McCain running away from debate -- who's he kidding?

UPDATE 2: I've posted sort of a counterpoint to this piece, which criticizes his opponent: Three Myths About the Town Hall Meetings Obama Refused To Do

UPDATE: He's not fooling Letterman either! From tonight's "Late Show":

What was I just saying about late night talk shows having the guts to say what MSM journalists will not?

Above: Is this the real reason
McCain's avoiding a debate
on the economy? (538.com

John McCain doesn't like televised debates that much. Instead, he prefers to do town hall meetings, the informal Q-and-A sessions where he can engage the people directly without interference from that pesky news media. And no wonder: he revived his 2008 presidential bid by barnstorming the country doing town halls.

Today, McCain announced that he wants to skip Friday's first presidential debate with Barack Obama because it's in the "national interest" to deal with the impending financial situation.

I think these facts are not unrelated. If McCain succeeds in cancelling Friday's debate, that would leave just two scheduled opportunities for his opponent to engage him directly on national television ... and one of them would be a town hall meeting.

Well, it sort of serves Barack Obama right. Obama was the one, after all, who decided that a slim lead in the polls was reason enough to refuse McCain's calls for a series of town-hall meetings over the summer. I happen to believe that Obama would do pretty well in those town halls, because McCain has not held one where the room wasn't packed with Republicans and GOP-leaning independents, let alone held a town hall where his chief opponent was standing right there, ready to refute anything he said. Instead, he ducked out for political reasons, and now McCain is paying him back in his own currency.

So what does Obama do? Well, the only correct response to McCain's call to suspend the debate is to say: Forget it. And that is what both Ole Miss (the host school for Friday's debate) and Obama both said in their responses.

McCain's motives are transparent. He's not needed in Washington, so why does he want to go there? As Jonathan Alter rightly noted, John McCain has not exactly pushed a lot of heavy-hitting legislation during his 25 years as a senator. Mitch McConnell (despite his supportive comments today) is not awaiting McCain's arrival at Reagan Airport. McCain and Obama are needed in front of the American people, in a battle of ideas about our economic future.

And McCain will be happy to do that ... in a town-hall meeting. Friday's debate -- which was supposed to be about foreign policy -- is a more formalized affair with PBS's Jim Lehrer asking the questions, a format that supposedly favors Obama. (And to the commenter who seems to think Lehrer would stick to only asking questions about North Korea and Iraq ... c'mon. He's a journalist, not a robot.)

In a way, you can't blame McCain for trying to postpone an encounter with his opponent until the current fiscal mess blows off page one. Since Wall Street started its wild ride last week, Obama's lead over his GOP rival has widened to as much as nine points (WaPo) and gives him a pronounced lead in electoral college projections, as seen in the above chart posted today by the super-wonky 538.com.

Still, I'm reminded that McCain, at the 9/11 service forum, piously defended his running mate's derisive "community organizer" comment about Obama by saying, if my opponent had just agreed to debate me earlier this summer, we could have had a campaign of more substance. He can't fall back on that rejoinder any longer, because now he's the one perceived as avoiding a debate.

This just in: Keith Olbermann is filling in for McCain on Dave's show.

Previously on TV Barn: I pointed out that town-hall debates are usually devoid of tough follow-up questions that journalists like to ask. I wondered if ABC was frozen out of the debates because of the whole gotcha debate mess during the primaries. I chided the Obama campaign for going after a genial Chicago radio host because he dared to have two right-wing authors critical of Obama on his show.

Comments

[act]

What a cheap political stunt on McCain's part.

[jefflz]

Kudos to the debate Commision for not buying into this latest McCain stunt. Are we to believe that the candidates themselves are needed for the direct negotiations between Congress and the administration? Hardly. Is McCain trying to tell us he can't walk and chew gum at the same time? Or is he just plain chicken?

[matthew christin]

Add to this the fact Sarah Palin refuses to even talk to the press and one can only conclude their campaign strategy is to not let anyone know what they think.And sadly that is probably their best chance.

[dbc]

Hats off to John McCain. That debate pales in comparison to the entire economy falling through the cracks. Right thing to do at a pivotal point in this countries history.
Frankly, I am more worried about my kids future than I am about either Obama or McCain pontificating on Friday.

[Deeva]

There are rumblings from Sen. Lindsay Graham that if the debate is cancelled, it would be rescheduled to replace the VP debate, which would itself be rescheduled at a date yet to be determined.

What a creative way to keep the gag on Palin's lying lips; maybe even all the way to election day!

[Paul]

McCain is desperate to shift the focus away from his flailing campaign.

[Jomama]

The simple fact is that McCain is not prepared for the debate. What kind of a president will he be if he can't think and speak on his feet during a time of crisis? Surely the president of the United States must be able to address crisis situations as they arise. Remember Katrina? Haven't we had enough buffoonery. We need an intelligent and able leader who can act responsibly in a time of crisis. McCain, it apparently isn't. Obama is showing that he is ready.

[jeff durham]

matthew,

your point would be well taken IF John McCain were in a position actually to do anything constructive about this mess.

He is, unfortunately, a self-admitted amateur on economic issues.

My only conclusion: McCain is trying to turn his own cowardice into a virtue. He knows Obama will clean his clock, especially with the Wall Street mess.

So he ran away, and claimed it was heroism.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[April Dent]

John McCain running scared? I seem to think so. Besides, no one has ever stopped the presidential debate from taking place as scheduled in the history of this country. The fact he thinks this is a smart move, is more the reason why he should not be president of the United States. I feel he's more worried about his own personal loss in the stock market than the loss of the American people.

[CHULANOW]

McCain wants to roll up his sleeves and work with Democrats and Republicans to fix this economic crisis.

Obama wants to listen to himself talk.

Who do I want for President?

The person who is smart enough to know that Americans want this economy fixed now.

You can choose to tell us what you would do during an economic crisis....or you can SHOW US WITH YOUR ACTIONS....YOU CAN SHOW US BY WORKING WITH DEMS AND REP. TO GET THIS FIXED NOW!

Americans don't care about a debate when our economy is in crisis. Fix the economy first and debate later.

McCains wise actions today showed us that HE is A LEADER.

Obama showed us that he is still trying to vote present.

[shaun jackson]

Pathetic McCain, really pathetic. He lies, he weaves, lies some more etc etc. It's like some bad comedy routine - a weak, out moded and outdated old liar and the physco, gun lovn, fundamentalist christian, ready to start a war with Russia VP elect. If this wasn't so serious it would be funny. Who could ever believe their lies, then i remember certain segments of our country think loving guns, war, killing moose is all that matters when electing a president. Honestly the republicans are looking like that evil corporation thats take on the good guys in hollywood films.

[andyt]

John McCain's handling of this crisis is utterly deplorable. Last week, his rash statements about firing Cox and offering his plan BEFORE having seen any data or proposals from Paulson/Bernanke contradicted the incumbent administration that was working to swiftly buoy international confidence in the US economy. It was a time when America needed to come out to the world with one voice...and there he was mouthing off, making irresponsible statements that could have sent confidence on a further tailspin. His ambition was seriously getting in the way of his better judgment.

But this latest announcement, it is becoming clear to me that McCain has NO REGARD for the nation's interests in his pursuit of the white house. He has ONE VOTE...KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THE BILL, and HAS NOT BEEN working on a resolution. His appearance in Washington will only complicate matters for those pushing for a decision. Senator John McCain is putting the country in grave grave danger right now with his decision to dive in. Congress has to pass this bill really quickly, without partisan politics involved....his showing up there (with his one vote) is not going to make ANY difference whatsoever, instead it is going to make things worse. John McCain, PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. THis is NOT ABOUT YOUR CAMPAIGN ANYMORE!!!!!

[RancidVenison]

Who cares if McCain can't walk and chew gum at the same time. He was a POW, you know!

Plus, he doesn't have to tell me -- I already knew that. He's also chicken. They're not mutually exclusive.

I've seen chickens walk and chew gum at the same time, although they can't work teh email.

[April fools]

April Dent, surely you dont speak for AMERICANS?

Americans dont care about a debate? Is it really just that, or do you believe this political american idol contest is just some joke

You cant postpone the elections, surely this debate is important as the AMERICAN people deserve the opportunity for the two candidates to SHOW US who can be the better president.

God forbid we have more than 1 issue to deal with. The president of the United States HAS to and NEEDS to face all issues on hand and at once.

There is no timeout, this isnt some video game. I find it even more funny on how serious your post is, what you really should say is that McCain wants to take some time off so he can fix the MESS that his team mates aka republicans left behind? Oh yeah smart move.

Seemingly you also neglect the notion that this whole mess came about from your beloved Bush, or he doesnt count right?

[Alena Marie]

This is such a joke! Did anybody watch the congressional hearings today? It was a series of senators and representatives taking turns asking the same questions to Paulson and Bernanke and feigning shock and outrage to look good for their constituents! I would wager good money that none of them are going to be hammering out deals on Friday night! McCain isn't even on the Senate Finance Committee, so he wouldn't be the one working out the details anyway! Supposing he was truly needed in DC...why couldn't McCain work in Washington the next few days AND show up for a couple hours on Friday night to debate? This gives me ZERO confidence in McCain, and that, combined with keeping Palin away from reporters is really making the campaign look incompetent...Ready to lead? ha! Ready for photo ops only...

[Sophie]

McCain didn't want to cancel outright, he wanted to just postpone the debate to fly to D.C. and spend time working on the economic crisis. I think he's right to do so! We need everyone in our government with experience to help solve this mess. It would be a shame to say "hey America, I have the experience and expertise to be president but I am too interested in my campaign to be apart of solving the Wall St. disaster."

[Wesley Moore]

McCain will resume his campaign from Dick Cheney's bunker.

[Deeva]

CHULANOW, there's no need for McCain to roll up his sleeves. He won't have to physically handle heavy, sloshing buckets in dealing with this "bailout." It is not a literal term, you know. Taking out a few hours Friday night for the debate need not have an impact on McCain's economic crisis efforts.

[Alec]

Senator McCain is NOT running away from this debate- he just knows that he needs to Put Country First.
McCain realizes that this is a crisis.
He is willing to get back to Wasington and deal with the problem.

Barry says, "Call me if you need me."

Empty suit with DUST= Barack Hussein Barry Soetoro Obama

Country First- John McCain

It's the company you keep, Barry.
And YOU are the problem- not the answer.

Obama-Rev GD America Wright
Obama - Bill Ayres
Obama- Jim Johnson
Michelle Obama - Thesis

McCain is a patriot.
Obama is a whiner- and a Marxist.

God Bless America
God Bless our Troops

McCain-Palin 2008

[Bk]

McCain-ites who are thrilled McCain is headed to Washington to focus on the economy, I'm here to enlighten you...

"NOTHING WILL HAPPEN!"

No revolutionary new bill will be passed, no inventive new plan will be concocted, and the American economy will not suddenly reverse itself overnight. It is laughable to think McCain, with his 25 years of barely passing any economic legislation, is suddenly moved to ride in like a white knight on his gray horse and save the financial day. Such quick-fix schemes and broken promises are the reason we are in this dire situation to begin with...or have the last eight years of a Republican President just an afterthought?

Personally, if you can't stand Obama, you're well within your right. But I challenge any McCain supporter to say he would have reacted as favorable had Barack Obama chosen the same stance, and McCain wanted to debate. You'd have said he's running from a fight, trying to take focus of the issues, worried about his polling stature...

Congratulations, you've just figured out my view of McCain's bumbling of this situation. Will the economy right itself miraculously by next Monday and McCain will have saved the day? Perhaps...but I wouldn't bet my McCain/Palin bumper sticker on it. I would, however, wager my motorbike against his 13 cars or 7 houses. Think of all his insurance bills he has to pay! He and Cindy must be really suffering in this economy, just like the rest of us...

[Max T]

J. McCain's claim to be putting partisan politics aside is disingenuous.

This is a very obvious political tactic.

All last week the media ran stories that McCain was not taking time from his campaign to prepare for the debate. He did not do his homework, now he wants to be excused from the debate.

McCain is looking at the polls and knows that he will not look good in the debate, so he is making a tactical decision to not participate.

If McCain can't handle dealing with the debate in the Senate and the debate on TV, how will he be able to deal with the demands of the presidency? Maybe he can be excused a little early from the senate so he can take a nap before the televised debate.

[mc]

Jomama he doesn't need to be an economic whiz kid here, he needs to help get it passed! Something's he's great at, getting both parties together. Get a clue. Anyone who thinks he's "running away" instead of "running toward" a serious and timely problem like a real leader would should probably not vote.

[Sophie]

Deeva: The debate is a few hours, but it's not as easy as you or I sitting down with popcorn to watch it as actually being in it. It takes a good deal of preparation from both sides.

Seriously, if you elect someone to serve you in a government office, and then argue "oh it's no big deal he just has ONE vote", isn't that refuting the importance for a Senate or Congress? One vote counts! The national budget hasn't been this deep in s**t since the Great Depression. McCain is not gonna sit on the sidelines for this. That's not McCain. That's Obama.
I know we are all anxious to see the debate. We all no doubt will and can make our judgments then, but don't project conspiracy theories about "cover ups" and the like. It's not a constructive way to judge the situation.

[barbara]

John McCain has not be in a Senate vote since April. He has a senate voting record as bad as a fellow senator who had major brain surgery.

If McCain couldn't be bothered to show up in the previous 5 months, why now?

It's political bullshit from the McCain camp.

[Alec]

Interesting blog- with intelligent people on both sides.

But- John McCain has the experience- and KNOWS that his JOB is a United States Senator.

Barry- "the empty suit" is a know nothing product of the Chicago machine.
His Chicago "thugs" were on the ground in Alaska. (Bag of zeroes- finding dirt on Palin)
His Chicago "thugs" getting Governor Palin "dis-inviting" Governor Palin from the Jewish demonstration against Iran.
Turned into an anti-Obama campaign- did you left wingers know that?

Guess not- since the media didn't cover it.
Running away from the Debate?

Obama has been running away.
McCain is doing his job.

Question: Can Barry Hussein vote "Present" from Mississippi?