"Demand The Debate" Petition Posted Online

A voter petition demanding Friday's presidential debate go on as scheduled was posted online yesterday, just hours after the McCain campaign announced its unilateral plan to postpone the debate with Barack Obama in order to focus on "addressing our nation's financial crisis."

The "Demand the Debate 2008" petition site asks visitors to

Demand that Senators Obama and McCain both show up in Mississippi on Friday night and debate for the American people. In this time of crisis, we need to hear from our leaders, not let them hide in Washington. Now more than ever, we need an open dialogue with our leaders.

Obama also quickly rejected the debate suspension proposal:

I believe we should continue to have the debate. I believe it makes sense for us to present ourselves to the American people... Obviously if it turns out that we need to be in Washington, we've both got big planes, we've painted our slogan on the side of them. They can get us from Washington to Mississippi [for the debate] pretty quickly.

The Presidential Debate Commission has reported it agrees with Obama:

We believe the public will be well served by having all of the debates go forward as scheduled.

It's not clear who posted the Demand The Debate online petition.

Comments

[KC333]

The debates should go on and they should go according to the way they were planned. Foreign policy should go first. McCain wants that subject to go last and he is trying everything in his power to get it the way he wants it. It really does not matter what debate goes first or second because in two weeks we will still be in a financial crisis. McCain is scamming every person except those voting for Obama. Even the Canadians and Europeans see it. A president needs to handle many things at once. How is McCain going to handle two wars... put the economy on hold while he takes care of that. If you ask me, there is something not right about the bailout and there is definately something strange about McCain's campaign. Let the two debate. McCain does not stand a chance in my eyes, and neither does Palin. Palin has one week to learn foreign poilicy. I wonder what crap comes out of her mouth next week.

[JungleRoses]

So we now know how McCain would react if he won the election. He would really screw-up foreign policy if he thinks he can cancel important meetings, and please don't send the airhead to fill in.

[janvoght]

that's what i'm sayin'. these decisions are just a preview of the judgement of the man. american's deserve better! mc cain seems to not be troubled by making a shear mockery of our country...what happened to country first? these sound bites are loosing their weight and credibility, no?
OBAMA '08

ALSO, PLEASE REGISTER TO VOTE, AND....CHECK ON YOUR VOTER STATUS, NOW!!! voter's list have been known to have been expunged, and every vote counts, no matter what party you support!

[JungleRoses]

So we now know how McCain would react if he won the election. He would really screw-up foreign policy if he thinks he can cancel important meetings, and please don't send the airhead to fill in.

[FierceOne]

Since when does a job applicant get to call the shots regarding a job interview? Please, show some respect for the employers: the voting public.

McCain is just looking for cover; ditto for Sarah Palin.

[winfie6]

being old makes you tired and cranky

[kcjc]

This debate is on foreign policy...it's the "economy stupid" that's in crisis according to everyone!

[rose london]

YES THE DEBATE MUST GO ON. MCCAIN YOU CAN'T HIDE FOREVER...