Citing McCain's staff, CNN reported that McCain has now decided to fly to Oxford, Mississippi, to participate in the debate with Obama at the University of Mississippi.

McCain on Wednesday has said he was suspending his campaign to return the Senate in Washington to work on emergency legislation to approve President George W Bush's 700-billion-dollar rescue plan for the nation's financial sector.

McCain said at the time that he asked the Obama campaign to agree to postponing the debate so the financial crisis could be addressed. Obama refused to the delay, saying it was necessary for the two candidates to discuss their positions before voters.

Congressional Democrats and Republicans have been in contentious negotiations about the controversial bailout package, which Bush insists is necessary to prevent a complete economic collapse.

McCain's decision to suspend the campaign was initially viewed as a move to show he can play a leading role on economic issues, as polls show voters have more faith in Obama to manage the nation's economy.

But McCain exposed himself to criticism that he was trying to avoid the debate with Obama and Democrats charged that he was using the financial crisis to score political points. (dpa)