He also suggests the first meeting should be held next week at New York's Federal Hall, and that they travel together to the event as a sign of "civility."

A letter issued in McCain's name harks back to the original plan agreed to in 1963 by Republican Barry Goldwater and President John F. Kennedy to fly around the country together in 1964. Kennedy was assassinated before the plan could be carried out.

In the letter, posted on McCain's Web site, said, "What a welcome change it would be were presidential candidates in our time to treat each other and the people they seek to lead with respect and courtesy as they discussed the great issues of the day, without the empty sound bites and media-filtered exchanges that dominate our elections. ... I invite you to join me in participating in town hall meetings across the country to discuss the most important issues facing Americans. I also suggest we fly together to the first town hall meeting as a symbolically important act embracing the politics of civility."

McCain said the town hall meetings should "be as free from the regimented trappings, rules and spectacle of formal debates as possible," and should include an "independent local moderater."