WASHINGTON, DC — Green Party presidential nominee Cynthia McKinney has offered to debate Barack Obama if John McCain’s opts out at this Friday’s presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi, following the Republican nominee’s announcement that he is seeking a delay of the event.
“If John McCain wants to bow out, I’m willing to step in and take his podium on Friday,” said Cynthia McKinney.
“The financial meltdown won’t come any closer to a resolution because a presidential debate is postponed. Â Now is the best time for Americans to see how prepared their leaders are to handle emergencies, how they introduce fresh ideas and solutions for national problems, and whether they’re willing to stand up for the American people instead of Wall Street moguls and corporate interests,” Ms. McKinney added.
Ms. McKinney has sharply criticized the bailout bill and has introduced a ten-point plan to address the financial crisis (“Seize the Time,” http://votetruth08.com/index.php/learn/mckinney-messages).
The Green Party has also called for extensive measures and protections for American taxpayers, calling the collapse and bailout of financial institutions a sign that bipartisan deregulation policies and the free-market ideology have failed (http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=107).
“I’m ready right now to travel to Mississippi. Â Voters have a right to know about all the candidates whose names they’ll see on the ballot. Â Voters deserve to know which candidate best represents their interests and ideals. Â Any presidential candidate who is on enough ballots to be elected deserves to participate. Â We need multi-party presidential debates, and I’m ready to go up against Barack Obama or any other candidate and present my ideas to the American people. Â I should be included in these debates whether McCain shows up or not,” said Ms. McKinney
Cynthia McKinney is a former six-term Georgia member of the US House of Representatives. Â Ms. McKinney and running mate Rosa Clemente (http://www.rosaclemente.com) were nominated by the Green Party of the United States at the 2008 Green National Convention in Chicago this past July.
10 responses so far ↓
1 Sivarticus // Sep 24, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I’m sure she is. What third party candidate wouldn’t want to be in that position? 99.9% sure Obama will never consent to debating any of them without McCain there though.
2 sunshinebatman // Sep 24, 2008 at 11:22 pm
http://blog.bobbarr2008.com/2008/09/24/verney-calls-on-obama-cpd-to-include-barr/
3 George Phillies // Sep 24, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I think it is unlikely that Obama will agree to debate McKinney, Barr, Nader, Baldwin, and fairly unlikely that he would agree to debate the Republican runner-up, iirc that Congressman from Texas. No matter how amusing the consequences would be. Debating a painting or a statue wearing a strategically placed fig leaf also seems unlikely.
Showing up, and giving a speech to the local people, and taking open questions–that’s possible.
Debating McCain is also possible.
4 Lichele // Sep 25, 2008 at 5:19 am
Obama is just afraid of being a part of the biggest upset in History. The Upset is, Cynthia McKinney and everything she stand for.
5 Peter Orvetti // Sep 25, 2008 at 5:41 am
This is a clever bit of campaigning on McKinney’s part.
6 svf // Sep 25, 2008 at 8:32 am
I believe Barr (and Nader?) beat her to the punch on this one…
http://blog.bobbarr2008.com/2008/09/24/verney-calls-on-obama-cpd-to-include-barr/
Cynthia & Chuck don’t have a chance here, but in my wildest dreams, I could almost imagine Obama agreeing to debate Barr and Nader under these bizarre circumstances.
Obama “wins” by being “inclusive of diverse viewpoints.” He wins by playing nicey-nice with Nader and perhaps winning over some of his on-the-fence supporters. And he wins by putting Barr on a national stage, the guy most likely to siphon votes from no-show McCain in battleground states.
And yet… something tells me it ain’t gonna happen.
7 green in brooklyn // Sep 25, 2008 at 11:35 am
McKinney, Barr and Nader should all head down to Mississippi tomorrow night. Everyone is still advertising their coverage of the debates, and with no McCain they’ll have to talk about SOMETHING. I think there is a real opportunity here.
8 citizen1 // Sep 25, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Obama should agree to debate any candidate or candidates of the four that show up. McCain would not be able to respond by not being there. The other possibility is just put me on for the whole time and I will give people the answers that JM and BO would give then tell why they won’t work or are unconstitutional.
9 darolew // Sep 26, 2008 at 4:33 am
The two-party system is more sacred than anything Obama and McCain stand for. I highly doubt they’ll even consider endangering that system just to win the election.
10 Peter Orvetti // Sep 26, 2008 at 7:54 am
Obama did once say he would debate any candidate. Even Robert Milnes? Or that guy I’ve reported on here who campaigns by talking to people at gas stations?
Leave a Comment