No debate without McCain?

[RichardUK]

Is it true if McCain does not show up Barack cannot use the time himself as it would be considered an illegal financial contribution on behalf of the University of Mississippi? Effectively they're paying for Barack Obama to give a speech rather than holding a debate between the two candidates.

[bbgrunt]

1. bring in Nader, Barr and McKinney!

[Curtland1015]

2. What my understanding is...

...if Obama were to go it alone tonight, then McCain would be granted 90 minutes of his OWN time alone in front of the cameras at a later date.

[gateley]

3. Hi -- welcome to DU. McCain has stated he will be attending the debate, so

no need to worry about the scenario you present.

[RichardUK]

5. Thanks

Was McCain ever really going to miss this debate? They will be showing it over here, but it'll be on at 2am I think..I just want to see it as it could potentially be incredibly embarrassing for McCain ..real train wreck TV. He's becoming more and more erratic. There's a good chance his face might even slide off I think.

[gateley]

6. I think, like his demanding the firing of Cox, McCain didn't think this through

before he ran off at the mouth. He didn't think far enough ahead to come up with what he would/wouldn't do if an agreement hadn't been reached. I think the really believed what he said -- no plan, no debate -- but didn't consider the ramifications of such an approach.

It reminds me of a Tracy Ullman bit where she starts leaving a voicemail for someone she has a crush on. It slowly dawns on her that she's committed -- she can't erase the message. A look of horror spreads over her face and she begins trying to dig herself out of it. I see the same with McCain. I said this -- I'm a maverick! Then, uh oh, NOW what am I going to do?

That's my take, anyway.


Edit: Misspelled Tracy's last name.

[Mz Pip]

4. McCain is showing up

Looks like his "Batman saves the world!" ploy didn't work so well.