Nice spin, McLie.

Fixing the economy is a job for people IN power, not for people who want power. Its a job for the President.

How slimy can you be? He knows he's going to be torched in the debates and is using the crash as an excuse.

Just show up on Friday and take your beating like a man.

Wow another shoot first moment from McCain. Just like he picked Palin. Go to Washington when its time to vote. Don't stop the debate.

Same old Same McCain, Pretend to make this crisis your biggest concem and convince the american peolple that you care less about your campaign, i see right through you! nothin but tactics tio sway voters, now he wants baracks campaign halted in his mess, i want to see the debate, they trying to save more time and avoid the debate, no chance john

It will take some honest and vigorous debate to sort out the bailout plan. Parts of the plan will have to do with foreign investors. Foreign policy includes economic and financial policy. It would have been good to hear the two candidates on these issues. The crisis makes the debate and the campaigns even more important. However, after the exposure of McCain's campaign manager, the Senator's reluctance is understandable.

What an absolutely outrageous and calculated STUNT. I'm completely lost for words. McCain will literally do ANYTHING to win. He's in panic mode.

Hmmm He's behind in the polls, he needs something to boost his numbers. Don't be fooled by his "concern". This is a political move for sure.

Today, as a result of being a Hurricane Ike evacuee, My husband and I had to borrow money, the interest during our time of "crisis" was 40%. If this bailout happens and us the taxpayers are not loaning, but giving money to million/billionaires in their time of "crisis" shouldn't they face the same predatory lending practices that many Americans have to endure? "You reap what you sew." Seven hundred billion, sure they can have it at 40%.

What's McCain up to? I'm sure his advisers told him that he losing ground quickly on the economy issues and needed to make an impact move (just like his pick of Palin).

IMHO, I think that McCain just wasn't ready for the debate which looms large in swing voters opioion and used the economy as a way to stall.

Well Played McCrook… Delay the debate, of which your most likely not prepared, to say that you want to work on the finance crisis and economy of which you nothing about in an attempt to show America that you care about us more than you care about winning….

Just like the Georgia fiasco, this couldnt come at a better time for you to show your FAKE leadership… I must admit, if we were playing chess, I would say this was a good move… Put your opponent in a position that you can predict his next move, whilst all the while you have your own agenda…Smokes and Screens…

Hats of to McCain for taking this step. He is showing leadership when we need it the most. Just fyi i am an Obamma supporter

While I applaud Mccain for doing his job, I question the timing. This crisis didn't happen this monring, its been looming for some time and has been blatantly obvious for at least a week, yet the campaigning has been rolling the whole time. Is somebody just not quite up to speed yet for the debate???

I am not sure what to make of this move. I agree, the country is in crisis, but this seems to that, the McCain camp just want to buy some time. I could be wrong, but at this point, I question the motives of all his actions.

Are you kidding me? Seriously?

Sounds to me like McCain is afraid to debate Obama considering he is falling like a rock in the polls.

This is a bunch of crap.

The debates should not be postponed. Let's see how these 2 candidates behave under pressure. A president must be able to deal with more than one crisis at a time.

Sounds to me like Mccain is running away from the debate.

Here's the solution to the economic crises - a new government.

So let the debate go forward. The sooner Bush is out of Office, the sooner we can fix the economy.

Oh wait, that won't play well for McCain, will it?

Another "Maverick" move from the man!

The Maverick was a pretty crappy car, wasn't it?

Are you KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hiding Palin and now he's trying to hide too. Obama, don't fall for this. It's late in the season and November is too close to put things off. Make him bring his butt out on the court and face you…FRIDAY!

Yea, Yea, Yea, here McCain goes again bringing back Sept 11, Yea right, hiding is not going to make you win-America being bamboozled
Washington will be ready to lead our country when your party is out!

Go Obama! In you I trust-$- Proud West Indian American

It's called "leadership". BO, take notes.

He's just trying to look all presidential and incharge. I guess he probably can't really concentrate on more than one big thing at a time.
Just remember McSame, whose's party and policies got us into this crisis.

On cnn.com's frontpage, "McCain called Obama and challenged HIM", that is not true, Obama called McCain, to work together. Get it right! It even says Obama called McCain in the ticker.

Political stunt. McCain is running one of the most awkward and disfunctional campaigns I can ever recall. He has shifted from Washinton insider with the most experience to agent of change and maverick. From champion of pure conservatism and deregulation to populist and regulator.

If America falls for any of this they will get exactly what they deserve.

Btw the efforts to delay the debate amount to nothing more than trying to keep the Palin- Biden debate overshadowed and under important. They want to delay the first debate so that their first one falls one day after Palin becomes a gaffe machine. I am so sick of this crap. Stop the charade McCain.

Can we postpone the elections for 4 years PLEASE!!!

Am I reading this correctly or did McLiar camp jump on the opportunity to come out with this statement first even though it was Barack Obama that called him first with this idea????
Please tell me if I'm wrong but that's how I'm reading this….

If that's the case McCain is just using this as a platform parlour trick to add the illusion to the american people he can be in charge. Well he definately isn't fooling me and I certainly hope the rest of the American people aren't fooled either!!!

Obama/Biden '08

Wow !!!! Why does John Mc Cain always has to act like he cares more than every body else. He can suspend his campaign if he wants but i really hope nothing changes about the friday's debate. He's probably not ready !!! Not that his idea isn't patriotic but i really but i don't trust when it comes from the mouth of a sellout like Mc Same.

This should start the rumors flying around the halls of Washington: is McCain having doubts about his candidacy? I'm glad Obama didn't ask to postpone the debate, the Republicans would really have taken that and run with it and have accused him with all sorts of inuendos.

I should think this is not a good idea at this time of his campaign, just a few weeks before the election. He will never be able to catch up, if he's out too long, especially since he's fallen behind now.

It will be interesting to see where this leads.

I LOVE IT!!!! GO OBAMA/BIDEN, THE ELECTION IS YOURS!

Hello McCain,

This is a time when we the voters need to know how our candidate for the next President are going to handle crisis and is this what we get?

Naw, sorry buddy, you are not getting my vote. It may just be one vote, but it's one vote you won't get.

It's like that kid across the street who all week has been telling you how he could beat you in basketball and so you decide to play on Friday and when Friday rolls around he tells you he has homework to do and will have to re-schedule. I wonder if McCain will try to replace the date with the date Palin is supposed to debate Biden so he can keep her under his wing all the way through the election. At this point, I'd put nothing past the McCain camp. They are desperate.

Oh Gee, this is really transparent. McCain is looking for a way to avoid debating Obama. A week ago McCain said the "fundamentals" of the economy were good, then this week he's a populist, now he wants to pospone the debates "to work on the economy." If McCain really cares about the nation's financial crises, MAYBE, he and the greedy Bushies should NOT have caused them in the first place!

I have the perfect solution to our economic woes. Warren Buffet came up with five billion dollars. McCain could sell six of his seven houses and all but one of his many automobiles and make a similar billion dollar contribution to Wall Street's staggering debt. In the same spirit of patriotism, all the wealthy gurus on Wall Street and in Congress could contribute their share. In no time at all, our economy would be as "sound" as McCain and Bush have always insisted that it is.

i just don't like the looks of this. All of a sudden you care now McCain, sounds to me that since your boy Bush couldn't get ait resolved before Friday, all of sudden you want to stop your campaign and act like you care. McCain didn't want to face the blasting he was going to get on Friday. Check this out : IF YOU AND OBAMA ARE ACTUALLY LISTENING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, WE DON'T WANT THIS 700 BILLION DOLLOR WELFARE CHECK WRITTEN TO THESE GREEDY, DESTRUCTIVE COMPANIES. Obama, man i have been a big supportor of yours but don't make me have to write Ron Paul in on my ballot. What you in Washington don't understand is to most of us, the economy is horrible. Most of us who still have anything are barely hanging on to what we have left, and if we do lose our last little bit, so what. It is material crap but to get back to the topic, Wall Street needs to learn a lesson. Vote no for this bailout McCain and Obama if either of you are so called "Change" Candadites. Otherwise you are just like the rest of them and I will cast my vote elsewhere.

this is ridiculous!! of the course the pubs are going to spin this move as mccain being more caring for the economy. We all know he's just using this as a political cop out because he's not ready.

I sincerly hope that Obama does not fall for this trickery by John McCain. McCain knows that he is losing and is trying to buy some time by delaying the first debate. In spite of the current crisis, we have a right to hear directly from Obama and and McCain.

Sure, a debate for a few hours that will help Americans determine who should be the next President of the US is just not important enough. It can wait. McCain, who is an admitted no nothing on economics, is going to rush in and take charge to help solve the biggest financial crises our country has every seen.

Believe that and I have an antique bridge spanning lower Manhatten and Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.

This is a great example of how Obama can reach across to people. Obama has been tempered and reflective. McCain has been boisterous and fist pounding and demanding immediate punitive actions and finding scapegoats. The temperaments of the two demonstrate that we need to have intelligence come back to Washington. We can hope that intelligence will begin to override the GOP’s deregulation platform they have been running on since Reagan and stop this locust invasion of unregulated self-interest.

Obama\Biden can bring prosperity and world standing back to our country.

McCain is disgrace..I just don't understand why people don't see it!

oh please….

while this is a grave situation, there is nothing that McCain can directly do about it.

He is just unprepared for the debate and using the economic crisis as an excuse.

and all of those americans who barely pay attention to what is really going on will see this as the right thing to do. thus playing into McCains hands.

how desperate is he?

Im sure that he will spend 90 minutes of his day napping on Friday when he could be working on this crisis instead of wanting to cancel the 90 minute debate. if he cant handle multi-tasking all of this how can we expect him to be able to multi-task the tasks of the presidency?!

You mean Obama's campaign reached out to the McCain campaign this morning for a bi-partisan solution, and McCain's response was to wait until this afternoon and then try to "scoop" Obama on the idea of developing a principled response to this mess? Gross.

Please we need to know how the candidates deal with the situations at hand.Yes they need to do their day jobs ,but why not a debate also? The regular everyday Americans have more than one job,do not have maids and cooks,and multitask in incredible ways. I want to see how the candidates will handle more than one thing at a time,more than one crisis at a time. Then we will know who to vote for . I want what is best for our country, regardless who is elected. I still want a debate!!!

Let's see…

McCain falls behind Obama by 9 points in the most recent polls…Obama is gaining momentum while the market turmoil reigns…so McCain suggest a pause in campaigning…hmmmm

Like Obama once said, McCain's people must think Americans are stupid.

Keep the campaign going and focus on economic issues!!!

how can the congress even consider doing this bailout of the people that have taken every penny they could from the american people for the last 8 years and then allow them to double down and take even more money from the american people.this is a complete disgrace to allow these greedy coniving two faced people to get away with this, they should lose every penny they stole from the american people and all go to jail.Whoever supports this bill is a blatent supporter of criminal behavoir and is against what america is all about.they might as well all move to russia and be putens pals with the russian mafia.this is the most disgusting event ive ever seen.

26 years in the Senate and he did nothing but make the problem worse. Now he's running for President and wants to suspend his campaign to finally address our financial problem. I have a feeling this move was made out of political neccesity due to the fact that poll after poll are not looking good for his campaign. MCCAIN, YOU JUST LOST MY VOTE!!!

Sen. Obama reaches out to Sen McCain this morning, and McCain makes it sound like it's HIS idea? Then delays the Friday night debate? It's obvious he is afraid of the debate and is using our national crisis as an excuse to postpone it.

McCain is full of it. I don't feel like seeing a debate on the Senate Floor about the bail-out, everyone in congress trying to make everyone else look bad. I think it will be MORE bi-partisan if we leave these candidates off the floor. These two senators need to show up for their vote on the bill and that's it. America needs to choose a leader in 40 days, campaigns should not be suspended for this ridiculousness. The McCain camp is just acting for Bush and trying to rush this thing through congress and put more pressure on the Democrats to do so. There are too many hidden motives.

Given the true timeline of events today (beginning with Obama showing leadership), gives us another reason to see through McCain's lame strategy of avoidance in the name of the apparent (political) greater good. He doesn't know that much about the economy, but it should give him and the leg-lady good photo-ops and tales to spin……..

Can't McCain Multi-task. I mean he's aiming to be President. Doesn't that mean sometimes there will be more than one thing to do and focus on at a time!!?? . He must have seen the polls. Good grief.

Sounds like a good leader to me. Putting country first, me 2nd….

Please lets elect McCain as our next President

One doesn't have anything to do with the other. Man up McCain, bring on the debate.

While he is at it, I bet he will postpone Palin's debate as well…hmm.

I think the Bush administration is trying to punk the american people and the congress again with that $700 billion they want. Just like when they wanted to go to war with Iraq. They knew for a long time the economy was going down and they waited to the last minute to ask for the money so that congress won't have to really think about it and yes to another disaster that's waiting to happen. I don't trust anybody in this administration with not even a penny of my tax money let alone with $700 billion of it….. So I say no to that plan. This plan was never put together for us tax payer, it was put together by the effort of those lobyist working for these financial institutions in washington and in wall street. So before this administration come to an end they want to satisfy the special instrest they have been working for in the past 8 year….. American people wake up and say NO, it's a hit and run by the Bush administration and McCain….. SAY NO.

Obama/Biden 08

We are in a crisis, no doubt. And it looks like we have to do something to keep our markets from crashing.

At the same time, if you were up 5 points (9 pts according to ABC poll), I doubt seriously that you'd pull this stunt Senator McCain.
If Governor Palin wasn't failing so much in terms of keeping up the artificial bounce that she helped produce out of the RNC, I doubt this stunt would be pulled.
If you had been preparing for a debate as opposed to trying to shore up red states that should already be in the bag (and you're either being nipped on the heels or behind in), I doubt you'd pull this stunt.

What this looks like to me, Senator McCain, is a desparate act from a candidate who isn't having his way (like two weeks ago with the pig on lipstick moments) where we are all now focused on the issue.
This looks like a moment in time where you've been blasted by Senator Biden with truth and facts regarding your demeanor, and shoot from the hip first and clean up later personality as it relates to feorign policy.
This looks like a diversion (think Ayers, Rezko, Rev. Wright, Paris Hilton, et al).

This looks like a way to get all of us to ignore the fact that your senior campaign manager was on the take up through last month with Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac. (okay, that's misleading, let me restate). That is, your campaign manager, Rick Davis, owns a firm and has equity partnership in a firm named Davis Manafort which was paid up through at least July 2008 by Fannie and/or Freddie.
And you said, just this week, that he hadn't had any relationship with them at all since 2005.

So, pardon me for feeling just a little (emphasis on little) empathy for your magnanimous gesture. It really seems like you're playing a game here to try to stave off what is surely a momentum swing for the other team.
I don't see you as being a leader of trying to help (after all, your deregulation attitude alomg with your republican brethern since at least 1995 has helped put us at the brink of a crisis.)

It's amazing to think :
a misguided war in Iraq - pushed by Republicans (tacitly approved by Democrats)
a terrible hurricane Katrina response - while you ate birthday cake, people in New Orleans suffered
Gas prices - spike to highest in history with Cheney's secret energy advisors (still don't know who those people were)
Health Insurance - record 45 million+ without insurance and growing (and you have the nerve to vote against SCHIPS over and over)
Dow Jones - back to the same level as when your Republican brethern, President Bush, took office due to fear of credit crunch (did I already mention deregulation personality disorder you have?)

Gosh, with all of this, no wonder you want to take a breather.

I'm glad to see Obama recommended they come together this morning, and McCain took the glory this afternoon. We call that something in the business world that's not appropriate for this webpage.

It's very important that we do come together…but this is political pandering at its best. Why not make a joint announcement as Obama suggested? Instead, he makes a HUGE political statement and then calls for a ceasefire…WHAT A JOKE!!!! He thinks we’re all stupid.

Why is McCain suspending his campaign? He's not on the finance committee, and voting should not interfere with the debate. They can still do the debate from Washington.

The American people need to see both candidates NOW - there is not that much time left before the election.

I think McCain is afraid to debate - he's hiding - there are going to be questions on the economy, and he is not ready.

Nice McCain is doing that by now, now that he looked at the polls and know, it's his only chance to stop Obamas momentum… but it won't work…

Obama/Biden by landslide

This is foolish.

The Pander Bear "suspends" his campaign and begs Obama to do likewise, trying to look like a leader.

Only problem: This rash move will make this worse than ever. Think about investors confidence when they see this panic move.

To suspend a presidential campaign with only six weeks to go?

McMain is gonna scare everybody into a great depression.

what a cop-out, the only that changed for McCain are the Public Opinions and horrendous polling showing him behind on most must-win states.

and he says he's a tough guy who will not coward out.

Figures. He's just looking for a chance to delay the debates and try to win points before he has to face Obama because his entire campaign is starting to wobble and come dangerously close to jumping the tracks.

The REALITY is that Congress can handle this without both of them, particularly McCain, who hasn't the first flying clue when it comes to the economy.

What a bunch of BS. Go back to Washington is FINE. But, what that has anything to do with the debate.

KEEP THE DEBATE, better yet make sure the topic of the debate is ABOUT ECONOMY.

C'mon McCain…show your expertise… Show to the Country THAT YOU ARE READY TO LEAD OUR COUNTRY FROM THIS ECONOMIC MESS by answering questions about what you really know.

What a jerk Mr. McCain…, in time of crisis…DUCK ACCOUNTABILITY….

WHAT? This man voted 90% with Bush! He is one of the bone heads responsible for this mess! Wish he would just stay out of Washington, He can't make any decisions without his advisors and script….McCain, Lieberman, Bush, Chaney all of them should just home and let someone try to fix this mess. Obama is going to win this election and I pray the Lord will help and protect him.

McCain is doing what he has done all campaign long. he is doing it just for the votes. he is tring to make it look like he is the good guy. by makeing it look like he came up with this idea instead it is like choosing his VP to be a women. he is a nothing more than a oldschool politician. I personaly cant trust a main that says that are acconomy is in good shape and then want to suspend his campaign to now help fix the crisis.

One night of debates should not stop yours or Obama's involvment in the resolution of this crisis. This snake is trying to buy time to regroup for his own political purpose. He or Palin are not ready to debate. The are sour in the polls. The citizens of this nation and the media have got to see through this.

Does McCain want to reverse the reregulation that he supported that made possible the sub-prime mortgage crisis or is he just wimping out of the debate?

B.S. He skipped other important votes and now he wants to act like he cares. He just don't want to debate Obama. Do I smell fear?
There is more senators on the floor that can keep them updated. They can go to the senate floor after before and after the debate.
McCain don't want the questions of Keating 5 to come up in the debate nor do he wants to answer about his campaign manager receiving money up until last month.
I smell a campaign in trouble trying to escape. Now Laura Bush says Palin lacks foreign experience. Sounds like GOP BURN!

This guy is trying trying to have a good face before the americans.
what a slimy guy

And the point of delaying the debate is what again….mclame. Does this mean the current crisis can't be resolved without you going to washington to save the day!

Oh brother…here we go again!!! Yet another PLOY by the McCain camp.

Don't suspend the debates- I wanna see Barack mop the floor with you.

McCain- why not suspend your campaign it until AFTER November 4th!!

I think that is your best move!!!

Come on McCain as a President you have to often do more than one thing at a time! Multi-task …how manipulative!

This isn't the time to cancel debates. This is the time to have debates. We need to know what these men will do if they're elected president. McCain wants to cancel the debates because he cares more about winning than he does about this country. If he cared about this country, he'd show us what he's going to do with it. Friday. At the debates.

this is leadership at its best - this is why he will win. stop pointing the finger as there is blame enough to go around. its time to come together and find the right solution.

McCain/Palin 08

I wonder why ……..please don't pretend you care

It is too bad that it took a monumental financial crisis that some of the "pillar institutions" of Wall Street are having to get both our candidates to act with presidential character. I'm proud of both men. It does not matter "who offered" first as that only serves to further divide our country. What matters is that both parties have agreed to put their ideological differences aside and work TOGETHER to find a solution to our economic crisis.

It is BECAUSE

Sen. McCain came to this conclusion after Sen. Obama's 8:30 am call…ummm how funny his campaign is.

I am hoping the debate carries on as scheduled. This is another attempt from the McCain campaign to try and derail the election. Had he been ahead in the polls he would not consider cancelling so neither should Sen Obama

PRESIDENT OBAMA
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN

2008 MY FUTURE

Well, this is so misleading til the middle of the story. At, 1st it has u thinking that McSame initiated this idea, but Obama called him about it and then McSame trying to take credit for idea by having a press conference and acting like it was his idea and he was going to reach out to Obama's campaing. WHEN THEY CONTACTED HIM 1ST…LOL!!

Obama called McCain about making a joint statement, and McCain procedes to make the announcement on his own like it was all his initiative. Why would anyone in government want to dialogue with him. Pre-empting a joint announcement and being unwilling to share the credit shows his real character, …politics as usual. Give me a break.

I thought he said that the economy is strong? Was it just me?

so the Obama people called and offered this and McCain once again tries to take the credit.

Anything original McCain?

That is soooo weak!!! That debate is not going to prevent him from focusing on the Economy. If anything it would give him a chance to tell us what he would do about it. That's just it… HE HAS NOTHING!!! Wow. No way this guy becomes president.

This smells funny.

I'm not surprised at all that John Mcain wants to delay the debates. John Mcain wants this thing over with by yesterday. Now that the FBI is looking for possible fraud, John Mcain and the rest are running scared and trying to cover up. He wants us to accept a plan with no questions asked. Do it "NOW"!!! 26 years in office, and now he wants to hurry. I smell a rat John! Go ahead, have the debate, then try to cover up starting the next day. This will give Palin a little more time to study. Hey John!!!! The chickens are coming home to roost!!!!

I would hate to think this a ploy to make himself seem more interested in the economy than Sen. Obama. what am i saying of course that is what he is attempting to do. and of course the white will following his suggestions. Since there are only 3 debates the american people who have not already needs to here the candiates views on the important issues of the day. This is a stunt after this upcoming debate Obama would have probably pull further ahead of mccain.

McCain is asking for another gimmick- and a delay tactic! Probably hoping to eliminate the VP debate. The public wants a debate NOW!

We have waited for this debate and see no reason the debate can't continue on schedule. The candidates can vote and confer with their parties- neither one is in charge of these negotiations- appropriate party member do not need either of these guys.

Absolutely have no trust in McCain or his campaign.

Please… McCain hasn't voted in the Senate since APRIL.

This is a transparent attempt to dodge the debate.

oh seriously Johnny boy?

Um…what does McCain think has been going on all week with the $700 billion dollar package the Bush Adminsitration has proposed? Not like they've been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. Congress and the Senate have been working on it. WOnder if McCain will want the debate postponed indefinitely, and if he's going to try and use that request to get Palin's match with Biden postponed as well?

This is a bunch of malarkey, all McCain did was move out of check and put Obama in check politically. The worst part is, Obama now has to play along, and McCain gets to dictate when its ok to be political again (when he can get the focus off of the economy).

This reeks, the american people wont see it, but, it reeks.

Why? We have a president in office to deal w/these siuations. Pre-Debate Jitters?

B.S!

How consistant of John McCain! Attempting to pre-empt the facts from being pursued by the public. How ignorant he must think we are! First, I must admit he is a quick understudy - he has taken Obama's approaches and made them seem as he Mc Cain was there first! He's been studying for the debate and like his performance at the Naval Academy, he knows he's not up to the challenge! Keeping Palin away from questions, delaying the debates we were all anxiously awaiting, and undercutting Obama's proposal to address jointly the subject is abominable! I guess now he's ready to "take on the Republicans" and become a democrat! That's the only way he can win in November. That and the knowledge that he would only be up for one term due to his age and probably policies anyway so he'd never have to be held accountable for HIS terms actions!!!

This is another political ploy on Mccain's part. Now, he's going to say, "I'm above campaigns and Obama is just ambitious for its own sake, and doesn't care about the country."

I know it sounds cynical, but his campaign has stooped to lower already, and is losing so looking for another swing for the fences.

This is bull, McCain knows that he will be humiliated in the debate and he is afraid to such thing to happen when everyone is disapproving him in recent situations. there is politics written all over this one. I hope Obama doesn't agree and go with the debate.

McCain can run but he can't hide from the debate. Why suspend his campaign? Just hand it over to Obama/Biden. What a pathetic excuse by McCain to run from a 90 minute debate. McCain is scared to debate, plain and simple.

Good thing to do but ……. he is still politicking by claiming to "care" about the poor people. He can't relate. Period. He wants to postpone the debate to divert attention because of his declining lead. Spare me.

Are you kidding me? Johnny is all about looking after number 1. His bank account must be getting a little below the 100 million mark.

Why stop the debates. It will not effect the outcome of the financial crisis. As president you have more then one problem on the plate at the same time. If you dont trust those under you to do the Job that they where hired to do then you dont have faith in the people. McCain if you can't pat our head and rub your stomach then get out of the lime light. Trust your people and trust in Palin… it is why you hired her.

But then again keeping the pitbull on a short leash and in a cage shows how much you trust people and if they dont follow your ideas you just hush them up.

Get Real and transparent. Hiding things and false cloaks of disguise just show that you are not for the people. People want to know what you think and how you will act. This is not Broadway, but you make it look like a award winning show. Same lines everyday and scripting. Take a bow McCain and find another show.

I'm sorry, but why does he need to "work on the financial crisis"? Isn't that the job of the President, the Fed Chairman, the Treasury Secretary, and the hundreds of senators and congressional representatives who AREN'T running for president? What exactly is his role in all of this supposed to be? What value can he possibly add to it?

I might understand if he were the sitting president running for re-election. That would at least be credible.

Besides which, the economy isn't going to fix itself overnight. Perhaps he'll ask to scrap the debates altogether, because we can bet that the crisis will still be an issue in a month's time.

We know exactly how he'll spin this — If the Obama camp doesn't agree to postpone the debate, it's because Obama doesn't care about the economy and is trying to make political hay during a crisis. And if they DO agree, he'll probably claim that it was exactly the break Obama was looking for because he's ill-prepared for the debate.

I don't trust McCain for a moment on this. It's the act of a desperate candidate who knows he's going to get crucified on Friday.

This is what I call leadership. McCain is putting the country first. Obama is in Florida campaigning and practising for Friday's debate while McCain is meeting with economic advisers and trying to help out his country. Wow, guess who has my vote?.

This is a stunt, I was in awe of his unashamed lying and manipulation before. But I will gaion respect if he doesn't use this for political gains.

I smell fear!! No Way No How No McCain No McPallin/Bush!!

Once again he followed Obama's lead.

This was a strategic but sneaky move. Great idea though.

BARACK the vote!

Now, there's some leadership!!!!

Mr. McCain has been for deregulation of the financial services industry for more than 20 years. His involvement with the Keating Five is the precursor for his continued call for deregulating this industry. The polls moved in Mr. Obama's favor so he wants to stop campaigning? What a way to deflect attention away from his lackluster campaign. Of cours the White House would praise McCain's statement - it agrees with Mr. Bush.

It appears from the article that Obama had gotten in touch with him to set up some type of joint-announcement to help them both look good and push the government into doing something. Instead, McCain jumped the gun and made an announcement that he's can't campaign because of other urgent matters.

No doubt the idea was to say, "Look at me! I'm off to Washington to save the economy!" But what most people will think is that he's either not prepared to debate and/or is afraid to debate Obama. Once again I wonder why no one in McCain's campaign thinks these things through.

After all, does this mean he can't take two hours out of his "fight" in Washington to attend a debate? Is he so ill-prepared as a leader that he can only concentrate on one thing at a time? The idea behind his decision may be to "one-up" Obama or may even be for pure, heartfelt reasons, but it is bound to backfire on him. He could have pulled this off and looked good; now, he'll just look like he's using the economy crisis as an excuse.

Your scared!!

McCain is reading the tea leaves: He sees that the nation-rightly so- regards him as an economic light weight and with the polls showing the tide building for Obama has come up with a Palin-esque move to make him appear as a real leader. It won't work this time either. Once again, he is willing to turn his back on this nation to quench his thirst to be President.

Why didn't McCain do this years ago. WHy now?"??????

No way!!! Have the debate. McCain and Obama are not needed in Washington to work on the bailout….their Senatorial and House surrogates will take care of that. This is just a grandstand ploy and trick by McCain to once again divert attention. Once they have completed the debate that the American people have been waiting months to see, they can return to Washington for the weekend to wrap up the bailout legislation….and, don't let Bush get involved at all, he and his administration/party allowed this crisis to explode….this is just a September suprise by the Republicans.

It may sound good , but some of the eggs in the basket are rotten. Obama should say no because it will be used as a campaign gimmick no matter what the outcome on Wall Street. There are 48 Senators and 465 Representator available in DC. McCain is trying to show his leadership or lack of leadership ability for campaign purposes to increase the poll ratings?

Will that leave the pitbull out there flapping without lipstick for the weekend? If this debate don't go as plan than the joke will be on Obama.

You are being played as a sucker so show McCain whos' the lollipop.

I hate to say it but I no the answer.

The United States of America proudly and rightly proclaims itself as the defender of Freedom throughout the world. Our legacy lies in the "steady rock" of our Democratic Institutions. At this nation's darkest hour, when brother waged war against brother, and the nation was divided by Civil War, we held a presidential election that re-elected a certain statesman from Illinois.

If we can hold an election and debate the great issues of the day during time of war, how can we suspend a campaign because a few very rich people on Wall Street gambled and lost? Great challenges do no wait for the timid or the meek.

Now is the time to debate these issues in public and let the nation decide in whom we will put our trust. We are a collectively wise people - we will make the right choice — just trust us.

What happened? The nation has been looking forward to this debate for some time. It is very important to the people who are making an important decision. Did John McCain decide that he wasn't prepared? Why did he need to call off the debate because of the bail out? He had all week to go to DC and add his ideas. What is it that he had to do in DC that he couldn't hop on a plane on Friday and debate Obama. Something stinks here.

No Way! Don't fall for it Obama. This idiot is trying to delay the inevitable.

I would think NOW more than ever would be the best time for candidates to tell Americans their plans to help us recover…this makes no sense, I hope Obama does not accept this ploy

This is nothing but a political ploy in my opinion. Can you not walk and chew gum at the same time.

This is just a ploy. After seeing that his poll numbers are tanking,There is no way he was going to take a chance with the debates. He is running scared. This is what I call chicken little tactics. Shame on him. The polls I am talking about here are:
Washington Post/ABC News Obama 52% McCain 43%

Fox News Poll Obama 45% McCain 39%

Now he does not know what to do and in desperation…he wants to hide behind the economy. Shheesshhh!!!

Politics as usual. Obama discreetly extends the olive branch and McCain uses it as an opportunity to headline. How much more impressed the people would have been had the 2 candidates issued the joint statement as intended with out any credit being given to the party responsible for initiating the plan. It is painfully obvious to those of us observing from afar that McCain does not have the best interests of the American people at heart.

mccain is loosing and he thinks a grand stand looks real presidencial
not true
no way,no mcsain

Are you serious?? He spent all week campaigning and never bothered to prepare for the debate….. And now he is asking for a delay because he wasn't prepared. But he is ready with the excuses!

This is the man who wants to be president???? What lesson does this teach our children? Go out and play with your friends and if you don't have time for your homework, surely your teacher will give you an extension! Just come up with a timely excuse. And this even qualifies you to be President!

What a joke. McCain needs a break because his deregulation record is real and bears part of responsibility for this mess were in. Thanks alot republicans! What a mess.

This guy is so full of it. He is losing when it comes ot the economy, therefore, he wants to take that out of the competition.

If John McCain becomes president, any bailout would be useless.

A prediction: McCain will vote against any bailout with "too much" oversight.

Who's you're daddy, Johnny?

I think John is afraid that he'll get his butt kicked with all the financial mess. He probably wants the steam to go away before he debates.

One doesn't have anything to do with the other. Man up McCain, bring on the debate.

McCain game of Politics—

McCain can't balance 2 crisis at a time? Poor sign.

McCain should not only suspend his campaign, McCain should cancel his campaign and his accepting Republican nominee for President of the United States of America.

Where is Kay Bailey? Mitt Romney? Rudy?

Canny move from McCain just as the polls show substantial momentum toward Obama. Break the momentum, force Obama to reciprocate, win some brownie points with the American's too dumb to see thru it.

HORSE MANURE!

McCain is scared and Obama is going to clean his clock.

He's lost his mind. From Sarah Palin to putting the debate on hold…

Absolutely ridiculous!! Obama calls McCain to do the true Bipartisan thing and issue a joint statement addressing this issue. John McCain announces it without him…..and urges Obama to tag along. I hope every democrat and news outlet in America shows that John McCain would rather play politics with America's financial crisis than help Americans. Give me a freaking break!! Outrageous!!

This takes some gusto. I was wondering when one of these candidates was going to say, let me do my job and stop auditioning for other jobs for a minute! Its about time they starting thinking of the USA instead of themselves!

PLEASE STOP ASKING SEN. OBAMA TO JOIN YOU……HE'S NOT A FOLLOWER………

HE'S A LEADER………………………..

This is absurd, this man is not prepared to debate and will try every tactic. The Bush admin is doing what already needs to be done, this is pathetic, this man needs to get himself wired up to debate and he just doesn't have enough time to do so.

John McCain is really showing himself to be a great leader. That is what the public needs. Less campaigning and more bipartisian solutions.

I applaud the McCain campaign and hope that Senator Obama leaves Florida and returns to Washington as well.

According to the CNN poll, 80+ percent of Americans are against this bailout. I am one of those. I feel that this will put a band-aid on the problem. Also with the holidays coming around, retail will need a bailout, auto and airlines will want a bailout, etc. The problem will never go away by just giving in to a bunch of greedy Wall Street executives who certainly weren't thinking about us. My 401(k) is dizzy from all the ups and downs it has taken in the last quarter.

Laura, Boston

HE'S UNPREPARED! MCCAIN KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THE ECONOMY!!!! I CAN'T STAND THIS MAN!!!!!!

CNN–how can you be so easily taken in…this happens on the first day a poll shows Obama way ahead, and all of a sudden we don't need a debate, all we need is McCain to "solve" the crisis…give me a break…think before you report, please!

Obama called him this morning and asked that they prepare a joint statement . McCain's campaign is going into the tank and couldn't allow Obama to take the lead on something as it would be disastrous at this point. So what does he do? Another gimmick he's panicked and politically he might pull the wool over some eyes but this is a disgrace! Another Sarah Palin type gimmick to try and save himself from drowning. Yes this is a crisis but this can be done without suspending the campaign!

I have to congratulate McCain on his brilliant use of the media. He has found a way to use the present financial crisis, to present himself as the leader everyone needs.

He's more cynical that I've thought! If he wants to contribute to a solution, he can go to DC and simply behave like a senator .

Considering that Senator Obama called Senator McCain this morning to have them issue a joint statement, this seems like a desparate attempt by the McCain campaign to turn the focus away from his VP pick, Campaign manager, stances on the economy to make him look like a statesman. It may just be too little too late…

Obama / Biden 2008

This seems awfully convenient to talk about suspending the campaign and postponing the debate. Especially since even Fox News is reporting how far McCain is now down in the polls. I know polls don't matter, but somehow, I think John sees the writing on the wall.
Obama/Biden 08

HERE COMES A GIMMICK.

Maverick?!

Hey Rick Sanchez: Let's spit out the WHOLE story. Barack Obama said last week or earlier this week that if it came down to a close vote he would definitely go back to washington (find that loop to play), McCain's policy that he wants to submit are already in place and most of those policies wanted were on Obama's list. Big political ploy until it comes to a vote, iit's called a telephone, computer or blackberry leadership and change of tone you say. Well John Kerry was crudified as a flip flopper so where are the hammer and nails now?

I do not feel that the campains should be cancled, no suspended during this financial crisis. The can converse longdistance, The election is of utmost importance. WE NEED A NEW PRESIDENT

Knowing McCain and his tactics I feel this is just a polital diversion for him and Palin. I really hope the citizen of the US do NOT condone this.

Of course McCain would want another committe. Why don't the just give the tax payers $100-150,000. Conditionally to pay off their debts, the balance would go back into the economy. Instead of giving money to the same corporations that put us in this mess. ITs that taxpayers who will ultimately pay for it. So let US control it.

He didn't care all these years when he supported DEREGULATION, now all of sudden he cares. No the real truth is the Palin choice backfired, he is going down in the polls and needs time. And Palin needs even more time. DOn't buy the lie, mccain could care less about the economy only if it is hurting his and his friends pockets.

Didn't McCain say our economy is strong? He is clearly running back to Washington scared. I think he just needs some time away from the campaign to regroup and pull another Palin out of his hat.

Although this is a good idea, I think the the debates should go on. McPalin don't tell me you cannot multi task? The debates must go on!!!

On the one hand, I agree that this sounds like a good idea, given the gravity of the situation. On the other hand, I do see some political posturing going on here. Plus, using this as an excuse to post-pone the debate leads one to believe that he is now concerned about his performance.

What a cheap gimmick. even if this were a sincere proposal from mccain (rather than a transparent attempt to buy more time in the face of increasingly bad press and poll numbers), the candidates' full participation in the ordinary camapign process will serve the American people far better than any contribution either is likely to make to resolution of the current economic situation. I, for one — like many others, I'm sure — would be glad to release them for the time being from any legislative responsibility they might feel in that regard so each can continue to fulfill their large duties to the American public to debate and inform us fully of their respective positions should they become president.

Oh give me a break. McCain if you are president you are going to have to learn to do 2 things at once!! As if American's not tuning in Friday from 9 -11 is going to save the US from financial devastation. What a cop out!! The economy and all the problems in this country are exactly why we need to continue with the debate as scheduled. What does he want to do, push the November election date back next??

Wow. He must really be looking for an excuse not to have to debate Obama. I don't blame him.

WOW!!!! Someone showing leadership! I might vote after all.

If you admit you know jack about the economy, of what use could you possibly be in resolving this crisis you yourself created? Stick to spreading lies and fear.. that's something you're a pro at. This is a total political stunt to delay getting taken to school by Obama on Friday. Pathetic!

McCain Aide's Firm Was Paid by Freddie Mac

One of the giant mortgage companies at the heart of the
credit crisis paid $15,000 a month to a firm owned by Senator
John McCain's campaign manager from the end of 2005 through
last month, according to two people with direct knowledge of
the arrangement. The disclosure contradicts a statement
Sunday night by Mr. McCain that the campaign manager, Rick
Davis, had no involvement with the company for the last
several years.

What, McCain can't walk and chew bubblegum at the same time?

Oh NOW this is a big enough issue for McCain to actually think something just might be wrong. I guess since this Wall St. thing is affecting some of his rich buddies, he decided he might need to pay a little more attention to this. As much as I would love to believe that McCain has our country's best interest at heart, I believe this request to postpone the debate is an indication of the lack of preparation on the part of John McCain. Is Grandma Dynamite going to postpone her upcoming debate too? Get ready everyone, the GOP is going to try to parlay this into this image that McCain cares so much about our economy that he's willing to suspend his campaign & postpone the debate. Could you imagine the outcry had Obama came out asking for postponement of the debate? I can hear it now, "He's scared", "He's hiding". The GOP would be slamming Obama left & right. But since it's McCain, what a great American. Please spare me.

You know, I was initially on the post-partisan bandwagon. Then I realized, why would we want the two parties agreeing on everything? To kill diversity of opinion? To stop dissent? Governmental power is already too consolidated into the "two" parties…. why do we want to consolidate more? Why aren't we getting any real fight against the bailout? Whining and signing is not democracy, it's a faux democracy and genuine socialism.

What a back handed chicken way to avoid a debate. McCain is obviously afraid to face Obama in a straight up fight.

I'm not sure if his decision is totally insane, completely brilliant, or just another cold campaign strategy; but I am sure that it's real ironic that after 2+ decades of not working for government oversight of the country's financial markets, McCain suddenly wants to tackle the problem. Where was he before it came to this? I would love to see Obama call him on that, and finally wake America up to what a phony McCain is.

wHAT A POLITICAL STUNT AFTER OBAMA TOLD YOU WHAT TO DO!!!!!!!!!

Basically, McCain knows he will get destroyed in the debate on Friday, so he is trying to get it postponed as further back as possible or get rid of it fully because he knows nothing about the economy and would rather not lose any further ground than he already had. Dirty trick Republicans.

McCain can't afford any more fumbles. Lord knows he made a complete mochery of himself last week. I guess delaying the debate because of the economic crisis fits into his "Country First" mantra.

His campaign is imploding…fact check on McCain/Palin's lies, Rick Davis running scared now that the facts are out, Palin looking more and more like a political ploy each day, a total fumble on the economic crisis, unwillingness to meet with a NATO ally, etc. There's no way McCain can face America at this time. He needs time to come up with succinct and affirmative responses to appear to have a plausible argument.

Here's an idea. Take that $700B and distribute it to every 18+ year old in America. My guess is we would all get around $300k. Think that might solve an economic crisis and get things moving again?

Tactically, this appears to be a ruse. If Obama pushes back, however, he'll be chided for caring more about becoming president than addressing the pressing crisis of the moment.

21st century leaders have to be able to multi-task–IF McCain can't, then he isn't capable of running the country.

This is such BS. He's going to use this phony statement to try to create another lie against Obama. He saw the poll numbers and he knows his lies haven't gotten him anywhere, so he'll keep making them up until one sticks. He is a disgrace to our country.

GRANDSTANDING! Good grief! Many in Congress and MOST OF US, HERE-IN-THE-REAL-WORLD……….WONDER WHAT'S THE HURRY?

Making SERIOUS decisions takes time! WE ARE TALKING ABOUT …700………..BILLION………..PLEASE………SOMEONE ASK SOME MORE QUESTIONS………READ ……BETWEEN THE LINES!

WHAT'S THE HURRY? The majority of hard-working-Americans want to know!

I think a debate is highly appropriate on the merits of the economy …

Make a joint-statement and move on … go back to the senate and vote on a plan, but let's get real; the sun will rise again tomorrow …

Not suprised. He is trying to put togeather a sneak attack on Obama.

McBlame is the blame. He has been in Washington for many, many, many, many years and now he decides that the economy is important. Is it because of the stock market. So, now you are concerned. You were'nt concerned about the economy when thousands have lost their jobs and remain unemployed. You weren't concerned with the thousands who lost their homes through foreclosure. Give me a break, McSame Ole, Same ole. Now you want to get a little light.
"We The People" are still looking for Change.

OBAMA/JOE B '08…Together, we can do it! We are your support.
Love you Hillary and Bill…forever.

WE THE PEOPLE…forget us not!

OMG - McSame you aren't fooling anyone with this Mickey Mouse move. Just not ready for the debate huh?

this is rediculous,i don' think they need sen obama or sen mccain's help in solving this crisis.this is another political move by the replublicans to bolster their mamed credentials.the republicans put us in this mess and now they are trying to act as reformers ,give us a break ,i'm sick of leaders taking the american people for idiots when they are getting fat feeding out of our pockets.as far as i can see john mccain is running away from the debate, because he himself has a lot to answer for.

McCain isn't ready for the debate. That's why he's using this smokescreen to defer it.

This election is more important than ever now and the voters need to have this debate to help with their decision making.

Congress, the Treasury Department, the SEC and the Banking Committee are all working on a plan. They don't need political gamesmanship mixing in with their emergency planning sessions.

Putting this country first, McCain needs to go ahead with the debate so that the country can make the next (in sequence) most important dec