Aide: McCain Likely To Confront Obama Over Ayers At Next Debate

On Monday afternoon, John McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds offered a quick preview of the third and final presidential debate this Wednesday at Hofstra University.

After being asked by a Fox News host whether the lack of any mention of William Ayers during today's speeches from McCain and Palin meant that "the gloves [are] going back on" after a week of tough attacks, Bounds rejected the idea.

"I don't think so at all... If you see some of the advertising coming from the RNC today, which we stand behind, and some of advertising that we'll see going forward," Bounds said, hinting at another onslaught of Ayers material still to come.

When asked if McCain plans to "go after" Obama on these topics this Wednesday, Bounds added: "So much of a debate is determined by the moderator and the questions that are posed to the candidates. I expect it could come up and I expect John McCain will ask Barack Obama to speak truthfully about his relationship with friend and unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers. I think that voters deserve to know, deserve to vet these candidates to the fullest extent... Certainly, Bill Ayers raises questions. Certainly, Tony Rezko raises questions."

If it is McCain's intention to raise the issue of Ayers -- with or without moderator Bob Schieffer's prompting -- it would serve as something of an answered prayer to many of the Arizonan's town hall attendees, one of whom even begged McCain to bring on the character attacks in the last presidential debate of the season.

Comments

[lee4]

McCain is a paper tiger!

[MadJeffersonian]

Good, then he can explain his praising of G. Gordon Liddy and Palin's support of the AIP. And while we are at it, how about his gambling. Bet the Christian Right don't want to hear about that. Anger issues? The list can grow almost as long as his nose.

[epitomized]

"So much of a debate is determined by the moderator and the questions that are posed to the candidates..."

That is a lie. It seems like just yesterday Palin was busy being a "Maverick" by refusing to answer the questions posed to her at the VP debate.

McCain/Palin should really change their motto to "Convenience First."

Although I hope McCain does bring up Ayers, so that Obama can set the record straight (and so that Fox News has something new to spin), I'd bet he does not have the spine to do so. If he does, I hope Obama sends him home with egg on his face.

If he does mention it, I also hope that Obama goes through the long list of associations that McCain/Palin have. Perhaps he will mention how the "First Dude" hates America -- and that Palin endorsed his views. The list goes on and on...

[TruthfullyYours]

mccain folks said that he will finally tell us his economic plans at a rally yesterday morning (perhaps to pre-empt obama's rally). obama came on at 130pm and laid out his plans one by one, from increasing the taxes on those who make $250,000 or more and not on those making less especially the lower middle class ($42,000 or less) to passing a bill that would allow us to withdraw from our 401K without penalties, of course we have to pay taxes. obama was very clear on what he wants to do. with mccain, i'm still waiting for his economic agenda. of course, i should expect that from him. he's been breaking his promises left and right.

[jpmdevildog]

It should help that he's gotten some work done:

http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/mccain-borg-upgrades-for-debate/

Republican presidential nominee John McCain announced Monday he will suspend his campaign yet again in order to upgrade his cybernetic systems. Sources say he hopes to appear more passably human before the final debate.

McCain’s need for an upgrade comes as no surprise to many insiders. During the Oct 7th debate his GPS systems were noticeably damaged, causing him to wander aimlessly for much of the evening.

[Chas53]

He's gonna do it. He has no choice, it's time for the final Hail Mary pass. Fourth and long. Will he connect- NO. Back to the Senate he will go. Old mavericks never die, they just fade away.....................

[Lilybart]

G Gordon Liddy anyone?

Running mate and AIP??

Charles Keating??

He won't bring it up.

[Insearchoftruth]

If you are unable to look someone in the eyes and say what you said behind their back, you lack honor and integrity. I believe McCain knows this.

[suvbaby]

I look forward to it, but I don't put much mustard in the fact McCain's people says he will. When does he ever follow through on what he says he is going to do?

[aquarius2001]

I hope he does "confront" him with this crap! Bring it on John, bring it on! This is a path he REALLY doesn't want to go down.

[schicklett3]

It would be great if Ayers was in the audience... LOL
I think Obama should bring up Ayers and speak of all the good things Ayers has done since the 70's... to end the Ayers talk once and for all. It would make McCain and Palin look like the hate mongering race baiting terrormongers they really are.
Yes, by all means, bring up Ayers and slap McCain in the face with it!
McCain is all talk and no substance.... and power hungry Palin is even worse.

Has anybody seen my dog, Mr. Puddles? I have snausages. ROFL

[Shadow08]

If McCain brings up Ayers during the debate, Barack will give him one of his well reasoned answers and John will never be able to bring Ayers up again. So, that's the decision John has to make.

[ImVotingforThatOne]

Go ahead John, if you really want to be made a fool of again.

[Cardinale18]

This kind of stirring of the pot of vitriol is the worst of this campaign--and, as Biden said, a decision McCain may regret for the rest of his life.
A great article on the GOP attacks;
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/10/paranoid-style-meets-issue-of-race-in.html

[ScottishJohn]

Aas an observer of the American election from Scotland, I must say that McCain and Palin are indicative of why the rest of the world holds America in such contempt and is shuddering at the prospect of another Republican administration.
The politics of hate and partialism are the reasons that America has dragged the rest of the world into a never-ending war on terror.
The decision to invade Iraq, taken on grounds which shifted as lies and spurious evidence were exposed, the support of Israel despite its appaling record of ignoring UN resolutions and continuing persecution of Palestinians and the condemnation of Russia for invading a sovereign country, which is precisely what America has made a speciality of, are all examples of America inspiring fear and prejudice to excuse exercising its military might and further its imperialist agenda.
Is it any surprise, given this background, that America's politicians resort to the same tactics in order to try to win power.
As for terrorist connections, let's not forget that Nelson Mandella was a terrorist and that the American insurgents who started the war of independence could also be classed as such.
Or are they only terrorists when we don't agree with them?
The world waits in fear and trepidation as the most dangerous nation on earth decides what to do next.

[mistlesuede]

Sounds like I would like to live in Scotland. I am so ashamed of this country, I do not recognize it anymore. If Barack wins and the Democrats take a large enough portion of Congress, we may have a good chance of righting this ship. If not, we are doomed. Please pray for us!

[lincheryl]

Thank you for your point of view. I am hoping Obama is elected and the US can be a respected country again.

[realiybased2]

Also what about McCain support George Wallace III or Iv at campaign event in 2005....Of course, the is the son of George Wallace II, who governor and klansman of Alabama in the early 60's.

[mooses4obama]

John McCain's racism and his hawkish attitude toward war. Racism and bellicosity overlap in the racial slur serving as the title of the new book. "Gook: John McCain's Racism and Why It Matters" will be released on July 4, and makes sense of McCain's history of racism and warmongering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-ENOLkXa8o

[MarcoEsquandolas]

McCain/Palin '08 - C*ntry First!...and second.