McCain seeking to postpone debates....

[NT1440]

Hey guys just saw it on TV. Apparantly he wants to suspend the campaign and return to washington to work on the economic bailout plan.

Thoughts/opinions?




My 2 cents:

Great PR move on Mccains part, makes it really seem like hes trying to make a difference. However, it does make it seem to the American people that somehow he is going to play a big role in this. What about the rest of the government? Can it not function without one senator?

Personally it seems like a PR move, but it will LOOK great when he talks about it later on.

[leekohler]

Hey guys just saw it on TV. Apparantly he wants to suspend the campaign and return to washington to work on the economic bailout plan.

Thoughts/opinions?




My 2 cents:

Great PR move on Mccains part, makes it really seem like hes trying to make a difference. However, it does make it seem to the American people that somehow he is going to play a big role in this. What about the rest of the government? Can it not function without one senator?

Personally it seems like a PR move, but it will LOOK great when he talks about it later on.

Expect the same from Obama. I have a feeling they'll both be heavily involved in this.

[NT1440]

Expect the same from Obama. I have a feeling they'll both be heavily involved in this.

Unfortunatly mccain called dibs first, so expect quite a few "leadership" ads to pop up.

Anyone think its a stalling tactic? Not only give him more time to brush up on his debate skills, but also less time for us to analyze the outcomes of the debates afterwards.

I really dont like how he portrays that only he can fix the economy, without him surely we wont come to a solution?

[leekohler]

Unfortunatly mccain called dibs first, so expect quite a few "leadership" ads to pop up.

Anyone think its a stalling tactic? Not only give him more time to brush up on his debate skills, but also less time for us to analyze the outcomes of the debates afterwards.

I really dont like how he portrays that only he can fix the economy, without him surely we wont come to a solution?

Of course he's stalling. I bet he tries to stall all the way to November. I'm sure he's terrified of what Palin will say too.

[Sky Blue]

All Obama has to say is that McCain already spent 26 years in Washington, had ample time and warning to forestall this crisis, and instead did nothing but champion the deregulation that led to the current financial meltdown.

Suspending your campaign so you can spend a few days in Washington is nothing but a cynical ploy and a stall tactic.
If they move the VP debate too, I'll be pissed.

[NT1440]

Of course he's stalling. I bet he tries to stall all the way to November. I'm sure he's terrified of what Palin will say too.

of course.

I just watched his press statement about this live. I literally yelled at the TV as I watched in horror when 9/11 and "patriotism" came up.

All Obama has to say is that McCain already spent 26 years in Washington, had ample time and warning to forestall this crisis, and instead did nothing but champion the deregulation that led to the current financial meltdown.

Suspending your campaign so you can spend a few days in Washington is nothing but a cynical ploy and a stall tactic.
If they move the VP debate too, I'll be pissed.

Unfortunatly, to those who dont follow politics at all, it is a GREAT PR move to show "leadership" and "bipartisanism". Sheeple will surely fall for it.:(

EDIT: mods. please excuse the double post, i just realized what I did (ppl arent responding too fast) but i cannot figure out how to delete this post and add it to my previous. I really love being on this site, please do not give me another infraction.

[leekohler]

EDIT: mods. please excuse the double post, i just realized what I did (ppl arent responding too fast) but i cannot figure out how to delete this post and add it to my previous. I really love being on this site, please do not give me another infraction.

Sorry man- I reported you! :D:D;)

[abijnk]

All Obama has to say is that McCain already spent 26 years in Washington, had ample time and warning to forestall this crisis, and instead did nothing but champion the deregulation that led to the current financial meltdown.

Suspending your campaign so you can spend a few days in Washington is nothing but a cynical ploy and a stall tactic.
If they move the VP debate too, I'll be pissed.

The truth shall set you free!!! And the Macrumors PRSI Gods saw that Sky Blue was wise and rained down their blessings upon him. (or her, sorry I don't know)

[NT1440]

Sorry man- I reported you! :D:D;)

LOL dont even joke lee, idk know what i would do without being able to discuss serious matters (and some fun stuff) on this site. Though i do expect it would be ALOT more HW.

Back on topic: I dont want to sound like a drama queen, and mayb its because ive been paying more attention to the world as ive grown older, but i actually feel a real sense of fear and gloom over this election. I'm afraid for what will happen to America if Mccain gets into office.

I fear for my/our future.

[Sky Blue]

The Obama campaign said Obama had called McCain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to propose that they issue a joint statement in support of a package to help fix the economy as soon as possible. McCain called back six hours later and agreed to the idea of the statement, the Obama campaign said. McCain's statement was issued to the media a few minutes later.

So Obama shot first??

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872907/

[mactastic]

What, McCain can't focus on more than one issue at a time?

How is he supposed to inspire confidence as a leader if he's publicly admitting that he can't handle two tough situations at the same time?

[jplan2008]

PR and stalling, yup. Although Obama is considered to not be a strong debater, McCain has looked really out of it and lost lately. Not sure the Foreign Policy Debate would show his alleged strength on that, and he is obviously clueless about the economy. The more debates he can cross off, the better for him.

But going to Washington would mean having to be actively involved in the outcome of the legislation. I'm not sure McCain wants that, either -- it looked like he was going to vote no to protect himself, but he can't do that if he's someone who can "reach across the aisle" to get things done.

Maybe McCain's campaign figures that going to Washington would hurt both candidates equally, but help McCain for having the idea, and help him by stalling/avoiding debates.

[freeny]

"McCain suspends campaign for 'historic' crisis"
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html

Not sure what this will achieve.
There are plenty of people working on this already.

Sounds like a stall to me as well as a distraction from his floundering campaign...
Also shows his lack of multitasking skills...

[it5five]

They can debate still. It's not like the debates are week long events that require the full attention of the two candidates. There are three short debates.

[NT1440]

So Obama shot first??

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872907/

From what ive gathered on msnbc's channel, Obama isnt backing off and running to washington, or trying to postpone something that truly is just as important as this economic disaster: The debates.

[atszyman]

So I guess it's just the House of Representatives that had complaints about working on Fridays (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=258367)?

Given that the Senators like to travel on the weekends I can't imagine there are going to be a ton of them around on Friday afternoon/evening. Why not just move the Debate to D.C. on Friday night and let Obama and McCain take a couple hours for the debate and then get back to work.

Both have been absent quite a bit, and somewhat understandably, while they run their campaigns, but to all of a sudden decide that they are needed, only 2 days from the first debate? Come on, the crisis was on early last week, why play the "I need to work on this" card now? Why hasn't he been working on it since last Tuesday?

Maybe McCain should learn how to send an email so he can work from his bus while he's on the road?

[jplan2008]

I'm afraid for what will happen to America if Mccain gets into office.

I fear for my/our future.

Me too.
I'm 100% SURE that a McCain presidency would mean much more suffering at home and abroad, and many fewer freedoms for our citizens.
I'm ALMOST 100% sure we would enter at least one more war (in addition to the constant killing and military presence the US has without wars, with any president), since McCain has almost come out and said it.
I don't even want to lay bets on the possibilities of a nuclear war, or another Great Depression under McCain.

And considering the questions about his health, I find Sarah Palin at least as terrifying.

[NT1440]

Id like to thank everyone for participating in my first succesful (meaning others have posted in it:p) PRSI thread.


Anyway, how do you think the American people will see this move? Will they see it as a PR stunt, or will they see it as an act of leadership?


Dont forget to factor in the sheer ignorance/stupidity/lack of caring on the part of our citizens. (yes that does sound like an insult, but from the people I know it seems to be true, but then again im 17 and most of the people i know are this age as well. Do americans actually pay attention when they get older?)

[Sky Blue]

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/mccain-not-comm.html

Obama camp says debate is on for Friday.

[NT1440]

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/mccain-not-comm.html

Obama camp says debate is on for Friday.

LOL and if mccain doesnt show up?

[Sky Blue]

LOL and if mccain doesnt show up?

Obama gets a 90 minute prime time TV special to himself.

[JG271]

Maybe McCain should learn how to send an email so he can work from his bus while he's on the road?

I guess they could have a debate over iChat!

I think its a win win situation for Obama. I'm very much looking forward to the debates, especially the VP debates! Biden is a great speaker.

[freeny]

I'm very much looking forward to the debates, especially the VP debates! Biden is a great speaker.

Yes but if he does one of his trademark gaffs the Republicans will be all over it.

“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.”


Ive just been informed that Senater McCain was a POW. Is this true?

[JG271]

Yes but if he does one of his trademark gaffs the Republicans will be all over it.

Likewise if Palin gaffes!
Quite likely for both of them to in my opinion. I imagine we'll see to some extent if McCain's gamble with his VP choice will pay off.

[Peace]

"McCain suspends campaign for 'historic' crisis"
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html

Not sure what this will achieve.
There are plenty of people working on this already.

Sounds like a stall to me as well as a distraction from his floundering campaign...
Also shows his lack of multitasking skills...

Any President that is unable to multi task is a joke.

Both of these guys can have a 2 hour debate and still go to washington to discuss the bailout.


And to "suspend" your campaign to try and fix the bailout is pure bunk. you can still have a campaign going while in washington.

This is pure Rove politics..

Unfortunately my country is dumb enough to fall for it.

I give up.

[NT1440]

Obama gets a 90 minute prime time TV special to himself.

LOL i can see the spin now

"fox news alert! Pretentious showing from obama as he takes 90 minutes of prime time coverage after the debate had clearly been canceled" (when in reality mccain would be the only one cancelling it, meaning he stepped out)

[Sky Blue]

Anyway, how do you think the American people will see this move? Will they see it as a PR stunt, or will they see it as an act of leadership?



There's a poll here:

http://james-eng.newsvine.com/_question/2008/09/24/1906168-agree-or-disagree-fridays-presidential-debate-should-be-postponed-so-the-candidates-can-focus-on-the-economy-instead-of-campaigning

Currently:
74% Strongly Disagree/ Disagree w/ McCain
24% Stongly Agree/ Agree w/McCain

Another one:

CNN Live poll, 15,000 people have voted on whether McCain's decision is smart one

70% Political Gimmick
27% effort to help economy
4% Something else

[NT1440]

There's a poll here:

http://james-eng.newsvine.com/_question/2008/09/24/1906168-agree-or-disagree-fridays-presidential-debate-should-be-postponed-so-the-candidates-can-focus-on-the-economy-instead-of-campaigning

Currently:
74% Strongly Disagree/ Disagree w/ McCain
24% Stongly Agree/ Agree w/McCain

Yes but thats only people who are actually paying attention being polled. As far as ive seen the majority of people actually paying attention realize all the crap that McCain tries to pull. The rest only see little clips on the news and come to the conclusion that the GOP sets for them. I'd expect that poll to even up as time goes on.

Thats assuming mccains supporters figure out how to get online:p

[jaw04005]

They can debate still. It's not like the debates are week long events that require the full attention of the two candidates. There are three short debates.

Nahhh. It's not like both campaigns have been spending hours upon hours per day for the last three weeks prepping for a debate on foreign policy when our economy is going down the tubes.

I don't support suspending the debate, but I do recognize that it's not just an hour and half event like some are suggesting (including the news organizations).

However, I do wish the Commission on Presidential Debates would change the topic of the debate to the economy.

[Aranince]

Another one:

CNN Live poll, 15,000 people have voted on whether McCain's decision is smart one

70% Political Gimmick
27% effort to help economy
4% Something else

CNN is about as biased as Fox

[mactastic]

CNN is about as biased as Fox
All news is biased. You can't trust anyone.

[NT1440]

CNN is about as biased as Fox

Judging from their offspring "Headline News" that is more than correct. One of their "commentators" is almost as bad as Bill-O, and closes many of his shows by advertising his live dvd.

[Aranince]

All news is biased. You can't trust anyone.

Agreed, which is really unfortunate and why there is so much spread of false/exaggerated information.

[jplan2008]

However, I do wish the Commission on Presidential Debates would change the topic of the debate to the economy.

The candidates and the commission agreed to switch the debates and put the economy third. The economy will still be talked about on Friday, though, which is probably one of many things McCain is trying to avoid.

It's too late to change, the candidates have already been preparing.

[Sky Blue]

Bams says the debate is on.

Good press conference so far. Interception, Obama.


http://images.dailykos.com/images/user/3/timeout.jpg

[BoyBach]

Maybe McCain should learn how to send an email so he can work from his bus while he's on the road?


I read in an article recently that McCain is tech savvy and interested in tech entrepreneurs. However, he needs assistance with using a keyboard and mouse due to the injuries he suffered to his arms and hands whilst a POW.

So we can chalk the "He-can't-send-emails" line up as a political lie/smear.

[synth3tik]

I do believe both of them actually care about this bail out BS, just as I am sure they actually cared about Ike. Sadly just like Ike McCain is using a national situation as a campaign tool. Obama is doing the same. Postponing the debate will give McCain more time to prepare, and it shows the nation he can recognize a crisis. Sadly it does not show that he (or Obama) could actually handle it.

[atszyman]

I read in an article recently that McCain is tech savvy and interested in tech entrepreneurs. However, he needs assistance with using a keyboard and mouse due to the injuries he suffered to his arms and hands whilst a POW.

So we can chalk the "He-can't-send-emails" line up as a political lie/smear.

OK, I'll rescind that comment, but can't he use the Blackberry he invented to work on the road?

[Ntombi]

I read in an article recently that McCain is tech savvy and interested in tech entrepreneurs. However, he needs assistance with using a keyboard and mouse due to the injuries he suffered to his arms and hands whilst a POW.

So we can chalk the "He-can't-send-emails" line up as a political lie/smear.


Sorry, but if parapalegics (sp?) can use a keyboard, than he can. It's not a matter of needing assistance: he has said himself that he doesn't know how to do the email.

And Obama has said that the debate is more important than ever. He and the debate committee have said that the debate will go on as scheduled.

[atszyman]

I do believe both of them actually care about this bail out BS, just as I am sure they actually cared about Ike. Sadly just like Ike McCain is using a national situation as a campaign tool. Obama is doing the same. Postponing the debate will give McCain more time to prepare, and it shows the nation he can recognize a crisis. Sadly it does not show that he (or Obama) could actually handle it.

But what does it say when a candidate can't manage to prepare for a 2 hour debate along with doing his job handling the economic crisis, when on day one in office the candidate will be stuck with 2 wars and the failing economy at the same time?

Is McCain going to have to ignore a war and the economy or both wars in order to address any one of the other issues?

[Peace]

I do believe both of them actually care about this bail out BS, just as I am sure they actually cared about Ike. Sadly just like Ike McCain is using a national situation as a campaign tool. Obama is doing the same. Postponing the debate will give McCain more time to prepare, and it shows the nation he can recognize a crisis. Sadly it does not show that he (or Obama) could actually handle it.

After watching both candidates for a long time and after watching each press conference today it shows me Obama can handle a lot more at once than McCain can.

[*GG*]

It's confusing.

A few weeks ago, McCain stated that he did not believe the US was heading into an economic recession. Then the day after the latest polls showing Obama regaining a lead, he has to take time out to deal with this impending recession.

I thought Bush was the President at the moment, and it was his responsibility to deal with the crisis McCain said was none existent a few weeks ago.

As I say - confusing.

[Thomas Veil]

PR and stalling, yup. Although Obama is considered to not be a strong debater, McCain has looked really out of it and lost lately. I've noticed that too. McCain has looked hesitant and confused a lot lately. I'm not petty enough to put it down to old age, but you never know....

McCain senior adviser Mark Salter briefed reporters shortly after. He said the campaign will suspend airing all ads and all campaign events pending Obama's agreement.Oh, so they've got to suspend their commercials too...because, ya know, McCain does 'em all live. :rolleyes:

I don't know how this'll look to the average voter, but to me this looks like McCain running from a fight. Obama's poll numbers are rising almost daily, he's making a good showing in several swing states, and while his campaign looks and sounds like it's got it together, McCain's camp looks like it's trying to keep the wheels from falling off. I'm not so sure if McCain's hoping to gain any points for this stunt, but at the very least he's trying to keep Obama off the stage to keep him from pulling even further ahead.

Another weird twist to an already bizarre presidential race.

[BoyBach]

OK, I'll rescind that comment, but can't he use the Blackberry he invented to work on the road?


Can anybody else remember the days when a blackberry was something you ate? :o

I also agree with the majority of the posters here, that the move by the McCain campaign to be purely politically motivated. No doubt they will be trying to use it as a way with which to attack Sen. Obama about his lack of leadership and patriotism or some such nonsense.

[Thomas Veil]

McCain does have the advantage of trying to box Obama into a corner.

If he doesn't agree to this and just keeps on campaigning, McCain can claim that this is just the latest, most egregious example of Obama being away from Congress when there was work to be done.

[NT1440]

I read in an article recently that McCain is tech savvy and interested in tech entrepreneurs. However, he needs assistance with using a keyboard and mouse due to the injuries he suffered to his arms and hands whilst a POW.

So we can chalk the "He-can't-send-emails" line up as a political lie/smear.

whoa whoa whoa, according to fox news last week, they said mccain could type and him having a handicap was a smear??

who to beleive lol

[J@ffa]

What McCain seems to be trying to do is avoid having the foreign policy debate — the area which his own mythology and hubris has led him to believe would be an advantage — held now, at a point when the economic situation will completely drown any advantage he might gain.

He's a coward, plain and simple. He's running a mile because the sheer tonnage of his lies and incompetence is raining down on him and the rest of his party. I'd pity him, if I wasn't so disturbed by his ability to rationalise a backflip on financial regulation in less than a week (among many, many other things).

[NT1440]

McCain does have the advantage of trying to box Obama into a corner.

If he doesn't agree to this and just keeps on campaigning, McCain can claim that this is just the latest, most egregious example of Obama being away from Congress when there was work to be done.

Proving once again, that the better PR team usually wins.

While i think its disgusting what Mccain is doing, it is a GREAT political move on his end. Either way they throw ads at obama saying he isnt a leader, or he couldnt lead first (when in reality Mccains camp decided to blow past obamas request for a bipartisan statement). For a man that continually brings up leadership and being bipartisan, he sure doesnt want to act it.

[BoyBach]

whoa whoa whoa, according to fox news last week, they said mccain could type and him having a handicap was a smear??

who to beleive lol


The source should help you with who to believe! :D :p

I can't remember which newspaper I read it in, but it was an all-to-common article analysing, and debunking, the McCain campaign's lies claims regarding Sen. Obama, i.e. sex education for young children and what-not.

[jplan2008]

I. I'm not petty enough to put it down to old age, but you never know....

.

Except that when we're talking about the fate of the country, it's not petty. In addition to asking for the release of all McCain's medical records, there are people asking him to undertake and publicize pre-screening for alzheimers, etc. I'm shocked the media hasn't pressed more about his medical records. Prohibiting cameras and electronic devices is one thing, but giving a time limit just sounds like there's something to hide, or they didn't want one individual doctor to get the whole picture. Maybe it seems morbid or mean to bring up the issue, but insurance companies sure don't see it that way -- or other government and private employers, etc. Given his irresponsible choice for running mate makes it even more of an issue.

(I've linked this video before, but here it is again)

http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/53172-john-mccain-s-health-records-must-be-released

[NT1440]

Except that when we're talking about the fate of the country, it's not petty. In addition to asking for the release of all McCain's medical records, there are people asking him to undertake and publicize pre-screening for alzheimers, etc. I'm shocked the media hasn't pressed more about his medical records. Prohibiting cameras and electronic devices is one thing, but giving a time limit just sounds like there's something to hide, or they didn't want one individual doctor to get the whole picture. Maybe it seems morbid or mean to bring up the issue, but insurance companies sure don't see it that way -- or other government and private employers, etc. Given his irresponsible choice for running mate makes it even more of an issue.

(I've linked this video before, but here it is again)

http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/53172-john-mccain-s-health-records-must-be-released

IDK what your talking about man, john gave a few (probably selected) people a whole 3 hours to comb through his hundreds (or is it thousands now:confused:) of pages of medical records. Thats as public as it gets man!:rolleyes:

[FreeState]

McCain does have the advantage of trying to box Obama into a corner.

If he doesn't agree to this and just keeps on campaigning, McCain can claim that this is just the latest, most egregious example of Obama being away from Congress when there was work to be done.


Doubful....

McCain has not voted in the Senate since April 8th. Since March, he has missed 109 of the last 110 votes.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/m000303/votes/

[jplan2008]

IDK what your talking about man, john gave a few (probably selected) people a whole half hour to comb through his hundreds (or is it thousands now:confused:) of pages of medical records. Thats as public as it gets man!:rolleyes:

Now, don't exaggerate. It was an entire THREE HOURS he gave to the select group of reporters. Plenty of time. Over 1500 pages, 180 minutes, they had an entire 6 seconds per page, plus 30 minutes left over for note-taking and flipping through documents, and walking between all the different tables of documents.

[NT1440]

Now, don't exaggerate. It was an entire THREE HOURS he gave to the select group of reporters. Plenty of time. Over 1500 pages, 180 minutes, they had an entire 6 seconds per page, plus 30 minutes left over for note-taking and flipping through documents, and walking between all the different tables of documents.

Oh my bad, all i could recall was the number three. ill edit my post. my apologies.

[atszyman]

Obama needs the preemptive ad now.

Something along the lines of having months to prepare for the debate, economy crashes last week. Now two days before the debate he decides he needs to be in Washington after missing 109 of the last 110 votes in the Senate. He wants to postpone the debate so he can focus on the economy, yet our next president will immediately inherit the economy and two wars. Is he going to have to ignore 2 out of those three priorities at any given time due to his inability to handle more than one issue at a time?

Only more eloquent.

[NT1440]

Obama needs the preemptive ad now.

Something along the lines of having months to prepare for the debate, economy crashes last week. Now two days before the debate he decides he needs to be in Washington after missing 109 of the last 110 votes in the Senate. He wants to postpone the debate so he can focus on the economy, yet our next president will immediately inherit the economy and two wars. Is he going to have to ignore 2 out of those three priorities at any given time due to his inability to handle more than one issue at a time?

Only more eloquent.
Oh but if obama runs ads now when Mccain calls time out that means the ads are nothing but slanderous attacks!:rolleyes:

[Peace]

Oh but if obama runs ads now when Mccain calls time out that means the ads are nothing but slanderous attacks!:rolleyes:

Don't kid yourself. McCain isn't going to suspend ads. They will just be ads from "3rd party groups".

Emphasize quotation marks.

[NT1440]

Don't kid yourself. McCain isn't going to suspend ads. They will just be ads from "3rd party groups".

Emphasize quotation marks.

Im not kidding anyone, im well aware there is a HUGE difference between what McLiar says and does. Yet for some reason his supporters dont notice it, or simply dont care.

Anything for power, right?

[mactastic]

Bock bock!!
http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/birds/images/de_blue_hen_chicken.jpg
McCain does have the advantage of trying to box Obama into a corner.

If he doesn't agree to this and just keeps on campaigning, McCain can claim that this is just the latest, most egregious example of Obama being away from Congress when there was work to be done.
Meh... that would be rich coming from the Senator who's missed the most votes this session.

[atszyman]

Oh but if obama runs ads now when Mccain calls time out that means the ads are nothing but slanderous attacks!:rolleyes:

Don't kid yourself. McCain isn't going to suspend ads. They will just be ads from "3rd party groups".

Emphasize quotation marks.

Im not kidding anyone, im well aware there is a HUGE difference between what McLiar says and does. Yet for some reason his supporters dont notice it, or simply dont care.

Anything for power, right?

Fine, make it a "3rd party" ad. Just get it out there and take the offensive for a change and make McCain respond to the "he can't multitask" rather than having Obama respond to "he ignores crises" attack.

[Sky Blue]

So here's the real reason for all this today.. McCain wants the Pres. debate instead of the VP next week:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/24/mccain-camp-to-propose-postponing-vp-debate/

[NT1440]

So here's the real reason for all this today.. McCain wants the Pres. debate instead of the VP next week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMQxDprCVbE

suprise!

[Thomas Veil]

Bock bock!!
http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/birds/images/de_blue_hen_chicken.jpgFunny. :D

But I'm not going to call him chicken. Not someone who was a POW for several years. I think it's more just a tactical move on his part.

Besides, when I think of Republicans, this is more the barnyard fowl I think of:

http://www.blogster.com/xi/36250/img/Foghorn_Leghorn.png

"Pay attention to me boy! I'm not just talkin' to hear my head roar."

[jplan2008]

Obama needs the preemptive ad now.

Something along the lines of having months to prepare for the debate, economy crashes last week. Now two days before the debate he decides he needs to be in Washington after missing 109 of the last 110 votes in the Senate. He wants to postpone the debate so he can focus on the economy, yet our next president will immediately inherit the economy and two wars. Is he going to have to ignore 2 out of those three priorities at any given time due to his inability to handle more than one issue at a time?

Only more eloquent.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/100175/mccain_wants_a_%27time_out%27/

"Presidents are going to have to deal with more than one thing at a time," he said, "it is not necessary for us to think we can do only one thing and suspend everything else."

Expressing concern about infusing "Capitol Hill with presidential politics," Obama said it was his desire to see the debate go forward.

"With respect to the debates it is my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in roughly 40 days will be responsible for this mess," he said. "I think it is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once. I don't see why we can't be constructive in helping with this problem."

[Peace]

If this isn't enough already..

David Letterman roasts John McCain for skipping out on 'Late Show'

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/09/24/2008-09-24_david_letterman_roasts_john_mccain_for_s.html


CBS "Late Show" comic David Letterman gave John McCain a serious roasting Wednesday night for scrubbing an appearance roughly one hour before the taping.
"This just doesn't smell right. This is not the way a tested hero behaves," Letterman ranted. "Somebody's putting something in his Metamucil."
He mocked McCain's "suspension" of his campaign, asking, "Are we suspending it because there's an economic crisis or because the poll numbers are sliding?"
Letterman said McCain phoned him to cancel because he was rushing back to Washington to deal with the economic crisis. But at the time of the taping, McCain was nearby doing an interview with CBS News' Katie Couric.
Showing a video clip of McCain getting his makeup, Letterman sneered, "He doesn't seem to be racing to the airport, does he?
"It's like we caught him getting a manicure or something," he said

[jplan2008]

If this isn't enough already..

David Letterman roasts John McCain for skipping out on 'Late Show'

[

Yeah, I just saw that, and Olberman mentioned it on his show. Strange. Right there in the same building, after calling a TV person and saying he was rushing to Washington?

(and Letterman will probably still be joking about it tomorrow night, and beyond)

[hulugu]

So here's the real reason for all this today.. McCain wants the Pres. debate instead of the VP next week:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/24/mccain-camp-to-propose-postponing-vp-debate/

Well, they need more time for Palin to cram and meet more world leaders. So, rather than being awkward about foreign policy she'll be able to name drop like a champion.

[bobber205]

Now Mccain wants to move Palin debate. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMQxDprCVbE&eurl=http://www.reddit.com/?count=75&after=t3_739uu)
:eek:

[SMM]

Here is the scoop. McCain called Obama, who returned his call. McCain expressed an interest in suspending the campaign until after the bailout was completed. Obama called back and suggested they do a joint communique about the issues they agreed on, and send it to Congress, seeking bipartisan support to solve the issues, and get the deal done. He also said, he was unwilling to support delaying the debates. He said, it was too far along to consider that. After all, the first debate was a mere 48 hours away.

Ole Miss, host of the debate said (by who and to whom, I do not know) they would face serious financial loss if the debate did not go on as planned. McCain relented, but is widely reported to have privately said (probably leaked on purpose), if the bailout was not inked by Friday, he was not showing up.

This is the weirdest damn thing I have ever witnessed in a presidential campaign. The event the American people have been waiting for and is a critical time for each candidate, and one of the contenders wants to reschedule at the last minute. His 'patriotic call' is touching, but I do not believe a word of it. Someone else posted 109 of 110 votes missed this year. Well, going back 12 months (4th quarter 2007), he has missed 230 of 286 votes. And, these were not just ho-hum votes. Many of them were very important legislation. I have linked the WaPo voting database (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/m000303/votes/missed/) for votes McCain has missed, for anyone interested.

The cold hard fact is, he in tatters as is in the rest of hid campaign. He would feel apprehensive meeting Obama during the best of times and that is not now. So, a plausible excuse presents itself, he jumps at the chance. However, the and his campaign are in the deep end eight now.
:p

[Cleverboy]

This is the weirdest damn thing I have ever witnessed in a presidential campaign. The event the American people have been waiting for and is a critical time for each candidate, and one of the contenders wants to reschedule at the last minute. His 'patriotic call' is touching, but I do not believe a word of it.
Yeah, read this... this whole move is NOT going over well.
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/mccains_bailout_bush_to_the_re.html
The question, then, is who's meeting is it? McCain asked for it. Bush called it.. And Obama is going to it. Clearly, it's the Republicans' meeting, and the Democrats are ready to do business -- so, effectively, McCain has claimed the higher ground that he was seeking: Attending to the affairs of state in front of the affairs of the campaign.

Effectively, the ground campaign of these two will be suspended for the day - though there are precious photos to be gained from their appearances in the Cabinet Room.

With this hastily summoned meeting, Bush has bailed McCain out of a jam, for a day. Suddenly, this is the senator who can organize a pow-wow at the White House.

Yet the debate remains another question. McCain already has suggested that, if Congress can reach a deal by Friday he will be prepared to go through with the debate. Of course he will. McCain is the one who has demanded more debates all along.

Should McCain really bail out, imagine the Commission on Presidential Debates plowing ahead with a solo appearance by Obama on stage at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. At that point, the campaign would effectively be suspended for good. Should Obama concede to the postponement, it ultimately will become McCain's responsibility for scuttling the first, long-awaited debate of a contest that Americans are getting ready to settle on their own. They will settle it on their specific terms, not on McCain's or Obama's.Because we all know that without McCain's mov, the congress would not have figured anything out. Oh, God bless John McCain... bless him!

~ CB

[rdowns]

His campaign is in meltdown mode.

Last Monday - The fundamentals of our economy are strong. Backtracked 3 hours later.

Sunday - McCain says on 60 Minutes that he supports the bailout.


Monday - McCain expresses deep criticisms of the bailout plan.

Tuesday - Says he is undecided about the plan. Admits he has yet to even read the 3 page document.

Wednesday - Calls for campaign to be suspended, has to rush to Washington to lead a bi-partisan effort on the bailout (has he even read it yet?). Tries to push debate to a later date which would push the VP debate to a later date (Sarah needs more time to study obviously)

Meets with Lady Lynn de Rothschild. Hey, she may have enough cash to fund the bailout.

Cancels appearance on Letterman saying he has to rush to Washington. Not too smart to lie to Letterman so he can make you the butt of ALL his jokes. Tapes interview with Katie Couric at the time he was scheduled to be on Letterman. Letterman even cut to the live feed.

Wednesday night - Barney Frank quoted as saying an agreement has been reached and the votes are there to pass it.

Thursday - McCain still hasn't rushed back to Washington. Appearance scheduled for today at Bill Clinton's conference.

[atszyman]

His campaign is in meltdown mode.

Last Monday - The fundamentals of our economy are strong. Backtracked 3 hours later.

Sunday - McCain says on 60 Minutes that he supports the bailout.


Monday - McCain expresses deep criticisms of the bailout plan.

Tuesday - Says he is undecided about the plan. Admits he has yet to even read the 3 page document.

Wednesday - Calls for campaign to be suspended, has to rush to Washington to lead a bi-partisan effort on the bailout (has he even read it yet?). Tries to push debate to a later date which would push the VP debate to a later date (Sarah needs more time to study obviously)

Meets with Lady Lynn de Rothschild. Hey, she may have enough cash to fund the bailout.

Cancels appearance on Letterman saying he has to rush to Washington. Not too smart to lie to Letterman so he can make you the butt of ALL his jokes. Tapes interview with Katie Couric at the time he was scheduled to be on Letterman. Letterman even cut to the live feed.

Wednesday night - Barney Frank quoted as saying an agreement has been reached and the votes are there to pass it.

Thursday - McCain still hasn't rushed back to Washington. Appearance scheduled for today at Bill Clinton's conference.

Can we set up a satellite station so he can remotely debate from D.C.?

If he can't handle the two hour debate during a crisis, how are we supposed to have any confidence that he'll be able to juggle 2 wars, the economy, plus the myriad other issues that a president will have to give attention to?

The really sad thing is that if he had stuck with being a thorn in Bush's side for the last 8 years and run the same type of campaign he did in 2000, he would most likely be in a much stronger position at this point. As it stands he seems to have given up everything he once stood for to gain the support of an ever shrinking number of people who helped put a wildly unpopular president into office.

[freeny]

Can we set up a satellite station so he can remotely debate from D.C.?

If he can't handle the two hour debate during a crisis, how are we supposed to have any confidence that he'll be able to juggle 2 wars, the economy, plus the myriad other issues that a president will have to give attention to?

The really sad thing is that if he had stuck with being a thorn in Bush's side for the last 8 years and run the same type of campaign he did in 2000, he would most likely be in a much stronger position at this point. As it stands he seems to have given up everything he once stood for to gain the support of an ever shrinking number of people who helped put a wildly unpopular president into office.

And yet the republican faithful continue to follow along like sheep...
or, in this case, like lemmings...

To the republican followers, its not too late, its okay if you dont vote for your party. No one will think any less of you. You dont even have to admit you were wrong because by voting for your country you are actually doing right. we are in the toilet right now, please dont pull the flusher...

And chicks dig it when you do the right thing.

[BoyBach]

If you'll excuse the plagiarism, I read an interesting comment on The Guardian website, that went something like:

McCain is truly putting his "Country First" by torpedoing his own campaign! :D

[atszyman]

If you'll excuse the plagiarism, I read an interesting comment on The Guardian website, that went something like:

McCain is truly putting his "Country First" by torpedoing his own campaign! :D

If (hopefully when) McCain loses in November, I think there's going to be a very interesting book to be written about how either the party forced him, or how he gave up on his ideals in pursuit of his ambition. How Palin ended up being the choice, if it really was his first choice of if he was pressured and who did the pressuring.

I'm looking forward to reading it, assuming that the reason he's changed so much from 2000 is not senility.

[Cleverboy]

If (hopefully when) McCain loses in November, I think there's going to be a very interesting book to be written about how either the party forced him, or how he gave up on his ideals in pursuit of his ambition. How Palin ended up being the choice, if it really was his first choice of if he was pressured and who did the pressuring.

I'm looking forward to reading it, assuming that the reason he's changed so much from 2000 is not senility.If Obama wins, the movie will be Paramount or Universal Pictures movie in 3 years or so. If McCain wins or loses, there will be a LifeTime or USA movie special week-long event about 1-2 years from now. They will be two of the most watched and highest box office political dramas of all time.

Me? I just want the photo book from the entire Obama campaign from start to finish, including a DVD set of all his speeches. I'll be good with that.

~ CB

[atszyman]

If Obama wins, the movie will be Paramount or Universal Pictures movie in 3 years or so. If McCain wins or loses, there will be a LifeTime or USA movie special week-long event about 1-2 years from now. They will be two of the most watched and highest box office political dramas of all time.

Me? I just want the photo book from the entire Obama campaign from start to finish, including a DVD set of all his speeches. I'll be good with that.

~ CB

I think the most interesting part of a McCain tell-all as he retires from politics will be the bitterness he vents towards the base for "forcing his hand" in giving up things he used to say he stood for. The McCain of 2000 could win this election but probably would not have won the nomination. In his ambition he seemed to lose everything that independents and even some Democrats used to like in him. Whether or not he did this by choice or his hand was forced by the party would make for a very interesting read.

[toaster_oven]

PR and stalling, yup. Although Obama is considered to not be a strong debater, McCain has looked really out of it and lost lately. Not sure the Foreign Policy Debate would show his alleged strength on that, and he is obviously clueless about the economy. The more debates he can cross off, the better for him.

But going to Washington would mean having to be actively involved in the outcome of the legislation. I'm not sure McCain wants that, either -- it looked like he was going to vote no to protect himself, but he can't do that if he's someone who can "reach across the aisle" to get things done.

Maybe McCain's campaign figures that going to Washington would hurt both candidates equally, but help McCain for having the idea, and help him by stalling/avoiding debates.

McCain's not on any of the relevant committees. his going to washington to help makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

[IJ Reilly]

The real irony of the situation will come into sharp relief when more Democrats vote for the bill than Republicans, as is likely to be the case. The question will then be rightly asked what difference to the outcome made it necessary for McCain to dash to Washington and threaten to back out of the debate.

Incidentally, the cost of running the Friday debate at Old Miss is around $5.5 million.

[bobber205]

I Would almost rather have 4 more years of Bush than 4 years of McCain/Palin.

[KingYaba]

I was looking forward to this debate. :mad: The show must go on! If Senator McCain doesn't show up, can you let in Bob Barr?

[jplan2008]

I Would almost rather have 4 more years of Bush than 4 years of McCain/Palin.

I would definitely prefer it. Sad and scary.

[IJ Reilly]

Too late.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-fi-bailout26-2008sep26,0,32401.story

[atszyman]

Wow, McCain is good. Barely been in D.C. for a few hours and they have a deal (http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/25/news/economy/deal_reached/index.htm?postversion=2008092513&eref=rss_topstories).

Looks like the debate is back on!

If not, why not push the VP debate to this Friday (since Palin is so ready to run this country) and have the Presidential debate on next Thursday.

Palin isn't a member of the Senate so she should be free for a Friday debate, and we already know that Obama and Biden don't care since they're not in D.C., or maybe they're just able to use modern communication devices to work on the bailout while on the road.

[abijnk]

Too late.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-fi-bailout26-2008sep26,0,32401.story

Isn't it beautiful! McCain goes into full panic mode and is still late to the party...

CNN's Story (http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/25/news/economy/deal_reached/index.htm?postversion=2008092513)

[mactastic]

Funny. :D

But I'm not going to call him chicken. Not someone who was a POW for several years. I think it's more just a tactical move on his part.
Them's some bad tactics. Why hand over the stage to your opponent for 90 uninterrupted minutes? That just doesn't seem smart. Particularly since the CW that seems to be coalescing is that this decision by McCain is a political one.

The real irony of the situation will come into sharp relief when more Democrats vote for the bill than Republicans, as is likely to be the case. The question will then be rightly asked what difference to the outcome made it necessary for McCain to dash to Washington and threaten to back out of the debate.

Incidentally, the cost of running the Friday debate at Old Miss is around $5.5 million.
And the real risk here is if the GOP doesn't support this en masse, this bailout will be labeled the Bush/Reid/Pelosi bailout, and every endangered Republican up for election this year -- including John Sidney McCain -- can campaign against "the establishment" and "their socialist giveaways".

If the Democrats aren't careful, they'll end up holding this soggy paper bag filled with $700,000,000,000 worth of runny poop.

[Don't panic]

Funny. :D

But I'm not going to call him chicken. Not someone who was a POW for several years. I think it's more just a tactical move on his part.

Besides, when I think of Republicans, this is more the barnyard fowl I think of:


i was more thinking of this:

[stevegmu]

McCain's not on any of the relevant committees. his going to washington to help makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

The Senate Commerce, Transportation and Science Committee isn't relevant?

[Don't panic]

The Senate Commerce, Transportation and Science Committee isn't relevant?

not for this bill

[Cleverboy]

McCain's not on any of the relevant committees. his going to washington to help makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.The Senate Commerce, Transportation and Science Committee isn't relevant?
not for this bill
Actually, it IS relevant... the committee is simply not directly related to the work being done to pass this bill.
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=About.Home
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=About.Jurisdiction
These issues range from communications, highways, aviation, rail, shipping, transportation security, merchant marine, the Coast Guard, oceans, fisheries, climate change, disasters, science, space, interstate commerce, tourism, consumer issues, economic development, technology, competitiveness, product safety, and insurance. McCain (and his committee associations) have nothing to do with drafting this bill, as far as I know. There have been numerous hearings where proposals have been discussed, and for them to now start over again because McCain has taken interest is a disgrace.

~ CB

[Thomas Veil]

CBS "Late Show" comic David Letterman gave John McCain a serious roasting Wednesday night for scrubbing an appearance roughly one hour before the taping.
"This just doesn't smell right. This is not the way a tested hero behaves," Letterman ranted. "Somebody's putting something in his Metamucil."
He mocked McCain's "suspension" of his campaign, asking, "Are we suspending it because there's an economic crisis or because the poll numbers are sliding?"
Letterman said McCain phoned him to cancel because he was rushing back to Washington to deal with the economic crisis. But at the time of the taping, McCain was nearby doing an interview with CBS News' Katie Couric.
Showing a video clip of McCain getting his makeup, Letterman sneered, "He doesn't seem to be racing to the airport, does he?
"It's like we caught him getting a manicure or something," he saidOrdinarily blowing off a comedian wouldn't count for much, but this is one more case of John McCain shooting himself in the foot. rdowns earlier described McCain's campaign as being in meltdown mode. I think that's a perfect description.

Letterman is usually not a harsh political critic; he saves his shots for when they count. So when he asks, "Is it because the poll numbers are sliding?", we know it's a very deliberate burn. And especially when Letterman publicly embarrasses McCain by showing him in another CBS studio at the same time, when he supposedly was winging his way back to Washington to save the day.

Dave also asked a very legitimate question: why suspend your campaign? Why not say, "I'm going back to Washington to help out with this, and I'm leaving the campaign in the very capable hands of my Vice Presidential pick"? Then Dave makes a face and goes, "Oh yeah." :p

But it's a point. If McCain had any confidence in Palin, he would do just that. So this incident is not just a matter of blowing off Letterman or making a big show of rescuing the economy, it's exposing the fact that apparently Palin isn't ready to lead a campaign, much less a nation.

[TheAnswer]

If McCain had any confidence in Palin, he would do just that. So this incident is not just a matter of blowing off Letterman or making a big show of rescuing the economy, it's exposing the fact that apparently Palin isn't ready to lead a campaign, much less a nation.

Well, to be fair, since 1)she campaigned yesterday, 2)he gave a speech at the Clinton event, 3)they still ran ads that were "in the pipeline", and 4)he got more media coverage because of this stunt, the real question should be:

If John McCain can't even successfully suspend his own campaign, what makes him think he's ready to lead?

[Peace]

Well I guess McCains fixed the economy..

McCain To attend debate.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/26/debate.mississippi/index.html

[freeny]

Well I guess McCains fixed the economy..

McCain To attend debate.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/26/debate.mississippi/index.html

God bless you John McCain... wherever you are.

[abijnk]

McCain has already won the debate! Actually, he won the debate before he even agreed to go to it!

Link (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html)

[voxnj]

McCain has already won the debate! Actually, he won the debate before he even agreed to go to it!

Link (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html)

Reminds me of his mentor's MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

[atszyman]

McCain has already won the debate! Actually, he won the debate before he even agreed to go to it!

Link (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html)

That's nothing He already won the election! (http://www.theonion.com/content/video/diebold_accidentally_leaks)

[bradl]

Letterman is usually not a harsh political critic; he saves his shots for when they count. So when he asks, "Is it because the poll numbers are sliding?", we know it's a very deliberate burn. And especially when Letterman publicly embarrasses McCain by showing him in another CBS studio at the same time, when he supposedly was winging his way back to Washington to save the day.

Dave also asked a very legitimate question: why suspend your campaign? Why not say, "I'm going back to Washington to help out with this, and I'm leaving the campaign in the very capable hands of my Vice Presidential pick"? Then Dave makes a face and goes, "Oh yeah." :p


What I find funnier is that Letterman and Paris Hilton now have something in common, in that McCain dissed them both. That's saying a lot from the barbs that have gone back and forth between Letterman and Hilton! From the AP:


David Letterman kept up his verbal assault on John McCain, commiserating with Paris Hilton and saying he felt like an "ugly date" because the GOP presidential candidate backed out of an appearance on the "Late Show."

The late-night CBS comedian was upset Wednesday when McCain canceled an appearance to deal with the economic crisis. After backing out of the Letterman show, McCain sat for an interview with Katie Couric, then didn't leave New York until Thursday, further angering Letterman.

At first, Letterman said, he felt like a "patriot" to let McCain off.

"Now I'm feeling like an ugly date," Letterman said. "I feel used. I feel cheap. I feel sullied."
.
.
Later in the show, Letterman couldn't resist another mention of "that John McCain" while chatting with Hilton, who replied, "I heard he dissed you. He dissed me."

Milking the moment, Letterman consoled her: "You had a little run-in with him, too, didn't you?"


Unless people come down with a huge bout of naivety, this does not bode well for McCain in the popular vote.

BL.

[freeny]

McCain has already won the debate! Actually, he won the debate before he even agreed to go to it!

Link (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html)

Im confused as to why the Washington post would even post that.
:rolleyes:

[abijnk]

Im confused as to why the Washington post would even post that.
:rolleyes:

I don't know. I found it on Digg. :D

[Peace]

I call fake on that screengrab.

Look at the windows taskbar. It shows the network icon as not connected but he has outlook open.

[Ntombi]

The problem isn't that he canceled his Letterman appearance, it's that he lied to Dave in the process.

If he had just said to Dave, "I can't do a comedy/entertainment show right now, I'm going to do only hard news interviews until this is less of a crisis," Dave would have been completely fine with that.

Instead, he lied and said he was winging back to DC immediately, and then didn't.

For me, and clearly for Letterman, it's the lie, not the choice to talk to Katie Couric.

[freeny]

The problem isn't that he canceled his Letterman appearance, it's that he lied to Dave in the process.

If he had just said to Dave, "I can't do a comedy/entertainment show right now, I'm going to do only hard news interviews until this is less of a crisis," Dave would have been completely fine with that.

Instead, he lied and said he was winging back to DC immediately, and then didn't.

For me, and clearly for Letterman, it's the lie, not the choice to talk to Katie Couric.

That, and Letterman has been know to be serious when appropriate. Im sure the tone could have been altered and still appear on the show.

[Ntombi]

That, and Letterman has been know to be serious when appropriate. Im sure the tone could have been altered and still appear on the show.

I actually meant to say that, and I agree, but I have no problem with the campaign opting against that, and just going hard news, but they did it in a sloppy way that already has bitten them, and will continue to do so.

[freeny]

I expect the debate to be pretty non eventful (meaning no one will win/both parties claiming victory) I expect both candidates to do well, they are both good speakers and have knowledge of the subject, foreign policy.

[bobber205]

I call fake on that screengrab.

Look at the windows taskbar. It shows the network icon as not connected but he has outlook open.

He could have a wired connection on.

[solvs]

First Obama calls him in the morning to say that they should make a joint statement or something, then he starts to pull this.
Last Monday - The fundamentals of our economy are strong. Backtracked 3 hours later.

Sunday - McCain says on 60 Minutes that he supports the bailout.

Monday - McCain expresses deep criticisms of the bailout plan.

Tuesday - Says he is undecided about the plan. Admits he has yet to even read the 3 page document.

Wednesday - Calls for campaign to be suspended, has to rush to Washington to lead a bi-partisan effort on the bailout (has he even read it yet?). Tries to push debate to a later date which would push the VP debate to a later date (Sarah needs more time to study obviously)

Meets with Lady Lynn de Rothschild. Hey, she may have enough cash to fund the bailout.

Cancels appearance on Letterman saying he has to rush to Washington. Not too smart to lie to Letterman so he can make you the butt of ALL his jokes. Tapes interview with Katie Couric at the time he was scheduled to be on Letterman. Letterman even cut to the live feed.

Wednesday night - Barney Frank quoted as saying an agreement has been reached and the votes are there to pass it.

Thursday - McCain still hasn't rushed back to Washington. Appearance scheduled for today at Bill Clinton's conference.
And as we now know (http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/mccains_share_of_the_blame.php), despite taking credit for it (http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=AF9F10EC-18FE-70B2-A82949C5A24271A8), the first bill failed (which, yes, did backfire) (http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/with_bailout_package_failure_w.php). And it was no one's fault, so we shouldn't place partisan blame, but it was all Obama and Pelosi's fault. Even though he apparently didn't actually say or do anything when he did finally get back to WA during the meeting, until the end when he derailed things. After literally phoning things in even though he was complaining that Obama was the one doing that. But he still did the debate. And then another bill passed. Thanks to MORE pork to get the "fiscal conservatives" vote! Which was all thanks to him. Even though he was actually criticizing and praising the plan in the same interview. K. :confused: You'd also think that Palin could step in as Letterman suggested (he's still going on about it BTW, big mistake lying to him John) but we all knew she couldn't. Probably because she was too busy cramming for her obviously rehearsed debate. And he never did actually stop campaigning, just to throw that out there too.

McCain Wants A Time Out -- But Why? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/mccain-wants-a-time-out_n_128991.html)
Ed Rollins: Failure Of Bailout Will Hurt McCain (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/29/rollins-mccain-mishandled_n_130336.html)
Flashback: McCain Debated While Gramm Negotiated Deregulation (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/flashback-mccain-debated_n_129056.html)
It's Judgment Day for McCain (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122221440058969313.html#printMode)
McCain's Latest Stunt Backfires... Badly (http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccains-latest-stunt-backfires-badly.html)
Poll: 86 Percent Think McCain Wrong On Debate (http://bobgeiger.blogspot.com/2008/09/poll-86-percent-think-mccain-wrong-on.html)
New Hampshire Newspaper "Suspends" Writing Editorials To Focus On Economy (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/28/new-hampshire-newspaper-g_n_130047.html)
Our Troops Don't Get a Time-Out for the Financial Crisis (http://vetvoice.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=ADA64655608C8D3012421BB63C272000?diaryId=1938)

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gen/40332/thumbs/s-LOLSUSPENDAGAIN-large.jpg

The Senate Commerce, Transportation and Science Committee isn't relevant?
Really? That's all you got? :confused: I would have expected more of a defense. ;) Maybe some of this:

Re-election fears, payback drove House GOP bailout revolt (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/53153.html)
Report: Gingrich Stabbed Boehner In Back, Whipped GOP Opposition To Bailout (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/30/report-gingrich-stabbed-b_n_130487.html)

Or this:

Europe rejects US-style toxic asset bail-out (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/56b3e636-88d5-11dd-a179-0000779fd18c,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F56b3e636-88d5-11dd-a179-0000779fd18c.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&_i_referer=&nclick_check=1)

Darn socialist Europeans. :rolleyes:

Anyway, for those wondering if this is going to work:

Bailout not seen helping credit access (http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN2245601820080922?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=reutersEdge&rpc=401&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0)
Banks love bailout, hate credit card curbs (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus28-2008sep28,0,3890727.column?track=rss)
Bail-out passes and its aftermath (http://www.newshoggers.com/blog/2008/10/bail-out-passes.html)
Bailout: Will it work? (http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/04/news/economy/will_it_work/index.htm)

Apparently, not so much...