Candidates Prep for Final Debate

October 14, 2008— -- Going into Wednesday's debate, John McCain seems miffed by Barack Obama's recent suggestion that McCain does not have the guts to raise Bill Ayers to his face.

"I was astonished to hear him say that he was surprised for me to have the guts to do that," McCain told a St. Louis radio station on Tuesday. "Because the fact is that the question did not come up in that fashion so--you know--I think he's probably ensured that it will come up this time."

Listen to McCain's KMOX radio interview here

McCain's indignation was provoked by comments Obama made last week to ABC News' Charlie Gibson.

"Well, I am surprised that, you know, we've been seeing some pretty over-the-top attacks coming out of the McCain campaign over the last several days that he wasn't willing to say it to my face," said Obama.

Watch the ABC News interview here

McCain will get his final chance to raise Ayers to Obama's face at 9:00 pm ET on Wednesday when the presidential candidates hold their third 90-minute debate.

The debate, which will take place at Hofstra University on Long Island, will be moderated by CBS' Bob Schieffer.

The debate's focus will be domestic policy. It comes at a time in which Obama seems to be improving his standing both nationally and in key battleground states.

A CBS News/New York Times national poll released on Tuesday showed Obama 53, McCain 39.

Similar to the first debate, questions will be followed by two-minute responses from each candidate and then five minute open discussion.

In contrast to the first debate, which was focused on foreign policy, the candidates will be seated and there will be 90-second closing statements.

Michelle Obama's debate guest will be Lilibet Hagel, wife of Chuck Hagel, the GOP senator and Vietnam veteran who backed McCain in 2000 but did not endorse his fellow Republican this time.

The Kicker:
"They do want me to sit down and shut up, but that's not gonna happen."
--Sarah Palin agreeing with Rush Limbaugh's allegation that the mainstream media wants to silence her.

On the campaign front. . .

JOHN McCAIN
-- 9:00 pm ET: Participates in debate in Hempstead, NY.

SARAH PALIN
-- 2:00 pm ET: Holds rally in Laconia, NH.

BARACK OBAMA
-- 9:00 pm ET: Participates in debate in Hempstead, NY.

JOE BIDEN
-- 10:30 am ET: Holds community gathering Athens, OH.
-- 2:00 pm ET: Holds community gathering Lancaster, OH.
-- 6:00 pm ET: Holds community gathering Newark, OH.

At the White House. . .

PRESIDENT BUSH
-- 9:50 am ET: Participates in a video teleconference with Iraq Provincial Reconstruction team leaders and brigade commanders.
-- 12:45 pm ET: Meets with business leaders. Grand Rapids, MI.

On the congressional front . . .

--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announces a new lame duck initiative to help consumers deal with the financial crisis, Las Vegas, NV

POLITICAL NEWS STORIES ON ABCNEWS.COM

ABC News' Ron Claiborne, Teddy Davis and Arnab Datta: McCain to Obama: I Have 'Guts' to Bring Up Ayers LINK

ABC News' Alex Green and Rick Klein: Democrats Aim for Super Majority in Congress as Economic Crisis Hits Home LINK

ABC News' Jennifer Parker: Early Voting a Growing Trend in U.S. LINK

ABC News' Jake Tapper: Obama Advertising Within a Video Game LINK

ABC News' Jen Duck, Kate Barrett, Betsy Stark, Bianna Golodryga and Jason Ryan: U.S. Will Invest $250B to Bail Out Banks LINK

ABC News' Sam Donaldson: Economic Socialism LINK

ABC News' Emma Schwartz: Rep. Mahoney Takes 'Full Responsibility' But Doesn't Admit Affair LINK

ABC News' Ron Claiborne, Teddy Davis and Arnab Datta: McCain to Obama: I Have 'Guts' to Bring Up Ayers LINK

ABC News' Imtiyaz Delawala: Actor Duvall Blasts Palin Critics at Fundraiser LINK

ABC News' Jake Tapper, Andy Fies and Sunlen Miller: Obama on ACORN Controversy: "A Distraction... We Don't Need ACORN's Help" LINK

ABC News' Jake Tapper: Oh, That Joe! (No. 26 in a Series) -- Obama is 'Fighting for You,' McCain is 'Fighting Mad' LINK

ABC News' Jake Tapper: 'Spread the Wealth'? LINK

ABC News' Jake Tapper: Poll Cats -- Battlegrounds Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin LINK

ABC News' Jake Tapper: Brooks Contemplates 100% Democrat-Controlled Government LINK

Donaldson: "Socialism has now washed over free market capitalism." LINK

Obama Explains Tax Plan
Sen. Obama discusses 'the American dream' with Ohio plumber Joe Wurzelbacher. LINK

Behar: Where are Palin's Family Values?
View co-hosts discuss Palin daughter's pregnancy and teen parents. LINK

McCain Outlines New Economic Measures
Sen. McCain's plan includes policies to aid retirees and homeowners. LINK

Partnership for a McCain-Free America
"Gossip Girl" stars riff on iconic '80s drug ads for MoveOn.org. LINK

Joe Biden's Scranton Roots
Biden goes to Pennsylvania to discuss politics and poll numbers with voters. LINK

JFK Audiotapes Discovered
The tapes were made soon after JFK's announcement to run for president. LINK

State Dinner Snafu: Podium Goes to Pieces
Italy's prime minister bumps the podium during toast to President Bush. LINK

Bush Reveals Bank Rescue Plan
The president announces largest bank intervention since the Great Depression. LINK

Rudy Giuliani on the Final 22 Days
The former mayor of New York compares the candidates' rescue plans. LINK

Who Will Help the Economy?
Barack Obama and John McCain outline their plans to help. LINK

Obama's Middle Class Rescue Plan
Jake Tapper reports on Barack Obama's rescue plan for the middle class. LINK

McCain Down but Not Out
John McCain says he will not quit despite his ten point deficit. LINK

Will Good Economic News Help McCain?
George Stephanopoulos discusses the effects of the market surge on the election. LINK

R.I. Hit Hard by Financial Crisis
Rhode Island lawmakers have had to cut nearly 7 percent of the state's budget. LINK