Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Mary Fox, Sebastian, Florida — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:34:04 GMT

On FOX news they said that in 2001, President Bush asked congress to pass a bill requiring stricter regulations on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Republicans voted for it and the Democrats voted against it. So it did not pass.

On at least two more occasions afterwards, the same thing happened. Perhaps if the Democrats had cooperated earlier, this crisis might not have occured.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

P. Brown, New Berlin, WI — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:34:58 GMT

Agreed, McCain and company have not show they are following a plan in preparing for this election. Everytime I listen to what he has planned for our country it changes based on who he is addressing and current events. Tell you what I think you want to hear, rather then here is my plan.
I do not think he has a plan for the future either, other then changing the subject like Gov. Palin in every TV interview she has had.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Dave T. FTW, Tx. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:37:52 GMT

McCain knows that his days are up soon. He shows the move of a desperate man. Expect more from McCain as the day looms for election. Obama will be elected president, and McCain knows it. Think about it for a second. If you were McCain, and in his position of lagging behind, wouldn't you be willing to try anything to get ahead? When you're in a situation that you're going to lose anyway, you then have nothing to lose.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

K. Freeman, Sedona, AZ — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:42:21 GMT

John McCain would be a nightmare as president. His way of being 'the center of attention' is not what we need at the head of the country. His ego may need that, but we don't need his ego in charge of our safety, our wealth or our progress. He is too old, too confused and too forgetful. He also is not in control of his temper when things get tough. I'm from Arizona and we know McCain, and that means not voting for him.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Carole Long Beach CA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:55:34 GMT

Well said Chris! Mccain is all talk! Just like the Bush administration wants a 700 billion dollar blank check the mccain campaign wants the american people to vot for him and Palin with no questions asked. He running scared and it shows! Is he too old to multi task? he has a private jet on call that can usher him form Washington to Mississippi at the drop of a dime. I hope the american people see it for what it is, a coward running for cover!

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Thomas Dennis Amelia, Ohio — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:55:48 GMT

Ok, first, we are voting for a president to preside over a 4 year trem, not eight. Second, this is a higher priority than a debate and as Senators, McCain and Obama have a responsibilty to be a part of this solution. They will live with it during their term. Further, Obama has been nothing but razzle-dazzle, no substance, no track record. And associations that would scare most hardened criminals. Matthews needs to find a new line of work that doesn't involve influencing people since he is obvoisly not objective.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Edward L. Williams — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:59:40 GMT

Why is McCain still this close in this election. It's about our country people. For the good of our country. PLEASE WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Khaytlen, Seattle, WA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:00:40 GMT

Thanks Chris for calling it out. McCain is getting scarier and scarier. Judgement and age is a big issue with this man. We cannot vote this man in the office!

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Al, Atlanta, Georgia. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:10:21 GMT

I agree wholeheartedly with what Chris Mattews is saying. I used to believe that John McCain was someone I could trust to effectively steer the ship of this Nation; however, I'm surprised at some of the decisions of this used to be "political maverick". John McCain has consistently shown us a side of him that's never been revealed before, which is panic in the face of uncertainty. Why would a presidential candidate not want an opportunity or forum to air out his views or opinions to the same people he would like to govern. Can someone please tell Mr McCain that his tactics are making him look un-presidential and at worst foolish. I hate to use these words when talking about Mr McCain but my goodness, what is happening to him? Is it the age thing?

As if the irresponsible choice of Sarah Palin and her uncharactersitic "shield" from the press is not enough, what are we to make of this idea of wanting to postpone a presidential debate? What would've happened if Mr Obama was the candidate exhibiting these irrational behaviors and running a campaign that is incoherent at best and irresponsibe at worst?

Please, Mr. McCain, stop this pony show, it is too beneath you, save yourself from your campaign operatives before they ridicule you too far.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Thomas R. Tull, Scott Depot, West (by God) Virginia — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:12:21 GMT

I agree with Mr. Matthews. It seems the only Republican strategy in this election is to frighten, mislead, and confuse the electorate. McCain's antics draw attention away from the issues and the facts and details of policies necessary for voters to make rational judgements about our choices. In part, I believe Sen. McCain is doing this because he has a fundamental problem in trying to unify his ideolgically radical conservative party behind him while at the same time, trying to draw the independent votes needed to win the election. He cannot reconcile the two groups so he cannot talk about the specifics of his solutions to issues. We deserve better.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Alice Reviere Smith — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:15:17 GMT

I agree with you, Senator McCain seems to think that his calling off the debates will look presidential. Its look as if he is trying to deflect the public's attention with a "play" rather than a thoughful reasoned response to this problem. I had forgotten the urgency and short response time given to Congress to the initiation of the Iraq War--is this a Cheney or a Rove tactic which McCain handlers are using while still issuing misleading ads in the Battleground States? I wonder when we can get back to some intellect governing our leaders rather than all this Gut Reaction. Please, why do we have a still good education system (the World sends their sons and daughters to get an American Education)if our leaders can't use some of these smarts to get this country moving again and get us out of this ruinous war. If I didn't know better, I would believe that there is more to this than the eye can see. Perhaps if more our billionaires would emulate the response of Warren Buffett, perhaps the bill would not be so high for the American people.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

BruceTallahassee Florida — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:16:53 GMT

You hit it right on the button. Mccain and his cronies are trying to pull the wool over our eyes but the American people are not going to fall for it this time or are we?

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Lowell Shinn, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:27:30 GMT

I couldn't agree more. McCain's behavior is not condusive to good governing, much less crisis management. If this doesn't frighten people away from voting for him, then God help us all. And to think that of the two, Palin seemed like the only scary one just a short time ago!

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

temma maltz, Portland, Oregon — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:28:57 GMT

I think Chris Mathews has got it right on the money. I don't trust McCain further than I can see him. So far he has deployed all of these knee jerk reactions to distract us. Even Sara Palin was one of those "lets upset the apple cart moves" that he seems so fond of lately. I was an undecided white 48 year old woman, who has now decided - I will be voting for Obama.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Peggy Molloy, Gaithersburg, Maryland — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:31:39 GMT

I sincerly hope that American has not become so "dumbed down" that we fail to see the latest McCain ploy - "Delay the debate because I am so complicit in why we are in this mess in the first place." McCain wants to delay to keep Palin from being eviscerated by Biden (one can only hope that this is what Biden would do). I hope that Americans are waking up out of our "realtiy show" stuper to demand not the government that we currently deserve, but the government that we can hope to aspire to deserve. A leader we can be proud of, a leader to restore confidence in this country - inside and outside, and a leader that will be calm, cool, steady, and brilliant - like Obama. I don't want my president to be a regular joe - someone I'd like to have a beer with - I want my president to be extrordinary, smarter and more sophisticaed than me, better read, more traveled. What's wrong with the people in the country that we are willing to settle and not ask for the best and most extraordinary.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

B Aidoo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:33:31 GMT

I could not agree with you more;Feels like we've been here before. Was this also contrived(did not this "Crisis" exsist on the back burner for years now)? Why the big hurry today, wasn't yesterday too late? Our unpopular President certainly is being echoed by McSame.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Brenda Perrotti — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:36:11 GMT

Razzle dazzle is all they've got. These times call for thoughful minds, not sly political manuvering. A week or so ago, McCain said our economy was "fundementally sound." Now it is a crisis that must be addressed at the expense of the debate. To top it off, he also wants to put off the VP debate.It is so obviously a ploy to avoid the debates that it is pitiful. Let's hope the voters who see through this get out and vote for Obama. We don't need another mediocre mind doing more damage to our country and the world. Intelligence is not a liability, it is a necessity.
Brenda in Evanston

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Donnie, Jacksonville, AR — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:39:52 GMT

Wow...you get a Senator and candidate for President that cares about getting the economy in check and the first thing everyone wants to do is razz him about wanting to cancel a debate when our economy should be the number one thing on the list. Guess the Democraps don't really care about the economy and fixing it? Like that's a surprise!

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Chris Rose, Phoenix, Arizona — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:48:01 GMT

As of yesterday I felt very optimistic that our government could put together a plan to lessen the impact of this financial disaster that WE have gotten ourselves into. However, after John McCain has politicized this, I am feeling quite vulnerable for the first time. Now John McCain has got both sides arguing and I'm not certain a good plan can be put together with this partisonship. I am seriously considering pulling my money out of the bank. I have about $40K in a savings account for a "just in case" situation like this.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Sam Law La Veta, Colorado — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:56:35 GMT

RAZZLE-DAZZLE. What a spot-on description of McCain's strategy. Chris, please use it over and over and over -- and get others to pick it up. In reality, the biggest effort either Obama or McCain has run is their campaign. Obama's has been steady and well-run. McCain's has come close to failure repeatedly and relied on razzle-dazzle to squeek by. We can't have a razzle-dazzle president at this time. The stakes are too high.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Edye Allen — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:05:35 GMT

Exchange the debates and have the VPs debate tomorrow

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Robbie, Little Rock AR — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:11:30 GMT

For the past two weeks McCain's campaign has been in trouble: the economy being "strong", Sarah Palin and the media, his campaign manager and his problems, Sarah Palin's witch doctor minister, and falling poll numbers; this was just too much for him. He needs a break and this is his means of getting it and hoping things will blow over. Two days before the debate, what will spending 1-2 hours on Friday night hurt? He was never preparing anyway because no doubt this was in the making. This does not look as if he's being presidential or concerned, it's to get the media to back off him for awhile.

Obama should go to Mississippi and take questions from the audience if he has to.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Juli Hannah, Ca — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:14:49 GMT

I`m sure you all remember the parable of the Tortoise and the Hare. John McCain is jumping from hither and dale trying to cover his and Palins arses. He will lie, mislead twist each event or non event . Everyday is a new drama. While Barack Obama thoughtfully,steadily , leads this country in a new and different direction. he takes the higher road and John McCain takes the low road whenever he can. America needs thoughtful, steady leadership, not razzel dazzel gimmick. We all know how the parable turned out.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Phil Audet — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:15:45 GMT

Actually, I believe it's the opposite of razzle-dazzle. The economy is the number one issue and Senator Mc Cain is trying to help Congress act. Mc Cain is really the one who's multitasking here. I just hope Mc Cain does as good a job on TV Friday night as FDR did when he debated Hoover ;-}

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Toby Oonk — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:27:22 GMT

Did anyone else have the same reaction to President Bush's "Mortgages of Mass Destruction" speech that I did? Apparently, the Bush Administration has learned from recent history, and is attempting to repeat it: we can have carte blance if we frighten the American people into giving it to us! I'm not buying it.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

HD, Wash. DC — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:34:23 GMT

Matthews is right. How many times have we seen McCain and the Republicans "work the refs?" They're professionals at it. And if the message is so stifling that the Republicans can't respond, they change the subject. As Matthews calls it, "pushing the reset button." Its a shame, because the American people will never have a legitimate debate about the REAL issues in this country, because one side refuses to take a stand. Their natural stand. The stand, which the people know is the wrong direction. Instead, they want to change the spots on a leopard. I hate it, but it is truly fascinating.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

John Malone Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:52:45 GMT

If McCain suspended his campaign this morning why are his attack ads on Obama still airing on CBS today (9/25)(10:30 AM PT)?

Another say one thing do another guy...just what we don't need.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Dennis Szal, Ellensburg Wa. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:52:59 GMT

Chris,

Come on now, I think we should all clearly recognize what's going on. McCain is "pulling a Palin", hiding from questions, answering for his actions (or inactions) by ducking the debate. We've seen this rodeo before from Cheney's bunker mentality, to the sequestering of Sarah Palin, to President Bush's imitation of a cuckoo clock in coming out and delivering 2 sentences on the ecomony. Its premised on out of sight out of mind. and you can't hit what you can't see. As a member of the press McCain and Palin will continue to immitate Puxatawny Phil and hide in their holes until the press pulls them out and holds them accountable.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Eyes Wide Open — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:06:54 GMT

I hope that the Macain and his party are prepared to bail out Missippi and the debate committee for the expense that they have incurred due to the debate if he does not show up.

Matthews: Canceling the debate was a razzle-dazzle move by McCain

Eric, Sugar Land, TX — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:20:21 GMT

Well put Chris... Here's my take on McCain's various actions; he grew up in the Chubby Checker 1950s era, and he's still using the old playbook from that period of time. Usually, with age brings wisdom and greater understanding, but I'm not seeing that in McCain, honestly.