I think you are right, Scott. Putting a candidate on the spot is a chance to see how they'll react under pressure.

That's why I'm somewhat disappointed with Palin's apparent reluctance to deal with the media. I completely understand the reasoning -- "They aren't going to be fair to her regardless, so why should she give them the time of day?"

But that's exactly the point -- dealing with a hostile press corps would give the voters a chance to see Palin prove she can handle a high-pressure situation. I think she'd do just fine. But then again, I've never been a campaign manager!

Bush proved you don't have to talk to the press.

I love Geoff's debate idea, have someone that will make both parties stay on topic and give real answers. Have hard ball questions. I really miss Russert.

"Based on what we saw from Palin at the Republican Convention, I don't think we have to worry about Biden beating her up in a debate. She seems more than capable of firing back - don't forget her high school nickname was "Sarah Barracuda" for her aggressiveness on the basketball court. Biden should come out swinging, because I have no doubt that'll be Palin's strategy."

Really? I see her as the most effective READER on the Republican side... better then McCain, and certainly better then W... but there doesn't seem to be much original thought there. Yes... if she sticks to the "WE have nothing, so we will attack what THEY have" strategy, I can see her former nickname serving her well. I am hoping we can expect more out of a debate then that.

Howard

Heck, even McCain would be able to out bowl Obama!

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I don't think so.....  McCain can't raise his arms above his head.  So Obama may have a fighting chance!

Ya know.  Thinking about that, I don't think that's such a bad thing.  That would be a true test of how they are under extreme pressure.  If they can't handle a ringer asking a loaded question then they sure can't handle diplomatic pressures between nations.

I was thinking ringers to ask softball questions to let the candidate pontificate, not people to ask tough questions.  I don't see either party doing that because the chance for a back fire (e.g. making the otherside look good) is too great.  Never ask a question you don't know the answer to.  Thats what a ringer would be for.

McCain seeks to delay debate

Candidate plans to return to Washington Thursday to deal with credit crisis

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872907/

Interesting.  Not sure how to take this.

I can't see what McCain could possibly gain from this.  It gives Obama more time to prepare for the debate on foreign policy, an area where he is at a definite disadvantage.  The smart thing would have been to have the debate.

I think Scott, the foreign policy debate was something of a minefield for McCain (pardon the pun).  We are spending $1 billion a day in Iraq building their nation while ours seemingly crumbles.  McCain has been a very strong supporter of the Iraq war (somewhat to his credit vis a vis the surge) but right now any discussion on any issue will be related back to the economy where, to the public at large based on recent polling, Obama seems to have the advantage.  So what should be strength for McCain could be exploited into a weakness.  My two cents on that, at least.