A very shrewd political move from the McCain's camp. If Obama accepts, he looks like a follower and not a leader. If he rejects, he looks like he's more concern with the debate. They could also be trying to get into Obama's head. Apparently, Obama called McCain first for a joint statement on the bailout proposal... McCain's camp turn this around into an advantage for them. Let's see how Obama response. My guess is he's going to do both --- move forward with the debate and go to Washington to work on the bailout package.
Most of the prep work is already done. Following your logic, McCain should have made this proposal 10 days ago.
The big deal is that it knocks a chunk of time out of the campaign. Running out the clock as Caboose aptly called it. And considering his (and his VP candidate's) reluctance to do interviews of late it shields them from public scrutiny. And it forces rescheduling the debate at which he is strongest -- so that it's closer to Nov. An end run around the deal that altered the format of the VP debate. Does anybody really believe he's going to roll up his sleeves and solve this thing? That it's his expertise -- and his non-partisan leadership that's missing here.
This would make more sense if there was a final version of the bill thru committee and scheduled for debate etc on friday/saturday. It's not even close to that stage yet.
Saw it coming a mile away.... I wonder if McCain reads DD's posts This is exactly what I meant......they are sitting US senators...they should be involved. Sam mentioned it was in committee, and I figured that afterwards they would do this..... DD
For all of you that think this is a political stunt do not have an understanding what is going on in the market right now or just looking to bash the other side no matter what. To have the candidates suspend the campaign, and if that includes the debate also, for a few days to rectify this financial situation, should be priority one.....there is plenty of time left to debate and campaign.
Obama should say, "After a call I initiated with Senator McCain, I have agreed with him to go to Washington and tend to my senatorial duties. However, I can not agree to a suspension of the debate, precisely because of the economic crisis, the American people want to know what each of us is planning to do about it, and we should not delay one moment longer in letting them know. So, while I will be tending to my duties as a US Senator, I will also be ready to debate John McCain and inform the American people about our ideas" DD
Just a few posts above Obama is on CNN now basically doing exactly what I said he should do......and even more by saying Presidents have to do more than one thing at a time.....oh man...that is good stuff. DD
