McCain & Obama Invited to Town Halls at Reagan and Johnson Libraries
ABC News’ Tahman Bradley and David Chalian Report: Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama have been invited to town hall meetings at the Presidential Libraries of Ronald Reagan and Lyndon Johnson.
The invitation, sent to the candidates by former first lady Nancy Reagan and the Johnson daughters, Lynda Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson, does not suggest a specific date or lay out details about a proposed format. The invitation is for the town halls to take place in July.
The selection of a moderator, how the audience will be chosen, and how the questions are screened editorially all need to be worked out with the campaigns.
Sen. McCain, R-Ariz., challenged Obama to a series of 10 town hall meetings this summer, saying he wants forums where the candidates take questions directly from voters. Obama, D-Ill., has said he’s open to engaging McCain in town hall-style meetings in the coming weeks.
The candidates turned down an invitation by ABC News and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to a joint town hall meeting at Federal Hall in New York City. McCain held a town hall Thursday without Obama and slammed the senator for so far not accepting an invitation to debate. "I think this town hall meeting tonight would have been a little bit more interesting if Senator Obama had accepted my invitation," he said.
ABC News’ Bret Hovell contributed to this report.

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Posted by: tonyrezko | June 12, 2008, 8:40 pm 8:40 pm
Invite Ron Paul to show what phonies they are. More big government. More welfare or a bigger war machine, you choose.
Posted by: Sally | June 12, 2008, 8:40 pm 8:40 pm
I am not sure that Senator Obama can go through a debate without his prepared speeches and responses shown on a teleprompter. He will: say what, no, that not what I mean, you misunderstood me, of course not, why do you ask me that, that’s not important, I don’t remember that, I don’t know Rezko, maybe, never, hmm. huhg, no, why, so what, Sinclair who, Hamas are good people:–Sure glad this debate is over. Any questions about my positions will be answered 10 years from today. But please vote for me in November.
Posted by: Mary | June 12, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
It so hard to load that tele-prompter quick enough for a townhall type event… I just don’t think the Obama-Prompter will be able to handle it.
————————-
lol, maybe they can hitch on Oprah’s fat ass?
Posted by: barry odingo | June 12, 2008, 8:50 pm 8:50 pm
okay let me get this right, they dont have all the details figured out and he is already talking about why didnt he show?
and im sorry you are going to at least need a fact checker or something cause how will most americans know who is talking out of the back end and who isnt? plus there was so much media and attention given to hillary and obama i dont even think anyone has dove into mccain really how will average americans know what to ask mccain?
if he picks the places and the audience i wouldnt show either it would just be another one sided ambush you would have to be retarded to do it!!!
Posted by: melissa | June 12, 2008, 8:52 pm 8:52 pm
i have seen mccain speak the man would be smart to use a teleprompter!
Posted by: melissa | June 12, 2008, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
Obama is too stoned to remember his “lines”
Posted by: melissa | June 12, 2008, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm
Big people talk about ideas; little people talk about other people…
Posted by: jozy | June 12, 2008, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
It doesn’t really matters to me about any debates.
Ileft the democratic party for good.
I will vote strait republican ticket
to punish the democrats for the un-fair
treatment of Hillary.
JOHN McCAIN ’08
Posted by: Redneck | June 12, 2008, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
OOMPA LOOMPA DOOMPADEE DOO
I’VE GOT A PERFECT PUZZLE FOR YOU
OOMPA LOOMPA, DOOMPADAH DEE
IF YOU ARE WISE YOU’LL LISTEN ME
If want to see the strengths of a candidate
You won’t see any from Obama in a presidential debate
Without a tele-prompter he answers “Uh”and it’s such a facade
The Media turns a deaf ear. Obama is their god
The eloquent speeches are wearing thin
Without Hillary to pick on how will he win?
OOMPA LOOMPA DOOMPADEE DAH
IF YOU’RE NOT GULLIBLE YOU WILL GO FAR
Vote For Obama AND BE SCREWED
OOMPA LOOMPA DOOMPADEE DO
DOOMPADEE DOO
Posted by: Samantha | June 12, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm
Redneck, who cares. Why is it that the article can’t be discussed without some Hillary supporter crying that they left the party cause she was treated unfairly. Just do it and stop whining about it.
Posted by: zz | June 12, 2008, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
The meat and potatoes of a presidential election are the debates, where the candidates go toe-to-toe on the issues and are totally on their own. Bush dodged debates. Obama dodges debates.
The rest of a campaign is all pomp and circumstance, the debates are where you see who knows their stuff and how they might respond to the challenges of the toughest job on earth.
Posted by: hopesprings52 | June 12, 2008, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
The meat and potatoes of a presidential election are the debates, where the candidates go toe-to-toe on the issues and are totally on their own. Bush dodged debates. Obama dodges debates.
The rest of a campaign is all pomp and circumstance, the debates are where you see who knows their stuff and how they might respond to the challenges of the toughest job on earth.
Posted by: hopesprings52 | June 12, 2008, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
I was thinking the same thing as “up your obama” was thinking.
Is their going to be a teleprompter for Obama their.
Posted by: down yours Obama | June 12, 2008, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
Why isn’t Obama willing to debate in a town hall setting? Fear?
Posted by: Just Curious | June 12, 2008, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm
How long can Obama stay away from these? They’re softballs for McCain, but it’s an image problem of he keeps turning them down.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | June 12, 2008, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
Hillary was too soft on Obama and he knows it. No cherry picked questions for him there. McCain will smack the rezko out of him =)
Posted by: melissa | June 12, 2008, 9:45 pm 9:45 pm
Obama is a really stupid coward! Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Posted by: Soetoro No! | June 12, 2008, 9:48 pm 9:48 pm
I finding it increasingly more difficult to find any relevance in your blogs and those who are posting.
Posted by: Thinking | June 12, 2008, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm
Big people talk about ideas (bogus promises and political rhetric):
Little people talk about other people’s qualifications and objectives.
Posted by: Mary | June 12, 2008, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm
A major supreme court ruling comes down today; a defining difference between where the two candidates stand and this is the crap we are supposed to comment on?
Posted by: MIguy | June 12, 2008, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
I do hope Obama will agree to this. This guy has a chance of being the POTUS. I think we deserve to learn more about him. Most of his records show he’s the most liberal but he claims otherwise. Records have shown he usually voted Present not yes or no. He has only talk but haven’t shown any substance yet so he needs to show us more of him.
I can tell you i’m going to give you a million bucks. It’s ligitimate for you to find out if I even have a million bucks to offer in the first place much less willing to give you the money.
Posted by: hannah | June 12, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
SOODD: Same old Obama, different day!
Posted by: Soetoro No! | June 12, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
General elections are a different ballgame.No delegates,no caucuses,
NO manipulation………
It’s republican vs democrat.
Two men,one white and one black.
Experience vs un-experience.
Mainstream policies vs left wing liberal
policies.
……And the list goes on
Americans vote for a president with
certain values and american traditions.
….The answer is clear.
JOHN McCAIN ’08
Posted by: Redneck | June 12, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
Rule #1 -No smoking breaks. sorry Obama
Posted by: geevill | June 12, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
Why would any woman vote for McCain when he doesn’t agree with equal rights for them. I don’t care how much experience he may or may not have he is never getting this woman’s vote.
Posted by: lauren | June 12, 2008, 10:33 pm 10:33 pm
Wasn’t Obama that said he would debate McCain anytime,anywhere?
What happened? Yes, take him at his word…ummm consistent isn’t he!!
Posted by: cj | June 12, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
Most of the anti Obama posters here are the reason this country is going down the toilet. They have no issue related arguements so they continue to use the usual republican tactic which is personal attacks. Because they know they can never win a arguement on the issues. Therefore, the must distract attention from issues by throwing up phoney personal attacks.
Here’s a news flash for ya! It won’t work this time because bush/cheney and the republican have F’d over too many people in every economic and ethnic group. So be prepared for the big payback come November.
Posted by: LG | June 12, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
Hussein Obama is not electable, he is an empty suit and should step down. Hillary should be the real nominee.
Posted by: Zephania | June 12, 2008, 11:01 pm 11:01 pm
Even I have to admit at this point that Obama is weak. I really thought he was going to be the change we needed.
Im voting for Mc Cain.
Posted by: Thinking | June 12, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
I know this sounds mean but the Planet of the Apes thing has some truth to it.
She really looks like a man whipping gorilla. I honestly think Obama likes being dominated.
Posted by: same old | June 12, 2008, 11:03 pm 11:03 pm
besides, Michelle will make a great first gorilla. She looks like Zera from that movie Planet of the Apes.
Posted by: LG | Jun 12, 2008 11:00:57 PM
So you hijack my screen name to post negative things about the Michelle Obama. I’ll bet Michelle looks a million times better than your mama and her offspring which would be you.
Posted by: LG | June 12, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
LG:
I hate to tell you this, but the Republican attack strategy probably will work. They believe flooding blogs like this will sway casual voters, and judging from the Kerry / Bush election, this type of character assassination works.
Of course, the audience they are reaching on blogs like this are those who have already made up their mind – and won’t change it either way. As the season progresses, blogs like this will become more and more nauseating and disgusting; to the point where only the most obtuse right wing fanatic will post here. So Sad.
Unfortunately, attacks like this have a history of keeping people away from the polls in November. Just look at the 2004 election. We need to make sure people turn out to vote.
With the Republican Smear Machine in full throttle, the issues will be lost in the dust if we let them. Focus on turning out the vote.
Obama in ’08.
A change we can believe in.
Posted by: Timmy22 | June 12, 2008, 11:10 pm 11:10 pm
I know this sounds mean but the Planet of the Apes thing has some truth to it.
She really looks like a man whipping gorilla. I honestly think Obama likes being dominated.
Posted by: same old | Jun 12, 2008 11:03:28 PM
And McCain looks the Pillsbury dough boy, a walmart greeter, Chucky’s grand father, a spokeman for depends diapers/under pants. Oh and bush looks like a chimp. So what’s your point?
Posted by: LG | June 12, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
L
LG and Timmy, the Hillary supporters or republicans here are constantly hijacking the names of Obama supporters. They have done it many times to me. They are very scared. They are old like McCain and don’t like change.
Posted by: ll | June 12, 2008, 11:22 pm 11:22 pm
Bob Barr should be there also.
Posted by: James | June 12, 2008, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
LG:
I hate to tell you this, but the Republican attack strategy probably will work. They believe flooding blogs like this will sway casual voters, and judging from the Kerry / Bush election, this type of character assassination works.
Of course, the audience they are reaching on blogs like this are those who have already made up their mind – and won’t change it either way. As the season progresses, blogs like this will become more and more nauseating and disgusting; to the point where only the most obtuse right wing fanatic will post here. So Sad.
Unfortunately, attacks like this have a history of keeping people away from the polls in November. Just look at the 2004 election. We need to make sure people turn out to vote.
With the Republican Smear Machine in full throttle, the issues will be lost in the dust if we let them. Focus on turning out the vote.
Obama in ’08.
A change we can believe in.
Posted by: Timmy22 | Jun 12, 2008 11:10:56 PM
I’m sure that’s one their tactics. Use racist fear of the black man while they continue to screw over whites and everyone else while they laugh all the way to the bank. Republicans are counting on whites to ignore getting screwed without vaseline because they think fear of blacks will trump all.
Posted by: LG | June 12, 2008, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
The GOP, McCain and Fox News must really hate women. First they go after Hillary tooth and nail, now they attack Michelle Obama. They must have the political formula that says destroy women at all costs.
Hillary supporters need to understand that it was the GOP that destroyed Hillary from the very beginning. The GOP with Rove leaked press stories and information to drive up Hillary’s negatives even before she announced her candidacy. The GOP thought she would be the Democratic nominee and needed to destroy her reputation and define her image. That is why the initial press was so aligned against Hillary initially.
Until women as a group start to fight back against this kind of stuff they will always lose and be thought of as second class.
Posted by: Jim | June 12, 2008, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
Sure. Its humorous to call Obama names. But then, its not funny when McCain says that the troops in Iraq “Are Not Too Important”. That’s scary. Imagine what is going through the poor soldier’s mind when your champion states that they aren’t important. Really demoralizing.
So how many of you know McCain is a strong “Pro-Life” advocate? You know, those people who think government should control a woman’s rights? Even in cases of rape or incest? The rights of the fetus supercedes the rights of the mother – even her right to live?
Some of you tout that you are Hillary supporters. Hillary wanted Universal Health Care. McCain is strongly, vehemently against that. He wants to give subsidies (he calls them ‘tax breaks’) to big insurance companies in the hopes that they will reform health care. Not likely. A true Hillary supporter wouldn’t turn her back on her children this way.
Of course, we can continue 4 more years of Bush politics. Like the stripping of constitutional rights; such as wire tapping without a warrant, arrest without charges, and seizure of property without cause. This is McCain. He talks a big talk, but never says what he is FOR, only what Obama would do that he doesn’t like.
So what do you get when McCain wins? Are you sure thats what you want?
Defeat McCain in ’08.
Posted by: James2 | June 12, 2008, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
“And McCain looks the Pillsbury dough boy, a walmart greeter, Chucky’s grand father, a spokeman for depends diapers/under pants. Oh and bush looks like a chimp. So what’s your point?”
Posted by: LG | Jun 12, 2008 11:13:52 PM
and I’ll bet you are sitting on the front porch of your trailer playing the banjo without teeth!
Posted by: hopper | Jun 12, 2008 11:20:16 PM
You’ll be lucky to have a trailer if McCain get in. Nah, you’ll be homeless begging change to buy a meal.
Posted by: LG | June 12, 2008, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
and I’ll bet you are sitting on the front porch of your trailer playing the banjo without teeth!
Posted by: hopper | Jun 12, 2008 11:20:16 PM
You’ll be lucky to have a trailer if McCain gets in. Nah, you’ll be homeless begging for change to buy a meal or a drink.
Posted by: LG | Jun 12, 2008 11:29:04 PM
Posted by: LG | June 12, 2008, 11:34 pm 11:34 pm
LG said:I’m sure that’s one their tactics. Use racist fear of the black man while they continue to screw over whites and everyone else while they laugh all the way to the bank. Republicans are counting on whites to ignore getting screwed without vaseline because they think fear of blacks will trump all.
LG, Hillary and Bill Clinton and their surrogates Gerry Ferraro, Ed Rendell etc
have already used those tactics against
Obama! The racism you speak of lies in
your Party! Robert C Byrd former
KKK member and those comments by
Senator Webb of Virginia reinforce that
view!
Posted by: reaganfan | June 12, 2008, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
What is Obama afraid of?
I guess he knows that John McCain would
clean his clock in a town hall meeting
with no MSM control of the questions
or questioning!
Posted by: reaganfan | June 13, 2008, 12:01 am 12:01 am
Celtics 97
Lakers 91
Boston Rules baybeeeee
Posted by: Omentum | June 13, 2008, 12:17 am 12:17 am
Laker had a 24 point lead. Boston came back.. now they lead 3 games to 1 …..
B O S T O N C E L T I C S
W O R L D C H A M P S
Posted by: Omentum | June 13, 2008, 12:19 am 12:19 am
LG
you are absolutely right.
They’ll be sucking the bubbly on sunday.
Just like Obama will be popping the cork on election eve. Its going to be a long night for THE GRAND OLE PARTY
Posted by: Omentum | June 13, 2008, 12:21 am 12:21 am
BE respectful to Michelle LG
It all about being a respectful adult.
Posted by: Omentum | June 13, 2008, 12:23 am 12:23 am
Obama is for the capital gains tax of 28%…that means if I sell my house the taxes will be more, if I withdraw from my 401k, my taxes will be more, the tax on my dividends will be more. Does he have any clue? America is already taxed to death! Obama needs to get he head out of the clouds, come down to earth, and see the day to day struggle of Americans. I know why he won’t have the town hall meetings with McCain. There will be no teleprompters, he wont have a speech written and ready, and Obama knows that this is when he is most vulnerable, when he is out on the stump without these things…..he tends to crash and burn. He can’t think on his own, he stutters, stammers, etc. Obama is no more than an “empty suit with no substance.”
Posted by: david from texas | June 13, 2008, 12:40 am 12:40 am
Republicans use racist fear of the black man while they continue to screw over whites and everyone else as they laugh all the way to the bank.
Yep, republicans are counting on whites to ignore 7 years of getting screwed without vaseline because they think fear of blacks will trump any problems they have with bush/cheney and mccain.
Posted by: geevil | June 13, 2008, 12:55 am 12:55 am
Bucky,
John McCain averages at least 20 gaffes a week!!!! AT least Obama thinks before he speaks.
John McCain —- A man who has lost his bearings and is confused about World events. Wrong for America.
Posted by: DemsUnited | June 13, 2008, 1:01 am 1:01 am
The oil companys have made 600 Billion dollars since bush/cheney took office. Mccain offers more of the same without shame.
Posted by: GOP are thieves | June 13, 2008, 1:13 am 1:13 am
Republicans think posing as Hillary and Obama supporters to attack each camp will net them the GE. Time will tell just how fed up people are with the GOP for ruining our lives.
Posted by: GOP are thieves | June 13, 2008, 1:20 am 1:20 am
“Why would any woman vote for McCain when he doesn’t agree with equal rights for them.” Lauren, the DNC and Obama supporters have talked the talk but Obama supporters have not been living this “unity” theme, reflecting this desire for equality for all by speaking up against bigotry, sexism and racism spewed against Clinton supporters. Obama supporters cannot claim the mantle to fight equality for all while remaining silent when bigotry flies from other Obama supporters. If we don’t speak up and stand up against Obama bullies when they take away others’ rights, then who will be left to defend us when they come to take our rights away as well. We will never give up this fight against the unchecked bigotry from the Obama supporters. We all have to make our stand somewhere to stem this bigotry. And this stand for us is now. We will vote NO to the DNC and Obama supporters.
Posted by: former dem in chicago | June 13, 2008, 1:26 am 1:26 am
Timmy22,
Many of us are voted against CLINTON because we’re voting no to scare tactics by CLINTON supporters! We’re voting no to CLINTON supporter silence when racist, bigoted remarks fly from other CLINTON supporters. We’re not turning a blind eye to sexist, racist comments from CLINTON supporters! We’re voting no to threats and insults from CLINTON supporters! We’re voting no to bullying by CLINTON supporters! We’re voting no to this cycle of abuse from CLINTON supporters!! We’ve had enough of abusive CLINTON supporters and we’re sending a loud and clear message to your prejudice by saying NO! We’re rising up, standing up and voting NO!! NO MEANS NO!!!
See how easily that fits when you change a few things? The best part is that its ALL TRUE!!!!
Posted by: DemsUnited | June 13, 2008, 1:34 am 1:34 am
Republicans think hijacking screen names posing as Hillary and Obama supporters to attack each camp will net them the GE. Time will tell just how fed up people are with the GOP for ruining our lives.
Posted by: GOP are thieves | June 13, 2008, 1:34 am 1:34 am
Well, It appears that I have successfully ran away the GOP trolls. Anyone on here for a serious debate, or do we contimue to play childish games.
Posted by: DemsUnited | June 13, 2008, 1:51 am 1:51 am
The only cork off the champagne bottle that Obama will be popping on election eve is the one he hands the winner McCain because Obama will be tending bar.
President McCain – get very very use to it!
Posted by: Jo | June 13, 2008, 2:47 am 2:47 am
Chiken. the phony is afraid of debating anybody alone without being able to say ‘me too’ or ‘I completely agree with senator xyyz’. He lost so badly to HRC that he did not even know which direction to be a cry baby. now he say he wanted debate anywhere anytime, when it comes to count, he explains what he really meant was he only wanted to deceive the dems voters to ge him nominated.
of course you know who this phony is, the one educated by Wright.
Posted by: fat cat | June 13, 2008, 8:43 am 8:43 am
Lou;
Nobody and I Mean Nobody Cares
What Hollywood Actors Think!
It’s a miracle they can Think!
Regarding that McSame nonsense you’ve
been watching Way Too Much TV!
It Dulls your Brain!
Read a Book or Magazine, Play some Golf!
Posted by: reaganfan | June 14, 2008, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm