September 23, 2008
Posted: 11:15 AM ET

From
Sec. Paulson testified before the banking committee Tuesday.
Sec. Paulson testified before the banking committee Tuesday.

(CNN) — A Democratic congressional leadership source tells CNN that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, after talking Monday to Republican nominee John McCain, assured a member of the Senate Democratic leadership that McCain would be "fine," and vote for the bailout package.

But a senior McCain aide still insisted the Arizona senator hasn't decided how he'll vote, and won't until he sees the full and final package. Like Democrats, he is hoping the legislation will include an oversight board and a CEO compensation cap.

The Democratic leadership source said there is concern that with more and more Republicans raising concerns over the package, if McCain would vote against it, it would give other Republicans cover to oppose it as well. If that happens, Democrats would have to provide most of the votes — the last thing the Democratic leadership wants.

Filed under: Congress • John McCain


Rae   September 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Both parties are to blame because they put the interests of corporations over the people they are supposed to serve. The consumers have been stripped of all protection because of deregulation. Greed, plain and simple, has got us where we are now. If those who are drafting the bailout don't want to put in protections for the taxpayers, then let Wall Street fail. I don't see why we should let them have the lifeboats while we do the bailing.

Maggie From Virginia   September 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

For 26 years McCain has worked to deregulate banking industries. There's no way he can hide from this. There's nothing he can say to spin this one. Everything is coming to light now. Talk about divine intervention!

Darrel from Denver   September 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

No bailout unless we, the taxpayers, get to run the companies we bought and get to dictate the terms under which we run it.

Paulson's statement regarding McCain appears to be nothing other than his sorry attempt to convince others to get moving on his BS proposal. Typical ploy by the Bushies, frankly. Pressure the Congress without clear validation. Reminds me of another BS proposal they got through – the Patriot Act.

Take your time and either do it right or don't do it all. Don't worry what McCain and the Repubs say. Do what you think is right.

theProgressiveBigot   September 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Why should the democrats be against it!? It's certainly not going to effect their non-tax paying constituent’s ignorant little lives….

Crispus   September 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Congress was run by the Republicans from 1994 to 2006 when most of the deregulation of the banking and securities industries occurred. It is Republicans who should pay for this mess.

Bill Charlotte,NC   September 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

McCain for it Monday…. Undecided Tuesday… who knows where he will be Wednesday (It will be where ever his spinners write for him)

irish   September 23rd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Don't let them get away with this. This is highway robbery. These big corporations did themself in by being corruption and cooking the books. Let them fall and put these people up on criminal charges for what they have done with our money. We should not have to bail these people out because of there greed!!! I can't even believe that Paulson wants to push this through without any oversight, accountability or review. Does he think we are stupid. This is our money he is talking about. What is he trying to get away with?? Paulson, it is not going to happen unless there is oversight.
You are not going to take the American people's money because you want to. Get it through your head. American's are mad as Hell!!!!

Mike - Texas   September 23rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

The bail out is a BAD thing that will continue to drag down the economy.

The government taking control of these companies is another BAD thing.

The democrats that were overseeing the banking commission and the SEC just didn't do their jobs on this. They were being funnelled too much money.

Pam   September 23rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

700 billion with no guarantees…………it's a no brainer!!!!

Paulson continues to say he is going to do this in small batches, then let him have a shot with say 150 billion and prove it works.

He is done in a few months and goes back to his own personal 500 million dollar life.

I don't trust him!!

Beverly, NYC   September 23rd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Measure twice, cut once. It did not take one day for AIG to get themselves in this mess it should not be bailed out overnight. AIG's former chairman said the bailout could be done for 20 Billion I say let them clean up their own mess. It will be a lesson next time they get greedy and want to play it fast and loose

Sound like McCain is having a day after flip flop on this issue. I am amazed some voters think he is qualified to be President. Anyone in Congress for 26 years who sits on the Commerce committee should have a better grasp of the issues. Who is going to be Mccain's brain in the White House. Given the talking heads I've seen in his campaign Rick Davis, Phil Gram, Tucker B. there isn't an active cell between them. And if Ms. Palin thinks she will be running things with John's army of good old boys around, she will need a sherpa to find the oval office.

Rudy NYC   September 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

If nobody wants to be on record as having voted for this ugly legislation, then scrap it and let the economic chips fall where they may. It seems that there are too many politicians in Washington who do not know what this means, "By the People, For the People." They act as if it reads, "By their party, For their party"

Jim   September 23rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

I am really tired of our government doing everything to create the right impression and spending more time finding scapegoats than making policy … I want someone who says what they are going to do because they believe it is the right thing to do, not because it will get them elected.

John McCain is the person who has fit this bill over the last 25+ years and he is the most likely to continue to do so as president.

Thanks But No Thanks   September 23rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Hee Haw-Observing-Joe Kiloz (who are mostly likely one in the same)
Do you type in all CAPS just to emphasize your studipity? The Dems have held a slight majority for the last 18 months or so-not enough to force a vote or override a veto. Who had control for the 15 years prior to that? It is the Republicans that have pushed deregulation, and continue to do so even with this bail out plan they are trying to rush through. Please pull your head out of your posterior.

Bulldog   September 23rd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

McCain is a fraud. His entire stump speech is talking about reforming himself, the Washington insider. For 26 years he has been a deregualaor and now all of sudden out of the blue he is a regulator. Wow, what a surprise!

will   September 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Hey Democrats, do a little research on the 2005 Senate Bill S190. It will be an interesting lesson on economics and causes of the current crisis.

Pam   September 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

The very worst part about all of this is that so many people in the US are not learing anything from the last 8 years.

The people who vote on the pro life candidate are foolish. Bush made it a cornerstone to his campaign (just for votes) and had the justice to do it and never did and McCain is doing the same.

Wake up people!!!!

Judy in PA   September 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

McCain and Obama should not miss this vote, show the American people that they really care by voting. We should demand them to cast a vote.

My plan would be, refinance the loans to people facing foreclosure or close to foreclosure. Not the "Big companies". The fix is not easy, but want the tax payers are to foot the bill, but as more and more people face foreclosure the property values tumble which hurt the markets. The people losing their houses are the backbone of the market as we have seen the past week or two. But we feel the need to bail out the investors who make enormous amounts of money from the taxpayers, now need the taxpayers to bail them out. They have huge golden parachutes, we have none.

VB Lincoln Park NJ   September 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

NO Bailout without strict oversight.

It is time for the reinstatement of regulation of unscrupulous big business, and protection for the consumer. These are the things the GOP (GREED OVER PRINCIPLE) doesn't want!!!

Jim   September 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Lila,
How exactly is this the Republican's mess? Regardless of who caused it we're all stuck with it, so we all need to find the best way out.. …personally, the best way out is to let it ride … let the people who made bad decisions bear the consequences of the bad decisions. If we bail them out we are rewarding them for making bad decisions and we really can't expect anything to change. Our government should ensure that we incorporate lessons learned in future legislation to avoid things like management teams that drive companies into the ground and walk away with hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rodger   September 23rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Rick Davis, Phil Gramm made this mess. The Republicans caused the problem….let them take care of it. The Democrats have only had congressional control for one and a half years and have been stopped in the senate by filibuster every time they have tried to get the people's business done! When the Democrats have 60 majority in the senate and have the White House, the people's work will finally get done!

Brandon Tobias   September 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I love the people who get on here and blame democrats for this mess with the talking points of certain republican radio talk show hosts. It's so pathetic when you don't think for yourself.

America think for you   September 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

As usual blaming the democrats it will not work this time. John McCain party created this wall street mess and they cannot just hand them a blank check to bail out the rich boys in wall street without having a package in that $ 700 billion to bail out main street as well.

VIRGINIA will be blue   September 23rd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

McSame should've been "mum" on this one as well. But noooo! He just had to stick his foot in his mouth. What a dummy!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Pam   September 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Hey people………..don't blame McCain or Obama for not having a perfect solution.

No one in government has a solution, how do you expect one person to solve this problem.

Obama 08

Bob Indianapolis, IN   September 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

If the Democrats cave into Bush's buddy Paulson, they deserve to lose!!! I am voting for Obama, but I'm tired of Reid and Pelosi selling out everytime the Reptilican leadership says "Boo!" The majority of Americas are NOT for this bailout! If you vote for it, McSame will say he is against it and gain the upper hand! THINK!!!!

CJP   September 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

This needs to be looked as a business deal and not about Repbulicans or Demcrats. First, the bailout plan should protect taxpayers because as Bernanke indicated they want to buy them at market price (even though some of those might not be worth the price) and have the option to auction them without any oversight of the taxpayers or anyone. This is a bad business deal for the government because the taxpayers won't have any profit in this deal. This is not good!!! I feel that Congress and government should have an insight to this deal. This means that taxpayers won't get anything in return but those companies that put themselves in this situation would profit and have the advantage….this is ludicrous!!! We as American taxpayers deserve a better business deal than this!!

Rodger   September 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

The Bush administration lied about Iraq…don't let them do it again!
Without proper controls and rules, let Wall Street stew! Buy with a realistic price, take an equity interest, and restrict compensation on the executives that led us into this mess. Let there be no free ride.
This is one of the few things that Obama and McCain agree on.

JB   September 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

At least people are turning to McCain to see what he thinks.

No one cares what Obama thinks.

That should say something!

NO Bailout period!

Let banks that handed out bad mortgages, and the people who were dumb enough to take them deal with this mess!

Ian   September 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I think it's awesome that "we the people" are about to foot the $700 billion bill and they are mostly concerned about looking good. These "representatives" are more interested in getting reelected than serving our interests.

Vote third party in '08!!!

Chad, IA   September 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

What? The Republicans want money, our tax dollars? The same Repugs who said Government was the problem, and no regulations, let the free market work on it's own, and yada, yada, yada.

Now they're like spoiled brats running to daddy. I say let the market go down, down, down, and down. Then maybe they will learn a lesson and stop badmouthing the government.

Obama/Biden 08

mitchell   September 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

democrats should refuse, also. this is republicans fault. let them pay for it at the polls!

Pam   September 23rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Have we not learned about these rush decisions!!!!!

I say no!! If they want it, then tell them to put the regulations in place first.

I am sick of Paulson and his 500 million dollars saying we have to do this right this very minute.

WE CAN NOT TRUST THE PEOPLE WHO PUT US IN THIS POSTIONS WITH $1.00 LET ALONE $700 BILLION.

And don't get me started on McCain, he is selling out the American people with his lies, smears etc. Can you really see him limiting the CEO payout in he and his wifes beer business. I THINK NOT!!!

nick   September 23rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

If the GOP wants to play politics with this, so be it. Its THEIR MESS.
Let them sort it out.

Mark, PA   September 23rd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I think this is a grave mistake. The reason they want the money so fast is because they know George Idiot Bush is leaving soon. He'll sign and do anything. Let them get the money next year, when a grown-up (Barack Obama) will be in office.

O/B 08

Tired of the Lies   September 23rd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Sorry McCain, you can't make an 11th hour Come-to-Jesus conversion to favoring regulation after 26 years of being a powerful advocate for de-regulation. In 1995 you forwarded a bill banning ALL federal regulation. How quickly you forgot the S&L crisis and the Keating 5.

I'd rather see you stick to your principles and lose than sell out and switch gears now that the political climate favors regulation.

Nik   September 23rd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Maybe someone should explain in detail to the right-wing talk radio followers the repercussions of not following through with the bail out. Oh, I forgot, the bail-out would take away their talking points about socialism and big government.

Mildred, IN   September 23rd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

No payment to the CEO's and the shareholders. I didn't invest, they did.

Obama/Biden 08

Baze   September 23rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I thought Obama was the one using the financial crisis for political gain? I thought McCain was a leader ready to vocalize his position immediately? He's not sure how he's going to vote for this bill? Because he's waiting to hear all the details? Hmm, that sounds like someone elses position, I wonder who?

ONE NATION

Gwen, MO   September 23rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Liars.

They said this was all about the taxpayers. Well, the taxpayers aren't walking away with millions of dollars.

Code words:
Whenever the Repugs want to ask for money for big businesses, they call them small businesses. Have you ever noticed when Bush wants to justify tax breaks to the rich, he says tax breaks to small businesses.

We've got the code, and their numbers. Say no to Bush and McCain.

Obama/Biden 08

Roger   September 23rd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

HEY MCCAINE LOST ANOTHER ONE……

I DON'T KNOW IF HE KNOWS HOW TO GET THERE OR NOT BUT I BET HE KNOWS WHERE HE WORKS AT LEAST…..

TYPICAL OBAMABOT…."MCCAINE IN THE HOUSE"

BRILLIANT…WOW THIS COUNTRY IS SCARY.

dennis from chicago   September 23rd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

o bama is learning from MC CAIN just as he did with CLINTON…. he is waiting for MC CAIN'S vote on this issue SO HE CAN COPY JUST LIKE THE FIFTH GRADER show….real leadership we don't need///

Voter   September 23rd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

The problem here is McCain, by his own admission, hasn't got a clue, and he's willing to sell out anyone to get elected.

He doesn't understand that this is the worst disaster since the 1929 Crash. Most of American doesn't get it, a tribute to our poor educational institutions and the draw of personality based media programming.

Sarah Palin is mean and petty. And she's the governor of a state that has a lot more in common with a third world country than other state.

WAKE UP.

We need this bailout, like it or not. Republicans got us into this by eliminating prudent regulation from financial institutions and markets.

So bite on a bullet, Republicans, and vote Yes.

CJP   September 23rd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

This needs to be looked as a business deal. First, the bailout plan should protect taxpayers because as Bernanke indicated they want to buy them at market price (even though some of those might not be worth the price) and
have the option to auction them without any oversight of the taxpayers or anyone. This is a bad business deal for the government because the taxpayers won't have any profit in this deal. This is not good!!! I feel that Congress and government should have an insight to this deal. This means that taxpayers won't get anything in return but those companies that put themselves in this situation would profit and have the advantage….this is ludicrous!!! We as American taxpayers deserve a better business deal than this!!!

Independent   September 23rd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Why does it matter how much we give them away at this point? We have borrowed so much money from China already, What's another 700 million. We are to far dept for it to make a difference one way or the other. It's to late. This is just the begining of whats to come – so hold on tight…….

Whaaaaaaaaaa   September 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

If the Republicans get in again, we will never fix this problem. They don't like the Government, until they're in trouble. Then they come running and screaming for us to bail them out. Paulson sounded like a 10 year old today. WHAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Once they get in there, they want to demolish the regulations bit by bit. Until the hens are left unguarded and surrounded by wolves, not foxes.

I'm done, and any one who votes for someone who remotely talks about deregulations should be horse whipped.

Obama/Biden 08

tuff Col. Oh   September 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

i say throw out all the republican bums out, they're old and tired, including john mcsame

karen   September 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

To all Democrats and Republicans: I know Barack Obama says he will lower taxes for most people and raise taxes on those making over $250,000. Ask yourselves this question: who will be voting on these changes? THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE MORE THAN $250,000 A YEAR!!

Do you really think it will happen?

Vote like I do: None of the above

go away mongers-Ventura ca   September 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

The republican party needs to forget playing politics FOR ONCE and think about what is good for the American people. We MUST have real CHANGE-NOW. Don't forget who put us in this awful position!

Tim - A Moderate from TN   September 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

It seems that the Democrats don't want to be blamed by the "American People" for bailing out private companies, but would be more than happy to blame the Republicans for spending $700 B to do the same. My only question is, which candidate is getting the most campaign contributions from the CEO's that will undoubtedly retain their 'hard-earned' bonuses by letting these companies go under. Both McCain and Obama are dirty, and neither of them really have the little guy in mind, they want their place in history, who cares about anything else.

Independent   September 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Why does it matter how much we give them at this point? We have borrowed so money from China, what another 700 million at this point. We are to far dept at this point for it to make a difference one way or the other. This is just the begining of whats to come – so hold on tight…….

William Courtland   September 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Facism verse Freedom: the right to privacy, the right of self experimentation verse taxation, the right to total free speach unless under order of editorial.

Capitalism verse Communism: Communism is a psychics realm.

When the psychic realm is kept of truth free speach and bright knowledge it allows for the balance of Capitalism against Socialism,
Anarchy balances against Totaltarianism,
Conscience is righted.
Marxism, Kant, Nieche, and many others find a timeline of growth.
and a new dimension is explored… on Earth.

Spend all your resources until you need to adapt by reaching for those resources in space, the asteroid, highspeed(but no-where near lightspeed) highway will be neat, the villages within the clusters even more interesting.

cameo35   September 23rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

…….AS A TAX PAYER , I'LL LIKE TO SEE SOME OF THES CEOS AND SUB-CEO GO TO JAIL WITHOUT PAY!………

IWASP!-Intellgent Woman Against Sarah Palin!   September 23rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Mccain was for deregulation, now he is for it? When this scandal occurs! Give me a break please! He has shown a poor lack of judgment throughout his career and you people want him to run this country??!! BTW what ever happened to his scam gas tax holiday?

Sarah   September 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

THE ONLY CONCERN DEMOCRATS HAS IS win win win win.

Horray, Barack Hussein Obama. Another Hussein will rule USA~~ Wow, Americans are so ~~~

Uncle Sugar   September 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

He said there was something wrong with the system when he got there and that the laws were antiquated and could only be regulated by the states. Well, why isn't he going back to the states now to ask them to bail him out? I’ll tell you why, it’s because Uncle Sugar is the one with the money. And if things were that bad, why didn't he speak up before?

This whole thing is a joke and once again, the taxpayers will pay through the nose, while the fat cats will walk away with millions of our money.

This is what happens when the fox (Republicans) are guarding the hen house (the Government of the people and by the people).

Obama/Biden more than ever.

Nik   September 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Yet in an attempt to appear to have a relevant perspective and to curtail the mockery he received, McCain proposed last Friday his economic resolution then criticized Obama for not unveiling his plan. In a matter of five days, McCain went from the economy being fundamentally strong, to there's an economic crisis; don't bail out AIG, bail out AIG, and 24 hour derived economic agenda. And we're supposed to trust his experience?

Dave in Houston   September 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Accountability!

The Treasury Dept can have the money, but they have to be accountable. The people who caused this crisis in the first place need to be held accountable — whatever they've made from their schemes ought to be confiscated from them and put toward the $700 billion bill.

Sorry, Paulson, you can't get the money "no strings attached." Sounds like a crooked desire anyway.

Greg   September 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Lisa M: "Try a little capitalism for the capitalist and a little socialism for the people."

How about NO SOCIALISM? Anywhere! Socialism is Un-American whether it benefits the corporation or the citizen. Either way, it's wrong!

Paco   September 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

John McCain will do the right thing! Oh, by the way, John McCain co-sponsored a bill that would have regulated Fannie/Freddie but the Democrats played their partisan politics and squashed it. Look it up! 2005.

will   September 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

How come I could never get a bailout when my finances went south for my small business? All the government did for me was to ask me to pay my taxes for that year, and all of my creditors came calling, and I had to start over. I did not make one decision on Wall Street or for any bank but the ones who have are looking for a bailout for their incompetence. Oh well, I will pay my taxes for this year too. What chooses do any of us have?

McCain = no change

Obama/Biden 2008

Mary L   September 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

From one Dem to another, Do not bail them out.
The Republicans caused this problem, let them suffer the fall out.
No No to Bail out…………………………………….

New America   September 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Dear fellow Americans,

6 weeks until we will have opportunity to take America back from corrupted, greedy, and lying gang of republicans – "enough"!!! Quite frankly, I think you realize that this is our last chance to save our great country from disaster under another republican administration. Only 42 days left – lets get to work and talk to our friends, neighbors and co-workers about the only road to the future for us and our children – Obama/Biden 2008!

WI Cheesehead   September 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Once a panderer always a panderer!

In McCain’s own words and I guess he likes using “fundamentally”. He said “he’s fundamentally a deregulator” by last week he said he wanted to fire Christopher Cox the SEC chairman who was put in place by GWB in 2005, questions is on what grounds will McCain fire him since he was not brought in to undo the deregulations going back to 1998. Booting out Cox will not magically fix the lack of oversight which by the way happens to be an act of Congress. Phil Gramm sponsored that deregulation bill and has since been thrown under the bus by McCain after he called us whiners and that the mess we are now cleaning up with our tax dollars was just an imagination. To date McCain has not thrown out the economic policy paper Gramm wrote for him as an economic blueprint for a McCain Administration if he ever ever gets elected.

jimmy   September 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

MCCAIN AND OBAMA ARE ONLY TWO SENATORS OUT OF THE
ONE HUNDRED IN THE SENATE NEITHER ONE COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ECONOMIC CRISIS THAT HAS NOW GRIPPED
OUR ECONOMY. THERE IS ALSO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ALL OF WHOM REPRESENT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND WHOSE POWERS TO ENACT LAWS HAVE BEEN
LACKING THE PAST TWO YEARS . AMERICANS SHOOULD NOTE THAT CONGRESS IS FULL OF " OVERSIGHT COMMITTEES" AND "SUB COMMITTEES" WHOSE DUTY IS TO OVERSEE ALL THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND CABINET AGENCIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND OVERSEE THEIR ACTIVITIES. AND THEN THERE IS THE INSPECTOR GENERAL 'S VARIOUS OFFICES AND INSPECTORS TO LOOK INTO IMPROPRIETIES IN THE GOVERNMENT. THE DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN IN CONTROL OF CONGRESS FOR TWO FULL YEARS UNDER PELOSI AND NOTHING NOTABLE , NO OVERSIGHT , NO ENERGY BILL HAS COME OUT ON THEIR WATCH… AND NOW THEY ALL (OBAMA INCLUDED) BLAME MCCAIN AND THE GOP FOR ALL THE MESS
OUR COUNTRY IS IN.. STILL THEY ARE BICKERING NOW ON AN ECONOMIC RESCUE PACKAGE TO EASE THE ECONOMIC CRISIS.

AMERICANS ARE NOT STUPID. THEY CANNO AND WILL NOT BLAME ONE SENATOR MCCAIN FOR ALL THE MESS OUR GREAT COUNTRY IS IN RIGHT NOW. THERE IS PLANTY OF BLAME TO GO AROUND.

Dan the Democrat   September 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Chuck Schumer is right. The lowly mortage has brought our financial system to it's knees. That has always been the problem with people owing private property. We need a planned economy and a centralized government. We want our jobs guaranteed, and we want wage and price controls. GIVE US COMMUNISM NOW. Vote OBAMA.

ed   September 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

i dont think its anything to fret about,the fact is this problem is partly blame on immigration raids,closing processing companies that owe millions of dollars to banks and paying heavy taxes to the govement,scaring hard working immigrant that own homes,mojority of them leaving there homes,some are jailed for months and these folks owe banks millions of dollars and also paying taxes,the work force is shrinking and not enough money coming in

Credit Card Republicans   September 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I would never trust Henry Paulson.

Indiana for McCain/Palin   September 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

NoBama hasn't a clue as to what is going on.

No experience. No Obama!

McCAIN/PALIN 2008!

randy   September 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Typical politicians want to see how the winds are blowing before taking a position. Both Obama and McCain aren't taking a stand one way or the other. They don't want to risk losing their shot by taking the wrong position. How is that leadership? At least the rumblings from congressional republicans are consistent with their philosophy against governmental control of everything. The Dems should want the baliout as the government will get their hands on more control of the way business is done. They just don't want to be the only ones standing there as the government takes over more control. At least have the courage of your convictions. The Dems are cowards. Go congressional Repubs, take a stand against this bailout. I don't want my taxes and my son's taxes to pay for the mismanagement of Fannie Mae, Freddie mac, and the rest of wall street's corruption.

Nick   September 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

NO How, NO Way, NO BAIL OUT!

Quiet Conservative   September 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Both the Democrats and the Republicans share equal blame for this mess. It's easy to point the finger at the "other guy" and do some juvenile name calling, but ALL the politicians are equally guilty, and did not serve the people.

maynard hopkins wi   September 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

less federal intervention and this would not have happened….. we need smaller goverment, another thing that would help with this crisis
would be TERM LIMITS.

the deeply intrenched politicains better get out of washington and let the younger generation take the helm.

read and heed washington [ THE LIFE TIME JOBBERS ] RESIGN AND GET OUT NOW..

if you people dont straighten out there MIGHT be a very huge revolt in this country

Franky   September 23rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

All I'm gonna say is that I don't think it matters what Senator McCain wants, the President and his Administration wants this.

So, maybe they should go talk to the President…

And if I'm not mistaken, didn't the President urge Congress to work on it?? I swear, the GOP is more confused than our country…

JusLaugh   September 23rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Huh? Is this article talking in circles, or what?

Who cares what McCain thinks about the bailout…It doesn't seem the dems are waiting for Obama to lead them by the nose like a bunch of sheep.

For once, I wish that our elected officials would stop worrying about what the other guy might say or do or how it will "look" and get some business done in the interest of the american people.

Robert   September 23rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

1. We've been told that universal healthcare is too expensive, even though 90%+ Americans want it.
2. We were told the deregulation was a good thing, because government didn't need to hamstring businesses.
3. Now John McCain would like to see more oversight, when he didn't think is was a good idea less than 2 weeks ago.
We can't find the money to guarantee healthcare for every american, but we can find the money to buyout bad behavior from the people who should have known better. It seems pretty clear to me who should be in the White House come January, and it's not John McCain.

dan from NYC   September 23rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Are you Dems dumb or what? READ! You claim we shldn't bail Wall Street out and shout Obama when that's what the Dems are doing!

McCain is withholding support FOR the bailout until there's a cap against stinking CEO pay and a oversight board!

Frick Americans are stupid? No you Dems are blinded by Obama's rhetoric rubbish. You sit on the Finance committees for the last two years and blame the Bush administration and now push for this bailout that messes with us taxpayers.

Gosh.

Joe   September 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

He's like a teenager running to mommy and daddy after crashing his new car into several cars. He wants the money to fix his car (big corporations), but the other car owners are on their own.

Obama/Biden 08

Tony   September 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

MCCAIN WILL USE HIS LEVERAGE BY VOTING AGAINST IT TO TRY TO IMPROVE HIS NUMBERS IN THE POLLS.

ANY WORKING AMERICAN SHOULD BE OUTRAGED THAT CEO'S LEAVE WITH MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN CASH AND PERKS FOR A COMPANY THAT THEIR GREED HELPED BRING DOWN, AND ANYONE ABLE TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES SHOULD SEE TAHT MCCAIN IS USING THIS STRICTLY FOR POLITICAL REASONS. HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU, ME, THE REGULAR JOE WHO WORK OUR BUTTS OFF FOR YEARS AND WIND UP WITH NOTHING.

Kali from Colorado   September 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

This has setup written all over it. The bailout is another huge redistribution of wealth and they want to force the dems to vote it in. The posturing and attempts at manipulation have only just begun. Wait till we find out what they are not telling us…… These people are committing TREASON. They are selling this country out for their own personal benefit.

Don't worry, someone will still be here to shut the lights off when the USA firesale is finished. Then they'll go back to their lean to and eat nuts and berries.

Jersey Girl   September 23rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

I pray to GOD, that the economy & healthcare are NOT the only reasons we are voting for OBAMA for President.. Outside of those 2 issues I am scared to DEATH when it comes to WORLD AFFAIRS. If he does become President, the US is going to be captured by some small natioin and we will probably be in captivity for 70 Years.

Peter (CA)   September 23rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Joe—

Hold the Democrats accountable for this mess that Phil Gramm set in motion and George Bush nurtured along with his ignorant economic policies?

The mess the Democrats were unable to mitigate because Bush vetoed their bills?

Please pay attention.

Love My USA/Do You?   September 23rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

OMG I can not believe the STUPIDITYy of some of these BLOGGERS.
When you are signing anything, do you just sign your name or do you read what you are signing. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Guess not from some of the responses I am reading here. DUMMIES this is your hard earned money, don't be fooled again by the DEMOCRATS, We are in this mess because of them. Yes Not Bush , but the Democract and the biase Media who are not telling us all of the facts. Things have gone down hill since 2006,,mmmmmmmmm isn't that when the Democarats took control, YEPPER,,,,
Democrat voiting straight Republican.!

rice, bryan   September 23rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

all this is amounting to is the very wealth ceo's, and chairmen, who are sweating about thier own portfolios. the average person who makes 21-80,000.00 are losing thier retirements in the 401k, and stock based ira's. we may have as much to lose as far as numbers, but it does matter a great deal to us. this money will go straight to the wallets of the very rich.

William Courtland   September 23rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Their is a balance between facism and capitalism that must be understood as the reasonable pathway of government utilization, compared and just as there is a balance between socialism and totaltarianism, capitalism and marxism, communism and anarchy.

Judy, NM   September 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Paulson is a joke. He said that some home owners would lose their homes, and that's a fact. But when asked what Congressmen/women should tell their constituents regarding the huge severance pay, he just skipped over that part and said he was angry too, but the alternative was worse. So I guess losing your home is normal and part of the deal, but DON'T touch the CEO's severance pay.

This man is not fit for his job. He should be tarred and feathered.

IAMWMD   September 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

It's that Moose Kool-aid that's being served by Sarah :Troopergate" Palin and the lobbyist running McCain's campaign that has him trippin.

Obama/Biden

Stacy from Loudoun County, VA   September 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Folks, I smell a rat in this whole bailout plan. Paulson keeps saying, “We need to do this quickly.” Oh yeah? Let me ask Mr. Paulson, if your wife came running into the house and asks you to sign a blank check quickly, wouldn’t you want to get every detail? Some of the wording that I have seen is scarier than the Patriot Act and gives the Treasury Secretary sweeping authority with no oversight. Rash decisions, horrible results…we have seen it with these White House clowns before.

jaye   September 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

And that Palin and McCain do everything in secret, without the press, is a great cause for concern.
She is NOT qualified. Period! And neither is McCain.

Find out the facts....   September 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Democrat for McCain/Clinton/Palin

Are you for real???…..read up on things Obama is giving his views, he just doesn't jump into like McCain who then has to come back and change his views. Obama looks at the whole picture not just a little of it. He gets the facts and then make a dicision based on fact not emotion like McCain does….
I notice that you put Clinton in in the middle of McCain and Palin…you obviously do not know what she think either…..she wants a Democrat elected. Stop and think…if McCain is elected in 08 then you can bet it will be Sarah Palin in 12…get the facts!!

Tony   September 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

IF IT COMES DOWN TO THE DEMOCRATS MAKING THE DECISISION, THEY SHOULD PUT THE CASE RIGHT OUT IN FRONT OF THE PEOPLE AND TELL IT LIKE IT IS AND THE REASONS FOR VOTING AGAINST IT.

THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PAID TO CEO'S AS THEY LEAVE THE COMPANIES THEY HELPED BRING DOWN DISGUSTS THE AVERAGE AMERICAN. ONLY PEOPLE LIKE MCCAIN, BUSH AND OHTERS WORTH MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, CANNOT SEE HOW THIS LOOKS TO THE MAINSTREAM AMERICAN WORKER.

IF OUR TAX DOLLARS ARE GOING TO BE USED TO BAIL THESE CROOKS OUT, THEN THE CEO'S SHOULD WALK AWAY WITH THE SAME THING THE EMPLOYEES LEAVE WITH……………NOTHING AT ALL!

Lisa M   September 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

If bailing out the human being is socialism, what is bailing out the corporations?

Why should we bail out the corporations. If we let them sink, yes it will have an extreme negative effect on our economy, BUT if we keep bailing them out, we will continue to have these issues, because we are REWARDING them for failure.

How about we bail out the little guy and let the chips fall where they may for the corporations?

Try a little capitalism for the capitalist and a little socialism for the people.

Barney   September 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Keating 5 anyone?

Rob   September 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Paulson the past 3 weeks said everything was ok . So , why are we listening to this man . Is this the GOP October surprise , they knew about this and said nothing . No golden parachutes–no bailouts–if they were that stupid they shouldn't be saved

Debby   September 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Where is Obama in all this and his decision never mind McCain. He has 20 advisors on stage with him and hasn't even uttered a word on what he really plans to do. I think McCain won't go for the bailout its to risky and a quick fix. Stock already are down because the bailout just ain't going to work.

Maryann Rose   September 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

UMMMM…..CNN:

Ron Paul – a Republican – is fretting away….right here on your own site!

Should your headline have said Ron Paul & Democrats are fretting?

I'd bet anything that John McCain (Republican) and others on his side are fretting.

We are ALL fretful, well…except for those CEO's that will get their golden parachutes anyway, on US!

Bruce   September 23rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Won't make much differnece McCain won't understand the full report but will vote for what is seen to be best for the election. Country First only if it is good for HIM.

Vincent, Illinois   September 23rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

So Sarah has banned the press? So much for that open book thing.

Thank's but no thanks.

Larry   September 23rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

It's pretty obvious the Dems are all about the Dems,not the American public!!
Some how the media and the Democrats will slant this the other way,just watch.

Tony   September 23rd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

ONE MORE DISGUSTING EXAMPLE OF HOW THE REPUBLICANS PLAY WITH PEOPLE'S LIVES. THEY WANT MCCAIN TO VOTE AGAINST IT SO THAT IT WILL HELP THEM IN NOVEMBER.

MCCAIN HAS ALREADY ANNIHILATED HIS CHARACTER, HIS MORALS, HIS STATUS AS A ROLE MODEL, ALL FOR THE SAKE OF WINNING AN ELECTION.

HOW MANY TIMES HAS MCCAIN SAID THAT HE WOULD RATHER DO THE RIGHT THING THAN WIN AN ELECTION?

WELL I GUESS HE IS NOT SO INTERESTED IN DOING THE RIGHT THING ANYMORE.

JB   September 23rd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Dems don't want to be the only ones voting for it, because they have no political fortitude.

They don't want to be held responsible if it doesn't work. Markets are not supposed to be messed with. Dumb people who bought homes out of their price range should be responsible for their own actions.

Watch the dems back off if the bill isn't supported by R's!

And Bill CLinton was the one that allowed mortgage backed securities. THIS IS BILL's FAULT. There is no argument. Dems do your research!!!

Rudy NYC   September 23rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Unbelievable.

The Republicans still want little or no oversight over the companies and the dollars. Anyone with the best interests of the taxpayer would insist upon oversight, AND no golden parachutes.

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   September 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

As the Democrats try to rescue the economy (which we're told is on the verge of collapse), the Republicans are going to hang them out to dry and then they'll hang this 1 trillion dollar mess around the Dems neck – even though it was created on the Republican watch. The public as a whole doesn't want this bailout but we HAVE to have it; without it the world economy will collapse but people won't remember that. They'll just remember the 1 trillion and will blame Dems. This is so typical!

Rudy NYC   September 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Somebody had better make sure that tax dollars do not pay reckless executives multi-million dollar golden parachutes. "We cannot tell a private company what to pay their executives." Yes, you can when the pay is US taxpayer dollars. You better tell them, or fine them.

PUT THE CRIMINALS IN PRISON!   September 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

THROW THE NEO-CONS OUT OF WASHINGTON!

keep those who WORK FOR THE PEOPLE in power in november!

McCain lost another one   September 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

the last thing we rushed through was the Patriot Act…that did a world of good.

White and Black support for Obama   September 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

It makes a huge differnce, because the Republican will now point that it is the Democrats that supported Bush's plan not them.

They try to trick the Democrat into voting for a deal that won't work.

anon   September 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

And here we have a prime example of why nothing is getting done in congress and the low ratings. It's not the Democrats, it's the Republicans undermining any attempt by the Democrats to make progress.

Daryl   September 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

It is outrages that the American taxpayer is being expected to hand over the economic reins without any oversight. In 1776 we fought a war of independence from a government that imposed financial burdens without benefit of public input. THROW THE ROYALISTS OUT. THROUGH THE POLITICIANS INTO THE BOSTON HARBOR.
NO NO TO A BLANK CHECK. AND NO WAY ARE WE GOING TO BAIL OUT FOREIGN BANKS. THIS GOES BEYOND RIDICULUS. THIS IS BEGINNING TO SOUND TREASONEOUS.

Joe, Chicago   September 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

REJECT THE BAIL OUT. WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMEN!!!

Who cares what McCain says. He is inept. Get rid of him with Bush and Paulson and Bernanke.

White Couple for Obama!!   September 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Starting to look like a Political Ploy here!

Jason   September 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Hee Haw—

Go back to preschool.

YOU—–ARE——A——-CHILD——!!!!!

We are where we are now because of "trickle down economics" and deregulation. If the Dems had been in control the last 8 years this would not ever have happened.

BK   September 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Obama will vote 'Present' again.

Oracle of Truth   September 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

BARNEY FRANK caused this whole mess by forcing banks to lend to people who couldn't qualify as credit worthy and who could not pay them back. They should worry!!! They are going to become truly infamous figures in financial history. They will be far more well known than Hoover ever was.

JD in Moraga, CA   September 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Congress should worry more about what's right for "we the People" and not worry about if we're clever enough to see through political posturing (on either side of the aisle).

kevin   September 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

John McCain- waiting to see what the Dems do so that he can do the same. I think he's just trying to confuse people now.

White Couple for Obama!!   September 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Against the Bailout!!

McCain lost another one   September 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

does John McCain remember how to get to the house? i mean it has been soooooo long since he has been there to cast a vote.

elm   September 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Wall Street….

JUMP, BABY, JUMP.

this includes Paulson, Brenanke, Greenspan and their kind.

AMERICA IS IN NEED OF NEW LEADERSHIP   September 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

MCCAIN IS WAITING FOR A LOOPHOLE TO RIDE BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE……

THIS GUY IS LOST

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Maureen, Newman California   September 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I think that Paulson and Bush's plan is stupid. I can't believe they fail to see why these loans need to be rewritten so that homeowners can pay their mortgages to get cash flowing consistently back into these lending institutions. By failing to do this, we will just have meltdown # 2 several months down the line. Stupid. Also, I am angry that these Wall Street clowns are reserving BILLIONS of the bail out money to just give to these CEO's and administrators that got us into this mess in the first place. This is just wrong.

Paula, Los Angeles CA   September 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Once again the American people are in a "lose-lose" situation. Wall Street big wigs made billions of dollars in profits over the last 7 years and now that they've made THEIR money, it's OUR mess! They want the American people to give THEM billions more to bail US all out of the mess they created! UNBELIEVABLE! These folks are criminals and should be held accountable for their greed and destruction!

Hmmm, I wonder where we are going to get all this money?!? We are still fighting TWO wars that is costing us billions a week and now we need almost a trillion dollars to save our economy!! Wow….

Anyone who votes for McCain at this point, OR any point is in desperate need of a psychiatric evaluation, an exorcist, or BOTH!

CHANGE NOW! OBAMA/BIDEN '08!

NJ   September 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Very scary times!! Hope it ends soon

OBSERVERING   September 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

H O L D//////////////////////M A J O R I T Y/////////////////////////D E M O C R A T S/////////

A C C O U N T A B L E///////////////////////N O////////////////////////B A I L O U T

Greg   September 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

The bailout is the LAST thing we need! Where has personal responsibility gone in this great country of ours?

Just as you have the right to succeed, you have the right to fail.

There is already a mechanism in place for individuals to deal with their mortgage issues: file bankruptcy, rebuild your credit, and move on with life. The same should be true of corporations or other organizations.

If you do not get hurt, how do you learn from your mistakes? We should most definitely NOT be punishing success (higher taxes) or rewarding failure (bailouts, handouts). America sure is on the wrong track!

Reward success and punish failure; that's how it should be! Otherwise, how is anyone (individuals or corporations) supposed to learn from their mistakes??

elm   September 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

To Wall Street…… Jump Baby Jump.

Let these firms fail. There will be new ones to take their place. Let these overpaid failures fail, loose their homes, jobs, savings, perks and get jobs as greeters at Wall Mart. (But they probably aren't qualified.).

The government has ways to make money available for home loans (FHA, VHA). Help (not bail out) homeowners restructure their current loans so they won't default…)

Those that took bad risks should pay for the results. If some of the debt banks in China or other countries bought is worthless… well too bad… buyer beware.

I don't see anyone bailing out the American Taxpayer.

They have already opened the windows for loans to banks.

FemaleDemDisgustedbyMcPalin   September 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

The Dems should focus on regulation (which got us in this mess in the first place), help for homeowners, and limits on executive pay. We are bailing them out and should not reward Wall Street with $25 million dollar pay days!

Linda from Prescott AZ   September 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Now I ask you, is McCain an honest man…I'd say no.

LYNETTE IN CA   September 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

DEMOCRATS – PLEASE DO NOT CAVE TO THIS BAILOUT ARRANGEMENT! PLEASE MAKE SURE THERE IS TOTAL OVERSIGHT AND SOMETHING INCLUDED FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN FINANCIAL RUIN BECAUSE OF IT! IF THEY COULD NOT BE TRUSTED TO RUN THE FINANCES FOR THE WAR, THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO DO THE PROPER THING WITH FINANCES TO HANDLE THE COUNTRY!

OBAMA / BIDEN '08

Jess   September 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Let Wall Street bail itself out….not the government

Bottom line: Obama has NO resume, even for change!!   September 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Well considering the Dems have chaired the Finance and Banking committees these last 2 years, and did nothing, he should be taking a long look at it. The Dems should take responsibility, Dodd and Franks, instead of trying to blame the Bush administration. Obama doesn't know squat, and maybe there should be some investigations on the subject. Obama and the Dems don't want that!!!!!!!!!!!!

JohnOldMan   September 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Mccain will do what ever makes him look good to get elected.

karen-phoenix   September 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

McCain will NOT be fine!!! He started this mess in the 80's with The Keating 5 mess and his deregulation tack ticks got us into this!!!
McCain needs to be fired along with most of the republicans in office today that got us into this!!! And I am a 40 year republican and I am soooo ashamed of what the republican party has done to my country the last few years I can not even stomach watching any of them on TV!!!! Obama/Biden are our only hope of ever saving this country from complete destruction from within!!!!

Lies Before Country = Anna Nicole Smith (Lie-a-day Palin) & E. Pierce Marshall (Inane McCain)   September 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

It's the Rethuglicans that should be fretting, since by a two to one margin, the public sees them as responsible for this fine mess we are in.

Barney   September 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Censorship Dana?

Finished 894 of 899 in naval academy.

Has no idea what's going on. To hell with what McCain wants.

It's about what WE want. It's our money.

McCain in Georgia!!   September 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

It's because they have NO position of their own to stand on!! Oh that's right, Obama already pulled out of my state – thanks for thinking of me Republicans!!!

Tejano   September 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

McCain needs to vote against it and everyone else that values people over financial institutions should do the same. How about a package to help us pay for our mortgages instead of the other way around.
No Bailouts for Millionaires. Make the Executives pay the money back to Fredie and Fannie.

VIRGINIA will be blue   September 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

He'll obviously will vote for it. I think Sen. Obama will like to see another round of economic stimulus checks in the deal as well and that is why he has reservations about the bill.

Jean 2   September 23rd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

The idea that McCain is driving the decision making process in Washington is frighting along with the idea that Gov. Palin will be meeting with foreign Presidents (she is not a senator will she be setting policy).

All of this is to serious for game playing we are truly in a mess.

McCain for Pres.   September 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

If the democrats are trying to do what is right for the american people, what difference does it make what John McCain says?????

s   September 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Using this severe crisis as political fodder is sleaze to the max! And, why rush it? It's complex and needs some time, though not too much, to
analyze and come up with a doable solution. Otherwise, the result could be like rushing into the Iraq war–another extended mistake.

HEE----------HAW   September 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

P E L O S I ++++R E I D+++++++O B A M A=======

E C O N O M I C———D E P R E S S I O N———

M I L I T A R Y———-H U M U L I A T I O N

Irony   September 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

They just need the money, no questions asked…Before the Democrats take control.

Democrat for McCain/Clinton/Palin   September 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Because it is wrong to bailout companies. They don't bail out small businesses, they don't bail out medium size businesses. They don't bail out home owners.

Why should I pay more taxes to keep corrupt mortgage lenders and banks running?????

Democrats make the worst decisions when it comes down to the people vs. big corporations. They always choose on the side of the corporations!

Thank goodness for McCain. He wants big money makers like Warren Buffet (Democrat) and other money leaders to oversee WHO gets what money and who doesn't get bailed out!

What has Obama said about all of this in the last few days???
Oh I forgot he's rehearsing his lines for the great debate Friday night, while McCain is still working!

M. Winners, Mesa, AZ   September 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Ain't it just like McCain threatening to gum up the works just to show that he's a "maverick".
Neither McCain or Palin have a clue on the economy yet they will put "politics" over "country" at the drop of a hat.
So much for McCain's "honor"…

MikeH   September 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

It's circumstances like this where I get really angry at the Democrats for not showng enough spine.

The Republicans want a bailout package that gives filthy-rich wall street super-fat cats more money, on top of the money these disgusting venal pigs made looting America in the first place.

Paulson's package will benefit Goldman-Sachs, where Paulson used to work, so who's welfare do you think Paulson is looking out for.

Attack, attack, attack the Republican Cancer party for what it has done to America.

manhandler   September 23rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Read Ron Pauls essay on this mess on the home page. He's got it right and he's the only one with the guts to say it. It was Government meddling that got us into this mess and they should butt out, as painful as it may be. Ron paul for President.

voter1   September 23rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

The Dems shouldn't worry about "how it looks".
Do the right thing by protecting the investors of the 700B bailout, We The People!
Just remember, the Iraq invasion and the Patriot Act were shoved down our throats.

Michael In Maine   September 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Why are we bailing out Wall Street in the first place… All the profits these business’s made over the years were Privatized and not shared with the American tax payer… So why should their losses be socialized and shared with the American tax payer?

KC   September 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Sure McCain play politics with the future of our country, well it's not War but all you pesents can eat cake.

GARY   September 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

MCCAIN IS A SMART MAN. WITH AGE COMES WISDOM. NOT LIKE SCHOOL BOY THAT PLAYS WITH HIS INTERNET AND CRITISIZES MCCAIN BECAUSE HE ISN'T GREAT WITH A COMP. WE DIDN'T HAVE THEM WHEN WE GREW UP. JUST YOU YOUNG MORONS. COMPUTERS CANT RUN A COUNTRY.YOU HATERS DONT KNOW REALITY FROM FANTASY. OBAMA HAS YOU BRAINWASHED IN HIS FANTASY WORLD. MCCAIN KNOWS THAT MAN BUILT COMPUTERS AND IT TAKES A SMART MAN WITH REAL EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM ABOUT OUR COUNTRY TO RUN IT. NOT A BUNCH OF REOHTRIC AND ROCK BANDS.OBAMA IS A JOKE. MCCAIN IS FOR REAL

alvino   September 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

What's new? McCain is fine with the bail out but he doesn't know how he will vote. Just another decisive chapter in his legacy of career government.

Even a broken clock is correct twice a day.

TAYO, NY   September 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Another republican machine at work.

They are all for deregulation and big gift for the CEOs, that's why they are considering voting against it in the first place.

They think more abouit wall street and not main street.

Obama/Biden 08

Aviate   September 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

You mean McCain will actually show up and vote? Has he done that at all this year? Missed the GI Bill vote, the Medicare vote, and virtually everything else.

Maybe he's waiting for his lobbyist campaign director and transition leader to tell him how to vote.

sunday pavlock   September 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

As usual McCain is riding the fence. He is a joke!
If the financial "brains" of the Bush gang DID NOT know their WAS a crisis until a few days ago,how can we entrust these people with 700 billion dollars?
This sounds like a gamble ,at best and a Natioal disaster,at worse

Kiah G   September 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

This is just another McCain antic. He's trying to appear to oppose this AFTER the Dems gave their reservations now all of a sudden he's "opposed" to it.

Please spare us!

JD in NC   September 23rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

If this is so "mission critical" the Republicans should just take it. It isn't like they couldn't appeal the oversight after the fact.

The last time we gave them a blank check we dropped the ball pursuing Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Bin Laden and invaded Iraq.

Tom in Delaware   September 23rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Democrats…always looking to CYA first, instead of their country.

The horror of having to vote for a piece of legislation that they wrote themselves.

Always looking for a way out…plausible deniability.

What cowards…no wonder their approval numbers are 10 pts. lower than Bush's!

The worst do-nothing Congress since 1776.

voter   September 23rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

you mean McCain will actually shwo up and vote. Something he hasn't done since april of this year. I don't believe it. To stop the sarcasim, If you actually believe McCain will show up and vote on this bill as is when he has flip-flopped so many times on the bailout and oversight, then people have been fooled by McCain.

LB   September 23rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Well if McCain won't vote for the bailout, he definitely isn't Country First. Without a bailout this country is doomed, Wall Street will go under, which means people will lose their jobs all over this country, no jobs – no money to make house payments (more foreclosures) no money for food, gas money or kids education.

linda from South Dakota   September 23rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

ok folks,, this just shows you all who mccain IS REALLY FOR(himself),, he goin to vote for this package and in result,, it will raise your taxes sky high,,,, trust me,, mccain doesnt really know what this will do to americans,,, hes only concerned about his 13 cars and his houses,,,,,,, he has no concern for americans ,, ask yourself,,,,, what has he done in his years in office? voted with bush,, << read that over and over,,,,, because its true,, proven fact,,,, hes not way no how for americans,,,,, its his pockets he want to fill like before ,, how else did he get this all????? obama/biden.08 and beyond,,,,,

Barney   September 23rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Finished 894 of 899 in naval academy.

Has no idea what's going on. To hell with what McCain wants.

It's about what WE want. It's our money.

J from DC   September 23rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Whatever. I have to say, I am a little thrown back by Sara Palin. She keeps saying everyday that she wants to bring transparency and reform to Washington. But she does not even have transparency in her own state. She has “instructed” her staff people (who work for her) not to answer subpoenas for the investigation on the trooper case. Citizens of Alaska have inquired about the issue, they want transparency. Now the small case has reached public interest and the rest of the public is now being ignored. Palin is saying that the investigation is now political. But, that happens when you are in office. The other side will ask question and try to shade light on any flaw they see. It is up to her to show that there is nothing to the allegations. If she won’t be transparent on that issue, I don’t think she will be transparent on any serious concerns the American people may have if she gets in office. For undecided voters, she is not being very transparent right now.

rice, bryan   September 23rd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

who cares how mcbush would vote? the question should be would he even remember, or show up to vote!

Lynn:60 yr old Obama supporter   September 23rd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

McCain has to wait for his lobbyist friens and Bush advisors to tell him what to do. This loose cannon has NO IDEA as he changes and shifts in the wind!!

May have experience, but McCain is NOT a leader!

Lila   September 23rd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

If Republicans refuse to vote for this, the Democrats should also refuse. This is the GOP's mess, and the Dems should not be blamed for it. Let the Republicans be responsible for the mess.

McCain Invented the BlackBerry, Palin Invented the Manure Spreader   September 23rd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

McCain will not make up his mind until Joe Lieberman whispers the right answer in his ear.

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