Reader comments
The debate is on; McCain agrees to participate
42 comments | Read story
Don't be so sure | 11:17 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
McCain flip flops so much, can we trust the debate will go on?
Quickly? | 11:18 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Oh yes, off so quickly. Right after a facial and manicure with Katie Curic.
Yikes, not only does he have to face Barack Obama, now Palin is going to have to
debate Biden.
Observer | 11:23 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
McCain just can't seem to stop that flip flopping. Reminds me of a trout I
caught not too long ago. The trout was more honest though.
Comments continue below
Mike K. | 11:25 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
When he didn't get the jump in the polls he was expecting from his
announcement he had no choice. Sad really, since both of these earstwile leaders
of our should be doing their best at their current elected position in this time
of crisis. However, its all about getting elected.
McCain unfit to serve | 11:38 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
McCain proves he's unfit to serve.
His threat to skip Friday night's debate and his economic grandstanding are signs of desperation. Does he even know what he believes anymore?
Sadder still are those pathetic individuals who support he and Sarah Palin until the end inspite of the painfully obvious situation because after all, they are Republican.
His threat to skip Friday night's debate and his economic grandstanding are signs of desperation. Does he even know what he believes anymore?
Sadder still are those pathetic individuals who support he and Sarah Palin until the end inspite of the painfully obvious situation because after all, they are Republican.
Really, John? | 11:40 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I was a McCain supporter for a year, until today. There was a deal in place.
And then McCain rolled into town, 24 hours after "suspending" his
campaign, and suddenly there was no deal.
And now he's deciding that he'll debate. Why? His poll numbers are shrinking.
I have seen the light! McCain is a bigger flip-flopper than Mitt Romney.
And now he's deciding that he'll debate. Why? His poll numbers are shrinking.
I have seen the light! McCain is a bigger flip-flopper than Mitt Romney.
McCain Wins! | 11:40 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
You have to hand it to the people on the McCain team: Their combined predictive
powers are truly amazing. In fact, they're so good at seeing in the future
that they knew John McCain had won tonight's debate even before he
officially announced that he'd be attending.
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza notes that an ad proclaiming "McCain wins debate!" was already running on the Wall Street Journal's Web site Friday morning. (A screen shot of the page can be seen here.) The reader who tipped Cillizza also saw a second ad that contained a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis: "McCain won the debate -- hands down."
LOL!
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza notes that an ad proclaiming "McCain wins debate!" was already running on the Wall Street Journal's Web site Friday morning. (A screen shot of the page can be seen here.) The reader who tipped Cillizza also saw a second ad that contained a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis: "McCain won the debate -- hands down."
LOL!
David O | 11:46 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
McCain and Palin are going to get worked over. Especially Palin because she
will not be sheltered and have to think and answer on the fly. She will use her
jr. high vocabulary and grammar as shown in the transcripts of the Good Morning
America interview. McCain mind will be exposed for it's lac of sharpness.
Whoa! | 11:52 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Reversed his earlier statement? No, he tried to get Sen Obama to postpone the
debate and was not able to. Not a reversal, he did what he said he was going to
to, but the Obama camp said no. How is that McCain's fault?
As for Letterman.....he isn't as important is he thinks he is and certainly not so important as to postpone work on real issues. Letterman and his ilk are fluff, entertainment, a pastime. Not the most important thing on the planet. To hear him tell it, he got his feelings hurt and according to him it is next to blasphemy. Sorry Dave, you don't rate all the feigned outrage.
As for Letterman.....he isn't as important is he thinks he is and certainly not so important as to postpone work on real issues. Letterman and his ilk are fluff, entertainment, a pastime. Not the most important thing on the planet. To hear him tell it, he got his feelings hurt and according to him it is next to blasphemy. Sorry Dave, you don't rate all the feigned outrage.
Jed | 11:56 a.m. Sept. 26, 2008
What time is the debate? The article says "less than 10 hours" but
exactly when was this article written?
Eddie Keen | 12:09 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Good luck to both candidates. We need this process to move forward.
lets remember | 12:16 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
lets all please remember, -personalities, age, and and experience aside, that
one party believed in de-regulation and passed a bill which john mccain voted
for that gave wall street a free ticket, no regulation, and no accountability.
Republican economics is rooted in the concept of getting the government out of
business way so they can do whatever they want. AND NOW WE SEE WHAT HAS
HAPPENED
... Even if you loved Mccain like the angry grandfather you never had, would you really still let his party win the white house with all they have done to the economy?
... Even if you loved Mccain like the angry grandfather you never had, would you really still let his party win the white house with all they have done to the economy?
Re:Whoa! | 12:20 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Totally inaccurate. McCain stated clearly that he would not attend the debate
unless an agreement on the bailout was reached or essentially reached. However,
from all reports, it appears that McCain was in a big way responsible for the
collapse of the bailout plan, and now it's back to the drawing board. What
happened is that Obama called McCain's bluff and McCain folded, after
whining about how Obama wouldn't agree to all townhall formats for the
debates. This after the formats of the debates have been agreed to by both
campaigns. Once again, McCain is all over the map, acting erratically, trying
anything to save his sinking campaign, while Obama appears calm, in control, and
very presidential.
Anonymous | 12:36 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
This is just business as usual from our conservatives who have been doing this
sort of thing for the last 20 years and getting away with it - until now.
These types are so good at playing games (ie., demonize liberals every other sentence)it's taken some time to catch up to them.
Should be interesting to see what new game McBush has up his sleeve tonight.
These types are so good at playing games (ie., demonize liberals every other sentence)it's taken some time to catch up to them.
Should be interesting to see what new game McBush has up his sleeve tonight.
Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
There was never any likelihood that McCain would make any independent
intellectual contribution to the discussion at the White House, or anywhere
else. But he could have helped herd House Republicans into an agreement that met
the criteria he had claimed were important to him, in the bipartisan manner that
he had demanded in such ringing words. He didn't, because he meant none of
it.
By the time you read this -- and certainly by the time he appears in Oxford, Miss., for the first presidential debate -- the former straight talker will probably have adopted some new stance, in his panting eagerness to appear presidential. His attempts to game this dangerous situation, his waffling between bipartisanship and ideological rigidity, his shiftiness on the real issues and his obvious lack of concentration on the problems that must be resolved -- suggest that he is in fact unfit to serve in the office he desires. Once again he has proved that his claim to put country first is hollow. He was more than willing to take America down as he gambled for that prize.
By the time you read this -- and certainly by the time he appears in Oxford, Miss., for the first presidential debate -- the former straight talker will probably have adopted some new stance, in his panting eagerness to appear presidential. His attempts to game this dangerous situation, his waffling between bipartisanship and ideological rigidity, his shiftiness on the real issues and his obvious lack of concentration on the problems that must be resolved -- suggest that he is in fact unfit to serve in the office he desires. Once again he has proved that his claim to put country first is hollow. He was more than willing to take America down as he gambled for that prize.
WWRD? | 12:54 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Come on guys! ... I can't wait to hear how Rush and Sean will twist this so
McCain is the greater statesman ... Please parrot what they say as soon as
possible.
Steve - Re: Really, John? | 1:02 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Expect McCain's poll numbers to shrink even more after tonight's
debate... he simply isn't as good of a debator as Obama in the traditional
format (which is why McCain insisted on the town hall format for the 2nd
one).
I fully expect Obama to shine tonight and McCain's numbers to shrink further over the next couple days or so.
Then there's the VP debate... hopefully his numbers shrink even more after that with Palin finally out of seclusion and being allowed to speak.
I fully expect Obama to shine tonight and McCain's numbers to shrink further over the next couple days or so.
Then there's the VP debate... hopefully his numbers shrink even more after that with Palin finally out of seclusion and being allowed to speak.
Steve - Re: Whoa! & Letterman | 1:10 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Last night Letterman enlightened us some more on what happened with McCain
canceling his Wednesday night appearance, told us exactly why he was upset (and
rightly so).
McCain called and canceled only an hour prior to when he was supposed to be on Letterman, giving the full impression (or outright stating) he needed to leave NYC immediately to get to DC to help them out. But did McCain head straight back to DC?? NO. He took time to see Katie Couric for the CBS nightly news and, according to Letterman, didn't actually leave NYC until Thursday (yesterday) morning.
So, McCain has time to see Couric but not Letterman?? And if he wasn't leaving that night, why couldn't he also "squeeze in" his commitment to appear on Letterman's show? Looks to Letterman (and me) that McCain could've appeared on the show as planned if he wanted to.
A very silly choice on McCain's part if you ask me. FAR more people watch Letterman's show than the CBS Nightly News with Katie Couric (the lowest rated of the 3 network national news shows). He'd get far more public exposure on Letterman.
Looks like the "Maverick" can't commit or multi-task well.
McCain called and canceled only an hour prior to when he was supposed to be on Letterman, giving the full impression (or outright stating) he needed to leave NYC immediately to get to DC to help them out. But did McCain head straight back to DC?? NO. He took time to see Katie Couric for the CBS nightly news and, according to Letterman, didn't actually leave NYC until Thursday (yesterday) morning.
So, McCain has time to see Couric but not Letterman?? And if he wasn't leaving that night, why couldn't he also "squeeze in" his commitment to appear on Letterman's show? Looks to Letterman (and me) that McCain could've appeared on the show as planned if he wanted to.
A very silly choice on McCain's part if you ask me. FAR more people watch Letterman's show than the CBS Nightly News with Katie Couric (the lowest rated of the 3 network national news shows). He'd get far more public exposure on Letterman.
Looks like the "Maverick" can't commit or multi-task well.
ahhh the hatred | 1:23 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
from the left is overwhelming!
Remember when McCain was the darling of the left. It was because he was a 'maveric', somebody who went against those rascally republicans, and they loved him. Now that he has the R next to his name and is going against the most liberal of all liberals. They have decided that he no longer is their man.
Who are the real flip-floppers?
Remember when McCain was the darling of the left. It was because he was a 'maveric', somebody who went against those rascally republicans, and they loved him. Now that he has the R next to his name and is going against the most liberal of all liberals. They have decided that he no longer is their man.
Who are the real flip-floppers?
Buh Bye | 1:37 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
McCain is going to get worked tonight. End of story. I can't wait
NOTHING to debate Abraham Kleima | 1:37 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
After the actual economic crisis, the occupation of Irak, the number of American
casualties, the elevated cost of gas. The constant mistakes in foreign
policies.
The critical situation of USA today, by the fecal decissions of the Republican administration.
There is very little to debate.Vote Democrat.
The critical situation of USA today, by the fecal decissions of the Republican administration.
There is very little to debate.Vote Democrat.
re: ahhh | 1:43 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Isn't it pathetic when backed into a corner on virtually any subject, to
read posters such as ahhh above revert to the same old Limbaugh attack on
liberals?
Oh, yeah, and of course throw in the "you hate ___"
BS to boot.
These fools have been listening to Limbaugh way too much.
LOL!
Oh, yeah, and of course throw in the "you hate ___"
BS to boot.
These fools have been listening to Limbaugh way too much.
LOL!
12:42 | 1:55 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Thank you.
Get Real | 2:05 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I agree McCain "was" a good Senator. I would simply describe Sen.
McCain today as a "flip-flopping, pandering, player of political
stunts." These qualities are very useful in winning a seat in the US
Senate.
However, America deserves much more when selecting a President.
However, America deserves much more when selecting a President.
Re:ahh the hatred | 2:12 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I have news for you. McCain was never the darling of the left. Anyone who has
followed McCain, a Republican, always knew what McCain was about. His mantra of
being a maverick is nothing more than a smokescreen. He's been in favor of
deregulation, has voted with Bush 90% of the time, is against a woman's
right to choose, has supported the war in Iraq and wants to go to war with Iran.
No one in their right mind could ever make a statement like yours and expect
anyone to believe it.
re: ahhhhh | 2:13 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
"Remember when McCain was the darling of the left. It was because he was a
'maveric', somebody who went against those rascally republicans, and
they loved him."
I do remember when McCain was a maverick. But that was before he sold his soul, and got in bed with the Evangelicals, in order to become president.
his behavior, and decisions, during this campaign have been stunningly bad.
I do remember when McCain was a maverick. But that was before he sold his soul, and got in bed with the Evangelicals, in order to become president.
his behavior, and decisions, during this campaign have been stunningly bad.
David O | 2:31 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I hear they are trying to push the Palin Biden debate to Nov. 5. As a
conservative I have to laugh at those who break out Limbaugh and Hannity lines
verbatim on forums. What is the matter? Can't think for yourselves?
former dem | 2:42 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
What did Obama do to help the bail out plan? He did nothing, so instead of his
Democratic colleagues talking about what a great leader he is they bash McCain.
If Obama had done anything worthwhile there would be no reason to bash McCain.
Because Obama failed they have to make McCain look worse so they tell lies and
half truths to protect their guy Obama from being hammered for doing nothing.
awesomeron | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I am not exactly in love with either one of them. However given the choice, I
will Go With Mc Cain, mostly because of Mrs Palin. ( who by the way wore a very
nice one peice red swimsuit in the Miss Alaska Pagent where she was 1st runner
up).
I think McCain would have done much better if he had Not Stiffed Letterman and if he had kept his word about staying in Washington till the deal was done. Although I am not in favor of any bail out deal. I also do not want to bailout those who bought to much house on an ARM and now can't pay. I bought a reasonable House on a fixed and its worth about twice what I paid for it, even with prices dropping. I have not accessed that money, because I do not want higher payments. Plus they resist when i tell them I want $30,000 Cash out the back end of the refi. (Pay for my Daughters School).
McCain and Obama are paid by the people to be Senators and do Senate Stuff. The President Stuff should be done on their own time, When is no Session.
I think McCain would have done much better if he had Not Stiffed Letterman and if he had kept his word about staying in Washington till the deal was done. Although I am not in favor of any bail out deal. I also do not want to bailout those who bought to much house on an ARM and now can't pay. I bought a reasonable House on a fixed and its worth about twice what I paid for it, even with prices dropping. I have not accessed that money, because I do not want higher payments. Plus they resist when i tell them I want $30,000 Cash out the back end of the refi. (Pay for my Daughters School).
McCain and Obama are paid by the people to be Senators and do Senate Stuff. The President Stuff should be done on their own time, When is no Session.
Mark | 2:51 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
McCain is going to lose if he keeps playing like this...
And Republicans are praying that Palin doesn't crash and burn next week.
And Republicans are praying that Palin doesn't crash and burn next week.
Brett | 2:51 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I rarely have read a more biased news article. The tone of this was definately
a characterization of McCain, not a reporting of the facts.
The author needs to either stick to journalism or publish in the editorial section.
The author needs to either stick to journalism or publish in the editorial section.
Anonymous | 2:55 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
I don't know about Hannity, but from the Rush Limbaugh Radio Show and
website, Limbaugh has been telling his flock to keep up the negative pressure on
"the left" until the General Election.
So the Limbaughites on this blog are doing what they are dutifully told to do.
LOL!
So the Limbaughites on this blog are doing what they are dutifully told to do.
LOL!
Grant | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Do you really think McCain is afraid to debate Obama? This is where Obama is
going to have to finally explain his effervescent "change" doctrine.
America will see what his "change" will bring.
This article was written from an angle that criticized McCain for playing politics. Isn't that what Obama is doing? The most important thing is the policies and leadership the next president will bring to the White House, not how they try to get elected. I believe we can learn about the candidate by examining the tactics they use to get elected, but we need to listen to the content of their message. Debates are the best chance to do so.
I love America
This article was written from an angle that criticized McCain for playing politics. Isn't that what Obama is doing? The most important thing is the policies and leadership the next president will bring to the White House, not how they try to get elected. I believe we can learn about the candidate by examining the tactics they use to get elected, but we need to listen to the content of their message. Debates are the best chance to do so.
I love America
McCain's flailing panic | 3:11 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
In less than 48 hours, McCain went from "I'm too patriotic to debate
unless there's a deal" to "I'm going to the debate even
though there's no deal."
LOL!
LOL!
Ted | 3:19 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
There surely is a lot of vitriol being spewed here. So many of those who have
posted typify what's wrong with our system: Can't make an intelligent
argument (or blog post) so parade out the childish name calling. Hate-mongers on
both ends of the political spectrum are a disgrace who should be locked in a
closet where they can scream each other to death.
Thinker | 3:43 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Ah yes, it starts with the "Rush and Sean told you what the think"
crowd, when they themselves are parroting their own party line. Amusing, but
hardly independent thinking.
All these issues of a womans right to choose, Iraq, Iran et al.....you throw them up like everyone is supposed think as you do. (Hey, groupthink..) I don't, the thinking people don't and you won't convince me or them to join the Borg mindset. In this case, resistance is not futile. Go back to your Moveon.org world and leave the grown-ups to talk.
All these issues of a womans right to choose, Iraq, Iran et al.....you throw them up like everyone is supposed think as you do. (Hey, groupthink..) I don't, the thinking people don't and you won't convince me or them to join the Borg mindset. In this case, resistance is not futile. Go back to your Moveon.org world and leave the grown-ups to talk.
Anonymous | 4:10 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
It is indeed disturbing to see how some people have been totally taken over by
Rush O'Hannity.
The angry, far-right pundits know exactly what emotional buttons need to be pushed at just the right moment.
What a waste of the mind!
The angry, far-right pundits know exactly what emotional buttons need to be pushed at just the right moment.
What a waste of the mind!
Observer | 4:16 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
The debate is on. A tall, well spoken constitutional scholar who has appeared
presidential during the financial crisis, against a short, unhealthy, droopy
left eyed sell out with a questionable temper, who is scared to death of the
straight up debate format.
Anonymous | 4:47 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Let's see ...
Tonight's debate is on foreign policy, right?
We've been down this road before.
Instead of "there are WMD's in Iraq" or "Iraq is responsible for 9/11" watch for more of the same:
"We've got to win over there - before they come over here" and "Democrats are soft on security issues..."
LOL!
Tonight's debate is on foreign policy, right?
We've been down this road before.
Instead of "there are WMD's in Iraq" or "Iraq is responsible for 9/11" watch for more of the same:
"We've got to win over there - before they come over here" and "Democrats are soft on security issues..."
LOL!
Anonymous | 6:44 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
After stiffing Letterman and being called on it, could he not do the debate?
let's be clear | 7:15 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
Let's be clear: McCain showed his quick, irresponsible self when he
stiffed Letterman.
People have seen the light now, and it will be an Obama and democrat year.
PS-- I still do not understand how Mormons continue to follow McCain when he cheated on his wife and married the millionairess. How does that work? How can a good Mormon vote for McCain, the cheater?
People have seen the light now, and it will be an Obama and democrat year.
PS-- I still do not understand how Mormons continue to follow McCain when he cheated on his wife and married the millionairess. How does that work? How can a good Mormon vote for McCain, the cheater?
Hello Senator McCain | 7:49 p.m. Sept. 26, 2008
We are NOT winning the war in Iraq -- it is a war that will never end and we
will never win! Stop wasting money overseas and use it to help America which is
in economic turmoil!!! And stop talking about how Obama wants to increase
spending when you support a war that costs billions of dollars a month. At
least money Obama wants to spend will be spent in America to help Americans.
Also, all you conservatives that can't see past the issue of gay marriage
and abortion I guarantee you don't believe in everyting the Republicans do
so you don't have to agree with every issue democrats support either. By
the way James E. Faust was a democrat.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Blues blank Red Wings 1-0 8:37 p.m.
- Stortini has goal, 2 fights in win 8:35 p.m.
- Kansas dominates Radford 8:33 p.m.
- Ellis, Watson help Warriors beat Nets 8:24 p.m.
- No parole till 2014 for Centerville man 8:24 p.m.
- Utah brings affordability to housing 8:22 p.m.
- Foreclosure filings fell 8% in Nov. 8:21 p.m.
- Bank of America repays $45B 8:21 p.m.
- Rise in premium airline passengers 8:21 p.m.
- Store opens for Peep cravings 8:20 p.m.
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Doctor calls Mitchell 'naive,' 'inept'
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Small plane crashes near Lehi
- Snow brings big chill
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
291 - Letters: Global warming a lie228
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl206
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall178
- Cougars going back to Vegas150
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil145
- Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax138
- George lost in rivalry hatefest121
- Max Hall wants to look ahead117
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony100
Love him or hate him, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch knows how to get attention.
Latest comments
A place that is so not kid friendly doing a kid show? Weird. I'm sure it's...
Sure. So you are you admitting it is not historical? If you claim it to be...
Hey Bigham dad - You beat Skyline - In a dual meet That's soooo impressive!
I don't know who the rude commenter is on here but I would certainly call you...
Glad to see your prose Jared! Signed, A friend in Provo
So let me get this straight, Hall is still allowed to play for BYU? I...
A family member of mine used the law firm in this article, RecordGone.com,...
Best of luck Pitta, you are more than deserving of the award.
Communists, socialist, oppressors, power grabbers, just thinking of words...
How does Al Gore make money off climate change? I know how the oil...
Advertisements