In a letter released Saturday, Barack Obama’s campaign told the Commission on Presidential Debates it believes there will be time this fall only for the currently proposed three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.
It also named Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) as its debate negotiator.
The letter drew a heated response from Republican John McCain’s camp.
“It’s disappointing that Sen. Obama has refused [our] offer to do joint town hall meetings,” McCain spokesman Brian Roger said in a statement. “We understand it might be beneath a worldwide celebrity of Barack Obama’s magnitude to appear at town hall meetings alongside John McCain and directly answer questions from the American people.”
At an event Saturday in Titusville, Fla., a man asked what role Obama would have McCain serve in his administration.
The question drew a broad smile from the candidate, who celebrates his 47th birthday Monday.
More Top Picks Best Battery Powered Lawn Mowers
“So, you’re setting me up to get in trouble,” Obama responded, before saying he wants McCain serving with the “loyal opposition” in the Senate.