Good. Progress is good. We like progress. We also like careful deliberation. I keep hearing that both sides of the isle like and trust Paulson and Bernanke… But if I recall accurately, they said the same thing about Colin Powell, and we see where that got us.

I'd rather see Barr or Baldwin get McCain's spot. They're both more conservative and it would be a genuinely interesting debate.

I think we shouldn't be so hard on McCain. He clearly feels the need to go to Washington in person…He obviously isn't familiar with the new long-distance telephone technology and e-mail, and is simply unaware contact can be made from outside of the room.

If someone on his campaign could just send him a telegraph advising him of the new-fangled talking box, he could keep in touch that way.

(the above is not intended as a dig at older people…it's a dig at older people who stopped bothering to learn new things but still think they should be president –Czechoslovakia is not a country John!)

Wow - Pelosi doing something.

Too bad it's something wrong, as usual.

People are losing their homes, their jobs, their pensions, their healthcare and Pelosi wants to help billionaires?????

I heard there are two constituents that serve the Dems well. Wall Street and Welfare.

Don't forget the rest of us are between those groups.

Tax Payers are again losers of this bill. Pandits of Bush are dummies. McCain too joined the dummies to escape the onslaught of Obama!

Bush must negotiate with the two houses and not call Obama and Mccain to WH! Bush tries to help his Republican buddy!

Serves no purpose McCain going to Washington. I have the terminology for this - oneupmanship.

Repubs! are LOSERS!

BIG TIME LOSERS!

HISTORIC big time losers!

Obama is right about one thing–he's not needed in Washington!

scott L : you must be a screen name for Cindy McCain because you are deluded. So based on somebody's skin color and name you are finding fake reasons to say he can't lead this nation?? You are a racist.

niether one of the candidates are writing this legislation, they would only be voting up or down for what is written, it does not take alot to do that, just as our next pres. Obama has pointed out. Senator mccain is using stall tactics and a lame attempt to get people to follow his suggestion which quite frankly is stupid, wanting to appear as if he is "leading the charge" to rescue America. Now if anything should be postponed it's the congressional break, not the campaigns. there should NOT be a rush to get this done as the GOP would have us think, too many errors will be made with far worse damage to this country. HAVE THE DEBATES!! DISCUSS THE ISSUES!! AND THE BEST MAN WILL WIN! OBAMA/BIDEN '08

The media said that Pelosi and Harry Reid called and told McCain his presence was not required in Wash……..don't come.
That was before the president extended the invitation to meet to both candidates.

I guess they were speaking for the people of Arizona.

Let's hope the "Do Nothing" Democratic congress can do a better job than they've done on any other issues that didn't include prok barrel earmarks. Just keep Pelosi, Reid, and Barney Rubble, oops, I mean Franks, away from it.

PILOSE…. LETS SEE……… REAL BIG ON TB PICKENS PLAN SINCE SHE BOUGHT INTO HIS NAT GAS START UP THINGY……..EXPLAINS THE NO DRILL NOT NOW THEME……..GOT MIN WAGE HIKE IN LOTS OF PLACES EXCEPT SOME OF HER PEEPS IN AMERICAN SAMOA DONT DESERVE MIN WAGE…….OF ALL PEOPLE TO FAKE CONCERN FOR AMERICA SEEMS I HEAR HER SONG A PLAYIN " ELIZABETH ITS THE BIG ONE IM COMIN TO JOIN YA" BUT THAT WAS FOR SHOW TOO RIGHT????????????

this is sad. all you Dems do is wine that McCain does not care about the American people, then when he does something in the interest of the people you condemn him. If you want to piss and moan then tell Obama to get off his can and at least be there for the vote. Oh wait….. he only knows how to vote present.

No help there.

Finally with their jobs and the economy on the line,
congress is trying to get something done. I guess most
of us wait until the wheels are about to come off before we
tighten the lug nuts.
Come on you lug nuts, don't let the American Taxpayer down
again. Write a smart, clean bill that won't favor the rich, please.

Pelosi what an idiot, I'd be surprised if she could find her way out of a paper bag.

We would not have all this mess if not for the Godchild Barry pocketing tax payers money

Just another fraudulent photo op for McCain just like Palin's waste of tax payers money with her shananagans with her photo ops with a few world leaders.

As I understand it, there are about 1.4 million homes in foreclosure. Paulson wants $700 billion dollars for the bailout. That is $500,000/home. What the government needs to do is work out refinancing on each and every one of the 1.4 million homes. I’d much rather subsidize someone that bought more house than they could afford than some Wall St. big shot.

Please, Please take your time……….don't be hoodwinked into agreeing to some god-awful plan that the WH is proposing just because they are pushing you so hard.

Remember the taxpayers have to live with whatever you do, even after your out of office!! TAKE YOUR TIME……make the plan something that will have some regulation, some restrictions, cap salaries, and most of all, do something OTHER than give a free ride to the bankers, traders, managers and other geniuses who got us into this mess.

MCain appears so foolish. Paulsen, Bernanke, and all those members of Congress have been working around the clock for more than a week. Do you think they are waiting for McCain to ride in on his white horse and save the day. I don't think so.

What they are all surely hoping for is for Sarah Palin to come in and lend her considerable expertise as Washington outsider. That's what we really need to solve the meltdown of the US economy. Someone who knows nothing about Wall Street or the global financial markets, but who specializes in shaking things up. As if they weren't shaken up enough. Now do we all see how ridiculous her presence is on the Republican ticket.

Give me a break.

THIS ISSUE IS TO GRAVE TO RUSH THROUGH. WE DO NOT NEED TO RUSH INTO FINAL PLANES AS WE DID FOR THE IRAQ WAR.THIS NEED CAREFUL DISCUSSIONS,PLANNING AND IMPLIMENTING.THE DEBATE SHOULD GO ON AS PLANED.THE MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE LONG BEFORE THE DEBATE. SO LETS GET ON WITH IT.

OHHHHH Peeeeelosi…..Where is Romney when we need him?

Nancy, you are part of the problem. The democrats do nothing but whine and blame the republicans. Nancy and fellow dems give in too Bush all of the flipping time. You are weak, lady. We're sick of you.

Anything that Reid and Pelosi are in favor of has to be thw worst thing that could happen to our country . They are a part of the problem. They are bought and paid for by these very people that want money to cover their bad decisions.
As for Obama he is taking his normal approach- lets debate it.

Nasty Pelosi says "We are making progress"…on what? Getting her eyelids unstuck so she can blink?

Why is Christopher Cox being kept out of the spotlight? Is it because he has been asking congress to look at this impending financial mess for 3 years, and was ingored? Is it because Barack Obama agreed that there was an issue at hand in April 2007? Whatever the reason I suspect he's being kept in the background because he would highlight the fact that this was a bipartisan failure. Maybe Senator Obama is right. It is time for a change. I hope this message willl not be forgotten. Every sitting Senator and Representative should be made to acknowledge that they have failed the people they were elected to serve. The only way to not have been aware of predatory lending practices is to have never watched a TV commercial, spoken to your constituents, or kept track of what was happening in your community.

A 700 billion dollar gift to wall street is a tax increase on the
working people of America. This is over and above the 300 billion
we have already given wall street. And we are going to let the fox's
of wall street over see the hand out of the 700 billion. No one is
telling us how much of this money is going to foreign banks.
The tax payer are never going to get this money back.

write in vote for Ron Paul
Thank you
Sam

this all depends on who and what they are talkin about,, and who it benifits,,,, making progress????? like bush mcsame thing??<<< no way,, its OBAMA/BIDEN.08 AND BEYOND

After listening to the President the answer is NO. NO bail out at the taxpayer expense. Find another way.
NO to the bail out. It is unwise and risky for the American voter.
NO NO NO

I have voted republican my entire life. But this year I am ASHAMED of the Republican Ticket. Barack Obama sounds Presidential everyday. McCain comes up with stupid comments and outrageous lies everyday. And Palin is a disgrace, there is no way she should even be on the ticket. I really don't see how McCain/Palin can get a SINGLE vote. People must be out of their minds to even consider them. I can only hope that there are many, many more Republicans and Independents that can see thru their sham of a campaign.
GO OBAMA/BIDEN

Pelosi… AHHHHH HAAA HAA HAA.

this woman is a joke!

McCain is living out his fantasy of a super hero…"here I come to save the day"…MIGHTY MOUSE!

How about instead of spending 700 billion dollars bailing out Wall Street the government just give every taxpayer a million dollars? It would only cost us about 375 million total. Most people would be able to payoff their mortgages. It would stimulate the economy even more than the last stimulus package, and we wouldn't have to give any money to Wall Street. Who wants a million dollars? I do. And I bet you do too.

Don't worry Pelosi….."Super McCain" is on his way to make everything better. I'm sure as soon as he arrives in D.C. everything will turn around.

McCain is such a joke. I hope America tells the republicans we are sick of their games.

DEAR FRIENDS:
I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR THEY ARE MAKING PROGRESS!
DON'T YOU THINK THAT IS A GOOD THING? ABOUT TIME!
IT IS OF ESSENCE.

…. and do not need McInsane's political stunts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We hear you. Stick it to them. Let them pay.

If we include jail time for those responsible for this, including those in congress and at companies, then I might be able to accept this.

Pelosi is the biggest joke of the whole political scene in Washington. If anyone has done damage to women's equality it's her. She is an idiot! And to think she has something to do with working out the bailout details. I am truly scared! I think it is great that McCain said he doesn't care about the campaign. This bailout issue is a crisis. Yes, the president should be able to do more than one thing at a time, as Obama said. So what's Obama doing? Rehearsing for the debtate? This is probably THE most important issue to face any President or Congress since the great Depression and Obama doesn't think it's important enough for him to be in Washington? Wow, that just boggles the mind. I'm an Independent that has never voted for a Republican ever, since my first vote in 1976. I am so proud that McCain is willing to take a stand and at least try to help. I guess Obama will just be voting "present', again, and continue to whine about everything that doesn't go his way. Are you people so ignorant that you can't see through Obama? He has filled you with more bs than Bush ever did. Keep at it McCain! I've always been a proud American but you make it even easier!

This is a national emergency, Right. Well then, enact the DRAFT! Draft all employees of these failing firms, give them pay equal to the military, E-1 though O-10. Hold them accountable and under the military for at least 2 years or until the problem is fixed. Do not impeach Bush and Cheney, Deport Bush and Cheney. I think Israel will take them.

Well, isn't this a case of the democrate fox guarding the hen house.

John McCain is the only one in the bunch that will not harm this country.
Obama and his dogs can only lie.

MCCAIN IS AN OBVIOUS IDIOT, HE AND POOR LITTLE SARAH ARE SCARED TO DEBATE. HESW TRYING TO SHOVE THIS PILE OF CRAP DOWN OUR THROATS, LET BUSH & CHENEY PAY FOR IT. THE REPUBLICANS ARE SUCH LIARS, THEY MAKE ME VOMIT.
MARY IN OREGON

PELOSI and Bi-Partisan do not belong in the same sentence. I am ashamed that Bela Pelosi is from San Francisco. We can't stand her here.

Pelosi is all about making herself look important. If you think she has any idea as to what is going on, you are surely a Democrat.

They better do something fast. I don't want to see a bipolar presidential candidate and a narcistic VP candidate!

McCain is going to complicate the issue because of his campaign being there. McCain is clearly playing politics to gain for himself.

He thinks Americans are too stupid to notice his pathetic games.

He's sentile, and afraid to face Obama on Friday.

Friday's debate will go on with or without McCain. I hope its without him. He'll surely lose the election for being a coward!

How about the media gives some coverage of the huge payouts to the execs over the past few years of the various "distressed" firms? As far as I'm concerned they bought their distress. NO BAILOUT OF ANY KIND.
Contact your representatives and put a stop to this nonsense.
Democrats…..JUST SAY NO.

Nancy PeLoser has never made progress on anything with her do-nothing house. The worst speaker in history!!!

Here's a thought– schedule the vote for first thing MONDAY morning– or even a SATURDAY vote. Don't let McCain skate on this debate. The guy is just afraid to debate Obama…. just like they're scared to death to let Palin debate Biden. They (McCain campaign & GOP operatives) must still be trying to find out in advance what the questions will be so they can prepare their candidates.

It is unfortunate that the first female speaker of the house is one of the least significant political figures in recent history. How can so much power to do good be used with such total ineffectiveness? If Pelosi is a figure in these negotiations, then we may as well give up now. She will never figure out what they did to her until years after its done. We may as well make OJ Simpson Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

It's amazing, she has a face lift and a bucket of botox , and suddenly she can accomplish something again.

Congress will get it done by Friday. This time the the Democrats will have it done right….the debates will go on, despite McCain's fears and not wanting to have the whole country see him sweat!!!

Pelosi couldn't close a barn door! She's the cause of all of this!

Everybody should do something to save the country, not to hurt each other.
Republican or Democrat should think of the country first, not your own party.
It's the country, not the party that counts.

A concerned citizen.

They should scrap the bailout.

Moreover ——-JOE BIDEN——— needs to challenge Palin to move up the VP debate too friday on THE ECONOMY!!!

Come on' folks get this going!

I'm voting for Pelosi-Boehner '08!!!!!
That would be a change . . . an actual track record of bipartisan cooperation on America's economic "crisis" (it's only a crisis because the people in charge let it get out of hand in the first place!!!! ).
These two LEADERS are doing what Congress as a whole should have done on this issue six months to a year ago — if not back in 1996 when it all started to hit the fan.
Shame on the bipartisan bickering that's going on — in Washington AND on Main Street. We once led . . . now we are conquering ourselves by our own divisiveness.
McCain and Obama are both acting like big babies!
Get over yourselves! REAL AMERICANS ARE TIRED OF IT!
Get back to work AND find time to debate THE ISSUES, for once. Are we that bad off that we can't live without 2 percent of the U.S. Senate at work on a Friday! Pitiful. Just pitiful!

And, the McCain trick to cancel the debate did not work, so they
BUSH AND MCTRICK invite Obama to the White House for a Private
meeting right before the debate. Mississippi is going to be fuming
mad!
How can Obama say no to a meeting set by Bush and McCain!
CAN'T. Either way, they will make up things that will make Obama
seem like he doesn't care about the bailout!! This is awful!!!! Just
awful.

Sen. Obama should show up for the debate. If Sen. McCain trusts Gov. Palin she should take his place. The debates must go on. More hype from the GOP like hurricane Gustove and the RNC cancellations. Now no limelight and look at the problem they are having from Ike.

McCain is not about country first,and if he wins Texas after the lack of concern for the peoples suffering fron Ike this is not about leadership or direction but about race.

before I was so rudely interrupted, THE TREASURY DEPT. This is good King Georges end game for what he started on 9/11/2001. Now McSame is playing his part to distract the weak minded electorate with the "PATRIOTIC" thing to do, for the good of the country, is forgo the debates. What's next? Forgo elections? Be afraid America. Be very very afraid! The Republicans will come to your rescue though. WAKE UP!!!!!!!

Pelosi, Reid and Obama. reminds you of Larry, Curly and Moe of the Three Stooges fame. And put Biden in there as well and you can see the tragedy for the American People.

Both Obama and Biden voted at least twice for the famous bridge to no where. Then Biden told Katie Couric that FDR appeared on TV during the great depression of 1929. Funny since Hoover was president and TV didn't come into use by the presidents until much much later.

What stooges the Democratic leadership selected. Enny, Menny, Minney, Moe or Larry, Curly and Moe with Biden.

We are making progress!!!! On accepting a BAILOUT! NO.

No Bailout. Let the Bush admin. pay. He can get the donations
from BIG CORPORATIONS.

It is their mistake, we cannot be paying for this.

John Insane can't even read the 3 page "Reader's Digest Condensed Version", and he's going to lead us all out of this. If we weren't talking about the person who has the potential to lead the free world it would be funny. As it is, it's terrifying.

"McCain camp to propose postponing VP debate"

Another one?? My goodness!!!! They are not making themselves look good…

Barney…. right on…. lets start a movement….. vote early for Obama and turn the tv's off….. I can't stand to watch any more Palin/McCain nonsense…… get out and vote everyone……

Scott L is an idiot.

Can i just say that.

Every time I see his name and his idiotic comments, I am consistently reminded that we are descendants of Neanderthals.

BOJO 08

Just a thought….sounds far-fetched even to me, but then again…….
Are we SURE McCain is really a Republican…..the way he is acting the last few months makes me think he is actually trying to "throw" this election….. He is making WAY,WAY too many mistakes and showing too much poor judgement to think that he really wants the Republicans to win…..

I HAVENT SEEN THIS TYPE OF GRAND-STANDING SINCE BUSH FLEW IN TO WASHINGTON SPECIFICALLY TO SIGN INTO LAW THE BILL REGARDING….(oh gee, i forget her name)……

C'mon guys… you know the one…. where the poor lady was already clinically brain dead… and the republicans were pandering to the "LIFE" crowd.

TERRI SCHAIVO !!!!!

(I know i would think of it)

this is JUST like that……. pandering grand stand!

Pelosi, can you do anything? You are so useless. Seriously, please quit worrying about the "average man" right now. If the credit markets seize up, the "average man" will suffer far worst than they already are because life as Americans have grown to live by will cease to exist when the availability of loans and credit cards are VERY rare. People need to learn to live within their means (quit living on credit) and Congress needs to stabilize the credit markets ASAP. Also, remove the short-selling ban. This is doing nothing, but sending hedged banks and investment firms up a creek without a paddle. Why are people who make economic decisions the ones who lack the proficiency to understand markets and the consequences of their actions?

What next? Postpone the election?

mccain is a SICK man!!!!!!

It is important that they review the hell out of this. Bush has used fear tactics to push his legislation through before and we got a war based on false premises and major tax cuts for the rich. They should review it, make the neccesary changes and get it on his desk. But what ever you do don't take anything from Bush at face value and one more thing.

VOTE FOR DEMOCRATS!
VOTE FOR OBAMA

I want every taxpayer to be issued shares in proportion to the amount of taxes they pay. Otherwise the taxpayers will never benefit if and when these companies ever turn around.
NO WAIT…Bottom line…. why do these private entities deserve a bailout and not the US public. Divide the 700 billion by the number of Taxpayers and give me my BAILOUT. I'm living paycheck to paycheck.

This is just a ONE TRILLION dollar stop gap until the elections are over (if they actually happen) at which point the next? president will hve to deal with what adding ONE TRILLION dollars of DEBT has done to the dollar, the price of oil, inflation…….. They're just punting at this point. To top it off their PLAN included NO OPPORTUNITY FOR CONGRESSIONAL OR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ACTIONS OF

I thought the country was fundamentaly sound?
Sara says there going to be a depression,, only one way out, we need another war. Is that what all you mcCain sheep want?
WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!

Pathetic Democrats wow, I have never seen a bigger bunch of babies in my life. John McCain see's the US is in economic danger and you morons (democrats) criticize the man for wanting to go back and help out because HE IS A U.S. SENATOR. DUH! Did you morons forget that. The democrats are trying to tear this country apart with all their lies. IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SEND A MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. DEMOCRATS WE'VE HAD ENOUGH. I have never seen such a pathetic group of losers grasping at anything to take someone down.
Thank GOD FOR JOHN MCCAIN.
VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN

We needed Bo to tell us that the president must multi task? Say something that we don't know, at this point anything would be great! If my name was going to be on one of the biggest decisions that the US is going to make in this century, you can bet that I'd want to be there for it. If anybody on this blog is going to buy a new house , just phone in your info and let someone else sign the mortgage papers it will be ok. You don't need to be there ?

so mccain will not help, and congress is working together to try and do what the democrats have wanted for years, basically this goes to show us that we might as well just vote for the big D all the way down the board.

It's sad to see McCain in this light .You would think he is a newcomer like Shara.He didn't even take questions after.Like Shara.But I do hear she has some experience now.

what a joke, where were they when all of this was happening! She was speaker, she didn't notice the country was in a meltdown.

The American people need to give Sarah Palin a couple more days to cram for the VP exam that will take place next Thursday. I have an idea…Let's reschedule the Presidential debates from this coming Friday to next Thursday. Let's pretend that J Mac is really trying to help this "fundamentally sound economy." –Then please American people — please don't ask Mrs. Palin to answer any questions about ANYTHING.

She's trying to concentrate!

AMERICANS,this is what is happenning to your country!!! The republicans,decided to have one LAST HURAH with taxpayers money,all masterminded by non other than G.W.Bush they plan a huge bail-out for wall street, leave AMERICA in debt it will never recover from and have huge CALIFORNIA style SPLIT when the dust settles!!! Tey know they are on their way out of the WhiteHouse so why not!!! Than they can sit back and blame the new president for the mess AMERICA is in!! How brilliant !!! BUT YOU HAVE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA IN ORDER TO GET AWAY WITH IT !!! A JOB WELL DONE GEORGE!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Looks like there is no reason to delay the debate—

Foaming at the mouth right wingers—use facts or at least make up some credible ones.

So the leaders in the House and Senate say they are making headway. What is up? McCain looks like a deer in the headlights - no idea which way to go.

Stop the madness - vote OBAMA!

What exactly is McCain going to do, was going to vote for McCain because of obama's arrogance, but the REPLICANS have messed up too much. OBAMA-Biden

Mc Cain forgot this is 2008… not 1908.
You dont have to physically travel someplace to communicate with the folks in that someplace.
We nowdays have Video Conferences via Webcams..
Ohh.. and telephones and Blackberies.. Lets not forget e:mail.

For all you self proclaimed economic whizzes, Greenspan was one of the big causes of this present problem. So, if you want to quote or cite someone with any credibility, how about going for a winner, not a loser.

Wait….so then they don't urgently need McCain's economic wisdom to get this done? But someone needs to tell them that the economy is still "fundamentally strong"…..especially if it's someone who freely admits that they don't know much about the economy. Obviously, McCain is their man!

I wonder, has anyone asked Sarah how she feels about postponing the VP debate?? Bet not… I actually feel bad for Sarah for being used so blantatly, Why not give her the benefit of doubt and attempt to try to prove she is capable of the VP position. Being a woman, I would be ticked off at not being allowed to show what I am capable of…

Isn't having this debate considered putting Country first??? I mean it's supposed to give the people facts about what the next President will bring for the next 4 years.

Obama/Biden 08

Kind of makes you wonder if the Democrats had not taken a break a few weeks back to address the gas prices issue if this could not have been solved sooner…methinks yes!

Let's get this straight. The Senator who said that the economy was not his strong suit is going to come in and add his voice to work of the banking and finance committees that he isn't even a part of.

It's like me standing outside NASa and saying that I'm going to go help them work out the issues with the O-rings. While I may be able to say that they should fix it and something should be done, that doesn't neccessarily mean that I'm adding anyting new into the solution.

At least I can get a good picture out of it.

Everyone …. wait ….. wait …. the mavericks are coming to DC to shake things up!

You have got Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner for most of this problem..

Folks these two people put together the adgenda for the congress and the senate. They allow what bills will be heard and which ones are tabled….. Pelosi is behind the slow process of drilling for oil.

Dont blame McCain or Bush for this one folks Ask your elected officials and find out if I'm right.

Just goes to show how much you people know about politics

Now…doesn't that joint statement tell us where they both stand? doesn't it let you know what the principles of the changes will include? Doesn't it let us know taht both sides are talking together?

I wonder if someone needs to take a picture of them on the Capitol steps to convince us.

@KATHLEEN

If congress goes into recess this Friday WITHOUT a solution in place, you betcha there will be bigger problems ahead…

At least John McCain will be there to vote on it and Obama will be waiting for a foreign policy debate where he can say uuuuhhhh uhhhh ummmm uhhhhh uhhhh uuuuu hhhhuuuu ummmmmm ummmm uhhhh

McCain isn't on the committee that's working on the economic bailout?

We want to see these men debate- why should we wait?

Believe this is another gimmick of McCain's and a way to lower an already low expectation of his VP.

Presidents should be able to attend to more than one thing- especially, after the mess left by bush and his co harts.

McCain is so important to this bailout- he is unable to take off the one and half hours to debate- we don't buy it!

From FactCheck.org:
A new McCain-Palin ad says that "McCain and his congressional allies led" on the financial crisis while Obama was "mum." That's simply not true:

Obama has in fact made several statements about the crisis on Wall Street in recent days, delivering his most specific remarks on how government regulations should be changed on Sept. 22, a day before this ad was released.

McCain gave his most detailed speech on a response to the crisis on Sept. 19, a few days before Obama did. Obama, however, had been pushing for what he called a “21st century regulatory system” back in March.

The "mum" quote is from a Sept. 20 Washington Times story, which went on to say Obama did "not to divulge details of his recovery plan … fearing it would stir Wall Street jitters." The ad falsely says that Obama stayed quiet because "no one knows what to do."

The ad ends by saying: "More taxes. No leadership. A risk your family can’t afford." Actually, most "families" would pay less taxes under Obama's tax plan. An independent analysis shows 95.5 percent of households with children would get a tax cut under his tax proposals.

Does anyone else feel like I do–that we "commoners" don't have a word of input into this incredible disaster????

My mom is 95 and has tended her investments for DECADES. It is looking like in one week everything she has worked for will be GONE.

Where does that money go? I have never figured that out.

mmmm - can't handle a vote and a debate. Let's see - only 1 thing a day. Really effective.

Ms Palin,

Sen. McCain needs you to hold his hand.

America

That crunching sound you hear is the Dems throwing homeowner foreclosure protection under the bus….

Hey, McDesperate! Ever hear of a jet? You have 2, right? If you cannot multi-task, you cannot be president. Anyway, what exactly are you going to do in D.C.? You're not on the Committee. Just fly-in for the vote - if yours will make a difference. Show-up or forfeit the debate because you're afraid.

Is this bailout panic really the "October Suprise?"

What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!"
McShame.
Vote Obama.

I recall when a vote came up about Iran and the Revolutionary Guard, Obama did not take time off from his campaign to vote, and then he sounded criticized Clinton for her vote. Say what you what about McCain, but he doesn't try to dodge issues like Obama. If this financial crisis isn't one of the most critical ones facing our country in the past 70 plus years, I don't know what a crisis is. McCain is ready to deal with the issue here and now, and postpone a debate that could be held next week. Obama doesn't want to get his hands dirty as usual. . . .who's right? Guess we'll see.

Let mccain try to back out of the debate. He keeps digging a bigger hole. Everyone will be in Mississippi and either he is a no-show which looks bad, or even worse, he's forced to come back and looks like the tantrum kid who didnt get his way but wants back into the fun.

I sure hope they know what they're doing because you know our President will go on tv tonight and try to scare the hell out of us and them because he's not getting what he wants. Stay strong, Congress, and do the right thing! And as far as John McCain goes, he needs to man up. His behavior has gone beyond absurd.

NO HOW, NO WAY, NO BAILOUT!!!

A new McCain-Palin ad says that "McCain and his congressional allies led" on the financial crisis while Obama was "mum." That's simply not true:

Obama has in fact made several statements about the crisis on Wall Street in recent days, delivering his most specific remarks on how government regulations should be changed on Sept. 22, a day before this ad was released.

McCain gave his most detailed speech on a response to the crisis on Sept. 19, a few days before Obama did. Obama, however, had been pushing for what he called a “21st century regulatory system” back in March.

The "mum" quote is from a Sept. 20 Washington Times story, which went on to say Obama did "not to divulge details of his recovery plan … fearing it would stir Wall Street jitters." The ad falsely says that Obama stayed quiet because "no one knows what to do."

The ad ends by saying: "More taxes. No leadership. A risk your family can’t afford." Actually, most "families" would pay less taxes under Obama's tax plan. An independent analysis shows 95.5 percent of households with children would get a tax cut under his tax proposals.

This whole bailout does not smell right. Of course I always think if George W. Bush is for it, watch out. In eight years Bush has not been right about a number of things.

Hey lay off McCain….he already has been forced to work on weekends now because that uppity Obama had the nerve to convince the people to not vote GOP this time.

Let the old man go and look useful. It'll be more work than he's done in a few years.

Is this actually the 21st century? Must Sen. McCain literally "go" to Washington? Hello! His only thought is a photo opportunity and will only bring more political "hoop-la" to some serious work that's going on there now. Any communicating he needs to do can be done by phone, by e-mail, by fax, by video-conferencing, etc., etc. — we do have lots of modern modes of communication that can be just as effective as actually 'being there' with your political 'circus' in tow. We have airplanes, now, too, that can fly folks from one place to another fairly quickly — how long would it take to fly from Washington to Mississippi, debate for two hours, then back to Washington? — it's time to "step up"!

For all you repubs who thinks Sen Obama was ducking Mccain stupid town hall meeting iT'S just in your own head…..

Listen Obama is a leader not a follower…..why should he subject himself to the republican game…….such as

1. have town hall meeting with John knowing all the questions …..ifs happen before

2. the entire audience are republicans…..

3. cutting off Obama in the middle of his statements………

FOR THE LAST TIME REPUBLICAN MACHINE……AMERICA IS AWAKE NOW

NO MORE GAMES

YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED FOR THE LIARS YOU ARE

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

McCain is a joke people! Nuff said…

John,

Go to the debate and stopy playing games. They will call you to the hill if and when they need you.

Hey McDesperate - ever hear of a jet? You have 2 of them. Conduct business and then fly-in for the debate. Oh - wait. I forgot you don't know how to multi-task.

Did you know that multi-tasking is part of being the president???? What an idiot!! This is an obvious ploy to buy time until he can "claim" that he solved the crisis.

Just like Obama to want to talk when actions are required. Wasn't it the democrats saying what terrible shape the economy is in. Leadership is needed. Since one of these two canditates will have to take over, they should have input into fixing the problem.

Scott L………….Congress has postponed that vote due to the White House Bail-out the fatcats vote…get your facts straight!!!!

BTW…Obama has come back for a number of votes..McCain has been AOL since April…oh also Obama has written a bill ( that partained to Iran and role of NATO) the repubs led by McCain stopped last week. Obama can multi task and do it all with the safety and the best interests of the American Citizens at heart.

NOTE: CNN has never spoke about the afformentioned bill proposed by Obama ..hmmmmmmmmm…did CNN deem it not of importance to the American people???…Biden even spoke about it in his Foreign Policy Speech today.

Wow! Since when did the MAVERICK turn yellow? Its shameful the way McCain is hiding behind our countries woes.

Scott L
Who the hell cares. Bigger Problems ahead!

Scott L

Who the hell cares. Bigger Problems ahead!

my friends, McCain is no Greenspan. His presence in Washington has no significance beside the ONE vote as a senator. . .

What good can come out of a man who thinks the fundamental of this economy are strong?

Watch this move out of Rove's playbook backfire.

@elizabeth forbes

McCain wanted to debate OBAMA 10 TIMES and OBAMA REFUSED!!!

What are you smoking because I would like to have some and live in your fantasy world with you liberals!!!!!

Scott L., good try, but you lose. Obama will get to Washington on his campaign jet in order to vote for the bailout plan when it's finalized. Just like he took time out of his schedule to go vote on the Medicare bill. Where was McCain for that vote? Not in Washington…nowhere near it.

lol,, yea i agree that mccains scared of debating obama,, it so obvious,,,,, and to cancel the debate bettwen biden and sarah?? oh my,, the two cant be together(mccain and sarah) to plan out what to say next and im sure they are afraid of mis-speakin between te two,, what a pair,, a circus couple,,,, mccain,,, you cant handle the heat ,, then get outta the kitchen,, sarah?? take care of your crap back home before you decide to try it here,, you have no qualifications, its obvious when u have to speak to forgien people to find out whats what,,, you both need to retire,,,,,,OBAMA/BIDEN 08 AND BEYOND,,,,,

Senator John McCain has recently released a new statement.

In his statement John McCain expressed deep disappointment that his Karl Rove Republican distraction techniques and stated that his campaign has been nothing short of anemic.

The Senator went on to state that if he does not win the election come November 4, 2008, he will petition the American people for… And I quote…

A DO OVER!!!

good for the house leaders! look, if nancy pelosi and john boehner can release this statement, then congress doesn't NEED either obama or mccain to come back to washington to help build bipartisanship…its already there! right now, our leaders just need time to sit down, work out their differences, and introduce a bill. as soon as you bring presidential poilitics into it, it all goes haywire. mccain, if you truly want to help form the stimulus package, email one of your friends in washington what you would like done, but stay away. all you'll do is break down bonds of bipartisanship by refocusing attention on politics, not the issues.

obama 08

I don't want any bill ok'd that gives any money to these CEO. They are crooks and they can collect unemployment just like everyone else.

THE BAILOUT IS A SET UP!!!! NO money left for citizens benefits, soldiers benefits. NO BAILOUT. Hear, Hear, NO BAILOUT.

95% of Americans will be distraught after this all plays out.
NO Bailouts.

Let the Corporations and the rich bail the government out!!! NOT US.

Remember America, It Was Sen. Obama Who Reach Out To Sen. McCain First For The (911 Ceremony)

It Appears He Reach Out Here First Also.

Sen. McCain You Should Be Able To Do Both.

Maybe You Can Program Your VP Pick, And Send Her.

Typical Obama… me me me me… he'd just vote present anyway! He doesn't want to have to make a real decision because people might then see what he's about. It's probably above his pay grade…

All McCain can do is vote- you know, that thing he has missed doing over 64% of the time in this current congress.

If this was such a Crisis of Impending Doom, McCain would be in Washington today. Instead, he is going to campaign today and tomorrow and then stop on Friday. So I guess this is one of those crises that you can put off for 48 hours.

McCain's real reason for pulling this is simple; he'd get hammered in the debate. McCain is deeply involved with these economic problems; his campaign manager took borderline bribes from Freddie Mac for access to McCain, his economic advisor wrote the bill that deregulated the banking industry, and then there is that old Keating Five issue.

Why wasn't Obama willing to debate all summer, we would have seen these two together –if Obama hadn't broken his word that he would debate John McCain anywhere, anytime.Now all of a sudden it's more important than a financial crisis that Buffett says is a financial Pearl Harbor—-give me a break—-Obama just doesn't want to have to take a side—he still wants to vote present.

Obama said he could fly into washington and make the vote Friday and be ready to debate in Mississippi by that night. Obama is a leader than can get it all done. McCain needs a walker. Poor old thing can't keep up. The world can't be suspended in a crisis. Poor old thing.

Of all Senators, John McCain has been the most absent. There have been 643 votes taken in the current Senate session: McCain has missed 412 of them.

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

It was worth all that Botox ,if Nancy Pelosi can leverage her face lift into a good billion dollar bail out for those banks Barney Frank forced to loan all their money out to homless bums and credit criminals.

Why wasn't Obama willing to debate all summer, we would have seen these two together –if Obama hadn't broken his word that he would debate John McCain anywhere, anytime.Now all of a sudden it's more important than a financial crisis that Buffett says is a financialPearl Harbor—-give me a break—-Obama just doesn't want to have to take a side—he still wants to vote present.

I'm convinced - I'm early-voting ASAP for Obama. To hell with all this crap from the republicans. No more tricks.

I'll vote early and turn the tv off.

McCain is grandstanding here. The Republicans have representatives in Congress working on the issue. McCain brings nothing to the table other than a political photo op and a media circus beyond what it already is.

This has been the strategy all along. Daily distractions so they do not have to address their losing position in the polls or address the real issues.

McCain needs to step up and join the debate. Palin needs to step up and join the debate. They are proving to be keystone kops, totally unprepared, and simply opportunists looking for photo ops.

Obama Bots;
You do realize the tax cuts and Universal Healthcare are OFF THE AGENDA?

Hey, I went to Vegas this weekend and lost a crapload of cash.

I'll just trust my check is in the mail, k thx.

Nancy Pelosi can call a special session. duh.

Does McCain knows the amount of problems that the president deals with on a daily basis. This is a 24/7 job and if you can not handle it, you need to retire.

This is absurd! Does McCain think the world is going to "suspend" action on issues when they get tough? We need a President who can actually deal with two (or more) issues at one time. If we were bombed by a terrorist attack tomorrow, would John McCain be able to focus on two issues!

He's scared to death of debating Obama. I think he's afraid of his own people! Didn't he suspend the Republican convention because of the Hurricane, now this…

If McCain was interested in a bi-partisan statement, he wouldn't have jumped in front of the cameras after speaking to Obama to turn it into a political side show and battle.

So now we know the reasons for postponing the debate:

1. McCrypt is not mentally nimble enough to focus on more than one issue at a time, so if there is an issue in Russia and a banking crisis in the U.S. which one does he put on hold?

2. Failin’ Palin needs more time to prepare for the VP debates, again she becomes President, and there is a uprising in Iran and one in Iraq, will she have time to “study up” on the Cliff Notes?

Either one of these would be very frightening, both of them together is unthinkable…

maybe when Obama appears in Washington he can explain how his economic advisors, former managers at Fannie and Freddie, created this mess in the first place.

Hold it!! You can't possibly make progress without McCain. LOL!!

I DO NOT TRUST MCCAIN,BUSH OR PAULSON.It's amazing to me there are four things that the majority of the congress would like it the bill.So I would say Mr.President if you don't want us to help I WOULD TELL HIM TO PAY FOR IT HIMSELF.

McCain clearly demonstrates his panic by trying to conjure an image of himself that will win over the American voters. He is also clearly showing he cannot handle more than one thing at a time. Is he going to fool us as voters?

This will give John a chance to return to a place where he last voted in April, take credit for getting the deal done even though he has no part in it, and become the true hero to the American people. He and Sarah will ride off into the sunset.

Or, he will get in the way and stop any progress that has been made in one of the worst thought out, unpresidential ploys in political history. Shoot first and ask questions later is what we have now as a president, and John is more of the same.

No CEO, CFO or any director of any finacial institution, or in industry should be allowed to walk away with a bonus, golden parachute or even stock options that can be cashed in within less than 10 years. None of them deserve a dime nor should they ever be allowed to earn more money than the average American who does a good job and a honest days work. Their greed is unforgivable.

99-0-1

CONGRESS IN RECESS SEPTEMBER 26th.

1 ABSENTEE - BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IN VOTE ON ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE.

YOU LIBERALS SHOULD BE WHINING FOR OBAMA TO AT LEAST BE THERE TO VOTE! GONNA LOOK VERY BAD IF HE IS ONLY ONE ABSENT.

CONGRESS GOES INTO RECESS SEPTEMBER 26th.

DUH!!!!!!!!

which do I detest more, pelosi or boner? tough call. and about the last person I want to get his grubby little mits on this bailout is old mcnasty.

Why are y'all condemning McCain for doing his job? If Obama did this y'all be praising him for caring. And if McCain didn't do this, y'all say he doesn't care

Common sense dictates that the experts on economics should be directly involved in substantive discussions and consideration of options in order to flush out a truly bipartisan solution to the economic crisis.

And since Mr McCain has stated that he is no good in economics, common sense should prevail and he should not interfere in an already ongoing delicate process.

What happens if Mr McCain actually slows down the process for resolving the political crisis?

Besides, shouldn't good leaders be able to multi-task and participate in matters only as required by those highly involved in specialized issues?

i am a full time student and full time sales rep. why is my tax dollars used to fill the rich peoples pockets?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????? Bush/mccain the whole GOP destroyed my American dreams

Happy to see them working in a bipartisan manner.
Still, time to vote out the PARTY THAT WRECKED AMERICA!
The Republicans must go. No McCain!

Corporations and Billionaires can bail this Government out. Not us!
Bush can start a fund!!!! BAILOUT THE MISTAKES WE MADE FUND!

We need camera footage of John Mccain pacing up and down the hallway outside the room where ECONOMIC EXPERTS are crafting the bailout package.

Then produce a campaign ad where a voice says, "John McCain single-handedly kept the congress in session to work out the bailout package, John McCain saved America". Freeze on John, and be sure to have Sara Palin standing next to John wearing her Stars 'n Stripes bikini and holding that gun, while glitter rains down on both of them from above.

SENATE VOTE ON ECONOMIC PACKAGE:

99-0-1

1 Absentee. Barack Hussein Obama.

McCain just lost the election. Hurray!

Can McCain just say "my campaign, party, and vision for the country sucks…heck I haven't had an original idea since running in 2000″?

"THEREFORE, I CONCEDE"

The McCain campaign is totally bankrupt just like our economy. Give it up Gramps and let us get started fixing this mess you and your party created.

NOTICE to Senators and Congress.
NO BAILOUT.

All Citizens, Google The Huffington Post and go to THE SHOCK
DOCTRINE by Naomi Klein should you really want to know what
our Government is doing to us. A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!! Then after
you read this, you will NEVER. NEVER. NEVER CONDONE A BAILOUT.
CLICK ON Newt Gindrich link which explains what Doctrine Newt
has in store for us poor suckers.

Obama Biden 2008

Heard this from a fly on the wall at John McCain's house:: "NO! Don't make progress. I'm afraid of the debate and I need an excuse to stay home. Maybe I can say I'm sick… the dog ate my notes….. I have to wash my hair…. I want to watch Dancing With The Stars….. I'm inventing a new version of the blackberry"

mccain will destroy this bipartisan basis with his attempt to make it a john mccain show!

I wouldn't trust Paulson as foar as I could throw him.. Anyone that puts this language in a plan before congress needs to be arrested not worked with!

Section 8 of the proposed plan says: 'Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.'

Plane ride from Washington D.C. to Mississippi: one and a half hours. Presidential debate: one and a half hours. Plane ride back to Washington D.C.: one and a half hours.

McCain Just Too Old To Do Both!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road McCain!

Senator McCain was a fighter pilot who is willing to fight for Americans. Senator Obama was a professor who is willing to pontificate and ponder for Americans. Senator Obama should stay in his ivory tower in Chicago.

We need someone who will do more than vote present 130 times!

Democrats for leadership and McCain!

"Here I am to save the day.
John McCain is on the way."

What a joke he has become! It really is sad. He had so much promise.

MCCAIN WANTED TO DEBATE OBAMA 10 TIMES WHERE WERE YOU LIBERALS WHINING ABOUT YOUR MESSIAH NOT DEBATING MCCAIN BACK THEN?

H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E-S

WHY WOULD MCCAIN WANT TO DUCK A FOREIGN POLICY DEBATE ANYWAY? HE WILL CRUSH OBAMA.

If McCain is unable to work on the bailout/rescue and do the debate at the same time he could send his VP Sarah Palin to take his place in the debate. As a VP she should be qualified to step up do the job at any time. Problem solved.

McCain wouldn't understand the bill anyway, he is way too ignorant of economics. I'll even bet had the Congress still been under control by the Neocons, McCain would have approved the original Paulson document, or, even more likely, not been there to vote at all.

IF GOD FORBID, McCrypt should become President, is he going to shut down one area of the economy while he works on another "impactful aspect"?

We currently have a moron in the WH that cannot multitask, because his IQ is just north of his shoe size, we cannot afford 4 more years of the same!

We're counting on you, but your inaction is making most Americans very nervous. Get on with it!!!

1) the simplistic ideologues argue, "no more govenment meddling in private sector" as "too much government" was the root of the current economic crisis (can one get it wronger than they do about the problem?, LOL)

2) the sly money grabbing loan-sharking war-profiteering neo-cons argue, "do not promise or try to change anything fundamental, as the fundamentals are strong. just steal trillions and rationalize it as "normal cycle of boom and bust." (can one be more anti-moral than they are?)

kick back and see what kind of spin Mcshameless comes up with, LOLOL

Senate debates are an important part of any issue. Why not just let them all show up, just for the vote? All Senators should be required to be on the Senate floor, for any and all debates. Pelosi, and this do nothing Congress, are what got us into this mess, they were all asleep at the wheel. There are issues that must be addressed and made perfectly clear to the voters exactly what this bailout entails.

Billy, you're absolutely right. McCain is not on the committee working out the details of this bailout and he can get to where he needs to go on his Straight Talk Jet within hours. This is an incredibly transparent, ridiculous ploy to buy McCain and Palin time to get their acts together. We're not buying it!

They used to teach comparative political studies (CPS) in school. It was required to graduate. It was basically Capitalism vs. Communism. How far will we slide down the slippery slope of socialism. $ 700,000,000,000 for a bailout to poor business managers is crazy. Is it just a money grab for the congressmans wife's or campaign manager's consulting firm now? God help us!

If we include jail time for those responsible, both in the companies and congress, then I'd be more apt to accept this bill. Whatever, do not let the "Decider" dictate any more to this government!