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First Debate Stuck in Limbo

'Showdown' could switch to town hall meet if only Obama turns up today

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 26, 2008 2:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – What if they held a presidential debate and only one candidate came? The scenario is looking like a real possibility as the federal bailout deal stalls, the Wall Street Journal reports. John McCain has said he will fly to Mississippi for the debate only if an agreement is reached in Washington this morning, while Barack Obama has made it plain he will show up regardless of the status of the rescue package.

"The American people deserve to hear directly from myself and Sen. McCain about how we intend to lead our country," Obama said. The debate organizers are continuing to prepare for the faceoff. Obama has raised the possibility that his appearance could develop into a town-hall style meeting if McCain is a no-show.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

Works continuesyesterday in preparation for today's scheduled presidential debate. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

University of Mississippi students stand in for Barack Obama and John McCain during rehearsals for today's scheduled presidential debate at the Ford Center in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Chip Somodevilla)

Jason Griffin prepares the debate site at the University of Mississippi in Oxford for the Presidential Debate. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Make no mistake. John McCain did not 'suspend' his campaign. He just turned a national crisis into an occasion to promote his campaign. - Obama spokesman Bill Burton

I believe it's very possible that we can get an agreement so that—in time for me to fly to Mississippi. But I also wish Sen. Obama had agreed to 10 or more town hall meetings that I had asked him to attend with me. - John McCain

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First Debate Stuck in Limbo