whom it was that gave the keynote speech, you know, the one with all the rhetoric about no red states or blue states just the United States.

If I'm not mistaken, I think he still quips about bi-partisanship being the way to go in absence of all evidence that recent bipartisanship has resulted in a phenomenal synergy with congress being able to pass more horrendous legislation than either party could on their own (Patriot Act, Iraq, Medicare, No Child Left Behind ...) - ah, such ... hope for our future.

I guess McCain [or his managers] still has a few brain cells remaining - he may come off horribly [seriously, when has that mattered - Bush was crushed in every debate in 2000 and 2004] but without free coverage he won't come off at all.

karl @ 81:

watch out for their picking on the ole man routine....look the educated african-american elitist picking on the war vet..........i can smell it now....it's bs but it will be effective with certain demographic

Yep, the sympathy vote.

Ruthless People @ 82:

My friends, if you want more wars vote for me.

My friends, if you want more of your money going to those who need it least vote for me.

My friends, if you more money going to the military industrial complex and away from roads, bridges, schools, levees, vote for me.

My friends, if you want to see Joe Lieberman elevated to a cabinet position after the Dems kick his ass to the curb in 2008 vote for me.

My friends, if you want more fear and more division vote for me.

My friends, if George Bush doesn't declare Marshall law and declare himself dictator vote for me because my friends, I will give you 4 to 8 more years of George W. Bush!

pissed off patricia @ 85:

karl @ 81:

watch out for their picking on the ole man routine....look the educated african-american elitist picking on the war vet..........i can smell it now....it's bs but it will be effective with certain demographic

Yep, the sympathy vote.

another yep here. more victim crap.

Ruthless People @ 87:

Ruthless People @ 82:

My friends, if you want more wars vote for me.

My friends, if you want more of your money going to those who need it least vote for me.

My friends, if you more money going to the military industrial complex and away from roads, bridges, schools, levees, vote for me.

My friends, if you want to see Joe Lieberman elevated to a cabinet position after the Dems kick his ass to the curb in 2008 vote for me.

My friends, if you want more fear and more division vote for me.

My friends, if George Bush doesn't declare Marshall law and declare himself dictator vote for me because my friends, I will give you 4 to 8 more years of George W. Bush!

...and finally my friends. If you would like to see your loved ones sent of to be crippled or killed in a war my kids or George Bush's kids or Dick Cheney's or the slew of chickenhawk's kids on the GOP side of the aisle would never send there kids to fight in as we champion for your kids to go fight in then vote for me!!

For the exact reason you stated - because McSame is already in desperation mode. The GOP, McCain and Fox News all wanted to face Hillary Clinton so badly, and now they have to go against an upstart like Obama, who looks like the next coming of all things great when standing next to McCain.

Obama holds most of, if not all of the cards right now, so why should he do McCain any favors? He shouldn't, but actually I do hope that Obama takes him up on this offer. Yes, it would help McCain, MAYBE, but I think Obama would wipe the floor with McCain's chubby cheeks, because McCain doesn't have the first damn clue about the first damn clue. Remember McSame's miscues about Iran and foreign policy? He would turn into a gaffe machine on the stage when put on the spot.

I think Obama saying no sends a bad message. I want the fearlessness by saying, "Yea, let's do it, old man."

rnc fruedian sloppy slip

I say go for it. Obama should meet this asshat anytime anyplace. I saw Obama twice in Minneapolis, and he can stand his ground with McStain be it a townhall meeting or a msm debate. Obama can't run away from McStain, and he shouldn't. Obama is right on the issues and all McStain has is repug talking points that have failed this country for the last 8 years.

to John and the C&L crew..
today in FLORIDA McCoot was making JOKES about the movie ReCount- and there was dead Silence...( great video- it was on CNN- I am looking for it on YouTube...talk about an awful moment....) I will try to send you....Talk about Out of Touch- WHO would ever make a JOKE about the Florida Count in Florida...

Obama's counter proposal should be: You want debates? Okay, let's schedule fifty of them, each focusing on a different aspects of domestic affairs, foreign affairs, the environment, pollution, health care, constitutional law, etc. A president is supposed to be knowledgeable about lots of things. Let's see if McCain can keep up.

The proper reply to McCain's "let's debate" isn't "no;" it's "Okay, let's debate every little thing imaginable."

Seriously, McCain can't do it. He's too old, too tired and too full of logical contradictions in his own history to possibly make it through more than a handful of debates with a younger, more vigorous, better speaking opponent with a far superior command of the facts. As Obama's campaign manager, I want him next to McCain on TV all day, every day. Let the world SEE and HEAR the differences in quality between the two candidates.

The worst that can happen is that McCain will be forced to learn the difference between Sunni and Shiia Muslims. Hell, maybe he'll even learn why it's wrong for a senator to accept vacations from rich bankers.

Obama wouldn't have the guts to meet McCain at open forums.

It would soon become evident to everybody that he has moved so far to the right that his views have become
indistinguishable from McCain's.

As it is now, we can all spend time laughing about McCain's age.
We can bask in the glow of the empty motivational speaking style of Obama.

But - if they were side by side in an open forum -
well - we would have to hear McCain say he wouldn't pull out of Iraq - followed by Obama saying he wouldn't either.

We'd have to hear McCain say he doesn't support gay marriage - and hear Obama say the same.

We'd have to hear McCain defend his vote for the anti-American patriot act - and then hear Obama do the same.

Then - we would have to confront what we have been left with by the media. Obama and McCain.
Donald and Daffy Duck.

diamondmc @ 104:

RightOn @ 103:

Obama wouldn't have the guts to meet McCain at open forums.

It would soon become evident to everybody that he has moved so far to the right that his views have become
indistinguishable from McCain's.

As it is now, we can all spend time laughing about McCain's age.
We can bask in the glow of the empty motivational speaking style of Obama.

But - if they were side by side in an open forum -
well - we would have to hear McCain say he wouldn't pull out of Iraq - followed by Obama saying he wouldn't either.

We'd have to hear McCain say he doesn't support gay marriage - and hear Obama say the same.

We'd have to hear McCain defend his vote for the anti-American patriot act - and then hear Obama do the same.

Then - we would have to confront what we have been left with by the media. Obama and McCain.
Donald and Daffy Duck.

Oh boy! trolling in the park again.

When you have no intelligent response, just call someone a troll.
It has really accomplished a lot.

Dietrich @ 105:

diamondmc @ 104:

RightOn @ 103:

Obama wouldn't have the guts to meet McCain at open forums.

It would soon become evident to everybody that he has moved so far to the right that his views have become
indistinguishable from McCain's.

As it is now, we can all spend time laughing about McCain's age.
We can bask in the glow of the empty motivational speaking style of Obama.

But - if they were side by side in an open forum -
well - we would have to hear McCain say he wouldn't pull out of Iraq - followed by Obama saying he wouldn't either.

We'd have to hear McCain say he doesn't support gay marriage - and hear Obama say the same.

We'd have to hear McCain defend his vote for the anti-American patriot act - and then hear Obama do the same.

Then - we would have to confront what we have been left with by the media. Obama and McCain.
Donald and Daffy Duck.

Oh boy! trolling in the park again.

When you have no intelligent response, just call someone a troll.
It has really accomplished a lot.

Where's your intelligent response? When someone posts a intelligent post, they get a intelligent response.

Obama should go after McStain with everything he has. Democrats cannot do what Kerry did and try to softball the repugs. Hit them with their own bullshit every chance you get. The country has been suffering for eight years under necon crap. Obama is on the right side of the issues that the country cares about. McStain is wrong on the war, taxes for the rich, a womens right to choice, the GI bill, the supreme court and the list goes on. This is a year of change, not more of the same.

Rusty Shackleford @ 96:

Ruthless People @ 91:

...and finally my friends. If you would like to see your loved ones sent of to be crippled or killed in a war my kids or George Bush's kids or Dick Cheney's or the slew of chickenhawk's kids on the GOP side of the aisle would never send there kids to fight in as we champion for your kids to go fight in then vote for me!!

Actually, one of McCain's sons (Jimmy, a Marine) HAS been stationed in Iraq. Another, Jack, will graduate from Annapolis next year (hopefully higher than 894th in his class, like his father) and could, conceivably, go to Iraq.

Desk job? Perhaps I should have said front lines.

These "Town Hall" meetings are nauseating. A purely American phenomenon.

I worked for a subsidiary of a US company, and they were to host a "town hall" meeting. Other employees asked, "What the hell is that?" I said, "It's where a bunch of assholes show up at an arena. they're given company flags to wave around, and they get filled with optimistic (lop-sided) propaganda." Everyone, without fail, said, "Guess I won't be going to that." Get my point? There's nothing democratic about them. And they're plain cheesy.

Six points this early in the game doesn't fill me with glee. Enough wiggle room to pull out a theft as they crank up the Swift boating, voter fraud, registration fraud, race baiting, foreigner hating, let's see that there aren't any voting machines in the black neighborhoods business as usual.

It all depends on whether the American people want to get fooled again.

tree @ 110:

Obama's coming off a marathon. McCain has been sitting on the sidelines, essentially resting. I think Obama should take a breather, and McCain should stew, but I'm sure that will be played as a negative toward Obama. And I agree it is a way to give McCain the kinds of crowds he doesn't seem to be able to pull in by himself. Let's hope negotiations take a long while.

i agree give obama a deserved breather..........let mccain hang himself

The OP said:

I frankly see no upside to it myself.

For who? Oh, of course, Obama. No upside for Obama. Hmm. What about American people? The upside for them would be tremendous, which is what its supposed to be about.

So McCain wants to find a new way to embarrass himself, huh?
OK, fine them. BRING IT! Project M is in full swing folks. Man your positions.
IF a town hall comes your way, you know what to do.

MORE MARKSMAN OPPORTUNITIES .......JUST SAY NO !

Scroll down the pdf. file for that same CBS poll a little and you'll find this:

McCain_41%
Clinton_50%
(with no Bradley Effect at work here, btw)

Proving once again that even Hillary Clinton is a stronger candidate than Barack Obama vs John McCain. Even today.

Obama should stay away from those townhall meetings because he does poorly in any appearance where he hasn't got a teleprompter in front of him. He doesn't even do that well WITH a teleprompter in front of him. One reason John McCain is a media darling is because they like his goofy sense of humor. On the other hand, Barack Obama is one of the most sullen, dull, boring and humorless politicians to attain such a high national profile in a long time.

One of the few times I ever saw Barack Obama honestly smile, laugh and appear genuinely happy during one of his campaign speeches was when he was smirking, mocking and laughing in derision (Wright/Pfleger-style) at Hillary Clinton for trying to "come off like Annie Oakley" because she mentioned being taught how to use a gun as a young person by her father.

Personally, I like the idea of them doing a modern version of the debates done back in "the good ol' days" on the back of a train or what not. Beat Senator McCain at his own game and be certain that the deck isn't stacked. Hell, let's go one up on the whole scenario and throw McCain and the RNC for a loop. Obama could say "Sure, but we should include Bob Barr as well." Even if McCain would turn around and insist Ralph Nader come also then, I think most Americans are tired of listening to Ralph Nader bitch and moan to even care so Barr would hurt more than Nader would.

The Presidential debates need to be sponsored once again by the League of Women Voters.

From Wikipedia.org
(start citation)
On October 2, 1988, the league's 14 trustees voted unanimously to pull out of the debates, and on October 3 they issued a dramatic press release:

The League of Women Voters is withdrawing sponsorship of the presidential debates ... because the demands of the two campaign organizations would perpetrate a fraud on the American voter. It has become clear to us that the candidates' organizations aim to add debates to their list of campaign-trail charades devoid of substance, spontaneity and answers to tough questions. The League has no intention of becoming an accessory to the hoodwinking of the American public.
(end citation)

Contact both candidates' campaigns and insist that they play by even-handed rules without qualification. For the future of our democracy, we need to abolish the corporate-controlled Commission on Presidential Debates.

It is time for the NBC gang to concede and bow out! Let's have real journalists and academics ask questions of our candidates, without any preconditions set up by the two parties and the candidates themselves!

I've got it...Obama should call his bluff on this. Agree to engage in the series of Town Hall 'Debates', IF, they both agree to call off the Conventions, move the election up to the first Tuesday in September and the Inauguration up to October 20. Let's get this crap over with and get on with repairing the Country.

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Do you know what I truly hate about this? That McCain would try to suggest such a thing to get an upper hand on Mr. Obama. Sen. Obama should campaign his own way without having anyone tell him what to do. I just see Mr. McCain's suggestion as good old fashion paternalism from the dominant culture.

" Why do you think McCain wants even more presidential debates? "

It is possible McCain realizes he will need every oportunity he can get. To get in his shots at Obama. He feels his stories of war hero experience can disapate the wave Obama is riding.
It is McCain wanting to get extra opportunities at Obama. Looking for video clips to run in the news loops as well. He wants to be on the same stage as Obama to maybe let that Obama aura rub off on him, so to speak.

As well, McCain has been doing alot of those town hall meetings. Ran his "Straight Talk Express" into the goround doing town halls. McCain can put on that cuddly old wise man hat, mix in his war hero image combined with his reforming change mmessage (he has been forming) and take it to Obama.

Go back and watch the McCain vs Romey debate from the Reagan Library. Mr Maverick came out more Reagan than money changer Romney. It was in essense a one on one town library debate.

McCain also thinks he can stuff the GOP folks in to ask Obama about his flag pin.

As we seen in some of the media taking questions from the audiences. (Which are screened in advance). Questions like Flag lapel pins, God, "Don't tax me Bro". McCain can get some of those elderly to comein with geritol questions as well. John can answer those.

For instance, Does anyone really think they would allow people in from the town? And also allow one to ask McCain point blank, "after recieving military benefits of about 40 grand a a year for all your life from leaving the military. How can McCain not vote for the GI Bill?"

Or better, How does McCain vote in a pay raise for congress's self and vote out minimum wage?

Lastly,

How does McCain feel about recieving those military benefits of 40 thousand per year when he seems to be able to perform his job just fine without handicap? As well taking all these Senatorial medical benefits from taxpayers that can't afford their own health insurance?

You really think these questions could get asked? The answers would tell you alot of the persons Ideals.

I have always wanted to ask these republicans that speak of living under no rules (for wealthy and corporations) and living that rugged individualistic life in a present day American society? Sorry, you depend on others providing goods and services. No self made men rhetoric here.

each "townhall" is another chance to hear McSame's gaffs (e.g. Iran training AlQaeda) without Lieberman alerting him to his mistake.

If this goes forward, I think Obama's strategy must be to simply to get McSame to lose his legendary temper by politely calling him out on various lies and inconsistencies.

Ruthless People @ 111:

Rusty Shackleford @ 96:

Ruthless People @ 91:

...and finally my friends. If you would like to see your loved ones sent of to be crippled or killed in a war my kids or George Bush's kids or Dick Cheney's or the slew of chickenhawk's kids on the GOP side of the aisle would never send there kids to fight in as we champion for your kids to go fight in then vote for me!!

Actually, one of McCain's sons (Jimmy, a Marine) HAS been stationed in Iraq. Another, Jack, will graduate from Annapolis next year (hopefully higher than 894th in his class, like his father) and could, conceivably, go to Iraq.

Desk job? Perhaps I should have said front lines.

I don't know what kind of job he had over there. I just happened to have read about it on snopes.com yesterday.

It's Me @ 133:

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Hmm...musta been your sister.

Milford Loudermilk @ 144:

ppppppppppppppppppppppppfffffff

Don't let the balloon hit you in the eye John

Amato or mccain?