WASHINGTON, DC — Green Party presidential nominee Cynthia McKinney has offered to debate Barack Obama if John McCain’s opts out at this Friday’s presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi, following the Republican nominee’s announcement that he is seeking a delay of the event.

“If John McCain wants to bow out, I’m willing to step in and take his podium on Friday,” said Cynthia McKinney.

“The financial meltdown won’t come any closer to a resolution because a presidential debate is postponed. Â Now is the best time for Americans to see how prepared their leaders are to handle emergencies, how they introduce fresh ideas and solutions for national problems, and whether they’re willing to stand up for the American people instead of Wall Street moguls and corporate interests,” Ms. McKinney added.

Ms. McKinney has sharply criticized the bailout bill and has introduced a ten-point plan to address the financial crisis (“Seize the Time,” http://votetruth08.com/index.php/learn/mckinney-messages).

The Green Party has also called for extensive measures and protections for American taxpayers, calling the collapse and bailout of financial institutions a sign that bipartisan deregulation policies and the free-market ideology have failed (http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=107).

“I’m ready right now to travel to Mississippi. Â Voters have a right to know about all the candidates whose names they’ll see on the ballot. Â Voters deserve to know which candidate best represents their interests and ideals. Â Any presidential candidate who is on enough ballots to be elected deserves to participate. Â We need multi-party presidential debates, and I’m ready to go up against Barack Obama or any other candidate and present my ideas to the American people. Â I should be included in these debates whether McCain shows up or not,” said Ms. McKinney

Cynthia McKinney is a former six-term Georgia member of the US House of Representatives. Â Ms. McKinney and running mate Rosa Clemente (http://www.rosaclemente.com) were nominated by the Green Party of the United States at the 2008 Green National Convention in Chicago this past July.