Political Radar: McCain: Scrap Friday Debate for Bailout; Obama: The Debate is On

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McCain: Scrap Friday Debate for Bailout; Obama: The Debate is On

September 24, 2008 3:04 PM

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos and Rick Klein report: Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Wednesday said he would "suspend" his presidential campaign to come to Washington to help negotiate a financial bailout bill and argued Friday's first presidential debate should be scrapped -- a dramatic move designed to seize a powerful issue.

McCain said he called on the Commission on Presidential Debates to postpone the debate scheduled for Friday in Mississippi, to ensure quick congressional action.

"I have spoken to Senator Obama and informed him of my decision and have asked him to join me," McCain said in New York City Wednesday. "I am calling on the president to convene a meeting with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senator Obama and myself. It is time for both parties to come together to solve this problem.”

Preparing for the debate in Florida, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama held a previously unscheduled news conference, arguing the debate should go on.

"I believe that we should continue to have the debate," Obama said. "It is my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who, in approximately 40 days, will be responsible for dealing with this mess." "It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once," Obama said.

Obama said that unlike McCain, he will not suspend ads, or campaign events scheduled between now and Friday's debate.

"I think it's very important that the American people see the people who potentially could be in charge of this problem within the next couple of months and so my attitude is that we need to be focused on solving the problems, as I have been," Obama said. "It's also important that we communicate where we need to go in getting us out of the situation."

Obama said he will stay in Florida for the time being and will not return to Washington unless asked by Congressional leadership.

"I've told the leadership in Congress is that if I can be helpful then I am prepared to be anywhere at anytime," he said.

President Bush will attempt to shore up public support for the administration's $700 bailout plan in a primetime address to the nation tonight.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said the Bush administration "welcome Sen. McCain's announcement" that he is suspending his campaign to deal with the bailout bill.

"We are making progress in negotiations on the financial markets rescue legislation, but we have not finished it yet," Perino said.

"Bipartisan support from Sens. McCain and Obama would be helpful in driving to a conclusion. The financial market crisis is a big problem that requires a big solution, and solving this in a bipartisan way will help prevent economic damage spreading from Wall Street to all Americans," Perino said.

Obama supporter and chief debate negotiator Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., told MSNBC that "we can handle both," when asked about his reaction to McCain's call to postpone the first debate because of the administration's bailout plan.

Earlier Wednesday, a senior Obama campaign official told ABC News, "The debate in on."

An Obama campaign official told ABC News the Democratic presidential candidate called McCain this morning to suggest a joint statement of principles.

McCain called back this afternoon and suggested returning to Washington.

Obama is willing to return to Washington "if it would be helpful." But Obama reiterated that Obama intends to debate on Friday.

Obama senior strategist Robert Gibbs said that Obama and McCain spoke today at approximately 2:35 pm, for about five minutes as Obama was leaving a campaign event in Florida en route back to his hotel.

Gibbs insists that Obama at that time was not left with the impression that McCain had decisively decided to suspend his campaign, or would ask for the debate to be canceled.

The first time Obama found out McCain was suspending his campaign and returning to Washington was when McCain made his statement earlier today.

The McCain campaign has pledged to suspend campaign advertising.

"To be clear, in addition to suspending his campaign to return to Washington to work for a bipartisan solution to this problem, this campaign is suspending its advertising and fundraising," McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said.

McCain and his top advisers said the Republican presidential candidate has not committed to voting for the massive financial bailout plan proposed by the Bush administration, with aides saying he will reserve final judgment until there is a final product.

A senior McCain campaign official said that the “Bush package is dead. This is a serious situation. Package must be resolved by the time markets open on Monday."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday that McCain had assured Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson that he would support the $700 billion legislation.

Asked about that Wednesday, McCain responded: “I did not say that.”

Senior advisor Mark Salter then interjected saying, “He hasn’t said that to Paulson or to Reid or to anybody else. He hasn’t said that to me.”

McCain campaign political director Mike DuHaime told reporters at a lunch meeting in Washington that the senator will not commit until he sees the final package that comes to the Senate floor.

“He’s going to do what he thinks is right,” DuHaime said at a lunch sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor. “He’ll make a vote as a leader in this country, and people will look to him.”

DuHaime added, “Quite frankly, I think you could ask Sen. Obama if he’s going to do what he thinks is right. I mean, he has never -- I believe -- never once made a decision that is an unpopular decision or went against the orthodoxy of his party, and was one that was one that was a tough decision to make. . . . Sen. McCain has done that throughout his entire career, his entire life -- not just in politics, but his life.”

DuHaime said that while McCain understands the urgency, many voters continue to have important questions about what the bailout means to them.

“When you start talking about $10,000 per household or per family to go toward bailing out Wall Street, they have legitimate questions about it,” DuHaime said. “People understand that that is a big thing and it affects them, and they do legitimately have questions about, is this really going to go to bail out companies or leaders of companies who now are relying on taxpayer dollars to bail them out, and are going to get these huge compensation packages after they come to the taxpayers for it.”

“There is some frustration, certainly, in that, and it’s understandable to say the least. And it has not been a quick rush to say yes or no. People understand the gravity of this, want to see it done right, while still understanding the timing factor.”

ABC News' Bret Hovell and Sunlen Miller contributed to this report.

September 24, 2008 in McCain, John, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (2912)

User Comments

The recent ECONOMIC problems are NOT some "POOR GUYS BUYING WHAT THEY COULD NOT AFFORD".

Typical that the CONS that SET UP this CRISIS would "BLAME THE VICTIM".

At least with KEATING 5 and ENRON we STILL had the NERVE, OUTRAGE and ABILITY to INVESTIGATE,BRING CHARGES and PROSECUTE some of the TOP MANIPULATORS that destroyed so many ordinary citizen''s lives!

As it looks NOW the FAT CATS that used LOBBYISTS to push through SUCH DIRTY DEALINGS will "GET AWAY WITH IT" this time.

Guess "Financial Crisis Fatigue" has set in.

So many of the American people are acting like a BEATEN HOUSEWIFE who STAYS WITH the MONSTER that beats and abuses her!

It''s been a long and convoluted CON JOB based on SELFISHNESS and GREED by people who ALREADY had MORE THAN THEIR SHARE of the Nation''s WEALTH yet in their BOTTOMLESS PIT OF GREED - Wanted MORE!

They wanted it ALL AT ANY COST even up to and Including the DESTRUCTION of the American People and their way of life!

So, this TINY SLICE of people AT THE TOP "worked" over decades to STEAL the ENTIRE WEALTH of our great Nation slowly inserting laws that FAVORED them, buying politicians, destroying leaders they could not buy and through careful media control and education "mismanagement" -DUMBING DOWN millions.

Posted by homespunlady at 02:52 PM : Sep 24, 2008

Posted by: beck | Sep 24, 2008 3:08:56 PM

McCain's chickens are now in full roost mode.

Look at him attempting to run, but cannot hide.

Translation: I'M JOHN MCCAIN AND I DON'T HAVE A CHANCE IN THIS ELECTION.

ITS OVER

Posted by: Nat Turner | Sep 24, 2008 3:10:08 PM

Whoa... McCain is using us again to benefit himself. He is afraid to go up against Obama in a debate so lets do the right thing here, lets call off the debate and go and save America... After all, I helped destroy it, maybe I should pick up some of the pieces. McCain = EMPTY SUITE.....

Posted by: beck | Sep 24, 2008 3:10:56 PM

McSame is just trying to postpone this @ss whipping !!!!

Posted by: Raider | Sep 24, 2008 3:11:38 PM

Good for him. I want to see this "plan" include more oversights, and help for those that have lost their homes, yes I pay a mortage, yes I am responsible, but some of these people got in over their heads because they were tricked. I'd rather see them have another opportunity to pay for their home than for the bank to own it. At least they'd be making some money. This is a huge deal, and I think it's smart to work out all the details instead of rushing it.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen | Sep 24, 2008 3:12:18 PM

McCain wants to cancel the debate because he doesn't want to announce his final decsion until Palin is fully briefed enough to announce it for him on Limbaugh. That way his base won't drive off a cliff because Rush will simply say Ditto to Sarah.

Posted by: ricky | Sep 24, 2008 3:13:19 PM

Maybe he should suspend his campiagn FOREVER

Posted by: Vanessa | Sep 24, 2008 3:13:34 PM

John McCain is stopping his campaign not on the day the bailout was announced but on the day the polls showed him way behind.

What a chicken. What a chickensh** way to lead.

BTW: Is Palin stopping her work??? If not, this is all about politics.

Obama, I believe you can do both at the same time. Go to it.

Posted by: Mr. Coffee | Sep 24, 2008 3:14:22 PM

oh cmon mccain you dont give a crap and you know it...

its obvious he doesnt want to debate

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:14:37 PM

Does he think Obama is that stupid to follow his cloak and dagger move to postpone the pure b**** slapping during the debates?

At this rate, with a gaff a day, McCain will have morphed into Bozo the Clown by November 4th.

POTUS OBAMA - Like Taking Candy from a McCain

Posted by: Nat Turner | Sep 24, 2008 3:14:49 PM

McCain wants to postpone the debate so his campaign manager, Rick Davis has time to check and make sure he does not have any more payments in his account from Freddie Mac that he did nothing to earn.

Posted by: ricky | Sep 24, 2008 3:16:21 PM

"I am calling on a suspension of campaigns"

In other words, I need Obama's momentum to stop. I don't need this debate to happen after my week's worth of gaffes. I need time to re-group. His lead is growing, and polls arent even counting newly registered voters. Please, let me call a "timeout"...

And the answer is......No

Posted by: PoliticsAsUsual | Sep 24, 2008 3:16:35 PM

yea exactly hes behind almost ten points in a few polls right now nationally (and i take the national polls with a grain of salt believe you me)

and he has no way to get it back

this is his only way, my god forty days left lets get this going mcworse

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:16:48 PM

Harry Reid should talk about Obama voting or not voting for the Bill. He should keep quiet about what McCain intends to do unless the democratic party accepted Sen. McCain as their leader. In that case, Obama should step down and say he is not a candidate for the Office of the President of the US. Until that happens, Sen. Reid should make use of his brain cells and keep quiet because he himself admitted he does not know what to do.

Obama, a fellow missing in action when challenging times calls for Leadership. Voting present is not leadership.

Posted by: Roger Miller | Sep 24, 2008 3:16:53 PM

i guess the fundamentals of the economy are no longer strong?

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:17:28 PM

NO McSame.......H#LL NO !!!!!!

You can't run from this a$$ whipping.

Posted by: Raider | Sep 24, 2008 3:17:35 PM

Paulson has time to go on all the talk shows and still get his work done. Mc can show up at Ole Miss for one little ole debate.

Posted by: ricky | Sep 24, 2008 3:18:20 PM

This is a crisis, and no time for politics all of a sudden. Where was this mentality from McCain when the day after it happened; he keeps yelling, "Obama hasn't come out with a plan, he just lectures"....No way, this is a joke; he has to try something else, cause we aren't buying this one.

Posted by: PoliticsAsUsual | Sep 24, 2008 3:19:10 PM

roger miller im sorry you are misinformed your candidate is ducking and running right now

he has no idea what the economic crisis is he only knows he cant win it with this going on

so stopping campaigning is the only thing he can think to do... and then wiat for people far smarter then he to figure out the crisis and then he can tell bush and some of his pals to give him credit for pushing the measure through

just like he did with the GI bill he refused to endorse and refused to vote for

but he sure took credit for it

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:19:22 PM

how many days did it take him to realize we were in a crisis?

what is this week 2

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:19:49 PM

Country First. Nice to see.

Posted by: Mike | Sep 24, 2008 3:20:23 PM

Obama does not need McCain to debate. he can debate with himself or his VP nominee Biden.

For FISA/against FISA
For public campaign financing/against PCF
For Russia/against Russia

blah .. blah .. empty suit ...

Come November 4 2008, I am salivating at the prospect of lot of Obamabots crying like littel girls. Wow, how much fun it will be to watch these fellows cry.

Posted by: Roger Miller | Sep 24, 2008 3:20:49 PM

McCain is running scared... he has no clue on the economy and now wants to postpone the 1st debate so he can get familiar with what all of us americans have been going through for the past 7 yrs... GET REAL.

The debate should go on as scheduled...

No matter what.. McCain is going to vote against anything on this bailout, because he wants this to be about him and nothing else.

Go ahead McCain and suspend your and Caribou Barbies campaign.... WE WONT MISS YOU

Posted by: l | Sep 24, 2008 3:21:49 PM

This stinks of a political power play that will not work.
Obama should offer Biden to represent him in washington and ask McCain to send Palin to "shake things up"

Posted by: watching | Sep 24, 2008 3:21:57 PM

Just an attempt by McCain to look like he's in charge.

However, it sounds pretty ironic for a guy who a week ago was saying the fundamentals of the economy are strong to now be saying the country can't survive without him chairing an immediate bailout negotiation before markets open on Monday morning.

Sorry, but I just don't see too many people buying that line.

Its also ironic considering this is the guy who not long ago said he doesn't understand the economy.

Probably the best thing for the country - if McCain really wanted to put country first - would be for these details to get hammered out without either candidate there. Having a candidate involved will just more politicize the discussions.

Posted by: Paul | Sep 24, 2008 3:22:27 PM

Obama told 60 Minutes the reason HE should be President is that he can bring opposing sides together and get things done. Looks like McCain out flanked little Barry again. pulled the rug right under Obamarosa

Posted by: geevill | Sep 24, 2008 3:22:28 PM

Obama has no idea whats going on here because his teleprompter is not loaded to deal with this. let's be fair, give Obama a day or two to re-program his teleprompter so that he can make a statement.

Posted by: Norman | Sep 24, 2008 3:22:46 PM

Well Bhrandon, Obama keeps saying he is willing to have that debate any where any time and hides behind Michelle''s skirt when McCain asks him to show up at town halls to debate.

Obama can run but he can't hide.

Posted by: Roger Miller | Sep 24, 2008 3:22:47 PM

It would be better for the economy to give every houshold in America 10,000 and let the sinking ships sink. Many could save their homes with this money or start over. At least honest people who pay their debts and don't get in over thier heads wouldn't be paying for fraud and 7 figure salaries then.

Posted by: s.b. | Sep 24, 2008 3:22:49 PM

I am shocked at Obama's attitude: "debate no matter what"!!! What is this guy thinking? does he have any morals left? McCain is calling for a truce to deal with the most important issue that has affected the US in a century, and Obama wants to debate for his selfish needs? McCain didn't call for cancellation, he called for postponement!

And I am more shocked (but not surprised) at the tone of Obama supporters here, calling this a ruse of some sort by McCAin. Can you get this into your thick heads: McCain is putting the country first. Obama is putting himself first.

So who is the best to lead this country, McCain, the patriot and hero who will lead the way to protect this country, or Obama, who will do everything possible , including sacrificing the safety and security of America, to get what he wants?

A vote for McCain is a vote for America.

A vote for Obama is just a vote for Obama.

This now makes it crystal clear.

Posted by: liberati | Sep 24, 2008 3:22:52 PM

What a joke - people act as though McCain is afraid to debate Obama. Do any of you people even pay attention to what is going on. Obama bombed every debate he has participated in the last year. He got whupped by Clinton repeatedly and refused to particpate in any more debates with her. Did anyone watch the forum at Saddlebrook - McCain came away as knowledgeable and confident, Obama stumbled through - let's face it - Obama always puts his interests first and he probably doesn't want to waste time "studying" again. He should try being a leader during this crisis not a perpetual candidate.

Posted by: Brenda, New York | Sep 24, 2008 3:23:21 PM

It's a cheap stunt! He's trying to pretend like he's on top of things.

It is the same thing he did with the Palin announcment. See that Obama is rising in the polls, so he pulls a trick out of his sleeve to get the attention he wants.

It "makes" him look like he's leading. But all he's doing is pretending to lead and score some points.

God I hope the voters aren't dumb enough to fall for it!

Posted by: Greg | Sep 24, 2008 3:23:29 PM

McCain is terrified because he knows that he was a BIG part of the reason our economy is in this mess. He was TOTALLY on the "bandwagon" for de-regulation.
He wants to cancel the debates...OMG this is so funny...he is running scared!!!

Posted by: newvoter | Sep 24, 2008 3:23:55 PM

The very first thing I thought of was that McCain is trying to get out of the debate. So typical.

Posted by: karen miller | Sep 24, 2008 3:24:17 PM

The only time McCain has shown up to work is to cast a vote for the rich.... uhmmmm.... so congress does not like Bush's bill... congress is trying to write in some protection for the American people... NOW McCain thinks he needs to run off and do his job... uhmmm, McCain sorry... I think congress can handle this one without your thoughts on how to make your friends richer and us poorer.

Posted by: beck | Sep 24, 2008 3:25:15 PM

Obama should offer Biden to represent him in washington and ask McCain to send Palin to "shake things up"

Posted by: watching | Sep 24, 2008 3:26:12 PM

McCain did this beause of the jump in the polls for Obama. Who is he trying to fool.

Ex Republican

Posted by: RGeier | Sep 24, 2008 3:26:14 PM

"Obama can run but he can't hide."

Um, well, isn't it McCain who wants to call off the debate?

If McCain really wanted to put country first, he'd stay away from these discussions.

He's already told us he doesn't understand the economy. So he must be trying to revive his campaign by inserting himself into emergency economic discussions.

Posted by: Paul | Sep 24, 2008 3:26:29 PM

YOU GUYS ARE A BUNCH OF A**HOLES, MCCAIN IS TRYING TO HELP HIS COUNTRY OUR COUNTRY, PUT YOUR I TOLD YOU SO'S ASIDE AND TRY TO REMENBER PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY WHO ARE OR ARE GOING TO LOSE EVERYTHING IF THIS MESS IS NOT CLEANED UP, IF OBAMA HAD COME UP WITH THIS YOU GUYS WOULD HAVE CALLLED IT THE SECOND COMING, GET A LIFE MCCAIN IS CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN AND SEE

Posted by: RICK | Sep 24, 2008 3:26:46 PM

Brenda...Obama was doomed at Saddleback anyway because it was biased towards him because he is for abortion. Plus, McCain heard all the questions on the way to the forum while he watched in the car...ZEEeeeeez.
McCain cannot handle the heat...He knows on the economy, Obama will wipe him out!!!

Posted by: militarymom | Sep 24, 2008 3:26:48 PM

Why did Obama duck the town hall debates? Oh yes, he was hiding behind Michelle's skirt and then says I am willing to have that deate any where any time as long as it does not take place.

Obamabots now think their messiah will win the debates? Great. Tell that to Axelrod and ask him not to praise McCain.

All right?

Posted by: Roger Miller | Sep 24, 2008 3:26:55 PM

This is a joke.

Is McCain the president? NO!

Is he the chairman of the senate committee on banking? NO!

Is he the Secretary of Treasury? NO!

Is he the Chairman of the Federal Reserve? NO!

What exactly is he gonna do in Washington that warrants postponing the debate on Friday?

Why did he not suspend his campaign last week when the crisis started?

Why today when the polls are clearly in favour of his opponent?

John McCain dug himself a hole last week Monday "fundamentals are strong" and he has continued to dig deeper and deeper but today he has finally buried himself. He will regret this day come Nov 4

Posted by: Ro | Sep 24, 2008 3:27:29 PM

LOL HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

mccain you pud

Statement from Obama Campaign

At 8:30 this morning, Senator Obama called Senator McCain to ask him if he would join in issuing a joint statement outlining their shared principles and conditions for the Treasury proposal and urging Congress and the White House to act in a bipartisan manner to pass such a proposal. At 2:30 this afternoon, Senator McCain returned Senator Obama's call and agreed to join him in issuing such a statement. The two campaigns are currently working together on the details.

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:06 PM

He's trying to get Palin to debate Obama so they can have a celebraty show down! No onwe is intrested in what the crusty old senile man has to say anyway. Besides wan't it last Monday when the economy was "fundunmentaly sound"? Why is it an issue now?
Ohhh. I know! His fat cat friends got hit in the wallet so he has to step in and "save" someone. Unfortantly it isn't going to be the middle class.

Posted by: Joe | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:11 PM

Anyone who thinks Obama is some superior debater obviously did not see any of the primary debates where Obama (uh.um.well..ah..you know..um) got his ass whopped by Hillary!

Posted by: ch | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:24 PM

Hmmmm....didn't John McCain say Obama was using the economic situation for political gain? Guess that was just more of the pot calling the kettle black. This man is a worthless, self-serving scumbag whose best chums are Xenophobic, swininsh neo-nazi hacks. Exit the stage Mr. McCain -- your fifteen minutes are over.

Posted by: Citizen Voter | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:26 PM

McCain clearly would rather politicize the bailout discussions than lose the election.

Country first? Yeah, right. The only thing he puts first is his long standing ambition to be president, as McCain himself told us in 2002.

Posted by: Paul | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:28 PM

Rick...that change I don't want if it means the same ole policy and if you listen to McCain that is what he is saying..."there is nothing wrong with our economy, is it fundamentally strong." DAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Posted by: newvoter | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:28 PM

McCain can go to washington without the big announcement and debate, it only takes a couple of hours.
BLOWFISH!!!!

Posted by: VET | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:29 PM

Upon hearing McCain's decision to postpone the debate a very loud

WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.....AMEN........

was heard from Obama's Florida hotel room.

Posted by: SandyB | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:32 PM

Once again McCain is treating the voters as idiots. He is merely trying to avoid this debate with Obama & is using this crisis as an excuse. I guess its not only Palin who is afraid to face the media/voters questions, its Mcain as well. Come on McCain,quit treating the voters as though they are ignorant!!!!

Posted by: Dee | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:48 PM

OLD MAN, we know you can barely remember where you live. SHOW UP...the economy is IMPORTANT but a debate exposing you and the rest of the red necks is PRICELESS.

Posted by: I hate STUPID People and Racist Rednecks | Sep 24, 2008 3:28:51 PM

Anyone who thinks Obama is some superior debater obviously did not see any of the primary debates where Obama (uh.um.well..ah..you know..um) got his ass whopped by Hillary!

Posted by: ch | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:08 PM

too bad mccain just came out and said oh my we shoudl work together

wow.... what a sack of...

man mccains camp is in serious trouble obama is going to own him for this move

trying to act like a leader when obama was the person to reach out

wow

pathetic

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:10 PM

hussein will never agree to stop campaigning and work on the economic crisis. The reasons are obvious:

1. hussein has NEVER enacted or crafted ANY meaningful legislation during his entire "career" as a senator. He isn't likely to start now.
2. hussein is an artificial creation of the loony-left liberal media with no more substance or depth than a Daffy Duck cartoon. Whenever there are no mirrors and no cameras, hussein ceases to exist. His existence therefore REQUIRES that he remain in front of a camera campaigning.

It is best to let competent leaders work on solving this crisis. Let "sweetie" hussein do the only thing can knows how to do: promote himself.

Posted by: ALEX H. | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:20 PM

McCain knows he is going to get "taken to the woodshed" on Friday by Obama and is trying to run away!!!

What a CHICKEN!! I hope Obama doesn't let him get away with this, as Obama says he can do both, why can't McCain multitask!!

How desperate is this!!!! When all the LIES don't work, just run and hide!!!

Posted by: Davis | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:25 PM

Well, looks like McCain just jumped the shark.

What's next? McCain wants to postpone the election too?

Posted by: MBlack1 | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:34 PM

This pander will not work!

Posted by: jim | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:49 PM

Roger Miller:

The "present" vote in Illinois is sometimes cast by state lawmakers with a conflict of interest who would rather not weigh in on an issue. Other times, members use the option to object to certain parts of a bill, even though they may agree with its overall purpose.
"The 'present' vote is used, especially by more thoughtful legislators, not as a means of avoiding taking a position on an issue, but as a means of signaling concerns about an issue," said state Rep. John Fritchey.
Obama sponsored 820 bills in the Illinois State legislature. So much so that the Illinois Times featured him in a cover story naming him HEAD OF THE CLASS for his legislative abundance.

Posted by: beck | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:50 PM

mccain trys to turn the tables on obama

Statement from Obama Campaign

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:29:57 PM

I Cannot believe this. McCain is basically chickening out. He should be prepared for this debate and this just reflects how un-prepared, he is to lead this great nation. How can we even place this nation under his leadership. This was definetely un-called for

Posted by: Javier | Sep 24, 2008 3:30:46 PM

McCain the Maverick is THE MAN! Always putting country first and taking this risk which could hurt him as National Defense/Foreign Affairs is HIS SUBJECT and he would have scored this Friday at the debates as Bozo knows NOTHING compared to McCain's lifelong knowledge. As he's said it before, he'd rather lose an election and stay true to his convictions and COUNTRY, UNLIKE OBAMA WHO IS ALWAYS EGO FIRST!

Thank God for McCain to take this as seriously as ALL AMERICANS should, not just bickering Dems and Republicans. McCain wants to end the gridlock in Washington and has the record of working across the aisle.
BO NOT FIT TO BE APPOINTED TO A McCAIN CABINET, BUT BIDEN WILL BE.

Posted by: Emma | Sep 24, 2008 3:30:51 PM

ch...I saw all the debates and I saw a lot of ass...whip from Obama too...
You all keep saying give McCain a chance? Well he had his chance with the Keating Five, now you need to give Obama a chance to see what he can do....

Posted by: thetruth | Sep 24, 2008 3:30:52 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhh, Roger. You mental midgeted neanderthal.

You just don't see or get it, do you?

Suffice to say, it really doesn't matter. Whether he attends the debates, postpones the debates, send Bozo the Clown in as a replacement for him, the END GAME WILL BE THE SAME.

POTUS OBAMA - That's the bottom line

Now what? (chirp)

Posted by: Nat Turner | Sep 24, 2008 3:30:54 PM

Statement from Obama Campaign

Posted by: Bhrandon | Sep 24, 2008 3:30:59 PM

WHAT A COWARD. Now that he is down 11 points he is panicking.

Posted by: Dictionary | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:08 PM

This man is full of poop. Always with his gimmicks. What next, some card tricks or a rabbit out of the hat? Why not just mug the elections like last time. I have more respect for the space between my shoes and the floor than I do for this BS artist. Yeah, like they need his wisdom and knowledge at the table, a guy that has no clue about economics. This guy and his VP are shams, a con game.

Posted by: Jake | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:20 PM

Rick: "...TRY TO REMENBER PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY WHO ARE OR ARE GOING TO LOSE EVERYTHING IF THIS MESS IS NOT CLEANED UP..."

Rick, do you honestly think having one or both presidential candidates involved is going to clean up the mess any faster?

I think all that would do is politicize the discussions.

Posted by: Paul | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:41 PM

First he says this, "Sen. John McCain on Wednesday said he would “suspend” his presidential campaign to come to Washington to help negotiate a financial bailout bill."

Then he says, "McCain campaign political director Mike DuHaime told reporters at a lunch meeting in Washington that the senator will not commit until he sees the final package that comes to the Senate floor."

Which is it? Help determine the final bill or show up only when the final bill is ready? Geez John, can't you get your own story straight? It's obvious you're doing this only for political reasons.

Posted by: HeidiL | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:43 PM

This comes the same day that the polls have Obama up by 9 points. Sounds more like McSame's dog ate his homework, so he can't debate on Friday.

Posted by: Cynda P. | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:45 PM

This comes the same day that the polls have Obama up by 9 points. Sounds more like McSame's dog ate his homework, so he can't debate on Friday.

Posted by: Cynda P. | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:48 PM

McCain they can solve the economic problem without your sorry butt.

THIS MAN IS RUNNING FOLKS !!!!!!!!

PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Posted by: Raider | Sep 24, 2008 3:31:59 PM

the debate will take 1-2 hours, what great thing is McCain going to accomplish in those 2 hours if he suspends the debate?

Posted by: Dictionary | Sep 24, 2008 3:32:10 PM

So McCain wants to suspend the campaign to help work out this economic crisis? GOOD MOVE! At least one Senator is taking his job seriously and is moving to help work on a plan with the rest of Congress to get this thing fixed.

Maybe Obama can stay sequestered studying for his debate and come out next week and tell us what he finally decided to do on the crisis.

No stance tells me NO LEADERSHIP!

McCain/Palin '08

Posted by: FrankW | Sep 24, 2008 3:32:12 PM

Mcsame Mclame his friends are now poor. I hope his wife gets a big enough tax cuts so they can keep there 7 houses.

Posted by: Joe | Sep 24, 2008 3:32:13 PM

Evidently McCain is a loser. The economic bail out has nothing to do with the Friday debate. Obama should not give in to his pranks.In the first place McCain is not interested in any bail out.He is trying to distance himself from Bush, the more he does that the nearer he is to Bush and failure. OBAMA/BIDEN 08&12

Posted by: michael | Sep 24, 2008 3:32:19 PM

Now more than ever Americans need to be able to make an informed decision on who will be the next president. This is just an attempt to distract distract distract.

Posted by: Liz | Sep 24, 2008 3:32:32 PM

This is NO reason to cancel the pre-planned, and extremely important, debates! The election process guarantees the American people full participation in their government. It is the CLOSEST we come to running our own country. And now McCain wants to throw all that in the garbage? BALONEY!! This is a cowardly act by a politician who knows he is severely behind in the polls. Unbelievable.

Posted by: Eric | Sep 24, 2008 3:32:54 PM

This is just such an obvious political ploy on McCain's part -- yes the financial crisis is important, BUT WHAT COULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ELECTING THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES - who presumably will steer the ship of state out of this and other storms? I think McCain is just using the financial crisis to delay the inevitable -- Obama's victory!! Get over it McBush, you have losT!

Posted by: Deborah from NC | Sep 24, 2008 3:33:31 PM

We I guess we know which one is interested in getting something done and working in a bipartisan fashion. And it is not Obama. Go McCain. He puts his country first.

Posted by: jschmidt | Sep 24, 2008 3:33:36 PM

you,petty small minded people, think just like the person that you are supporting, McCain took a stance and said that he would suspend his campaign to do the job that he is being paid to do, Obama on the other hand is busy trying to take credit for it. If he was so concerned, why did he not suspend his campaign. You people obviously don't give a damn about this country, how dare you try to take this and turn it into some petty small minded issue. The damn campaign is suspended so that he can get to work, tell you lazy, empty suit to do his job.

Posted by: Kim | Sep 24, 2008 3:33:47 PM

this is a ploy for McCain to stall. And use this as an excuse to make himself look good. McCain is playing politics again.. No reason to cancell debates. McCain is showing that he is weak...

Posted by: greg | Sep 24, 2008 3:33:47 PM

The american people deserve a debate on Friday, economic crisis or not.

If anything, they should change the topic of the debate to the economy and domestic issues.

This is ridiculous, not to mention that Obama called McCain first and McCain calls him back 6 hours later and then issues a statement acting like working together was all his idea when it was Obama who reached out first.

Is it really going to help to have McCain and Obama in Washington right now. Isn't it a big enough mess not to have the 2 Presidential candidates there and all the distractions that come with it?