ThinkProgress Liveblogging Tonight’s Presidential Debate
ThinkProgress Liveblogging Tonight’s Presidential Debate
Whether or not Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) decides to show up to tonight’s presidential debate at the University of Mississippi — we’ll have you covered.
The entire ThinkProgress team — including the Wonk Room and Matt Yglesias — will be liveblogging tonight’s debate (beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET) and the media’s post-event commentary. Look for constant updates, rapid-response research, and lively commentary.
On a separate note, ThinkProgress was profiled on by two separate media outlets yesterday — Voice of America and the CBS affiliate in Cedar Rapids, IA (this same segment also aired in the local Fox outlets in Richmond, VA and Baltimore, MD, and Nashville, TN, among other places). Watch them:
This morning’s ThinkFast will be posted today at 10:00 a.m.
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I think the odds of a debate tonight are marginal, at best…
Much like McCain’s morals.
McCain is living proof that torture doesn’t work.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:04 amThis morning’s Detroit Free Press headline:
Is the Battle For Michigan Over?
Obama ahead 51% to McCain 38%
More details at http://www.freep.com
September 26th, 2008 at 9:04 amWe can expect a very thin coverage of events, as TP is all focused on the debate. And since Friday is typically Media Dump Day, we’ll be going OT a lot today, I predict.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:05 amLook for constant updates, rapid-response research, and lively commentary.
Scuse me while I keep an eye on the markets today.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:09 amUnofficial TP pool, for how many times McCain works POW into a debate question’s response. A five point spread is the limit.
I choose 38-43.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:13 amLetterman keeps up assaults on McCain
“Now I’m feeling like an ugly date,” Letterman said. “I feel used. I feel cheap. I feel sullied.”
“Here’s how it works: You don’t come to see me? You don’t come to see me? Well, we might not see you on Inauguration Day,” Letterman said.
Letterman said Palin’s meeting with world leaders at the United Nations was like “take-your-daughter-to-work day.”
September 26th, 2008 at 9:18 amWill someone please fill me in on what happened after I fell asleep last last night? Yesterday McCain was saving the banks and and was too busy to debate tonight, and now none of the republicans are going to the table now. What did McCain Do?!!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:20 ambarfly Says:
——————————————————————————–
Unofficial TP pool, for how many times McCain works POW into a debate question’s response. A five point spread is the limit.
I choose 38-43.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:13 am Recommend (0) | Report Abuse
PPut me down for 27 POW’s and 59 my friends.
If there isn’t a debate, McSames campaign should pay back the University for their expense. OOps. that would take some ethics on their part, forget it.
tony and lido
September 26th, 2008 at 9:20 am
McCainiac showed up in D.C. just in time to screw it all up.
I’m surprised he didn’t have Palin with him at the White House.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:29 amShe could team up with Michelle Bachman for a highly cerebral discussion of the inner dynamics of finance while defining the moral implications of the new particle accelerator in Switzerland.
/snark
Fantastic. :-)
TheZoo will likely be live blogging the debate as well.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:32 amMcCain acted as if he is the savior of the current situation,claiming that he suspeneded his campaign ,then rushed to Washington D.C.to give his ideas and participate in the effort to solve the current financial problem.
I’m waiting to see what did he propose so far,what solutions did he offer to this problem.
The media says that he is in fact objecting to solution was put on the table to rescue the markets.
Is he there in Washington for a solution or is he there for television cameras? !
September 26th, 2008 at 9:33 amI feel important now!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:33 ambentley1 says:
“If there isn’t a debate, McSames campaign should pay back the University for their expense. OOps. that would take some ethics on their part, forget it.”
As McHothead screws many of his own down there in MS. It couldn’t happen to a “nicer guy,” than MS. Gov Haley Barbour. The ultimate GOOPER. I mean, you REALLY think the whites in Mississippi are even contemplating voting for a half BLACK guy for Prez? C’mon give me a brak. If it was Obama holding out like this, the tree would be strung already.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:35 amI have no doubt in McCain’s ability to screw it all up, but is there any evidence or has any senate member made any direct mention of McCain muddying the waters? Just basic research here.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:36 amthe Lone Voice of Reason Says:
What did McCain Do?!!
__________
not the logical thing, that’s for sure
September 26th, 2008 at 9:36 am“Look for constant updates, rapid-response research, and lively commentary.”
What? No contests or prizes?! For shame TP, for shame!!!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:36 amI truly hope McIIIrd doesn’t show up and Senator Obama takes the entire 90 minutes to talk to the nation about his plan for the country’s restoration to a place of honor instead of shame in the world’s eyes.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:36 amOf course MCCain had to RUSH to Washington. He had 25years of DEREGULATION to save. And he came up with or is backing an “alternative plan” that, get this, gives the corporations A TAX BREAK!!!!!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:37 amI’m just ticked off that votes of people who lost their homes may not be counted. And the majority of them are not corporate CEO’s!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:38 amAlecto, not to mention backing off much of the needed RE-REGULATION that got us here in the first place.
What a tool McKeatingFiveHousesSevenCarsThirteen is.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:40 amWould someone put in a provision that corporate CEOs and officers applying for bailout money live homeless on the street for a month or so?
September 26th, 2008 at 9:40 amWell so far he is 0 for 1 in his “Deregulation tour” the government seized Washington Mutual. On a side note, does this mean I don’t have to pay my credit card bill. Snicker snicker.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:41 amSo it looks like that the suspension of McCain’s campaign was a farce. It was reported that campaign offices were open yesterday in at least every battleground state, his website is still soliciting donations, his surrogates are still out in full force on media stations around the country and FAUX News continuestheir input to the campaign. What exactly does “suspeding the campaign” mean the you may ask? By being in Washington he cannot campaign himself. Any other campaign would send their qualified VP nominee out on the trail to cover for you. Since Palin is an embarrassment to the campaign and cannot be expected to campaign alone at any cost, the campaign is considered “suspended”. The ONLY difference between McCain and Obama’s campaigns are that McCain has put the “suspended” label on his campaign ina grandstanding attempt at showing the nation how bold and mavericky he is. How’s that working for you, Johnny?
September 26th, 2008 at 9:42 amHas anyone heard or seen KKKarl Rove?
Hmmmm, is he pulling McCain’s strings from Cheney’s bunker?
September 26th, 2008 at 9:43 ambarfly Says: Unofficial TP pool, for how many times McCain works POW into a debate question’s response. A five point spread is the limit.
I’m in for 14–19 POWS.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:43 amChimpy’s speech was a COMPLETE waste of time.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:44 amI wish I could laugh about these CEOs losing their jobs but what do they really lose? For them it’s like camping in a hotel room.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:45 amthe Lone Voice of Reason Says:
I wish I could laugh about these CEOs losing their jobs but what do they really lose? For them it’s like camping in a hotel room.
But, but, it would be a Holiday Inn Express…
September 26th, 2008 at 9:48 amThe McChicken Slamwich.
I’m lovin’ it…
September 26th, 2008 at 9:48 amSpeaking of Quaylin:
Palin Claims U.S. “Victory” in Iraq
In other campaign news, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been caught in an apparent gaffe after claiming the U.S. has achieved “victory” in Iraq. Speaking to CBS News anchor Katie Couric, Palin said “a surge in Afghanistan also will lead us to victory there, as it has proven to have done in Iraq.” Palin was also asked about her comments that an Israeli attack on Iran shouldn’t ever be “second guessed.”
http://www.democracynow.org
September 26th, 2008 at 9:49 am5th Estate Says:
I’m in for 14–19 POWS.
Ever the optimist…
September 26th, 2008 at 9:49 amI live-blogged the Chimp speech this morning:
The Chimp:
The “rescue” plan is a big plan, a really big plan, and it’s hard work, cuz it’s a big plan. Passing legislation isn’t pretty (especially when I pull a f ucking political stunt in the middle of it), but it’s agreed that something needs to be done. It’s hard work. Republicans and Democrats will get a package passed (in spite of me and McCain).
Thank you.
**skeedaddles into the building**
September 26th, 2008 at 9:50 amBARFLY ~ POW’S 21-26, My Friends 39-44.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:50 amBut, but, it would be a Holiday Inn Express…
Now I know where Palin got her line from, about living next to Russia!
From that Holiday Express commercial!
Y’know, the ones about “experts” who’ve gained their expertise from staying at a Holiday Inn?
Boy, I’m slow…
September 26th, 2008 at 9:53 amAlecto, too bad none of the senate republicans stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, they might have known how to fix the market.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:55 amMy mind is already made up after the past eight years, and a dozen debates won’t change that. Obama has my vote.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:55 amWa-Mu today
Shamu tomorrow
“Oh, the humanity”
September 26th, 2008 at 9:56 amIsn’t it time for a “terror alert?”
They gotta have some musty VCR tape of Abu sav-Arazz to distract the ADD-addled media from McCain’s cratering campaign.
Doubtless bush is searching for a tower he can knock over to get the republican drag show off the front page.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:56 ambok. bok. mcbok.
McCain is chicken. pass it on
September 26th, 2008 at 9:58 amsatirev, I’ll see your five and raise you another 10!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:58 amThe bad guys are the ones who say Israel is a stinking corpse and should be wiped off the face of the earth. That’s not a good guy who is saying that. Now, one who would seek to protect the good guys in this, the leaders of Israel and her friends, her allies, including the United States, in my world, those are the good guys.” -loser Palin
__________
September 26th, 2008 at 9:59 amgood guys, bad guys???
I’m tire of playing Cowboys and Indians, or cops and robbers! can we play house now? I brought my barbies.
I would like this stunt to be called what it is: FASCISTIC.
This is conduct unbecoming in every sense. You are a candidate , McCain. You don’t run the show. You don’t get to tag your opponent along. You are not entitled to win, you arrogant prick.
This is throwing a wrench into the spin Machine, where McCain goes where he is not wanted. And the kool-aid drinking idiots at Fox have found this at the bottom of the barrel as reason to celebrate. Obama, by virtue of his opponent being stuck in his Washington office meeting with his campaign manager and contributing nothing, can be tagged by these idiots as a loner.
UMiss invested in a debate. Governor Haley Barbour (REPUBLICAN) expects his ass to show.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:59 amthe Lone Voice of Reason Says:
Alecto, too bad none of the senate republicans stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, they might have known how to fix the market.
There an SNL skit in there or an Obama anti-McSavior TV commercial.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:00 amI think Geezer’ll top 30+ POWs and 17-20 “My Friends.”
That include minor, indirect references like, “I didn’t have a table…,”ad nauseum.
Also, “That’s not ____ we can believe in…” or “That’s not change,” 20-25.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:01 amSend Sarah to be eaten alive by Obama, McCain. Go ahead, be a man.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:02 amso their new economic proposal offers fewer regulations and tax relief for the loser CEO’s. Apart from that, what the hell is it really? What else does it entail? Signing your name in blood and selling your soul to a horned, red skinned entity?
September 26th, 2008 at 10:02 amhanshiro Says:
Isn’t it time for a “terror alert?”
They gotta have some musty VCR tape of Abu sav-Arazz to distract the ADD-addled media from McCain’s cratering campaign.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:56 am
______
That’s impossible. There’s no “v” in Arabic. It’d have to be Abu Saif-Arazz.
Which translates roughly to “summer transplantation.”
September 26th, 2008 at 10:02 amRantingTommy Says:
hanshiro Says:
The McChicken Slamwich.
I’m lovin’ it…
bok. bok. mcbok.
McCain is chicken. pass it on
Hey, bok, bok, Ranting Tommy bok bok
But he bok bok, spent 5 years bok bok, holed up bok bok in a cage bok bok, he is a bok bok hero bok bok he bok bok ain’t no bok bok chicken bok bok
September 26th, 2008 at 10:04 amninique Says:
so their new economic proposal offers fewer regulations and tax relief for the loser CEO’s. Apart from that, what the hell is it really? What else does it entail?
Ah you asked:
It entails McSavior saving the day.
McMighty Mouse
September 26th, 2008 at 10:05 am“HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY”
McCain actually made sense yesterday when he cited reasons for opposing the proposed bailout—that the public didn’t want it, that it would cost already hard-pressed taxpayers.
Of course if the economic woes of the public were really his concern then he wouldn’t have touted the “fundamentals of the economy are strong” bullshit and wouldn’t have insisted on yet more tax breaks for the wealthy and big business.
He’s banking (pun) on a ‘populist message’ that also suits the fiscal conservatives to regain the ground he’s lost. Bet he’ll be chewing the scenery about that as much as possible in the debate.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:06 amBut I reckon that bailout/no bailout/different bailout will be approved or disapproved-of by in pretty equal numbers by the public so it will all be a bit of a wash.
UMiss invested in a debate. Governor Haley Barbour (REPUBLICAN) expects his ass to show.
hmmm… and to think that a chunk of money went into this particular campaign debate. Money that could have helped many. But of course, to the prick money is no object, what with all them houses he can’t count he has!
September 26th, 2008 at 10:07 amIf there isn’t a debate, McSames campaign should pay back the University for their expense
Darn right, Bentley. Get off your ass McCain and cut UMiss that check.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:08 amAlecto I can see it now, Daryl Hammond saying he’s for some regulation, he’d dropping Graham because he doesn’t like his economics, and he’s dropping Palin because America deserves better. Then he is asked if he’s lost his mind, and he replies “no, but I did stay at a …”
September 26th, 2008 at 10:09 amhussein toasterhead: There’s no “v” in Arabic.
There is if I add “Arabvic” to my spellchecker! :)
September 26th, 2008 at 10:11 am55. hussein toasterhead Says: That’s impossible. There’s no “v” in Arabic. It’d have to be Abu Saif-Arazz.
Hmmm…
I know there’s a segue to “V for Vendetta” in there somewhere and the quote that “people should not be afraid of their government, government should be afraid of the people,” but brain isn’t firing yet…haven’t had my coffee…
..by which standard bush hasn’t had coffee for 8 years and McCain has sworn off the stuff. (*metaphor alert*)
September 26th, 2008 at 10:11 amPut me down for 50-55 times McPutz will say POW.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:13 amuh, yeah, I’d like two McChicken combos, one regular fried Palin-on-a-debate-stick and and two small cokes… (shut up, kids I’m trying to order, damn it!)
September 26th, 2008 at 10:14 amYou want to know why the repubs “bawk”ed at the deal?
Someone reminded them that if they supported this bailout, their ideology, and all it’s carefully-constructed buttresses of economic theory would be as dead as vaudeville. No one could ever again take them seriously, if, in panic, they embraced a solution that went completely against their professed nature. They have been persuaded that the damage to the country is nothing compared to the damage to their party, should they accept the “socialized” terms of the bailout agreement. They would rather the country, and all those Reagan Dems, take the the hit, than their cash cows, namely Wall Street bankers, and stockbrokers.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:15 am5th Estate Says:
hussein toasterhead: There’s no “v” in Arabic.
There is if I add “Arabvic” to my spellchecker! :)
September 26th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Were this a circa-1930s newspaper cartoon I’d be falling over backwards with my monocle flying off my face and a giant exclamation point above my head.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:17 amIf McCain shows up, he gets torn to shreds by Obama. If he doesn’t, he gets torn to shreds by the media AND Obama. I’d prefer him to show up, but either way it’s a win.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:22 amSo, that’s:
Satirev – at 4-9 (I think) POWs;
Fifth Estate – 14-19;
Bentley1 – 27;
Hanshiro – 30+;
RU – 31-36;
Me – at 38-43;
Uncle Ho – at the most, with 50-55;
Updates will be issued periodically, to tighten up the spreads.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:30 amBarfly – I’m in for 10-13 POW references, 25-30 “my friends” and one “HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAAAAAY!”
September 26th, 2008 at 10:36 amSince the debate is supposed to be on foreign policy and the like, that gives McCain a few opportunities to use the POW line. “I didn’t cave in when I was tortured as a POW, so I will not blink against hostile foreign leaders” or something similar. Once the economic questions start to hit, it’ll be tougher for him. I’d say 3-5 POW references.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:36 amhussein toasterhead Says:
Noted.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:37 amKass Says:
Also noted.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:39 am55. hussein toasterhead Says: That’s impossible. There’s no “v” in Arabic. It’d have to be Abu Saif-Arazz.
I guess then the ‘Baghdad Starbucks’ doesn’t offer any Vivannos…
..you have to order the “Infidel Fruit-Of-Mass-Destruction Delight.”
*rimshot*
Thankyewthankyewverrymuch…
September 26th, 2008 at 10:41 amin a cage!?!?!?!?!?!
OMG!!!
Thats the first I’ve heard of it!!! His campaign really should mention that!
He’s not even a free range chicken
bok bok mcbok
September 26th, 2008 at 10:56 amRantingTommy Says:
in a cage!?!?!?!?!?!
OMG!!!
Thats the first I’ve heard of it!!! His campaign really should mention that!
He’s not even a free range chicken
bok bok mcbok
Ok, that’s about as close to the line of disrespecting all POWs as we should get.
It’s ok to make fun of what he’s done with his war record since becoming a politician, but your comment might also slur POW’s who survived, and who didn’t run for national office on the strength of their record.
I’m pretty sure you didn’t mean to do that, but just sayin’…
September 26th, 2008 at 11:08 amno! I said two McChicken combos, one regular fried Palin-on-a-debate-stick and and two small cokes! omg, I hate this drive through!
September 26th, 2008 at 11:10 amdoes the the McChicken kids meal come with a Barbie Sarah doll???
September 26th, 2008 at 11:11 amsohbetSallie Mae put a hold on that and actually has the nerve to tell you on the phone that it’s not is not good for students to consolidate econmically based on the current rates. So getting 7% instead of 10 to 18+ is bad? Come on lol.
April 26th, 2009 at 12:55 pmcetCompanies like that have been pushing deregulation in that market heavily. They’ve removed Bedava mp3 indirbasic bankruptcy protections entirely. They’ve managed to get things federally guaranteed.