Here's my prediction for tonight.

[soulcore]

Obama goes to Mississippi to do the debate, McCain doesn't show and Jim Lehrer turns it into a 90 minute town-hall meeting.

About 30 minutes after the debate starts, McCain and house Republicans will announce they have reached a deal, attempting to preempt the debate with "live breaking news" of the bailout from Washington, claiming that McCain has just put partisan politics aside and helped to get er' done!

Obama looks selfish for debating, McCain looks heroic for being too scared to debate and takes credit for an agreement that was already reached yesterday morning.

Mark my words....

[NMDemDist2]

1. nah, McLame will be in Ol' Miss tonight n/t

[madmax]

6. He's better be at the debate or

dead - preferably dead. Never thought I could despise anyone more than bush, I was wrong.

[TwilightGardener]

2. No, they just won't hold the debate--I don't think they can give Obama

free campaign air time. And McLoser looks like an ass no matter what. There's no reason why they can't debate.

[GarbagemanLB]

3. Except the GOP has absolutely no control of reaching a deal because they don't hold the majority.

The Democrats will control the timing of this.

[K Gardner]

4. Chuck Todd keeps saying there will be NO TELEVISION COVERAGE if McCain doesn't show up.. WTF??

They already have the time slot reserved.. people will still tune in.. why the fuck NOT show it??

[brooklynite]

5. And the Democrats, who will need to be part of the deal, go along with this stunt because...?

[garymeeg]

7. Symbolism

Well it's a nice idea but a deal has to involve a majority of the Congress. They could make a media spectacle though which would be interesting but I'm pretty sure he'll show up. Imagine what it looks like if Obama stands there by himself, I think people will perceive McCain as irresponsible and strange.

/Gary

[dipsydoodle]

8. I'd wondered if McCain would just turn up late

and to cover that they might consider NO ENTRY FOR ANYONE after the dabate has started.

[Chloroplast]

9. Possibly. I think McCain would LOVE the debate to be a town hall format.

Congress coming to a conclusion so quickly is a mistake; if anyone is to make that mistake, the Presidential candidates shouldn't be part of that group. McCain keeps taking huge risks that could pay off big but they could also be spun against him. The IWR was another rushed vote (that McCain voted for) and we're still suffering from that mistake.

[LynneSin]

10. When even Shelby is coming out critical against you

I think Republicans are already starting prep themselves for 2012.