Why does Obama feel it's so important for the American people to hear from the candidates?

The real reason McCain want to pospone the first debate is because they've been doing practice debates with Palin and her handlers have told McCain that's she's not very good in this format. Maybe if the moderator only asks true/false and multiple choice questions, she might do OK. So McCain want to postpone the first debate, then he'll say we should reschedule the debate for the time slot that the VP debate was in (thus eliminating the VP debate).

I agree. The thing is, the debates are supposed to be on foreign policy. If they were on the economy, I could understand Obama not wanting to postpone them. Clearly, McCain has the advantage on foreign policy issues, and for people to say that McCain is chicken, is ridiculous! McCain is simply thinking of our country's economy and feels that our country, is the number one priority. Wow, imagine that!

A leader that puts the people first!

McCain/Palin 2008!

to be honest, I would rather SEE what they do than to hear the lies coming from them,

obama 3 days ago gave a speech about what he wanted in that bailout, and then tells his staff he will NOT vote on this bill anyway!

so why wont obama take a stand? we can all get up and preach a bunch of crap that sounds good. how about putting his spew to real work and take a stand and vote so we REALLY know what obama stands for?

he seems to have a serious issues with voting on real issues, his record proves this.

is this how he will run the US? by NOT taking a stand and saying "Hey, call me"?

McCain wanted townhalls so that he could have Obama draw the crowds that McCain himself can't draw. The debates themselves are a part of tradition in the race for the white house, of course they should both attend.

McCain needs to get his priorities right.As a president u must multi-task.Look, we had a presidential campaign in 1864, when Sherman was marching Atlanta, an election in 1944 during D-Day.....honestly i think this is just another political stunt trying to sway the vote for republicans.AMERICA WAKE UP! Dont fall for this BS AGAIN!Can't u see that they just want to convince u that during this time of crisis they will fix it.NO...no no no.....9 days ago McCain said the economy was in great shape....so what does that tell u?....

McCain likes to stack the decks at these town hall style meetings with supporters who ask him softball questions, but of course you are not going to believe me.

Well isn't hearing from them what makes you people decide on who you are going to vote for? I would guess that why its important, and maybe he does not want to deal with mindless stalling? Because that's what it looks like

He has to come off as the "brave" one now. It's only a way to make it seem as though McCain is running away and hiding. Barry is not at all prepared for a debate.

It is typical to have a presidential debate before elections. Someone is running scared.

because now the shoe is on the other foot. obama should thank his lucky stars mccain wants to postpone. it will delay his *** whoopin!