From Bristol Herald Courier Editorial Board:

It’s one thing to hide Sarah Palin from the media and, thus, the American people. But John McCain, who is plummenting in the polls, was clearly using the financial meltdown as an excuse to skip the first debate with Barack Obama.

Yes, the financial crisis is staggering and yes, it deserves keen attention from our leaders. President George Bush addressed the nation Wednesday and both candidates have offered their ideas for recovery. Both also went to the White House on Thursday to weigh in on this crisis.

But it is absurd for McCain to use the Wall Street bailout as an excuse to bail out of the first presidential debate. Being president requires the ability to juggle several different balls. You can go to Washington on Thursday and debate Friday night in Oxford, Miss.