Cynthia McKinney Volunteers to Debate Obama if McCain Can't Make it.

Well as you know I was highly anticipating tonight's presidential debate until John McCain decided to go all fighter pilot on us and mess with Barack Obama's OODA loop again:

That term was the invention of the great fighter pilot and military strategist John Boyd. It's an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.Source

So of course for the second or third time this election I have had a "He did what?" moment when I heard that McCain was "suspending" his campaign and wanted to "postpone" the presidential debates. But wait! I cleared my calendar for these debates! I want a debate tonight dadgumit! I have been waiting for three months. You can't just up and say "Nevermind!"

But never fear, we may yet have a debate afterall because in the event that John McCain is unable to appear, Cynthia McKinney has volunteered to take his place.

“If John McCain wants to bow out, I’m willing to step in and take his podium on Friday,” said Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney, the former Georgia congresswoman. “The financial meltdown won’t come any closer to a resolution because a presidential debate is postponed. Now is the best time for Americans to see how prepared their leaders are to handle emergencies.”AJC

I say they should take her up on the offer. In fact I think they should invite every presidential nominee of a party that is on the ballot in enough states to theoretically be able to reach 270 electoral college votes. Can you imagine a debate with Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader on national television oh yeah and that guy from PBS moderating. Now THAT I would pay to see. BRING IT ON!!! We don't need McCain. Bring on McKinney vs Obama vs Nader vs Barr in all of their train wrecky goodness.

Comments

[True Debates]

The 1992 Presidential Debates with Ross Perot were not dull. His warnings have now come true. Replace John McCain with Ron Paul. Add Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney. Barack Obama must earn his victory, not win by default.

[Yme]

I want to see every candidate debate. I think it stinks that not every candidate has been invited.

This isn't looking like much of a democracy.

[gem2001]

If Obama goes out there by hisself, it will be a disaster. Obama does not do well when he gets too much time to make his points. Does anybody remember "above my pay grade" at the saddleback forum. He doesn't do extempoaneous very well. He needs someone to respond to. To contrast to. And if all of this goes to hell in a handbasket on Wednesday when some predict that millions of Americans wo't be getting paid due to the credit crunch, then he will look like he was fiddling while Rome burned. Its a risk for McCain, but it is also a risk for Obama...which is why McCain did it. Heads=McCain wins. Tales=Obama loses.

[Mari-Djata]

I would love to see Cynthia McKinney debate Obama. That would make my world complete to see a true revolutionary take on this would-be celebrity. The only reason that Obama even looks so pure and progressive is because he ran against some crooks. America isn't ready for a real progressive intellectual in the Oval Office.

[David Gaines]

I've checked numerous blogs and news stories about this issue (Nader/McKinney/Barr offering to "take McCain's podium" at this debate) and it's interesting to me how much support for the idea there is among the public commenters. In 2000 and 2004, the 3rd party candidates, no matter how serious they were, were either laughed at or the object of really vile hatred (principally Nader). This year, I'm amazed to see how many people, in reaction to stories like this, who aren't particularly interested in voting for a 3rd party presidential candidate are nonetheless publically supportive of seeing them in debates.

Snarky/arrogant/out-of-touch reporters and journalists, take note, please.

[Dantresomi]

yes

i hope he takes it ( i know he won't)

go McKinney

[Huemanity]

Oh lord, this should be interesting. I predict McCain will show up to try and look like the knight on the white horse, no pun intended.

But anyway, I was strongly leaning toward Ron Paul during the primaries because he was the only one outside of Mike Gravel and Dennis "Socialist" Kucinich that was offering REAL change. McKinney too far left for me but I would love to see her get a national platform.

There are many people that are interested in third party candidates but the media makes it seem as if these people have no chance so the public turns their attention to the two dolts running for the major parties and we keep getting screwed.

Let's hear some REAL change proposals and see if it shifts the dialogue. Unfortunately a lot of people vote out of fear and third party candidates are just too risky.

But I will be watching with my popcorn and Dr. Pepper anyway!

[Yme]

"Does anybody remember “above my pay grade” at the saddleback forum."

I know. My husband and I sat there with our mouths open. I was deeply disappointed. The disappointment was more because I believe he actually does have an opinion, but he was afraid it wouldn't go over very well.

I mean, it's not a question like..."Do you believe in the Bush Doctrine?" The what? What the heck is that? Bush doesn't even know what the Bush doctrine is...I was forced to give her some slack on that one.

But, when does conception begin? That's not a new question. Especially not for people who are decidedly either pro-life or pro-choice. I don't believe it was a gotcha question.

But, I think he was afraid of being tied to his answer. And, I just wanted him to take a stand. It does't have to be with me on the issue. We can disagree and move on. But, we don't have to worry. McCain will be there. There will even be an opportunity for them to ask each other questions, I believe. So, it should be interesting.

[movie fan]

McCain getting back into the debate is a purely political move, like everything else he does... it's not that he wants to inform Americans or demonstrate his know-how, he just thought thought not showing up to the debates would make him look bad

[phoenix]

I wish they would. That would be the debate of my dreams! But the people in charge of the debate and the election would never allow it. I watched a documentary on Ralph Nader and they mentioned the fact that Nader was arrested for trying to enter the building where the debate was taking place in 2000 when he was the Green candidate. I guess they thought he was going cause a riot or something. smh.

[Persistance]

I'm with you Gina! Cynthia, Nader, Black Barr.. i mean Bob Barr, would be wild! But i guess now its back on with just O and Mac.

Looking forward to your live blogging after.