I am very much looking forward to hearing about the ISSUES rather than Sarah Palin's GLASSES. Abroad, we have heard little about where the candidates actually stand on very important issues, only that they will promote "change", whatever that means.

I'm looking forward to the debates (I'm from Sweden). Mostly because it will be interesting to see if the debates will change anything when it comes to the polls.

Is the world crazy to witness a black man as president in an Anglo-Saxon country? You must be really joking, musn't you be?
This whole world has become so passive, but the eventual result is still the same. For better or for worse. I don't know. Amen!

I have to say that for shure it is no matter who is wining the debate the next president of the U.S.A. Will and should be Barak Obama.And not this old man Mc Cain,along with got forbid hokey mom Sara Polin.I`m very shure that american people are tired of republican Bush addministration-so No way No how No Mc Cain,no Sara palin. Tnank you very much.

Mccain has a slight advantage on Obama just because he's quick to the point and answer right on. But Obama on the other hand has some sharp answer, some punch lines. I believe that Obama is more confident now and can debates vigorously. He has less blame to take due to his freshness than Mccain on so many subjects. I can't wait for this debate. And for the VP Debate that's going to be the destruction of Sarah Palin.

Obama/Biden 08!!!

I doubt it will make a huge difference.

Look at the Bush-Kerry debates where it was widely agreed that Kerry hammered Bush; and then the American populace proceeded as normal and went on to re-elect Bush. (although the Republicans did a lot of follow-up hard-work by slamming Kerry's "Global Test" phrase and portraying it as a blunder, even though it was not)

Many people look at the debates through red or blue glasses and reinforce their own opinions. The two candidates are evenly matched, and without a genuine blunder occuring, will not swing many independents. However, I'm sure both camps will be doing a post-mortem to find the opponent's most quotable (and most misleading) "blunder"....

A Brit in Slovenia

It might be the moment, the time and interval for the pyramid to tip over. We, the world will watch that moment. Wait, wait and see!

I'm an American living in Israel, and I've been following the campaigns over the past months very closely on Fox News (not my choice, but it's the only U.S. news channel available!) I've mostly formed my opinions of the candidates based on political leanings and character traits, so it will be really nice to see them talk about the issues, 1 on 1, so that I know exactly where each candidate stands on concrete policy issues.

Should be pretty incredible.

I am from Sri Lanka and there is a fair amount of interest here too and we'd be looking forward to the debates even though its at 6.30 am our time! We're hoping that Obama would make it-he seems the better candidate and also the US needs a breather from the last 8 years' policies and the policy of confrontation needs to be re assessed.

I doubt it will change much.
I think no matter how much better one candidate does than the other (assuming one does better), people who have already biased themselves against a candidate will see nothing but brilliance, wit and charm from their favorite... no matter how wooden, phony or glib they may be.

I think we have already seen some fine examples of this and people's ears will be closed no matter how much sense the opposition makes.

I'm looking forward to this one.
I agree that Obama didn't debate that well in the primaries, but he has become way more polished the last few months. Just remember how he tackled Oreilly, a guy who is known to beat his opponents (verbally) to death.

So my guess is that Obama will vipe the floor with McCain. But then again, I live in a tiny European country – so what do I know?
:)

Are you kidding. Mccain is great on debates as long as he keeps a reign on his temper. Obama on the other hand has virtually no expirience in this kind of debating. Mccain challanged him to many town house debates earlier in the year and Obama declined because he knows he is no good in discussions without a teleprompter. This bodes ill for Obama

I am in Macedonia. Please please listen to the one who is intelligent, we need that so desparetly now. Enough of the collapsing of America – Mccain needs to retire with Mr. Bush and take his little dodah with him. She needs to go home and be a mother to her down syndrome baby, We need intelligent available people running our country NOW. I just can not believe that anyone with a brain would even consider the McCain/Palin ticket WHAT ARE YOU ALL THINKING??Haven't you had enough, WAKE UP

I think ,come that day,they two candidates will let people know what they stands for,i believe that their sucess and down fall is now in their hands.Dr Chika from Nigeria.

It's a pity the whole campaign is not just on the radio. Then the colour of Senaotr Obama's skin would really not be an issue, instead of its being one which people are choosing not to discuss (for quite understandable reasons) – post-racial my arse – we spent last summer in the US – this race is ALL about race, and no-one is saying it because it's not politically correct: why else would Obama have an 80% approval rating outside the US? I hope that your country votes with its heart and mind and not its eyes this time.

As an American living in Germany, I find myself having to schedule time in the middle of the night to monitor important events as they happen. I've grown tired of the cynical attacks of the left (consider the nasty comments all over the internet), and I am hopeful that American can stay the course under the steady hand of a McCain-Palin administration. God forbid that anyone should actually speak out and say that Bush is winning the war against the extremists. McCain will ensure that we finish the job with honor and secure the future for hundreds of millions in the West. Not just talk about it.

I will be watching!

It will really bring out the candidate that has plan for America expecially in this era where America image abroad has been tainted by the present administration of Bush. You can do the same thing and expect different result.

I am still perplexed as to how Obama is "back in first place" when his lead in most of the polls is only three percentage points, within the statistical margin of error. The candidates are literally tied, not "essentially tied".

And yes, I'm interested to see the debates too.

I hope the debates will be about real issues and I'm gonna watch it live, from europe. Because it's on a friday it's not a problem to get up for at 3 am.

One concern, though. Will the moderator play the role of arbiter when it comes to candidates stating the facts wrong? We've all seen the GOP's ability to lie and distort with a straight face. Now the Democrats seem to be going into that direction as well.

I would be very put off if McCain would again lie about Obama's tax plans (for what thats worth in this crisis) and leave it to the viewers to decide who they're gonna believe.

Journalists, reporters, moderators all have a responsibility to enlighten the public on what the facts are, what's debatable and what's mater of opinion. Again and again the media do not take their responsibility to investigate and seek out the truth. And INFORM US of their findings. Moderating two opposing opinions is not journalism, it's nothing more than entertainment.

This should be interesting. Obama nearly lost the democratic primaries after his poor performance with the last few party debates, and subsequently denied summer debates session with McCain. Let's see if he put the time up until now to good use or not.

If not, 80% of the non-american world will weep. I, however, would be among the remaining 20%.

If Americans have to wait on a debate to pick their next president, then they have not been following the campaign trail and might as well just toss a coin.

Unez Moore
Trinidad and Tobago

I look foward to hear real issues being talked about even though i know my own judgement can never affect the outcome. I still see Americans getting things clearer that we do. I beg of them not to allow any form of prejudice, America affects the whole world, what they decides counts all globe.

I would like to hear John McCain now explain his recent comment that the US financial fundamentals are strong. I can't imagine how a debate could not boost the standing of Obama. I do remember though, the disbelief I felt after the question session with Rick Warren and the general commentary was that McCain won.....incredible.

I'm a keen observer from the United Kingdom and all i would like to say is that i hope that Americans can learn from the past 8 years and vote responsibly this time round for all of our futures.

Look at the sheer number of foreing policy and economic blunders that have occured since the day George Bush and the republicans were elected. I hope for all our sakes that there will not be another 4 years of this kind of administration.

Let us hold America in our hearts the same way we used to up till the end of the Clinton era.

Good luck America and God Bless

The American people should have known what they want by now by comparing policies and decide who is telling the truth or who is lying and gambling with their future, taking each step just to win and nothing about what is best and and patrotic. They are to choose between someone who is trained to lead and someone who has the charisma and flair of leadership.

I kow for sure their ( American people) wrong choice base on race will sink them forever and the free world may have to look elsewhere for leadership that is equally at stake in this election.

Candida says that Obama has an 80% rating outside the US therefore implying racism in the USA. Can you please show me a single balck Head of State or Head of Government in Europe and can you show me a single non-black leader on the African continent?
It also seems that "the rest of the world" as you call it, is against Governor Palin. What does that mean then?

Imagine Obama a fair skinned. You know what, he would win these elections hands down!!!!!!!!!

I live in the UK and will definitely stay awake for the debate. The current US election has almost turned me to a politician and its really amusing the way things are going. Hope the best candidate wins

The debates need to focus clearly on the issues that are key to US and world finance, miltary "exploits", employment, education, health and balance of economic sufficiency (clean water, adequate nutrition, education, rule of law, economic aid, etc). While clearly each candidate has a style and substance on each and neither is a consummate debator, it needs to be stressed that the outcome will likely boil down to which candidate is perceived more honest and deemed capable of delivering on the promises made. The world at large needs to see the next US president as outward focused and not in any way in the direction of Mr. Bush. Clearly Sen McCain has to be shown as differing substantially from the incumbent while maintianing his party's identity - and convincing Americans of its 'rightness' for them. Sen, Obama needs to show he is presidential and outline details of how he will 'delivere the goods' at home and show America's benign and benevolent face abroad.

We need to remember each candidate is a "front" for a potential administration and whatever is put forward will be an amalgam of inputs and coachings from numerious 'experts' and interested staff. Unlike certain regimes and even a few democracies, that of the US is a team affair, and while Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain may espouse certain themes and make plain their views, we are electing a party to office and not an individual. Therefore the debates should be seen as a window to each party's plans, as these two individuals cannot deliver what they promise without the suppot of themachinery behind them. We should realize that come January 20, whatever was laid down in the debates as the winning formula, may simply be history by then and with the winner in office, all former bets and promises are off - especially if the opposition has or is near a majority in Congress. What a divine mess this is, and no wonder the world is enthralled in myriad ways.

Barack Obama is apparently a better arbitrator than Mc Cain is ,also will be a better negotiator .We cant make every soldier a president.
Obama shouldnt be viewd as a blck in totality as he had a white mother.So he is half black and half white so ALL Americans should vote for him.------–barathi, malaysia

i'll be watching from the uk – dont think the election will be won in the debate more likely to be decided in the press room afterwards. Most people will listen to pundits opinions afterwards. Obama cant afford another "above my pay grade" answer because he's running for thee top job and nothing is above your pay grade when your president of the usa. I think people a waiting for obama to fall on his backside because there are not many reason to not vote for either candidate but some people are looknig for half a reason not to vote for obama (the bubba vote?)

We are anxiously waiting for the debates which we hope will touch on " issues" affecting the ordinary person and the world at large.

When the debates start, notice how much make-up John McCain is wearing. He will look like a circus clown. He will sound like one, too.

I live in the netherlands at the moment, and i find it surprising that the polls say the race is almost a tie. Everybody here says they are sure Obama will win., but thats not what the polls indicate.

What i;m thinking is, if Obama was white, the polls would have been 60 % in his favor or more. It just highlights how race is still an issue in the US.

I am really disappointed as Ralph Nader will not be in the debate, as to me he is the only one who is looking for the interest of USA not just for his own party.

You got that right candida. Obama's race is important because it is the only difference between this candidate and John Kerry, the 2004 candidate. Mr. Obama is running on the same anti bush platform as Mr. Kerry, with the added twist that they have to argue Mccain is the same as Bush. So much for change. And they wonder why he has not taken off in the polls. Maybe because he is not different from all the other candidates before him, with the exception that he is less experienced and that he is a son of Chicago Politics, which are famous for anything but change. Europeans love him because though he is just an empty suit, he is a good looking one. I found fascinating that people outside the US who do not share our same values, who do not understand our culture or our political system have embraced Obama. My theory is that since he is an empty suit, with no record whasoever on the issues people can project whatever they want onto him. Very sad, but that's what people seem to prefer: form over substance.

I'm an American living abroad and I will be glued to the debates. I will be voting for Senator Obama for the very reasons that many in middle America oppose him: he is one of the most socially and economically liberal members of our government. His positions on health care, public education, Social Security, and foreign diplomacy are close to my own views and poles apart from Senator McCain's. While I certainly think that Obama's race has played a significant part in keeping this race as close as it is (in light of a sitting Republican president with a record-low approval rating, an economy on the brink of collapse and a military mired in an unpopular war), I think that Candida's view is a bit simplistic. I'm sure you can learn a lot about a place during summer vacation, but it is rather presumptuous to speak with such authority about a nation of 280,000. Neither John Kerry nor Al Gore were, as I remember, African-American, and those races also split nearly fifty-fifty due to a deep ideological divide in the United States around issues such as gun rights, abortion rights, gay marriage, and whether the rich should pay their fair share of taxes. It is likely that the next president could nominate two or maybe even three new justices to the Supreme Court. There are many, many people in America who will vote singularly on that fact, in the hopes of seeing Roe v. Wade overturned. You ask why Obama would have an 80% approval rating outside the United States? Perhaps because people outside the US are not as familiar with or concerned with the domestic social policy issues that often define politics in America. Barack Obama burst onto the national scene at the 2004 Convention with a rousing speech ABOUT the fact that the country is fractured between red states and blue states. It seems a bit silly, therefore, to suggest that the divide has come about because Barack Obama is black. I am not naive enough to think that there won't be a significant number of people who will not vote for Obama because of his race. And yes, the presidential race is so close that those people could cost the Democrats the election. But there are far more people who will not vote for him because he's pro-choice, because he's regarded to be the most liberal member of Congress, and because he intends to raise taxes on the wealthy. If the Democrats lose (and I pray they don't) by a similar margin as they did in 2004 and 2000 (well, yes, we all know that was a somewhat different story), American racism will be only part of the reason, and probably not the biggest part. Mind you, I would be the last to defend the anti-gay, pro-prayer in school, pro-rich, anti-welfare, pro-gun and anti-universal health care brigade, but not every one of those people is a racist. Please, if you're going to speak with authority on our backwardness and irrationality as a nation, give us credit for the whole lot. Racism doesn't even begin to cover it.

Candida, I think the visuals may favor Obama, especially if the debates are shown in high definition. McCain looks his age and then some.

It's time to see if american citizens for once will go for content of the brain as against colour of the skin

I am so very afraid that americans will vote for the old white man and his very annoying running mate.

Most europeans would like to see Obama in office for the next four years. We'd be proud again to call America our ally!

I will definitely watch the debate. This is the most interesting and open election in my lifetime. I have had the pleasure of living various places in the world, including five years in Washington, D.C. Your choice as the next President will have an crucial impact on USA's future standing in the world. And the debates will be a new peak in this thriller of an election.

Johnathan,
First of all I'd like to say that with Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer, Christiane Amanpour and of course Richard Quest you are one of the best reporters this world has.
About the debates this isn't all that inconvenient. Friday night is much better than a night during the week. Living in Belgium (I'm the brother of that kid who sent in the famous Al Gore question by the way). it is much nicer to have it during a week end when you can just sleep in the next morning and not have to get up.

I am expecting this debate to be settled on the issues affecting the people of America. The economic issues should be the hallmark of this debate rather than, the so call security. America security is assured when its economy is strong not her ability to invade(militry might) other countries like Iraq. The econmic turmoil in America is affecting the whole World hence the need for this issues to be addressed. Go on Obama !

The choice lies within each voter, given the state of affairs of our nation: High gas prices, real estate market crumbled, banks are folding, a pointless war that has killed 3,000 americans thus far and thousands of innocent civilians, international discredit and isolation ... and i dont know about you but my pocket change is gone. Do you need a "debate" to know that we need change? The choice is simple, either we continue on this path or vote for the possibility of something different!

It was through misjudgement that Americans elected George W. Bush who has not be able to take care of the USA as a competent leader.

He tried to improvise leadership but ended putting the US into shambles, both economically and by image that affected greatly the good citizens.

I can't wait to watch that Debate. I am from Germany and i hope the Debate will be about the Issues and not about any funny talks like the glasses of Sarah Palin or Obama not having an American flag pinned on his Jacket.

It was through misjudgement that Americans elected George W. Bush who has not be able to take care of the USA as a competent leader.

He tried to improvise leadership but ended putting the US into shambles, both economically and by image that affected greatly the good citizens.

The poor judgement of Americans again may put McCain into the White House. This time, the US will become a Third World country as it is has already getting down on its knees by starting borrowing money from China. America, use your brain!!!

Susan, I agree with you, Sarah Palin has been screaming of change, well the debate will tell if she knows what she has been talking about.

For the past 2 elections the world has backed the guy who lost (Al Gore, Kerry)...If America listened we'd be in a much better position today. The world currently supports Obama by a landslide...wonder if America is listening?

Our president is the leader of the free world so maybe we should think about this one closely

It's very unfortunate that its only Americans that can vote for any of the candidates in this crucial election. If anything that happen in America tends to affect other parts of the Globe, why on earth can we not be given the right to vote for who will be the next president of this great worldnation? At the end of the day I think race will swing the vote eventually. I hope this time around Americans can select thier leader with a closed eye and vote for CHANGE. Enough of warmongers!! The world needs peace!!

McCain already is troubled by his poor performance the whole of last week. He is irritable and desperate. He will try the quick-wit. He will be overenthusiastic because he believes this is his topic (foreign policy)and therefore his moment – the correct recipe for his frail mind to trip over. A couple of gaffes.

I expect Obama to change strategy and attempt to surprise McCain with lightning conversation and some blame game on Iraq so McCain can blink and flash and turn is head from side to side, exposing the ugly surgical scars on his face. Obama will look McCain in the eyes while mentioning and mixing up Alqaeda, Militants, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Georgia, Syria, etc in a flash; and McCain will blink blink many many times – game up. Coz there will be no one to whisper in McCain's ears.

I am a Camroonian and has been kinly following this campaign ;I am convinced that this ellection will reflect true democracy;ie no racism.But deep inside my heart i keep praying that Obama should win in the final analysis;change the war looking face of the USA to a friendly more one ;united against terrorism.I however like MCCain ,but like Bush too is a republican war like in character and will creat more enimies for that great country.I pray McCain should in the end vote but for Obama.long live Obama,long live democracy .

the debate is important as it will tell Americans just how McCain is out touch with himself leave alone the issues that are partinent to the American collapsing economy. The world will be watching America to see if colour still creates a bar and if this election will be determined by race.

More about the definition of change and what it compasses will be more importaant than rhetoric.

The Truth is bitter, but it is sometimes necessary to say it. I am from Germany and i speak with people in and around Europe about this American Election. We have been following the whole Election since from the Primary. If we have to face reality CNN, i would say McCain does not stand Obama in anyway when it comes to bringing change to America. The change which will be in America should in case Obama is elected President will not be only for Americans but for the World. When it comes to the Issues, everyone I've spoken with see clear change in Obama's Ideas. If he is not elected President come November, then it is clear that it is just because of his race and nothing else and that will be a big shame to all those who racially voted against him and likewise to the rest of the American citizens.

In Asia, where some of us American citizens living abroad are located, we are not tainted by Fox (call it what you will) News., and Obama has a 70/30 advantage. I don't believe the debates will do much for us, but it will certainly have a monumental affect in the lower 48.

I am British and I can't wait to watch the debates. Obama is well spoken. I am very interested in this election. One thing that nobody has addressed is the fact that race is an issue in this election. Some people are sucked in by McCain's pick of Palin. Just reverse the situation: imagine that Palin is BLACK, has her pair of glasses, in the same situation, with her current attributes, position and the issue with her teenage child etc. Do you think that people will sing her praise and not debate the fact that if she finds it difficult to control her child, she can't be VP or president? Obama's lead over McCain in the poll is slim because some people are not sure because of Obama's skin colour – I will celebrate an advancement of the human race the day we can all see that we are born equal, regardless of our skin colour. We are all human beings and we belong to the human race!

I will be watching the debate (from Augsburg Germany) I am still hoping for some substance from either candidate. My healthcare is hurting, my job is overseas, and my son is in Iraq fighting a gas war and don't even own a car. I will be looking for something like "How are you going to fix it?

Candida Buxton-Le Pénuizic, Please don't be naive... don't ask the American People to vote with their hearts, ask them to vote with their heads... because deep in our souls, we are very much driven by such stupid issues (gender, Race, Social Class, etc) and we tend to deviate the attention to the real issues that affect us all. GAS PUMPS don't discriminate, neither do prices we are currently paying for all goods. We all need to focus on the issues and who will better guide this country towards the recovery from the DISEASE, the current administration has infected us with..

I wish during these presidential debates a third person could be present, who would instantaneously point to the listening public the various falsification, embellishment and forthright prevarications the debaters would employ in making their points. But I know it's not to be so.

Nonetheless, I'm enthusiastically looking forward to the upcoming debates.

I also have this thing in mind: Obama despite performing well on debates, will not be viewed well by racist voters.

What does it tell when Palin tells Americans that she is an expert on foreign policy just because she see Russia from her bedroom window? I thought being an expert is sitting down with Putin in Moscow or just visiting Russia on official duty. By the way Americans have actually believed her and you can see millions of them responding with applause any time she talks. Was she a black, would she have attracted such crowd?

Oh! Did I mention the according to Palin, the world is Russia. Looking at Russia, you automatically become a foreign policy expert and all Alaskan have this. Let me remind Americans that the world is watching every move and the verdict will not be kind to them if perception of bigotry is reported or seen. Iraq has actually changed the way world looks at America.

If this election was about issues, McCain wouldn't even be in the game – he is running the most disrespectful, deceitful and dishonest campaign in US history. But, unfortunately for all of us, he will win – just wait for Obama's middle name to become an issue. Talk about an October surprise!

Candida, I can tell you that from an American point-of-view, every election is all about race, regardless of the race(s) of the candidates.

And I can also tell you that most Americans have never and will never vote with their minds, but for that matter, the eyes have less to do with it as well– it's all about heart, for better or for worse. Why else would we see candidates trying to win a poll like "which candidate would you rather have a beer with?" and distancing themselves from ones such as "which candidate would restore US standing in foreign circles?"

If this election pitted Obama versus a Republican (and not humiliated by his attachment to the Bush debacle) Colin Powell, you wouldn't hear a peep about race, except from the tiny sliver of crazies that "would never vote for a black guy." And I can tell you, from experience, every country has their own tiny sliver of crazies.

Honestly, do the debates really matter that much? Should we really be labeling them as 'make-or-break?'

Most people would say that Senator Kerry beat Bush in the 2004 debates. And most people would probably also argue that Al Gore beat him in 2000 during the debates.

And yet, Bush still won both elections. In light of this, can we really say that the debates matter?

Americans vote with their emotions and upbringing, not their heads. Our obstinate party-devotion is engrained into us from a very young age. We would be foolish to expect these debates to create any real change. I take no stock in the myth of 'undecided voters.' These individuals just haven't admitted to themselves yet that they've already decided, or like fair-weather followers in sports let the gallup poles decide for them.

Debates don't matter; we like to believe they do. I'll be interested to see how the debates do in the ratings. As usual, I'm sure the figures will be abysmal and depressing, kind of like the whole electoral process. I'll watch, but I won't hold my breath.

As we are not allowed to watch Fox news in Sweden we only see the other side of the story. It will be interesting to see which portions are broadcast here.

I wonder if there are so many blind americans. how could anyone still support a lying-information-misrepresenting campaigner like McCain? Even his ads feed on misrepresentation and lies. I consider myself a republican but it would be unprecedented to have McCain win this election without a concrete vision of the way forward.

McCain has been very apPalin.

although america has come a long way in racial relations, It think race is still an issue for lots of whites who don't imagine a black man in the white house. if obama were a white man, the obama/biden ticket would be well in front of the maccain/palin ticket in the polls.

The world is watching so closely for a strong U.S president in these times of chaos. We need a strong leader, someone we can put our trust and hope on for the next four years. Please choose wishly.

It is said that "a prophet is not without honour except in his own country". This is absolutely true of the current US president and his republican party. I truly believe that the world is a far safer place today on account of the real war on terror waged by the US. Being in India, and having seen so much of life being taken, and the local government apathy, i cannot but praise the US stance. Nothing is earned without sacrifice and pain. We are learning this in India day in and day out. For those in the US, who feel that soft peddling the terror issue is the way out, then i must say that they are wrong. Please come to India and see for yourself. Essentially being a peace loving country, we are still the targets of terrorism. Soft peddling the issue is not taking us anywhere either. We are living in prophetic times and each day that unfolds reveals this in no uncertain terms. I wish that people do not get carried away by empty rhetoric, but instead rely on concrete action.

Its a pity that this election has gone on for so long and will more or less hang in the balance because of a debate. Such is our system which is extremely flawed. I still think Obama will do well if for no other reason than his sticking to the issues and the fact of the issues rather than the wedgies and distractions.

May be this will be the ICE breaker, for some Americans who never see genuine reasons or they do not want to see. The whole world was wondering how the American Folk could have voted for George Bush, now the whole world is wondering again how Americans can vote for MacCain. Today we have the same situation, once bitte twice shy.Wake up to reasons.

We will be watching the debate wiith great interest. Last November here in the land down under we booted out a Government which had been in power for over ten years for one lie too many.
It lied to us over the reasons for the Iraq war and although at the time our economy was relatively strong and the Government kept telling us 'we never had it so good' ,we knew that the level of household debt was unsustainable and we were being lied to.
We were not about to have the wool pulled over our eyes again; so we sacked the Government.
Expect that sounds familiar to a lot of Americans.

We from the other part of the world knows this election is not about issues, is about race. so we wouldnt be surprise if McCain wins. The world wants Obama since hes been talking about issues and policies. McCain has been talking about nothing but he still leads in some polls. Infact that is absurd. We from the Netherlands knows that this is because McCain is white and Obama is black even though his mum is white. Americans prefer a white president with bad policies to a white/black guy with good policies. way to go america, talk about country that talks about maturity in politics.

This debate would definitely reveal the inadequacy of either candidate. From content to poise and who will lead this nation to different course from where we are right now - economy and security wise.

Let this be known unto all people , this race is not about Obama,it's about the lifting up of the black people.The race is not to the swift,neither is the Battle to the strong,but unto whom the Lord shows mercy.Let Golliath continue to boast and strutt,David will definitely have the day and win the battle

John Mcain was NOT born in the United States, and therefore cannot become president. It's hilarious how the media has become so obsessed with partisan behavior to have overlooked such an important detail. Obama should and will win by default (which, let's face it, would be the best thing for everyone, especially since soccer-mom-gun-princess stepped into the limelight).

Luckily I am a US citizen who resides outside of the US and so I am not over-exposed to the revolting news coverage about the amount of cars, houses, dresses, etc that each candidate has. It seems the the 'real' news has forgotten what journalism and reporting was originally for–to inform the people–and not bombard them with over-dramatized, idiotized stories. There are TWO wars being fought, a scarily-large financial crisis occurring, helpless children starving and/or dying from incurable diseases and/or war each day, etc. In retrospect, do you really think that the amount of money Mcain's wife spent on her latest dress is of any relevance to what is REALLY occurring in the world? I am just a young mind/voter, but it's what I see.

All that America and the world of course, need is some one with better alternatives to solving the challenges facing the world today and tomorrow. It should not be a question of favor or kindness or an expression of humanity to vote for a person of colour, no, this race should be about the candidates' ability to transform the world into a more human-friendly one, economically, militarily or otherwise (am from Uganda)

Candida, I could not agree with you more...

You have summed up the debating skills of the two candidates very well. Unfortunately the debates are given just far too much importance. It is actually a media creation and an event. Let the candidates be given the same fifty questions covering most important aspects and issues in this elections. Let them answer on the basis of prepared text in front of the people and make their prepared and committed positions available to the voters. Candidates must not be allowed to mock or criticize one another during the debate.

The debates will matter to a few people but not very many.
Regarding race, no one ever mentions that a huge majority of blacks are for Obama and many because he is black. Now, many of those would be anyway because of the tendency for black voters to be in lock step with democrats but, Obama's support among black voters is higher than any democrat has had that I can think off and much of that additional support is because he is black. But that is not rascist, merely racial pride I suppose.
For those who comment the race would not be close if Obama was white. You are probably correct but only because he would never have won the nomination. Hillary would have and she would probably be way ahead of McCain.
Obama is the least qualified individual to ever run for president in my lifetime but we mustn't say that or we will be prejudice.
This prejudice white man would vote for Condelezza Rice in a second. Oh, but wait, she can't be black, shes a republican.

i think the american people and, of course, the american media should be focused on the issues. obama seems to be better prepared for the job. its not about personality, its not about the past of the candidates, its just about who's better prepared. So watch closely what the candidates have to say about the issues that really matter and then choose.
PS: i would be careful to say: "we need a strong leader or a or whatever. im from germany and thats exactly what the german people said before 1933. of course, you cant compare it, but i would be careful anyway...

You Americans, its better to choose wisely otherwise we are going to stay in Irag for an other hundred years to come. becouse what matter most is good leader who can bring peace to Americans as well as friends to Americans not just wars and wars.

I believe this debate will give Americans the much needed reasons to vote for real change especially the undecided electorates. If you do the same thing over and over again, you will get same result. Its up to Amerians if they want same result from the next dispensation. Change is the only thing that is constant, Americans should go for real change that they believe.

I'm definitely looking forward to watching the Dabate.
Obama has and will always be clear about the issues that really matter to the American people. John McCain looks to be out of touch with most of these issues (health care, social security, and the economy). Partly because of the political philosophy he subscribes to.

No more 4 years of McC-Bush in Washington, D.C.

Lusaka, Zambia.

We have been following the American electoral process with great interest here in Asia. I’d like to offer the following observations:

1. McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as running mate was undoubtedly a brilliant move on his part. She has energized an otherwise lackluster campaign and perhaps even managed to attract disgruntled Hillary supporters and independent women who feel they badly need a voice in Washington. She has been drawing crowds to Republican rallies and allowing McCain’s campaign messages to be heard by a wider audience.

It seems to me, though, that if I were a Hillary supporter I would be asking – does McCain honestly believe that I supported Hillary simply because she was a woman, that with her out of the race I would automatically switch to another woman? I believe that most of Hillary’s supporters were for her because she’s a brilliant and capable person who happens to be a woman.

And if I were an independent woman who wanted to have a voice in Washington, I would be wondering if perhaps Sarah Palin’s presence is nothing more than window dressing to showcase McCain’s maverick stance; a “come-on,” to energize Republicans and counter the seeming celebrity power and charisma of his opponent. Is it possible that, as in life’s everyday realities, a woman is being “used” in this situation?

2. With the race too close to call, much is being said about the coming presidential debates possibly determining the outcome. At the same time, a recent poll conducted by Stanford University has shown that being half black may actually cost Obama the presidency in a close contest. This finding makes sense, because how else could you explain the fact that the political and economic landscape should spell a major disaster for Republicans, and yet McCain and Obama are running neck-in-neck? So the question now is, will the coming debates really matter, if many Americans tend to vote with their gut and not with open hearts and minds?

I hope that in time Americans can go beyond narrow perceptions and be able to discern which of the two candidates can better lead and inspire them back towards greatness. There’s just too much at stake, and this call to greatness is not just for its political leaders but to every American citizen as well.

Mississippi is where Senator McCain's family history dates back to the 1860s when his great-great grandfather ran a plantation and owned slaves. Also, this debate will be held at the University of Mississippi, where about 45 years ago the first African-American student fought segregationists to be admitted. Senator Obama will stand juxtaposed with this history as he debates. He may even face live remnants of racist southern history in the KKK, (terrorist organization?), who are rumored to be coming to the event in protest of his candidacy. Senator Obama will need all his supporters watching and praying for him.

Barack would not be the Democratic Candidate if he wasn't black. Race is what got him where he is. No white junior senator with 0 experience would be a Presidential Candidate. What a joke!

I will join millions around the world to watch the debate.I would like to see how Obama will outwit the widely experienced John.It is a debate with high stakes!I expect it to be highly interesting and informative.See you there!

ALEX: now you're on the world blogs with your "empty suit" comment about Obama. How many times, you must have typed this phrase literally over a thousand times now, can you show your meager intellect with the same droll pointless commentary. little brained one, Obama has spent his whole life developing himself as someone qualified to lead the United States with a near endless range of diverse experience and education culminating with the United States senate and a presidential nomination. honestly, no one is interested in hearing the phase "empty suit" ever, in any context, again.

I'm from Canada and I love watching issues about politics, but I'm a little bit turned off the way CNN people trying to degrade and criticise Sarah Palin. I don't find it civilized to do it and worth learning( Is that journalism). We should be talking about political issues and things that are sensible to everybody especially our children who are learning not about personalities , eyeglasses, lipstick and family. This woman I think is very intelligent especially being picked by John McCain who has lots of experiences. My mom used to tell us as a way of an advise that" experienced is the best teacher". Obama should be a gentleman not to tolerate this especially that He claims to be a christian.

Contrary to what some here say, with Obama's lack of experience in politics, no foreign relations experience, and shady associations he wouldn't have been nominated if he wasn't black.

ALEX –
you are way off the mark. Europeans are way less concerned with good looks than the US. The difference is they listen to what the candidates say and are not already associated with one team(party) or the other. You should learn from them.
How can you say he has nothing to run on but anti-McCain?! Are you that biased? The "War" is one example proving you must be to say such a ridiculous thing. He has shady associations? Based on what? FOX news? Someone donated money? Give me a break.
After all this country has gone through, how can ANYONE still side with the camp with one failed policy after another? Please transcend your primate pack animal instincts and learn.

i ll be watching.

Shame on America – leader of the free world, if race will determine the outcome of the elections. To consider race in the 21st century is grossly unfortunate, primitive and narrow-minded. In any case, what makes Obama black, when he has a white mother? This is the kind of narrow-mindedness that we expect that Americans – perhaps more than others- should have risen above since the end of the slave trade! Come on Americans, redeem yourselves! The world follows your lead – we expect you to do better than that!

McCain's choice of Palin was politically dishonest. Just to get one up on his opponent. If I were Palin (who obviously doesn't know her limitations – I would feel insulted and used).

I agree with Sam (London). A very pertinent issue – as leader of the free world, America should devise a means of reaching out to the rest of the world in the election process and letting their vote count. It fails dismally to see itself as the rest of the world sees it. If it did, the world would be a much better place for all of mankind – safer, more peaceful, more prosperous. We are then likely to see fewer refugees, fewer illegal immigrants, fewer suicide bombers. There would hardly be need for unbelievable programmes and changing goalposts like poverty alleviation, health for all, etc. etc. I am firmly convinced that Obama fits the bill for reaching out to the world and its peoples, while of course not neglecting the needs of his country. He is more level-headed than `quick draw' McCain.

It doesn't matter if Barrack Hussein Obama half black and half white, people look at him as a black not white. This is not about what color of his skin...this is about who have the experience to govern and fit to become a President of the United States.

So, I will definitely vote for McCain as a President of United States. McCain is the right man for President. McCain and his beautiful wife Cindy McCain are more likely has the Presidential look compared to Michelle Obama.

Barrack Obama hiding his wife Michelle Obama from the Media. I wonder why? I remembered the 9/11 anniversary, she was not there also. I was annoyed by Barrack Obama also when placed the flowers into the graves...what he did he just threw the flowers to the ground with out any respect of bending his knee and layed the flowers, unlikely McCain he did layed the flowers with respect by bending his knee down. I don't really know what Barrack thinks about the 9/11 anniversary. If he really does care..why not shows his respect and his wife to be there.?????????