McCain and Bush are a week behind; have no ideas… they want to steal Obama's ideas (who they say is not ready to become president) and McCain will take credit for Obama's ideas as his own.

After 8 years –we know all your tricks and this one won't fly.

McCain wants to Cancel the Debate Friday and I guess in November McCain will want to postphone the general election in if the polls are not in his favor.

Not this time Bush/McCain the Republican fear tactics to have four more years of Bush/McCain will not work….

As a citizen of Tucson, Az my state senator John McCain better show his face and be a part of the biggest descision that will be made at this time that will be directly affecting my family, freinds and neighbors and all of the people of this nation. I would be alarmed if McCain or Obama were not there….They are both currently Senators this is what we pay them for.

McCain

Sun: He was for the bailout

Tue: He hasn't read the bill yet

Wed: Democrat and the Administration making progress, while McCain is talking to Couric

What exactly would he be doing in DC but for photo ops?

What a ploy. What fake leadership in a REAL situation. A child looking over an adults' shoulder…

I think this is just more Republican BS. The Republican's are the ones who ruined the economy in the first place…let's not forget! I do not think we should bail out Bush and Chaney's friends….let them eat cake for a change. The economy will bounce back….under Obama as President that is! As for the debate….bring it on…no allowing McCain to back out of this one. I do not want to hear McCain crying that there is not enough time for the debates. Come on America…wake up…let's get these corrupt Republicans out of office come November.

Why has Bush summoned both MCcain and Obama to the White House ? IS IT to give MCcAIN An EDGE? Is he trying get the debates postponed ? And what is MCcain doing trying to act as if he already is a President Does he think we are so dumb that by suspending his campaign we will vote for him does he know that we still remember he was part of the Ketting mess and that he is a BIG PART OF THIS DEBACIAL Mary

It's obvious Bush is trying to help McCain by taking Obama off his campaign for a useless photo op. McCain and Obama cannot help at this point. There's already a deal close to being on the table. This is ridiculous.

Its scary how gullible people like Gayle are in this country. She actually believes that McCain done this for the good of the country when it is crystal clear it is political. Unbelievable….

Watch David Letterman's drubbing of McCain for suspending his campaign. Why should he suspend his campaign, he could have handed it over to the experienced hands of Sarah atleast she has more experience than Obama, if there is no problem for Obama to handle multiple tasks atleast she should be able to handle her campaign for one day.

The debate needs to go on because this is our interview for the job. I want let McCain know that he cannot skip the interview as schedule and expect to get hired. We need to here about the economy. McCain if you are clueless about the economy say so please do not bully us by asking to postpone the debate. We ahve been waiting for that debate for over a year now. Change the subject from foreign policies to finance but, the debate needs to go on. We are ready to hear you both.

Let me tell you all who is the reat and true leader in this Presidental race and that is Obama because a President should be able to multitask serveral events and for Mccain to call to postpone the President debate and stop his campagning makes No sense when so many American people want to hear from these two candidate to see how they are going to fix this economy and how they are going to lead the direction of this country. Mccain is backing down. Obama is the TRUE LEADER!!!!!

Is there some reason that this has to be pushed through without the congress having time to check out the details?
I know McCain is using it as an excuse to avoid debating Obama and has already started laying the groundwork to avoid Palin having to debate at all.

I realize that he has said she would set up a debate on some mythical future date.

I am also aware that the most likely thing to happen is that just prior to the Vice-Presidential debate, something else will cause the debate to be "unavoidably" delayed. And it will be too close to the election to be rescheduled.

Wow, too bad, cause Palin would have mopped the floor with Biden due to her superior education, experience, creative use of lipstick and her Miss Congeniality tiara.

Anybody see Palin on Katie Couric – no wonder they keep her hidden. This is the person some stupid people want for their vice president!
It was laughable, and the really funny part is that they give you the questions before hand…lol…All interviewers do that

This is a Republican trick and the GOP and Bush have made this serious problem a political ploy.The sky is not falling.Republicans are trying to scare us into a ridiculous deal. McCain is working with the GOP to ruin America. Wake up America.

by the way it is my Birthday and am enjoying the Obama trend and my biggest Bday present will be an Obama Victory!

GO OBAMA

Well for the record Chris Dodd tonite said that he doesnt know why McCain feels he has to come because as committee chairman McCain has called no one including him for an update on how things are progressing…Obama has called three times to talk to him and one to Paulson to check up. So you tell me??? If John McCain couldnt even call to check up…dont tell me this is important to him..it is a policitcal ploy because he is dropping in the polls. And did anyone see Palin mess up another interview…this woman knows nothing and makes Mccain look dumber than we already know he is.

Good…this will give Obama a chance to measure the drapes in the Oval Office, which he will occupy on January 20th.

I saw this excellent post on another site – Lets call in work tomorrow and say Call me if you need me and then check back at the end of the day and see if you still have a job. McCain/Palin 2008.

After reading your posts I wouldn't call the game just yet even though we are on democrats and Obama's turf. The Election is still close and we have a long ways to go. I agree that Mccain is trying desperate to call a time out and regroup. This might be what he needs. I am a true democrat and that is why Obama must keep the pressure on Mccain. Republicans know but won't admit they are in trouble that is why it is Obama is in the drivers seat and must keep it that way.

GO OBAMA

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG, LONG TIME , SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION FROM 1929 TO 1932, AMERICA IS FACED WITH
A GREAT CRISIS FROM WHICH OUR COUNTRY CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT ALL AMERICANS …….REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS. INDEPENDENTS , LIBERTARIANS AND ANY OTHER PARTY,
STOP BICKERING , FIGHTING BACK STABBING AND ALL OTHER
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND UNITE FOR THE GOOD AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY. AMERICAN
NATIONAL SECURITY WILL ALSO BE AT STAKE AND OUR COUNTRY WILL BE WEAKENED AND VULNERABLE TO OUR ENEMIES.. LET US PUT OUR COUNTRY FIRST AT THIS CRITICAL TIME. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

and the countdown beings:116 days until Bush leaves the White House.
can't wait.

Does McCain & Bush think the American people are so stupid as to NOT see through why Obama was invited to the White House?

We already know McCain is a carbon copy of Bush.

McCain was just looking for a way to get out of a debate with Obama.
We the people can see through all the games.l

I for one, would rather see the candidates debate in Sippi and discuss the issue. It sickens me to see McCain, a guy I would have voted for in 2000 sink to new lows everyday. Charlie, Ben, Mikey, Bootstomper, Chris and especially Glenn have hit it right on the head. Senator McCain is trying to do anything to get the keys to 1600 Penn Ave–I just the media (ie. The View) would ask the tough questions and expose him for what he is and what he has done. By the way, when is someone going to bring up the correlation between the Reagan Revolution, the S&L scandal, deregulation and the money spent in Iraq that has promulgated this entire mess right now.

Well,
Bush invited one of the right people.

OBAMA 08

It's clear that dogmatism doesn't always work.

Is America "safer" now under Bush handling?

I guess now is as good a time as any to bring in the 2 nominees and tell them how much of a mess he's dropping in their laps.

If he had any shred of decency, he would have closed his speech tonight with "I'm sorry I let this happen to you all."

Although Senator John McCain is on the campaign trail, as a US Senator he gets paid to legislate. Furthermore, he IS very familiar with the current financial crisis. In May of 2006 McCain purposed a bill to Congress calling for a regulatory overhaul. He warned of the enormous risks Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were posing if Congress didn't act. Similarly, Pres. Bush also proposed bills for regulation many times starting in 2002. All of these bills were blocked by Congress. This information is documented fact and can be found at The Library of Congress website.

One more thing you'll find at the library is that Pres. Clinton was the one who actually signed the bill to de-regulate.

These republican idiots who keep writing about voting "present" could use some boning up on how the Senate works——When they can't or won't own up to the issues- and that they have caused them- they try to smear their opponents. Typical republicans-
NOT THIS TIME!

No need for a debate. When John McCain was a POW, he was a master debateor. Palin will be a great president of some PTA Not POTUS. It's all over. Obama has won

Oh great, more crooks, I mean cooks added to the stew.

Let's put liens on ALL the property of the CEO's and board members of these banks.

Learn what that the average american only cares about spending all his credit to nothing.This isnot Wallstreets greed this is American greed.Everybody wants to feel like somebody.We did this my fellow americans,we needed 300 cable chanels,we thought we could play the market,we thought that first divorce wouldnt hurt that bad,and still we point fingers at the govt.I BELEIVE IN THE REPUBLICAN VALUES KEEP GOVT SMALL MAKE MY OWN RULES,BUT MY PRES BUSH HAS GROWN THE GOVT BY 40% I HATE HIM FOR THIS.WE NEED TO FIRE EVERYBODY.IF U VOTE OBAMA AT LEAST VOTE REPUBLICAN HOUSE AND SENATE,IF YOU VOTE MCCAIN,THEN VOTE DEM FOR HOUSE AND SENATE,BUT ONLY VOTE NEWCOMERS,FIRE EVERYBODY WHO HAS BEEN THERE ALREADY,

Sentor McCain is prepared for the debate this Friday, this is another "Lipstick on a Pig" deversion. McCain's behind in the polls, do we really think he's not going to show up for the only debate he's confortable with. I think Obama should make make sure he's "on his game" while in Washington with that group. These guys only believe in BIPARTISAN when the camera's rolling.

"McCain showed true leadership today. Obama, on the other hand, seemed like an actor saying "the show must go on." I've made up my mind. I don't want someone for president who playacts the role. McCain and the Republican party got my first donation today but not my last."

If any acting was going on today it was from McCain. Please, his reaction was so completely disingenuous and quiet obviously orchestrated by his republican advisers. If you call being lead by the nose by your party and hiding from the press and debate leadership, you're sadly mistaken.

It makes sense that they should all meet together. Whoever is the next President will be likely dealing with the aftermath of this bailout and economic problems. It makes sense for both candidates to be there to either have input or know what they will be dealing with. If the debates go on or not is a separate issue from this meeting.

Obama should watch his back …

Call Cheney, haliburton is strong and dose not need bailout…

Sen. McCain was only doing what Sen. Reid asked him to do less than 24 hours ago.

"Yesterday, Harry Reid said that consensus couldn't be achieved without John McCain's leadership". Sen. McCain stepped up and is providing that leadership today and now Sen. Reid does not want the help he just asked for yeterday.

"McCain showed true leadership today. Obama, on the other hand, seemed like an actor saying "the show must go on." I've made up my mind. I don't want someone for president who playacts the role. McCain and the Republican party got my first donation today but not my last."

If any acting was going on today it was from McCain. Please, his reaction was so completely disingenuous and quiet obviously orchestrated by his republican advisers. If you call being lead by the nose by your party and hiding from the press and debate leadership, you're sadly mistaken.

Here's a presidential hopeful who writes a book titled 'The audacity of hope.' And then here's the President elect who has made the whole situation so hopeless.

WOW! Unbelievable… Fact: McCain is dropping hard in the polls. Fact: McCain knows little if anything about economy. Yet, Bush who is Republican has gone out of his way to contact Obama and requested a meeting at White House. I smell a rat. 40 days to go till election and no debate when McCain originally was fighting for 10 debates. And now want to temporarily suspend the first debate along with his campaign especially when he's doing the worst he's possibly ever done in polls. I know Obama is a very intelligent individual and can see right through this. But none the less he will comply with the request of the President and serve his country. McCain and Bush believe they have a great strategy but it just confirms what we all know…McCain is no leader.. He doesn't have the fiber. Cant really blame him.. He's never been hungry..

Bush should just step down now and let Obama run things from here out. We already know McCain can't handle the job.

It seems to me like McCain has set up a very nice political blunder for himself — what else can you do when you get behind in the polls and have an animal killer for your vice presidential choice, a woman whose obvious lack of experience definitely shows–the American people can't be that naive, or can they??? It's quite curious to see unfold. The meeting between those three should be something else for the history books! Go Obama — do your thing! You will shine.

Great, outta town for almost a YEAR and NOW McCain wants to solve the crisis ??? Seems a better use of time would be showing AMERICA he IS Presidential. . . after all he claims to be the "Foreign Policy Expert" and Obama is "un-experienced" so it shouldn't take much time away from "savin' America" to spend an hour in a Debate .

No need to study up for his area of "expertise" . . . then Saturday morning he can get back to his Committee working on this crisis . . . what? His Committee has NOTHING to do with it? Oh well, might as well just take off to Europe to see if he can catch up with that Starlet and her Italian Guy on his yacht . . . .

McCain and Palin better be ready to debate next week or they throw it all away. Palin needs this debate as much as if not more than McCain to prove shes more than a I can read my lines wonder. She needs to prove shes more than George Bush with lipstick.

To Gayle–I am happy to say that you are and will be wasting your money. If you can't see that McCain is playing a game to stall time and trying to run from the debates, than you are way too shallow. And, who is a bigger actor than McCain!! Please…learn some common sense before making comments online. Thanks!

John McCain better not have a heart attack from all this attempted multi-tasking and die before the election. It might be seen as a good excuse for delaying the election and keeping B*s* in office a while longer. Oh, God, spare us, PLEASE!

Interested with what they come up with.

After all this crises, who ever voting for McCain is RESIST!!!

McCain had to go back – Reid (a leading Democrat) publicly said McCain supported the bailout.

Duh – if someone was tacking my name on things so I could take the blame I surely go set them straight. McCain called Reid and Pelosi's bluff.

Know both sides before you sound off!

BTW – this will likely stay in moderation forever – Thanks CNN NOT!

Did you notice President Bush's body language tonight? It was the look of defeat. Even all the negative reviews, the poor poll numbers, the thousands of American young people dead in Iraq & Afghanistan could not take the bounce out of his step. But, today, finally, it was gone, and he looked tired & demoralized. His MBA didn't help when he ran his own businesses into the ground in private life, and it hasn't helped him now as he runs our country into the ground. He will go down in history as the single worst president this country has ever had.

And, he wants you to vote for McCain as the man who will follow his philosophy & policies. If I were McCain, I'd tell him not to let my name cross his lips until after November 5.

"A McCain adviser said McCain also plans to attend."

Of course he's planning to attend – on Anderson Cooper it was reported that McCain requested the meeting!

George W. Bush: worst President ever? John S. McCain: worst Presidential candidate ever? Sarah Palin: worst Vice Presidential candidate ever? These three were made for each other. McCain cuts and runs. Will someone please tell him there will be no snow day in Mississippi on Friday and his homework is due.

McCain is so full of lies and BS it is no longer.

He is 'suspending' the democratic process ..

He has to get back to Washington immediately. He calls Letterman, tells him the economy is crater (last week it was fundamentally strong according to this man) – has to cancel his appearance because: he has to get back to Washington, and again, he is suspending his campaign.

GUESS WHAT.. in the exact time slot he was slated with Letterman, McCain then goes to do an interview with Katie Curie!?!?!?! Did he miss his plane back to DC, and he decided to wait with the suspension just a wee bit?

Oh, and why is it again that his VP can not take over on the campaign trail as McCain heads to DC to meet with President Bush and save the country?

Heck, let her and Senator Biden do their debate on Friday!

Keep the democratic process moving. That IS the American way.

Why Can't They Do Both!
Oh I Forgot, Sen. McCain Will Be Too Tired!

They Both Have Jets.

Sen. McCain Overacted On this!

Stopping The Campaign and Not Wanting To Debate. What About Puting Your VP To Work.

You Have A VP, Advisors, Capaign Managers, Surogates, TV Ads
Why Stop?

The Debate Fly Time To and From 3 hours, The Debate 1 1/2 hours.

Fly Back To DC Take Care Of More Business, Than Call It A Night!

Sounds Do'able To Me.

Refuse to shake his hand.

I was shock that one of McCain's advisor said on Chris Matthews, "why should McCain show up at the National Debate, when Obama did not show up at the town hall meetings" (When John been asking Obama to showup)! Help me understand, this is the National Presidental Debate right? This is something set up for the people, by the people! Right!

And why the President did not ask Biden to report to the white house? Something just don't sound right with the move by John McCain or the President.

I am looking forward to the National Debate, and I don't want any candiate going AWOL now! Yes, we have a crisis, but that is why the elected officials back in Washington is working harder than ever to reach a resolution!

No offense, but most of you are warped in your blind hatred for anything not pro-Obama.

Obama himself said this financial crisis is the worst America has seen since the Great Depression…..yes….a century ago. I am happy that he is so good that he can multitask other things in addition to what he considers the worst financial crisis in American in the last century.

Of course, Obama isn't a leader among the Democrats, but is merely a mouthpiece for Pelosi, so why should we expect him to actually display leadership and try to resolve what he considers a once-in-a-century crisis?

Skip around Florida and Mississippi and give pretty speeches while real leaders fix America's problem.

McSame is out of his league. War hero, yes…fit to be president…HELL NO!! If Obama had done this, the McSame camp would be calling Obama chicken…not ready to lead …etc. Cut the crap McSame and let Bush and his people do their job. What do you want.. a photo op? These are games and the McSame camp is trying to pull the low information voters. I don't want a Maverick in office.. I want somebody who's smart and level headed. This is plain crap that they think most americans are just plain STUPID and an insult to everyone. Just like Palin. What sad is some people actually fall for this stuff. Why do you think most (not all) but most educated people in general are for Obama?? Hmmmm …you have to wonder.

Obama/Biden !!!

Palin is a barbie doll in a barbie world.

The last thing I read was that Congress & The Senate was very close to a compromise….so why are they meeting anyway??

I guess he's going to confess his sins…

no, I guess he's going to invite bobo the clown for the party…

okay, bad jokes…I guess he's going to tell the truth, show the hand bag the economy is in and a map to show where its going.

The timing of the bank bailout summit seems suspicious, being so close to the first Presidential debate. I heard that the Treasury Dept had been working on a plan for months. Why did the Bush Administration wait until this late date, so close to the election, to submit the plan to Congress, and try to rush it through without giving Congress time to consider it in a thoughtful manner?

It will be interesting to see who – if anyone in Congress – stands up for the interest of the average American, not just for the mortgage / investment bank lobby.

The American taxpayer should not be the victim of extortion and be forced to pay a blank check without knowing the hundreds of billions we pay will accomplish anything. Won't all the additional debt and increased deficit further reduce the value of the dollar, and worsen the problems of our economy?

The election process and a free and open debate should not be held hostage to the outcome of the bank bailout summit. It's critical that we hear how each of the four candidates stand on this issue of how we got into this mess, and how they propose to get out of it!

Continue on with the debate! If the government will be using $700 billion of "our" money, the two presidential hopefuls will need to explain that to the American people…and the debate is the best forum to do so!

SO OBAMA THE CLOWN SAID HE WOULD JUST KEEP ON HIS SCHEDULE. THAT IS WHAT A ROCK STAR DOES. THINK OF HIMSELF. SELF INDULGE WHILE THIS COUNTRY IS IN A SERIOUS TIME. HE SAID NO TO MCCAIN BUT THEN SOMEHOW HE WAS PERSUADED BY THE MAN HE HAS BEEN HATING ON FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. HMMMMM SOUNDS LIKE OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM. HE IS A SCUM BAG. MCCAIN PUTS HIS COUNTRY FIRST.

John McCain have nothing to loose cause he have cindy bank book waiting for him ….the Republican's think we are going to elect them in office again no more chad no more McCain no more palin this not 2000 when they steal the election along with crazy karthine harris and the suprem court

I hope that the President , when he meets with Obama and McCain, can propose to simply take the $1 billion dollars per day that it takes to run the war in Iraq, and bring the troops home instead, that will fix our own economy by saving billions of dollars. We should end the war, quit writing a check to Iraq, and reinvest that back into our suffering economy. In 700 days, we'll be out of debt!!!

No John McCain and Pres. Bush are not trying to derail the debates and pull a fast one over on Obama. Excuse me as I choke that lie back. McCain must really think the American people have not been paying attention. Seriously, anyone that thinks this person is the best candidate for us is sadly mistaken and should not complain if he becomes the next Prez and the country continues on a downward slide. You had your chance to make a difference.

Stick to the issues and keep the debate as scheduled.

Go Obama/Biden 08!!!!

My prayers for the Obama campaign

Gayle September 24th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

"McCain showed true leadership today. Obama, on the other hand, seemed like an actor saying "the show must go on." I've made up my mind. I don't want someone for president who playacts the role. McCain and the Republican party got my first donation today but not my last."

Well you got something right anyway. With a $700 billion dollar bailout we will all be making "donations" for many many years to come thanks to your heroes. I just cannot fathom how people can be so clueless. I guess you can fool some of the people all of the time

George W. Bush is an IDIOT.

John McCain won't have any input in this conversation because he doesn't have a grasp of the subject. GWB didn't need to invite him. He could have stayed aboard the Straight Crap Express with his Econ 101 tutor studying for the debate. Hopefully he'll carry one of his surrogates who he intends to place on his "911 Commission" (Yeah I know it's ridiculous but McCain did say he would set up a 911 commission to investigate the causes of our economic crisis).

Obama doesn't realize that either him or McCain will be the next President of the United States. When the current President says be there to help solve the crisis, they had better be there.

Apparently Obama only cares about winning, rather than actively solving problems. He'd rather stay on the campaign trail while the economy implodes. He doesn't want to get his hands dirty in what is a dirty job.

The Oval Office is the loneliest place on the planet and there is no high road there.

I can't believe you, Obama's supporters are so childish and unreasonable. Bush invited both because no one knows who will be the next president at this time and he needs to make sure both of them are included in the decision-making process and both of them understand the consequences of making the wrong decision. Do you think they really need Obama there, LOL, he knows nothing. I guess the media did not really report what he said today about the bailout. He said" call me if you need me". What kind of president will he be? – selfish. Also, do you think he is really multitasking to say that he still wants to debate on Friday. That's because the only thing he is focusing on right now is the debate not the economy. This is not multitasking. Or may be he is, I forgot to say that besides focusing on his debate on Friday, he is also cheerleading about the financial crisis right now so he can blame the Republicans. Just in case you do not know, he got big money from Freddie and Fannie. Do some research, don't depend on the media.

It's obvious that John McCain has spent the last 6 weeks studying up for his phony johnny-come-lately economics message instead of preparing for the debate.

John McCain is as subtle as a trainwreck.

Those who compromise have agreed
Those who surmise have a need
Those who perpertrate will succeed
Over those they continue to bleed

They are still Senators and are being paid while doing their campaigning. They need to do their job. One of them will be President in January and will be inheriting this. Barney Frank the number one recipient of money from Freddie and Fannie said they were fine a year ago and then the domino effect started when they came down. Being Senators is their job. I don't want either of them to be absent when there's a vote. I don't want them to vote "present" either. They need to put legs on what they are saying on the campaign trail. This is just as an important test if not more important than a debate on foreign policy that has historically been less watched than any of the others. They need to do their JOB first. Just over a week ago Harry Reid was leaving for the weekend because they didn't know what to do.

I understand the importance of the crisis, but to postpone the debate on Friday is ludicrous. If McCain's tantrum is that bad, maybe Obama should agree to not having a Presidential debate, but instead offer an impromtu Vice-Presidential debate!!! Now that Palin has met with world leaders, she can show off what she has (not) learned.

Obama is serious about trying to right this listing ship.
He is also playing chess while McCain plays checkers.
Most of us saw this political mine field McCain attempted to lay in front of him. Obama foxtrotted right through it and is on mission. He will make all of the right decisions this week and pull further ahead with the voters.

Very Presidential indeed.

Bush is another idiot to have summoned McCain for advise on the economy. What does he know about the economy? And Bush should already know, what he knows because they are from the same banrkrupt Republican party.

Not one comment about how both parties have failed the American taxpayer. It's blame one or the other…but heaven forbid that we should hold Congress accountable.

Comments about McCain's lack of economic expertise mirror Obama's actual lack of expertise. We must realize that both of these guys are not economists or have the slightest clue about business.

So keep it up America. Blame the other guy, you know the guy that you won't vote for, and don't want others to vote for him either. Talk about the need for civil discourse, but spew vile comments and lies about your mortal enemy…the other candidate. Pitiful.

Congress, put the partisan crap aside, and figure this crisis out. That's what we sent to DC for…your last chance.

This crisis was created on purpose, for political and monotery reasons by Repulicans now in charge.This is like legalized bank robbery against all Americans.

So when will we get the statement from McCain's campaign proposing the postponement of the election?

And what is moderation? Don't we have First Ammendment rights?

McCain lie caught on tape! He bailed on Letterman saying he was on his way to Washington so he couldn't do Letterman's show. While Letterman was taping with last minute fill-in Keith Olberman, they found out McCain was still in New York doing an interview with Katie Couric. Is there anything McCain won't lie about??

8 years of no leadership has landed us in big trouble, just as President Bush is leaving office and someone else will have to fix. I live in a small town in Michigan and all the jobs have moved out of the US leaving honest hardworking people with no way to pay their mortgages, so yes, John Mccain, Sarah Palin and all of the Bush followers, they will lose their homes. I'll bet none of you will.

To Gayle,

Thanks for the idea. I think I will make my first donation to Obama today. McCain is nuts, and too unstable to be President.

Not to be cynical or anything but I heard about a dozen members of congress on the news today, including heads of the financial committee.

They were all asked the same question about McCains motives.

What could he possibly do?

Vote was the answer, he has no other business there, negotiations are already well underway.

This is a pure and utter politically motivated distraction and Obama did not bite. He is smarter than GW and McCain by a long shot.

Peace.

Obama does not have a clue. The show must go on…PLEASE help me here…I know, it's all about HIM. McCain will chew him up in debates because he does not need a teleprompter, and he can go first, and let Obama repeat what John says! Obama is an empty suit people. Can't wait until November.

"Good Job McCain – a leader we need for America.
Obama as usual – will be "present" – IF needed."

You guys sound like robots, republibots.
Beep Beep. Boop Boop.

I just know there is an organized group of Obama supporters whose job is to post comments here every time news brake. A well-organized dirty political machine. But it won't work in the end.

Obama better not eat or drink anything while at that meeting. These sleazy Repubs are not to be trusted.

McCain missed the most votes in senate this year amongst all senators, even though his campaign ended way way way back.

And he, who claims to know nothing about the economy, suddenly wants to be bobbing his head?

Obama, DO NOT BAIL OUT WALL STREET. SAY NO TO $700 BILL.

This is a trap, that they've laid out.

MaCain may not be an economy expert. But he sure is a good magician: from a surprise VP pick to a "surprise" time-off so he can recharge his battery for another magic show.

And I will tell you what American's (McCain & Obama Supporters) I will gladly give up my Cable TV, My I Phone, My internet provider and my gas guzeling SUV, and I will pay more taxes, IF it meens that not one more American troop has to be killed for a sensless war in Iraq. Anyone, I say ANYONE, let the financial "cirses" heal it's self. I for one would give everything I own to have my SON BACK.

I hope they both tell him to take a hike. What can he possibly say that means anything?
I call on all americans to send copies of thier mortgage payments, health insurance bills and credit card statements to the White house in care of George W. Bush and ask him to pay our bills too.

If i had donated to the McCain campaign i would be livid! what will happen when another crisis happens 2 years from now…suspend the oval office?

Gambling McCain, injecting himself into the financial crisis. Right when there was headway being made, partisan lines have now been drawn. This is a real crisis people, one that actually does not need political posturing. Now the Democrats will not want McCain to 'win' and McCain must save face by showing that he is doing 'something'. This is a recipe for disaster. Ask yourselves, who REALLY loves this country or who just wants to win an election? McCain sickens me to the core.

So, is the debate on, or off?

Just like Obama to avoid voting for anything other than present if he can not vote for anything other than present why would he make a good president? Why is he afraid to vote for anything, because he can not take criticism so he just avoids everything that he can to cause any negative feedback & you all call McCain a coward.

This is the same man who will not let reporters ask his choice for VP any questions. He has something to hide. She obviously is not up to this job. HE IS WASHED UP AND IN PANIC MODE. This is surreal

Out of the $700 Billion of our hard earned tax payers money, I am just curious how much is Dick Cheney getting out of this. I am sure John McPain's puppets are also eagerly waiting for their share.
Unbelievable, if there are still people out there who trust these guys.
OBAMA (2008 -16)

George should leave Obama in his hotel room, studying how to speak without a prompter. He could do less damage to the country there…This is no time for fiscally liberal policy.

It's pretty funny that people are criticizing McCain for taking a break from the political theater, in order to address a crisis situation…While it seems OK for Barry to put his own needs in front of those of the country.

I agree, they want to steal Obama's ideas. Macain wants to make sure that his friends in wall street is bailout. Bush and Macain did not listen to anyone untill is late. Now they want bipatisan.

McCain doesn't want to debate because Obama will slam the economy over his head

Obama/Biden '08

Yes We Can!

This is what christian conservatives have given to America. They helped elect an inept fool to the White House and what do we get in return? Mistakes, no oversight, preemptive wars, corruption, price gouging, the rich getting richer, and world wide misery. Thank you christian conservatives for mixing church and state affairs. THE SAME THING OUR FORE FATHERS TOLD US NOT TO DO.

LOL – Extremist much Jeffery?

I love how you fire-breathing partisans find a way to twist every story to your own views and spam the comment boards with nonsense.

McPain is acting like a chicken, as the debate is getting closer.
He knows, his head is empty. Yeah, say Country First, POW, Chase Bin Laden to the gates of hell…etc..etc. All bigfake talk

Does Senator McCain think American people have stupid stamped on their forehead? This is a political tactic to stall the debate because he is not ready. How can he say one week the economy is fundamental strong and a week the economy is such a crises that he has to rush back to Washington and can’t debate the issues with Senator Obama. He was on the finance committee for years and all of sudden he must rush to Washington to fix the problem, This reminds me of the old TV show, Lone Range and his side kick Tonto which rush into town to save the day but found that the town was already saved. I wonder if he really thinks American people can’t see through this scam that this is a political move because his rating is dropping and not in the best interest of the country.

The meeting with President Bush is Thursday. I am sure that their planes can get to Mississippi by Friday evening. Mississippi is in the USA McCain and his supporters!!!!!!!!!!

debate, Obama debate, thats a joke. Don't let those polls fool you. They poll 900 people and out of those 900 over half were democrats.Polled in DC yet to boot. And you don't win on polls. I am a independent. Obama will never win this. it's like the media says in Michigan when people go to vote and they pull the curtain they won't vote Obama. I do remember few years back McCain warned them of this . I blame the congress, the dems really care, they go on vacation. In my area 3000 people were polled and McCain leads it by 11 percent does that mean that he is pulling away.? McCain and Obama get paid for being senators and they should be there. Ayers. Dohrn, Wright, Auchi and lets not forget Rezko, Obama's friend who gets sentenced at the end of October, will play a part.

Hello!!! Hurricane Ike Hits TEXAS and the campaigns moved forward!! If ever there was a time to stop campaigning… you missed it. If the McCain campaign isn't ready for the debate… WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THEY'RE READY TO LEAD IN FEW MONTHS!!!

im saddened but such dirty politics. what a coward

I can't believe that people are actually falling for this political trick. McCain obviously is nervous about his drop in the polls and knows that the debate is only going to sink him further. I think it's sick that he's trying to decieve the American people, who are MUCH smarter than this by pretending to be a leader – PUHLEEZE!

Excellent point Jeffrey. People should not vote agains their own self interest. I cannot believe that McCain think his makes him look like a strong leader. It only makes him look like he can't handle two things at once. AND he doesn't take the advice of the people that ARE on the comittee taken care of it. How is he going to lead this supposed bi-bartisan office if he can't trust in them to do their job.

As a 21-year-old, first-time voter (in a presidential campaign), I am shocked by how many older and supposedly wiser people think it a "delay tactic" for McCain to want to actually do the job he has right now. They are both elected senators, remember? McCain's desire to participate in a decision that could shape the future of our economy is a more admirable thing than either candiate has done all election season. McCain proves, once again, that he is truly a protector of the people, while Obama focuses on what he considers a win; get the presidency at the cost of the Illinois people who elected him to represent their voice.

I worry about a country full of people who have forgotten what it means to put country before self. In my eyes, our Commander in Chief should place every one of our interests before his own.

McCain/Palin '08, Palin/Giuliani '12

This is just like watching a basketball game. The other team gets on a roll, you start to get behind in the score and you start to lose the crowd. So, what do you do? Call a timeout.

Sorry, but there are no time outs. Why can't these guys fly to washington tomorrow to speak with the president, stay and help on Friday, fly to Mississippi by 6pm, grab a nap and then debate? Why does this thing HAVE to get done by tomorrow? Is the economy going to crash on Saturday, Sunday, Monday?

Is John McCain or Barack Obama on either of the committees that will be discussing this? Is this thing going to be so close that 2 votes will matter?

I can answer all of this in a very simple manner. No! Let the people who have been on the hill for the past 8 months deal with this. Both of these guys have been gone from the hill for about 8 months…at least. Why run back now?

To Gayle

WOW Gayle, you must like the Kool-aid you like to drink. Sorry if I'm questioning your intelliegence.

Obama lovers: you love this problem .It's give Obama joy. But to as he is just bla bla bla and nothing else.

Bush and McCain should clean up their mess and leave Obama out of it. Americans are getting what they voted for 8 yrs ago. And the fundamentals of our economy are sound, huh?

Uhhbambla will vote present. True leadership. Idiots like Uhbama, schumer,dodd and the fannie may and freddie mac advisors on ubambas staff are to blame for this mess.

Obama need's to attack MCsame right after the meeting with bush,get the ads up Quckly.

I used to like McCain. Not anymore.

This is how it starts. An emergency situation needs absolute authority so the election is postponed while the president who has been dealing with the problem continues to handle it…for life.

It is, as one poster put it, odd that Bush is calling Obama off the campaign at the height of his bounce and McCain refuses to debate "until the deal is made." That should be about November 15th or so. Both McCain and Palin cannot appear before America and debate for fear they will show how unprepared and undeserving they are to govern this nation.

We think it's a excellent idea to put this Nation frist, unlike Obama who wants the fame! Were so sick of Obama we could Puke!! Obama can speak right and certainly can't debate or come-up with any idea's! Were already voting for McCain at least Obama could be a team player and do the job he already has in Congress too.

Bush is trying to protect his own money b/c he has made so much with the high price of gas. He can not possibly keep all that money at home so it is tied up in the bank. This is a crisis and we got to move quick. You know McCain got to protect his millions. Anythhing that Bush says need to be aired at 3:00 a.m I hope everyone really think about what they are voting for in November. The people finally have a realistic opportunity to make a change for the better. Don't make up reasons not to make the right choice. Things happen for a reason.

peope face the facts:

1. a few days ago their wasn't even a crisis for john mccain, because – you know – the fundamentals of our economy are strong.

2. their is no need for john mccain in the congress, because he is not an economy expert. remember that he said himself that he doesn't know as much about the economy as he should.

3. he is not even a member of the committee who works on the bailout!

4. democrats and republicans are already working bipartisan.

So THATS why you didn't need to bother to prepare properly for the debate! Well played! I liked you before you got hijacked. I thought it was amazing the republicans finally chose you, of all of them. Now politicizing a national problem is good strategy! I'm sad because, politcally that was a good move. Puts a least a temporary cap of the shilacking you've taken the past few weeks.
But you're bringing a presidential campaign into it puts the rest of us at risk.

For all you folks that are bashing Obama..Unlike John McCain, Obama was in contact with Pelosi, Reed, and Paulson on a daily basis. Obama unerstands that you don't have to grandstand to make progess and that you can muti-task. The folks working on the deal said John McCain didn't even try to engage until after he announced that he was suspending his campaign. Wake up people… he has gone from saying the ecomony is strong to this. John McCain did not even go to Washington he gave and interview to Katie Curic and he will not be in Washington until tomorrow. Both canidates have planes and can fly when they like. There is no reason to cancel a 2 hour debate for this. Neither McCain or Obama are party leaders like the Speaker of the House, Majority or Minority Leader or even committee members. Please wake up they create these situations to get you to vote for them.. Don't fall for it. By the way, Obama called McCain to discuss the situation to first! That's leadership.. And we need to know how they would both handle to situation when they are President and no that can't wait because we only have 40 days and early voting has already started. Wake up..you are a pawn in a game and Bush is on McCain's side…………………………….

When will a coach ask for time-out? – when his team is not playing well. That what Bush and MaCain are doing. The problem that I have is: who is the coach – Bush or MaCain?

REPUBLICAN VS DEMOCRATS

GO DEMOCRATS HAVE DEFEATED THE SORRY REPUBLICIAN

MR> OBAMA DON'T FALL FOR McCAIN GAME GO FOR THE DEBATE
McCAIN TRYING TO THROUGH OBAMA OFF. GO ON MR. OBAMA STAND TALL AND DO THE DEBATE. THE SCORE IS OBAMA 100
McCAIN 0. Mc CAIN HAVE SAID ALL THE BAD THING ABOUT OBAMA
AND CAN"T LOOK OBAMA EYE TO EYE, YOU HAVE TO SHAME THE DEVIL AND REBUTE THE DEVIL IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

It's funny that Bush would call them two. What about the heads of each party. Why not them? Kind of fishy.

He did not even go to washington… Spending the night in NYC. Oh boy what a crock. I say enough is enought with these guys…. KICK THEM OUT! LET'S NOT FORGET WHO GOT US INTO THIS MESS.

While all three all there, McCain should endose Obama and Bush should hand the keys over to Obama.

this is beyond funny.
mccain baited, obama said go fish.
so now mccain runs to his buddy george to make obama play.
then we have palin's stepford moments today. on 2 occasions with katie c. she fumbled.
1. when asked about rick davis, then asked a follow-up she said the exact same thing almost word for word.
2. when asked had mccain pushed for regulations other times than in 2005, which weren't ever voted on. 1st she said that one was so important. katie says, but what else? oh john is a maverick. katie says, but can you name one other example in 26 years? well, i'll have to get back to ya.

good god!!!! these 2 could be in charge??? i smell armaggedon if they get elected!!

As an undecided independent I think it is important for the two men who would be president to be involved in the real debate this week. The bipartisan negotiation about how to help the economy, which hopefully will also consult the constitution. This will become law people. This will use our hard earned money to hopefully stabilize the economy. All the machinations, and slamming on candidates will not help. John McCain was definitely right on one thing. This is the most important thing he could be doing this week. The debates can be rescheduled, and no this is not putting democracy on hold for a photo op, this is having these two men earn their paycheck.

So this ploy of the McCain Campaign is to pull Obama off the campaign trail, yet his great economic ideas are still seen as needed by most of you. You give Obama credit for economic experience, but in the same breath insinuate that he is not smart enough to see though the ruse.

Which is it? Is he ready to lead or not. Someone ready to lead should know when they are being played. Apparently many of you are victims of your own venom.

It's a no-brainer: The debate Friday should go on.

If McSame were Prez and Putin pulled something, would McSame say, "Hey, Vlad, can you hold a minute? I've got some domestic stuff to deal with and, well, you know me, can't walk and chew gum at the same time without tripping!"

McSame has not only a HUGE ego, but thinks the American people are so stupid they won't see through this stunt.

Give me a break!

Wait a second. Hold the phones. Stop the press…

I could have sworn a month ago "W" was calling this a "rough patch" and a "slow down" and now it's so bad he has to call both of the "wanna be's" to help out…

Wow just wow. This president never ceases to amaze me with his incompetence. Well I wont be voting for the 'wanna be' that's just like him.

Honestly, it seems to me that they've all put forward similar platforms for correcting the existing bill. They all support independent oversight, benefits for the taxpayers and the fact that a bailout is necessary. So what are they going to talk about? How to get it done, I suppose. Good for them. It should take an hour or two, not really the kind of thing that requires a halt to campaigning.
And to those who say a bailout isn't necessary, or that the failed banks and corporations that stand to be saved by it don't deserve the help of the American taxpayers in return for their greed and blundering- keep in mind that if these banks don't acquire the necessary capital to stay afloat, there will be a fire-sale on all endangered corporations, banks, and firms resulting an epic collapse of the stock market, retirement funds will disappear, those who most of their money in stocks will have nothing and we will be in economic turmoil worse than the Great Depression. The situation is not going to fix itself, a boulder doesn't roll down a hill towards a cliff and then stop because it feels it would be better off not falling off of the cliff.
Republicans, and I guess I only have John McCain and George Bush to truly reference, love to talk about how greed is the main culprit behind this economic disaster. However, the policies that they favor do nothing to prevent greedy actions. In fact, deregulation allows greedy people to do exactly what they want, without being checked. Republicans blaming greed and then supporting deregulation are essentially saying "Human nature is to blame for this. But we don't want to have policies that take human nature into account." Tell me that's not ridiculous.

It seems to me like McCain has set up a very nice political blunder for himself — what else can you do when you get behind in the polls and have an animal killer for your vice presidential choice, a woman whose obvious lack of experience definitely shows–the American people can't be that naive, or can they??? It's quite curious to see unfold. The meeting between those three should be something else for the history books! Go Obama — do your thing! You will shine.

I say NO BAIL OUT!!!!! If the people who are struggling to pay their mortgage and losing jobs don't get bailed out the hell with Washington!

McCain has, once again, shown himself to be a grandstander. Obama's leadership style is to work quietly to build consensus and cooperation.

This is the closest Barry Obama will ever come to seeing the oval office.

That place is reserved for GWB, John McCain and then HRC in 2012.

We won't get fooled again Mr. Bush ! Mr. McCain !
Go Obama show up at the debate this friday
and to be sworn in as president Jan. 20,'09

SOMEHOW THE ECONOMY WILL BE FIXED IN ONE WEEK.

$700 BILLION BLANK CHECK WILL LOWER THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR.

WHY NOT ASKED FOR $1O TRILLION AND MY SOUL?

WANT TO TAKE MY SOUL TOO?

A MONKEY IS SMARTER THAN GEORGE BUSH

GEORGE BUSH WANTS TO TRANSFER HIS PROBLEM OVER TO THE NEXT PRESIDENT SO HE WON"T HAVE TOO FACE ANY CONSEQUENCE BECAUSE HE WON'T BE PRESIDENT AFTER JANUARY 2009.

If it looks like a Rat, smells like a Rat, then it's probably a RAT!! The republicans are up to NO GOOD!! McCain said he wanted to postpone the debate on Friday. NOW, Bush wants to meet with McCain and Obama on Thursday….They are soooo trying to stall and it's so transparent. They are probably even trying to get Obama in the room and double team him and try to find something to use against him before the debate because they have Nothing! Where is Palin..I'm guessing she's trying to cram and has a tutor for Politics 101.

It's sad that Bush is trying to pull down Obama with him and McCain on the economy.

Where's the lipstick?!! Sounds like there's going to be smears!

what a ploy.. how could anyone vote for this guy ! Il live in Alaska and let me tell you, there are alot of folks that are now questioning Palin. This whole thing is starting to give me the creeps…..

I can't believe it, McBush would rather wait till there is a crisis then to try an hit it head on 6 months ago. As you can see, McCain is under Bush coat jacket. This time they want Obama with all his "no called" experience. Why not Palin who claims she has more!

McCain refusing to debate unless a deal is reached sounds like pushing congress to do what Wall St wants, without thinking about what the country wants, without examining alternatives.

"Wall St First"

who is bailing out my company. we just lost our only project because of this fiasco. where is my handout? Being self-employed I don't get one. This whole bailout thing is a scam and these companies deserver to fail.

Bush "summoned" them to the White House. For what? Is he really going to take their advice?

We have a bi-partisan committee in both houses working 24/7 to iron out this latest bailout and Bush calls the two presidential candidates to the White House???

I smell a rat.

I think this is one of George W. Bush's better ideas in awhile. This gives McCain a "free out" to get back to the debate after he discovered that this political stunt was smoked out and reported to the American people. It shows that he helped the process. Let the experts handle the crisis, and let the candidates handle the election process. I think that everyone has had enough of Republicans hiding from real questions and debates.

Here is the reality folks…we are set for hard times ahead. Nothing can prevent this from happening. So during these times, when everything fails…and it will…who do you want as president? One who only wants to fight wars with his rhetoric or one who will fight for the people? McCain…just LAST WEEK said the "foundation of our country is sound". Today, it is falling apart. I ask you "friends", who do you want running the country? A man who last week thought we are doing OK…this is just a rough stretch? Or a real leader?

Go forward with the debate, Barack. If McCain can't hold himself steady and multi-task in the midst of the economic crisis, then he is not fit to be president.

Hey, I didn't know we had 3 presidents…

I don't like this.

Maybe I'm just be suspicious (after the past 8 years, why wouldn't I be?) but I think George may be trying to postpone the election. I know that sounds paranoid, but after everything that's happened, is it really out of the realm of possibility? I can just see them in the White House, McCain and Bush trying to convince Obama that, for the good of the country, this election nonsense is not needed now. And if he caves… goodbye democracy. They will dig in and they will dig deep. Bush has nothing else to lose. McCain is on the verge of failure. They have shown a complete disregard for the basic concepts of liberty. Why not?

Oh god, I hope I'm wrong.

Does America really want another 4 years of the republicans? Look at the situation we are in now. Obama has my vote!!! Just a few months ago, Bush said we are no where near a recession, well, tonight he said we could be in for a long recessio. Way to go!!!!

I am just a nobody in South Florida but I don't get the whole bail out thing. I like allot of Americans recently lost a good paying job and took another at half the salary. I now struggle to keep from drowning. I stopped the lunches, going out to dinner and all-any kind of entertainment. I just keep paying bills that keep going up, while I keep using less. When you don't have it you don't spend it..right: well that's what I was taught.
Then how come when the government finds itself with money problems they don't have to do the same. Like saying to all the other countries, sorry I cant afford to give.. No more Foreign aid to anyone and all the countries that hate us and tell us to mind our own business, lets do it. Pull out.
If America would bring ALL Americans home and kept all our money maybe we could all go back to work at good jobs and keeping are money at home, like building are own cars again, growing our own oranges and not having to fight with someone in India that cant speak English to buy a computer.
Am I crazy or is there anyone else out there that feels the same.
I really believe if we did this we could make this country so strong again, every bum wouldn't dare trying to blow us up. Maybe they would call us heartless but what good has it done us to be soft hearted.
Depressed & Fed up in South Florida

Sorry Gayle – Obama said a "President must be able to multitask" and what does McCain do? Turn tail, because he can't handle all of this bruhaha created by his own party. He can answer any questions from his campaigning trail, and both Obama and McCain are not on the commitees for these hearings anyway. McSame and the last 8 years are going down.

Is it me or does Sen. McCain thinks americans are stupid. The reason he wants to push the debate back has nothing to do with the financial crisis but with Gov. Palin. If you take a look at the date in which he wants to have it on is the same date the VPs debate. He figures if the presidential candiates moves theres then the VPs will as well giving Gov. Palin more time to do photo ops with foreign dignitaries. Give it up McCain americans see right thru it.

Phillip
North Carolina

Now, more than ever, the debates need to proceed. Bush's speech tonight mirrored McCain's prophecy of doom this afternoon as he tried to postpone the debate. Same lies from both mouths, must be the same speechwriters
By all means, let them answer W's imperial summons to the White House. But by all means broadcast the debate even if only Obama shows up.
McCain must be coming down with Palin's disease, an inability to talk without pre-screened questions and a protective zone of theocons surrounding her.

What will Obama and McCain do at the White House that they haven't done already. Obama better carry his own bottled water over there and be careful not to drink Bush's cool aid.

This is my second post, but feel compelled to set out more information on the financial crisis solution being hammered out in Washington right now. Bush and his cabinet cannot solve this. Bush can't solve this. To solve this great debate requires a bipartisan effort from the Congress as well. That's why both these candidates are needed to use their talent in "reaching accross the isle." McCain has already made his reputation for doing this. Now is the best chance ever for Obama to do what he promises, that being bringing both parties together. So both you guys need to go do your "thing," or else shut up about it. After all, what's so important about a debate. Obama has repeatedly turned down McCain's requests. What's happened to Obama in becoming so cranky about everything? That's not how he attracts all those Hillary voters. I know because I was one of them.

Senator Obama needs to be very careful during this meeting. Bush and McCain are two old hands at the DC Two Step. Step One: the glad hand. Step Two: a push in front of the bus. These two are well known for dirty deeds done cheap and will not be stopped just because the next POTUS is in their presence. Both Bush and McCain will attempt to get Obama to take some of the heat of this giant debacle off of them and transfer it to himself or his presidential administration. I have every confidence that Obama have seen these two old hands coming from a mile away. He knows what they are up to and he should be prepared for just about anything. Good luck, Senator Obama. Look out not to get any of the GOP stuff on your suit.

hey I have a question, ummm did we postpone the 1932 debates beacause we were in a deep depression? Hmmmm me thinks not! You Republicans need to wake up! McCain is getting his tail kicked and has to run for cover. We have planes, cell phones and ummm blackberrys not to mention with those two in Washington it would just turn into a photo op and cause distractions! There is not reason to postpone anything and when McCain does not show up for a whole 2 hr debate then America will see the court jester at his finest!

Veterans for Obama

This whole deregulation fiasco started when Clinton was president adn the congress was republican so what makes anyone think either one of these crooked parties can fix this, wake up America you have been ripped off

Many of us tried to warn many of you four years ago about what would happen to this country if we re-elected this idiot but you would'nt listen, now look look where we are. Apparently many of you still don't understand since you are considering voting for McCain. fool me once…uh…uh..the point is don't get fooled again.

Obama is once again showing calm, thoughtful, and stern leadership by sticking to a plan while being flexible. Thats what I want in a president, someone who can instill confidence by not abruptly ending an activity (DEBATE) that will shape perhaps the most important decision Americans will make. Shouldn't a president be able to deal with multiple important events simultaneously??

Off-subject, but I know moose turds who could give a better interview than the one Sarah Palin gave to Katie Couric. You really want this woman one heartbeat away from the presidency??? Go back to shooting wolves from a plane. I want my president and vice president to be smarter than me…and they're not…Bush can't say nuclear and Cheney missed the turkey and hit his buddy in the face with shotgun pellets. We've had 8 years of a president you can have a beer with (even though Bush hasn't had a beer since his 40s), and look where that's gotten us…in a hole the size Alaska (i.e. $700 Billion…not including that money pit in Iraq).

Dude if you can not debate for an hour how are you going to lead for 4 years

This is a tactic thought up by Karl Rove. Eat them alive BO. Sarah Palin needs to be there taking notes.

I smell a rat.
The Prez and McCain working this thing together to slow down Obama's momentum. Watch out Barack.

In 2003, the Bush Administration recommended what the NY Times called "the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago." This change was to move governmental supervision of two of the primary agents guaranteeing subprime loans, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under a new agency created within the Department of the Treasury. However, it did not alter the implicit guarantee that Washington will bail the companies out if they run into financial difficulty; that perception enabled them to issue debt at significantly lower rates than their competitors. The changes were generally opposed along Party lines and eventually failed to happen.

2003 Representative Barney Frank(D-MA) claimed of the thrifts "These two entities — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — are not facing any kind of financial crisis, the more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing."

Of course this is Bush's fault.

seems like McSame just cut and ran from the debates…

Looks like this is OBAMA'S KATRINA…. "I would just be in the way…they don't need me…call me if you need me". Well, Big Daddy called and guess who is going to DC. No leadership from OBAMA.

I hope Bush doesn't endorse OBAMA after the meeting.
He needs Ideas from OBAMA to fix the economy.

with the president asking obama to be there tomarrow in a meeting with him, this sort of takes the wind of mc cain sails. mc cains just going there for a couple of reasons , one, to help get votes on the republican side to help the president and the problem with that almost all these republicans are up for reelection and they are not going to give mc cain credit since he never was there for almost a year now and not catching the fall back as much as them , and they are not going to give him any credit , as for the democrats , thats a no brainer . he stands a chance to be even more in with bush , which will sink him., even more so that this is about 90% a done thing , he will be a dollar shot and a day late, and he never was involved in all the other bail outs, so if he does not make the debate on friday then it will cost him greatly, and also hurt the poeple and the state that set this up a year in advance and the money made for the area , in poeple comeing in for this , this just might be mc cains down fall , yet you seen it comeing , yesterday during one of palins meetings , john was there and the press , when john made the statement HE would take questions , and the first question was for sarah and witin 2 min. everyone was ordered out of the room , they got to see the real john they know, yet this was set up for sarah, not him yet he felt shut out , and sarah paid for that one also one said she was very goodlooking nothing is going for him. ken

if they still give bailout mean all politicans must be get out

Obama is making the White House meeting and still will be there for the debate.

McCain and Palin are true Republicans. Avoid scrutiny at all costs.

There is a saying in legal circles: Justice has not only to be done but to be seen to be done.

How can you give justice to the choice of a president when you are running from the normal scrutiny a presidential candidate endures.

Shame on Republicans. Shame on them.

Does Bush and his Republican party think the whole of America is basically STUPID?!!!! How dare he intercede by interrupting the presidential campaign. Do we live in a totalitarian regime, or a democracy? It's Obama's right to continue compaigning, not McCain's or the president's right to manipulate and dictate what he should do. Obviously, the Rebulicans know they've created more than one crisis too big to correct and are very aware of losing control of the country, and are quite realistically facing their possible extinction as a party. Shame on you BUSH and the ENTIRE Republican party!!!!!!

I don't understand how someone can say McCain did this out of love for his country. Ignorance is bliss. McCain wants to move the debate to Oct 2 so Palin does not have to debate. Why can't people see that? Also why can people realize that McCain is too old to multi-task…he can't cram about the economy and a debate too. Honestly I think all this is too much for him.

Just another diversion from McCain – and it back fired on him today…which is why the President had to call Obama to Washington. What a joke. It baffles me how seemingly educated people continue to look right through the McCain smoke and mirrors. Truth be told, he has yet to be prepared for any interview, I doubt he's prepared for the debate.

Abby/Gayle – please do tell…what is it about McCain's leadership you support? Is it the way he handled the Keating 5? Or his views of big corporate pay outs such as Carly Fiorina? Or is it his patriotism? I mean really, you must have more to say than "Good Job McCain – a leader we need for America."

The leader of this country better be able to juggle more than one thing at a time. Brilliantly stated by Obama.

Does anyone else find it odd that all these disasters suddenly came up this year at election time?War surge,bad VP choice,Georgia mess,Gas prices and now a financial crisis.This is all a setup by the Republicans.McCain is looking for a way to avoid the debate stage with Obama and to keep Palin away from the media.The financial crisis pulls Obama off the trail and keeps McCain and Palin away from the national q&a sessions.Any fool can see this is what's going on here.The people are again being duped by the Republicans.If this were not an election year who would Bush call on??????

It's funny that Obama has been campaigning how McCain will bring more of the same. But really they are all a part of the same failed leadership that has been running this country. The democrats have controlled the majority in congress for the last couple of years and they have accomplished nothing. It's easy to cast blame for Bush, in fact it's become fashionable, but being honest about the situation America is in right now, it wouldn't be fair to exclude the hundreds of other elected government officials whom Americans have entrusted to lead and make the right decisions. They have all had some responsibility for the state of affairs today. Maybe they should take a pay cut to pay for the bailouts. The amount of money these campaigns throw around is sickening. There is no substance to the campaigning. I've seen nothing but vague ideas from both parties how they will address the issues. Even their own ideas contradict themselves. The rest is all hype, mis-information, and sleek marketing to cover up for the lack of substance. They aren't campaigning because they care about the issues. That should be apparent when they are campaigning based on statistics and key votes. They are playing numbers games. Sick. America needs real leadership and both candidates are buffoons. They should instate a option for a vote of no-confidence.

McCain has openly admitted he doesn't know enough about the economy. Bush has proven he knows nothing outside of his own portfolio. Now he's going to get advice from McCain? What is this… the sequel to "Dumb and Dumber?"

Last week we were in total crisis and McCain didn't get it, this week everything's ok because Congress, who helped get us into this, is working on it and we need to get on with the debates. I honestly believe the economic crisis is a bit more important right now, and this is an excellent opportunity for both candidates to show their commitment to bipartisan solutions.

No matter who wins, about half the country is going to be unhappy. It seems smart to foster relationships working together now, because whoever loses is still going to play an important role in our government, and it's better for our country if there is not animosity and they believe in each other's ability to work across the aisle.

I don't know about anyone else, but if I were running for office, I would want to believe that my opponent is a worthy adversary, otherwise the win wouldn't mean much to me. And the fact that about half the country thinks that person worthy would ensure that I would not ignore everything they have to say.

Obama , don't let their bad judgment rub off on you. Stay clear.

McCain isn't showing leadership. All he's showing is how sneaky he is. Obama tried to act in good faith.

Gayle, what makes you think that McCain is not 'playacting'? Perhaps the act is pretending to be indispensible in Washington – where a committee has been busy hammering out a deal acceptable to both parties. I think the American people deserve to hear from both candidates Friday night, during the debate. And lastly, voters must never, never forget that it was deregulation that got America into its current mess.

"Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation."

McCain, the deregulator

how convenient…

I admire both candidates.

But Obama looked a little confused today on what to do. I'm not sure if "waiting to be called upon" is leadership. Leadership is taking initiative.

John McCain surprised us today. Politically it was brilliant. It made everyone stop and pay attention to him. And what debate will happen if he doesn't go? Obama is now under the whim of McCain. Whatever actions he takes on this issue will seem to have been initiated by McCain's leadership. Inaction looks like political incompetence. This all plays into the idea that McCain is a practical leader who rolls up his sleeve and that Barack Obama is a speaker and permanent candidate (although a very good one!) Now it seems McCain has already won this brief logistical battle because Obama is going to the White House with him.

And look at Bushie! He is no lame duck making such broad and sweeping policy. Like him or hate him, he is trying to do something positive here to save our economy.

Now if someone just pays off my Amex than this is just great

$700 billion to bail out wall street how about main street? America do you realize that that $700 billion that you will spend will be use to bail out Chinese banks and other foreign banks bad business and then they will sell these business back to us American. We should not let this to happen because the same mess will come back again in wall street. Wall Street greed, big CEO Payout need to have control over them. This $700 billion just show you that the republicans do not care. Congress please do not let George Bush rush you and us American into this mess. Bush has four months in power and he does not care of whatever mess that $700 billion will make.
Is that package has a plan to bail out main street as well? The economy cannot run good without main street confidence. If main street do not have money that $700 billions is a waste.

Oh PLEASE. They're trying to postpone the debates and we're not falling for it!!

Gosh-the big money guys really must have gotten themselves into a pinch this time. It really MUST BE IMPORTANT TO DO MY PART AS A SLAVE TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY to protect WHO? You must ask yourself- Do i have the average retirement account balance of 3 MILLION DOLLARS? If you don't, then expect to be a SLAVE TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND HAVE YOUR CHILDREN BE A SLAVE TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AT LEAST UNTIL YOU GRANDCHILDREN ARE FIVE YEARS OLD!….
Jeff

I think that Obama should say "If the Republican Presidental Candidate cannot show up to debate me on Friday night, I would be happy to debate Sarah Palin, since if she becomes Vice-President, she will be expected to substitute for the President when he can't make it."

Bush is trying to save McCain from himself, it won't do much good.

What a stupid tactic McCain pulled. He just blew apart any possible chance at the presidency with this grandstanding. What's he gonna do Friday night during the debate? Sit in a chair drinking a martini? He CANNOT attend the finance committee, he has NO SAY in what they decide. His erratic behavior shows just how unstable and mentally incapacitated he is.

Congratulations Mr Barack Obama, McCain just handed you the presidency.

Sigh! My goodness, one of the few times in eight years President Bush tries to do the right thing. His thought process lets get the smart guy and rough tough guy together. It's getting scary and the smart guy just may have a chance.

McCain really needed a nap – give the old guy a break. After all, presidents don't really have to be "Presidential", they just have to say they are.

Chris, from Tustin CA you said it in a nutshell.

John McCain seems to be trying to procrastinate. We deserve to have as much information as we possibly can before heading to the polls on Nov. 4th which is why the debates – including this Friday's – is extremely important! Come on McCain, step up and show the American public that you can multitask. You cannot schedule emergencies should you be lucky enough to be elected.

McCain-Palin: NO INTEGRITY, NO HONOR, NO SMARTS

Should be an interesting meeting! We have the "Maverick" who championed de-regulation, the President who decisions have caused many of the dilemas we face today, and a true Agent of Change….
My money'(what little is left) is on OBAMA!

Note that now CNN reports the VP debate might be delayed and first presidential debate might be moved into its slot next week. Interesting delay tactic by the republicans…

If anybody is playacting at being POTUS it's McCain. Wasn't he the one who accused Obama of being presumptuous?

Get Real September 24th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

This is an ambush. McCain adn Bush have no ideas… they want to steal Obama's ideas so they can call them their own.

Funny Get Real, I thought the same thing…They want his "playbook"…

I have to wonder what the total bill is to date for W's Iraqi adventure. Wouldn't it be amazing if it were in the vicinity of $700B?

An absence of convenience, Senator McCain. You're not fooling anyone.

I would like to see how many commenters here would be affected if the economy tanks and their jobs are lost.

Would you still be making making glib remarks then? Will you be able to make your mortgage payments and stay in your homes? So easy to make smart aleck remarks until it hits home.

McCain decided to act, while Obama just wanted to talk. What good would a debate about Foreign policy be when a real economic crisis is happening in your midst?

Obama just waits until everything falls into place, and he can lay claim to any "success". McCain had the courage to put his campaign in jeopardy to act on what he can do to help the country.

Who's more presidential now?

Yeah, Bush doesn't know what to do……he needs Obama's help, just like how he's recently adopted some of Obama's foreign policy stances.

I'll be so glad on Nov. 5 when this country has a new, positive direction ahead.

Obama/Biden

LOL, and what? Mr. Bush is going to give his 0.0000000000000000000000000000000002 cents on this economic problem? Wait, did someone say, "Deregulate"? No, wait… I think TWO people said it!

—————————————————————-
Let me shed some light on this complex math,
since McCain isn't explaining it clearly enough:
90% the same = approximately 10% different
—————————————————————-

Senator McCain has been doing an aweful lot of lying here lately.

There is no way the American people are going to vote Bush 44 this time.

We are sick and tired of all the dishonesty. We, the American people don't deserve the mess we've been brought into with our economy and our foreign affairs.

The lies are a sure sign that McCain will do and say anything. And on and on and it continues to get worse.

I find it highly suspicious that the Prez called for this meeting, AFTER McCain decided to suspend his campaign and go "rustle hisselfy some Bailout Bill" back in Washington….

Smells Fishy

How disgusting that at a time of real economic crisis, –What Warren Buffett called a financial Pearl Harbor—– Obama has to get a personal invitation to come back to Washington to do hisJOB! What will he do if he hasn't got someone there to do just that?

I can hear McCain now, calling Bush: "Please, please, Mr. President, invite Barack Obama to come to the White House tomorrow. I can't get him to come, and it's just like Henny Penny said! The sky is falling! On me! (and on Don'taskheraquestion Sarah). This panic-induced ploy of McCain's is so ridiculous, but I'm glad that Obama accepted. His input may just surprise George and John; he might come up with the winning solution to the nation's financial ills.

Mikey, please stop with the vote count.

Obama only votes PRESENT.

We all know who John McCan is, but we can't say the same about your golden boy.

Poor Obama – in a room with all the big boys. He should probably bring Oprah.

I cannot say this enough…WHAT ABOUT THE EARLY VOTERS? The debates must go on! Yes, that is multi-tasking, that is also putting country first. I am an early voter in Colorado and have been waiting looking forward to viewing the candidates during the debates. I would only hope that McCain could manage to pull of more than one task at a time.

my first reaction

this is PATHETIC!

BUSH ?

You are calling for HELP?

Republicans are LOSERS!

Thank Republicans for THIS MESS!

Go BLUE!

Vote OBAMA

Let's SURVIVE THIS!!

If McCain really cared, he would have been taking steps to help with a solution before now. Senator Obama has been speaking to Hank Paulson every single day this week and McCain has been absent. This is simply a political move by McCain. It seems that he's working on a 'bailout' of his own…

If I was Obama, I wouldn't eat or drink anything that Bush serves during that meeting. I would not at all put something like this past them.

John McCain proved that he is a leader, and at the end Obama had no choice but to follow.
The gravity of the problem is so big the John McCain again decided to put country above his presidential campaign, this is the same thing he did for the surge.

Obama just waited to see what everyone else will do. I said from day one this guy is not a leader.

John McCain bases his decision on principal, and you know America will always be his priority.

Since when is it "true leadership" to parachute into a delicate negotiation two days after it starts?

neither of the candidates, nor the president, is offering a decent economic plan… they're both just trying to tie each other to the problem… we don't need a president who points fingers… they need to be finding a solution… McCain also needs to get a backbone… I'm a republican and I can see that he's trying to avoid debating since he doesn't have a plan… also…. what's with bailing out the automotive industry? I don't think thats necessary…

Gayle – If you're that naive to fall for McLame's little political game, no wonder you're one of his supporters!

Whe can we start shipping these morons elsewhere?

Ms Gayle (see comments above) appears to be a paid troll. Either that or she is sadly one of the undereducated victims of this country that is a product of "no child left behind."

At this time, McCain is the leader of the Republican Party and deceided to go to Washington to lead his party in a bipartisan effort to get a deal done. A real leader sees a problem and meets it head on. He doesn't hang out in Florida, Texas or Hawaii, while others make the tough decisions on what will effect my, my children and children's children future. I hate to say it, but Bush, by inviting Obama and McCain to Washington is finally acting like a real leader. The top Democrats in Congress don't want Obama around, because they are the REAL power of the Democratic Party and Obama is just a figure head for the liberal left and not a leader. His lack a leadership shows now more than ever.

hello CNN and the US government there are other mahjor crisises in this country too besides you multi-millionare buddies loosing some dough……..people are pullin guns on each other over gas in the southeast …….and wait we were sop upset that no one helped the victums of Katrina and yet it seems that we have all forgotten IKE…..maybe we should bail out the mortages of all the people in Texas and Louisiana that have mortages to pay but no home left standing to show for it and no job left standing to pay the mortage….those are the people we should be bailing out right now….not individuals who have put more than 90million in profit into their personal accounts over the last ten years….give me a break….I hope America can muster up some ancient memory of how the barter system works cause thats gonna be the reality so folks for sure

26 comments and only 1 that doesn't speak ill of McCain or Bush… this is either strategic moderating or the polls are really off and the race isn't that close…

I am going to guess this doesn't get posted as it reveals CNN to be truly in the tank for Obama. I bet everyone else would be cheering Obama on as a visionary if he was the one that demanded this meeting…

George Bush should just go ahead and give Barack the keys to the White House tomorrow. It would save us all a lot of money.

McCain should just go home….any of them…or take a long ride in his car……any of them…….or just STFU.

RSVP to Bush's White House invite:

I told the President, thanks, but no thanks to that invitation to the White House.

PS. If I change my mind and do decide to come, there can be no reporters, no audio and no transcripts. On third thought, I can see the White House from my front porch and if you talk loud enough, I can also hear you. Thanks, but no thanks. I will wait until January 20, 2009 and help you bridge that highway back to CRAWFORD!

to gayle. how you aware that Obama was the first candidate that contact mccaine to have a meeting. face it you have no intension to vote for senator obana therefore you are using this as a execuse. the world are sufferenig beacuse of Bush ,chenney and yes mcain has his part of it. vote your concious.

Y'know, a lot of times if you're "reaching across" and working with someone, you'll make sure that you actually agree on what you're going to do before you do it. You don't hang up the phone saying one thing and then run off an pull a desperate, attention-grabbing stunt instead. Is this how McCain is going to deal with Gordon Brown or Hamid Karzai? Sad thing is, it probably is.

Hussein Obama only talks he is no man of action. He deflects all his rehtortic against his opponent but never says what he has done or exactly what he will do. Show me any plan Hussien Obama has personally come up with, show me an unedited speech he personnally wrote. Did he ever really practic law, how come no one has brought up his lawyer skills or what he did as alawyer? Thing that make you go hmmmm

ABC poll is BS. Look at every respectful poll and Sen. McCain and Obama are very close. It is not about poll, it is about our future. I was a democrat for a long time and just now begging to realize how hateful democrats are and how hungry they are for the power. They are not worrying about our country, they worried about who takes the credit. Now I understood Sen. Liberman endorsement.

Bush called Obama to ask him what should be done. He only invited McCain 'cuz he knew old Johnny boy would whine if he was left out!

Are you telling me John McCain cannot multitask… are you kidding me! For the avarage American worker multitasking is on the job description! This man is wasting our time!!!

Sorry in the end I believe that McCain is the one that is greedy.

Sadly McCain once again threw a tantrum and got his close buddy Bush to get Barack to go to DC , wonder if it will also be requested to cancel the debate at the urging of the Republican President on behalf of Republican Presidential Nominee McCain. How can this not be seen as a political move, a photo opt.
The failure didn't happen overnight and can't be fixed overnight, or it will happen over and over again.
As I see it a President should e Bi-partisn anyway. The party rep, the VP, is the voice in congress.
Deregulation through the years has helped this crisis develop and the Maverick was there behind it, as he stated many times he is a deregulator. And remember the fundamentals of the economy are good.

In time of crises, no second guess, you have to act. Bad or smart move, you have to act. How can you buy something if the credit is frogen? Better go to Whashigton to get something done, the futur of the country is one the line. When America is not well, the world is sick. I think that McCain gets that.

Both sen. Obama and Mccain cannot bail out anything alone. Bush must be responsible and he must negotiate with the Congress to do anything.

McCain made a BIG ACTING and showed that he is a PATRIOTIC person but he is sinking in polls. McCain use this chance to bail out himself.

Obama is right to do the debate on friday!

On a lighter note…

I made some cute shirts for my little girls (the youngest being 2), with some do-it-yourself iron-on printer paper, and they read:

————————————-
Already smarter than Bush!
————————————-

No, seriously! I get lots of people asking if they can take a picture

It's amazing how people's minds are determined by the media which actually makes more money from you by creating more controversy. The media can alway turn the best into the worst and vice versa. The good news or bad is what Bush and Obama have in comon is neither one is God.

I think this is a good idea, and I'm glad that they accepted to discuss this crucial matter.

It seems McCain is taking a risk and hoping that it pays off. It seems he did that when he announced Palin. All for what regaining momentum? If this is a risky move I have to ask why all these people want this man? Why does he need to act now and not yesterday or Monday? Did the meetings in Congress get worse and they were in need of him? And why postpone the debates? Isn't the debate an economy of its own? Isn't there a lot of money involved with these debates? I also find it interesting that the new proposed date for the debate would be on the evening of Biden/Palin. How much more coaching will this woman need? If they put their debate off for a week is she going to be more ready? What will be next, postpone the elections?

I recently heard O'Reilly call Obama cautious….. and after 8 years of so much irresponsible reaction, I'm ready for a bit of caution. I think it took alot of courage on Obama's part to not roll out his plan for the crisis. I think it took a lot of grace to give the current President the opportunity to do his job and figure something out for this mess. I think he's right in believing that a President should be able to mutlitask. In the end I'm tired of the irresponsible ways of politics and yearn for some levels of decency. Obama may not be that person for others as McCain is not for me, but his move today to me epitomizes the greed that has affected this country for too long. It seems his greed to win the elections outweighs his desires to really make a difference in people's lives.

I can see why Bush wants McCain to meet him – he needs an expert; someone like a member of the "Keating 5″ who's an expert in banking scandals to give him advice. I don't know why they'd want Obama along – maybe to prevent him from revealing more truths about McEconomicIdiot in another speech in lieu of the debate?

Poor Ol Bama got owned. He needs to out fund raising and instead he has to actually debate about what to do…..What would be really rich is if he has to show up to vote.

Some want to talk. Some want to lead.

If you have been following the news(which is not always 100% accurate, I grant you), the consensus is that a 'bail out' has little chance without McCain's support.

Sometimes, tough times require tough decisions, and timely decisions.

And, if this is a ploy by McCain, then he played Obama.

Republicans, exactly what is it that you all want Obama to do? After all he is not President. Why aren't you all jumping all over President Bush. He is the decider, he is the one in control. Not to long ago you all were whining that Obama was trying to act like he was the President and he was being arrogant, now you all want him to do what?

McCain is scared to death to debate Obama and is using the financial crisis as an excuse to get out of it. And since we are running out of time before the election, scheduling conflicts can now be used as an excuse to cancel the vice presidential debates, especially if they decide to hold three prez debates after all. I was really looking forward to the Friday debates! Couldn't they all get together in Washington on Saturday instead?

Obama and McCain were both elected to the Senate to serve the citizens of this nation and in this situation both should particpate in the negotiation to find a bipartisan solution. Let the people see who works best with the opposing party.

I can't understand the people who think a week's delay in the debates will destroy the election process. And, if they're Obama supporters, what are they so afraid will happen in that week other than he will look like the empty suit he is when real decisions and leadership are required. He did nothing in Illinois for eight years and nothing in the US Senate for a year and he will do nothing now except make speeches.

Barack don't fall for any tactic that would cause you to miss the Ole Miss debate. I smell a dead fish in the air. Stay the course and move forward with your schedule. Capitol Hill, Congress, that 2.5 page solution, and the $700B will be there come Saturday morning.

Just another Republican smoke screen.

GOP=jerks who broke our proud nation.
McCain is in bed with the lot of them.
This week his dirty tricks have takena new low.

So now Obambi is going. Boy that will take away a day from preping for the debate. I mean really he has been through 20 of them already, you think think he can do this in his sleep already.

Hi , My name is Billy Booe and I live in Salina, KS. Concerning the big "bailout" of the financial institutions I offer this comment, "being an old country boy, I have on occasion had to borrow from our local lenders, however, Each transaction required me to repay the principal with interest interest. Why don't we demand that all the "bailout monies" be repaid to tax payers with a predetermined amount of "interest". This procedure has allowed our financial institutions to prosper just as the tax payers should prosper from "bailing out these villons who generated this debacle!!

McCain is on the ropes and just pandering for time. Dubya..well. what can I say about Dubya….he is day long and a dollar short with his new found likeness for bipartisanship. Where was that spirit when he led American into an ill-advised war?! Perhaps Obama can teach these two clowns something tomorrow, and then fly back to Mississippi for the debates which he should attend regardless if McSame shows up or not.

Without question this is pure political pandering by both McSame and bush.

McSame called up little bush and said help me out and call Obama and ask him to come to the White House to help me with a photo op.

Maybe Palin can come for a photo op also. What a joke both McSame and little bush are. The entire World is laughing at us.

Obama is a follower. He is not the leader America needs in this difficult times. Everything he said is read , that means, written by someone else. He is just the messenger.

McCain has once again showed his love for this country. He deserves to be the president.

Yeah – all we need is McCain's input on the economy – what NOT to do… Didn't he manage his campaign so well it nearly went bankrupt? (Didn't his VP choice leave her little town in debt to the tune of 2 mil?) In the meantime, Obama's campaign has remained fiscally sound from day 1. Perhaps the future president can impart some wisdom on those two GOP disasters then get back to work WINNING THE PRESIDENCY! Obama/Biden all the Way!

I think people are missing the point. We are so busy trying to find the malice that we are in danger of being blindsided by the reality of the situation we are in.

If Bush is calling in both candidates and leaders from the legislative branch that means he believes that the action or lack of will have implications that reach far into the next presidancy. While it absolutely sucks that our grandchildern are going to ultimately pay the price the consequences of inaction are so dire that there will be a bill.

The sad thing is this SHOULD have been prevented. For those of you who scream foul at the suggestion of government regulation of the banking industry ask yourself are you ready to face the consequences when the industry fails to requlate itself.

where is my comment? I just tried reposting, but it said "duplicate comment detected". But my comment isn't shown?

what gives?

I just love Chris's response from Ca. and let me repeat it again!

There are 98 other Senators to deal with the financial crisis.
And all of Congress, and the president.
There are only two major-party candidates for president.
And the election is less than two months away.

Why are we being asked to postpone DEMOCRACY?

What kind of egomaniac think he's THAT indispensible?

THANK YOU CHRIS!!!

From the earlier news today…
Obama called McCain @ 8:00 am
McCain returns calls @ 2:30pm

McCain made public statement of suspending his campaign @ 2:45 pm

Everybody was shocked including Obama that JM could turn around and want to steal the show.

McCain is a fraud

If I was senator Obama, I wouldn't touch the refreshments…

Gayle said, "McCain showed true leadership today. Obama, on the other hand, seemed like an actor saying "the show must go on." I've made up my mind. I don't want someone for president who playacts the role. McCain and the Republican party got my first donation today but not my last."

I'm sorry, but you've made up your mind by buying into a political maneuver intended to manipulate voters. So who is the one acting?

I as an american citizen request that we not be left behind in this election. Get to the debates please.

McCain hasn't suspended his campaign, he has just transferred it to Washington. I am sure the last thing the economic experts needs is McCain bringing TV cameras onto their delicate negotiations and then have to teach McCain economics 101 so he can follow what they are saying.

Here is the Republican rally to try and steal this election. If Bush calls Obama out and Obama does not come to DC, the Republicans will say Barack is not showing the kind of leadership needed to run the country!
Obama did well to decide to go to DC but has still stated he would like to debate McCain – the debate should take place in Washington with the main topic of discussion being the economy. But McCain does not want to do that. He wants to portray role as a patriot in hopes of garnering votes. This will blow up in Johnny Mac's face.

Wonder if the "plan" to fix the financial crisis is NOT resolved in the next 2-3 days?

Will McCain continue suspending his campaign until the "plan" IS resolved?

That could be days more, weeks, or maybe never!

Then what about the continuation of the campaigns?

Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum, and some common sense in the same room? This will be unique.

Bail-out for Wall Street? Why? How about Bailing out the 5 Million who have lost their homes the past 3 years? Whay no talk of that? 700 BILLION, that is 700 times 1000 MILLION Dollars? This in addition to the TWO TRILLION Dollars, ie 2000 times 1000 MILLION Dollars for the Iraq Mess! Way to go…so called CONSERVATIVE Neo-Conns! If you guys have any shame Resign ASAP!

Obama more concerned about himself than the country, as usual

Obama better know by now that he's dealing with a snake. Obama! Hear me!! You are dealing with a snake! Don't get bitten!

Hey McCain, why don't you "Stay and Fight"? I guess when the political going gets tough John McCain quits.

Is this how we are to expect Senator McCain to react when two things happen at once if he were to be elected President?

Pretty scary.

Obama is exactly right. There is no need to stop campaigning. This is exactly the time when Senator McCain needs to stand up and show America some leadership. He's admitted he doesn't know much about the economy anyway. What the hell is he going to do in Washington, attend a couple of meetings?

Seeing the comments here it makes you wonder how hateful people can get, sometimes I get upset too, but this is a different situation where whoever wins will have to deal with this problem and they are needed to help this do nothing Congress make a hard decision which they have not done since 9/11 and the Iraq Invasion.

There are plenty of days left for debates. If the average American does not understand where these 2 stand on most issues (even foreign policy) then they should perhaps…ummmm..read a little? Or is that too difficult a strain in this world of drive-by soundbites?

They are both Senators, Senators that we are paying to deal with National issues IN CONGRESS. Let's get to DC, hammer out a bipartisan plan BEFORE congress goes into recess, and then come out swinging in the debates.

If I hear another cry of Multitask, Multitask, I will cry Common Sense, Common Sense. This is not an issue of someone being able to deal with multiple issues, it has to do with reaching a bipartisan agreement before RECESS–that will necessitate people to be in DC debating on the floor of Congress.

A true patriot will serve their country, not their own political aims.

Folks believe me on this! This bail-out don't gonna change our down slope by any tangible margin!

1. Yes,Banks will be able to loan again. But how will JOBLESS consumers be able to pay back?

2. Can the Government be transparent enough to disclose ownership of every Financial business up for sale? My guess is that same guys are linked to these institutions and they merely want to get away from bad decisions.

As a Junior Economist (with Masters so far) my dose is to Re-tool our production and manufacturing. We must get back to the Basics and create jobs. It will be better National investments than Bail-out and cash hand outs(stimulus packages—–dead end consumption).

I don't think alot of you bloggers understand the magnitude of this financial crisis. It needs to be dealt with, and it needs to be dealt with NOW. Are McCain and Obama Senators? Or just campaigners? They were elected to respresent their people in Congress. They need to be there. Obama has been campaigning forever. Time to do some work.

Comments on this article are so biased toward Obama. You Dems should be flatttered that Obama was invited to the White House along with McCain. Prez is including them in the big decision making. get your mind off the polls for five minutes, why don't you? Frustrated in SB, CA

McCain's trying to politicize a crisis he contributed to and his crony Bush is helping him. I think it is RIDICULOUS that Palin is not allowed to face the press and prove whether she's got the right stuff, now the old man is running away too.

I do not want a President who runs and hides.

Itis unbelievable that McCain thinks we are so stupid not to see his ploy here. He is so transparent and yet the lemmings still follow. If this man is elected we will know how dumb this country really is.

"McCain showed true leadership today. Obama, on the other hand, seemed like an actor saying 'the show must go on.' "

Are you kidding? We've had far more serious situation in the past, and the electoral process continued. And it's not like these candidates travel by horse and buggy. With private flights, they can be anywhere in the country in a few hours. Seriously, what does McCain think that Congress will be doing on Friday evening that he can't miss?

Again:

Whatever!!!!!

Gail, get your facts straight it was Obama's idea to meet but McCain went behind his back and cancel the debate. Gee!! It's funny how you people want to comment on the stuff that you don't know. Now my question is why are you "Gayle" voting for McCain?

Maybe this is an end around play by McCain…taking BHO from his studies and then cleaning his clock at the debate…aahhh!!!

Get ready to hear about an important meeting, that will just happen to be scheduled for debate time, to get Johhny off the hook. This is getting pathetically predictable.

A simple rational paraphrase is offered regarding what President Bush said to explain why the current financial crisis occurred. That is: an open market environment with minimally enforced regulation, simply allowed run away greed in the absence of conscience driven controls and had the natural result of exactly what has happened. Said another way, the aggressive pursuit of totally open markets, while in theory is seemingly attractive, in reality is inherent with the potential for drastic consequences and reality dictates the real need for conscientious government regulations diligently applied; not advocating for excessive control but for adequate checks and balances to insure a few don’t abuse the system. Now we the voters can see the truth in all of that and then demand that government recognize and avoid the problems with irresponsibly seeking totally open markets that encourage a few to abuse and benefit from the laxness of the system and instead demand they install enough controls and regulation to insure a productive market without abuse or we can simply wait for another go around of more of the same. The theory of totally open markets as an academic theory seems attractive but when the human element with the naturally inherent greed and aggressive ego characteristics is introduced, the result is unavoidably disastrous.

Get ready for the spin…. I will go ahead and be the first to predict it…

From the McFrantic campaign: "In response to the America first request on the part of Super Mario John, President Bush, thinking it was a world changing idea called John Wayne McCain and Obama to a meeting tomorrow at the White House. This was John's idea first."

Meanwhile, back in Reality-ville, this evening, Obama calmly showed presidential presence of laying out his position; while, once again, John frantically, threw down the gloves and fled the scene calling off everything…. except an interview with Katie Couric. And he did see that all his pundits got the talking points (an intercepted list shown on t.v. tonight) to spew all over the airways about his great leadership in the time of crisis.

Obama, and Mccain are just one vote each them not being in DC will not make a difference. Tell congress to email the info- OOPs John doesn't read email. I guess he can't Vote on the bailout.

I am so glad that the American people are finally realizing that Obama not only is a good man, but will be a great President for our country!

We will all have an Obama Christmas! McCain has just demonstrated the kind of leader we do not need for this country especially now!

By his own admission, Mr Mccain does not know much about finances. His wife takes care of all of their's and his mom did the same with his fathers. So now that this country is facing the biggest financial crisis (But or course the economy is fundamentally sound) in our history, who does the congress need to figure it all out for them? John Mccain. That would be like needing a free throw to win the game and of all the guys on your team you put Shaq on the line or needing a field goal from the 10 yard line to win and you bring in your 310lb tackle. A week ago this man thought the economy was fine, now he is the savior of the free market system, what a joke. An even bigger joke is all the people that wil vote for him, that is really scary. Face it america, we haven't come that far race wise when you have americans that would rather endure another 4 years of Bush 3 rather than vote for a black man that could make their life alot easier.

The whole situation disgusts me. McCain and Bush continue to show me, time and time again, why the American people need change. At one time, I respected John McCain but now I realize he is just more of the same.

At least McCain is acting on his beliefs that country comes first. Obama is acting on his "star" status! McCain has shown he is a leader. MCCAIN ALL THE WAY!!!!!

How many of the posters here are being paid by the campaigns. Come on Abby, at least try to make your comment sound like it came from a real person and not some advertising exec charged with writing sound bites.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Come on Bush, I need you to help me get Barack to come to Washintong. You owe me big time. You cost me the presidency the first time I ran. Don't do this to me again. You owe me dammit.

Question: When did Bush invite McCain to the White House for this emergency discussion of the Wall Street bailout? My guess is that it was much earlier in the day, possibly even before McCain announced his decision to suspend his campaign and head back to Washington, knowing that Obama would be forced to follow at the invitation of the President.

I am truly amazed at the mccain campaign and the stunts they will try to pull. is mccain not ready to debate the economy, because no matter what, on friday night, the economy will be front and center, and mccain has not had a chance to try and get out his talking points. notice how obama is cool, calm , reasonable, smart, collected, and once again, mccain shoots from the hit. not to mention his underhandedness and calling a press conference to say he was suspending his campaign, etc. after he received a call from obama to meet on a joint press conference. i think the american people are starting to wise up about mccain…his total insincere approach. he is a joke!!!!

Yes, the debates must go on, if McCain cant debate and think at the same time he should not be elected,period. This is a politicle stunt and it will not work for him……0bama 08…later

President Bush has did it his way for eight years.

*Threat is in Iraq – Right.
*Russia must be stopped – Right
*Katrina not so important – Right
*We will act w/o corporation from our allies and strike whoever we want to strike – Right

This sideshow that Americans have to go through is unnecessary, unethical, and immoral. A sitting President never gets involved with the upcoming election – and Bush has injected himself into this race on numerous occasions.

But – he mustered enough votes to be put in office twice and look what that got us – and we are going to put in his successor?!

Gosh, some people are so bitter! Hard to believe nobody has left any comment of substance here.

Come on Bush, I need you to help me get Barack to come to Washintong. You owe me big time. You cost me the presidency the first time I ran. Don't do this to me again. You owe me dammit.

Gayle,

It is sad that you don't see the political ploy that McCain is playing here. But, that's ok, I have faith in the rest of the American Electorate that they will see this as the ploy. Obama's press conference today showed perfect leadership, period!

And, now since the President asked Obama to come to a meeting, he will come. You don't turn down the President, even if it is George W. Bush.

I hope you will see the light someday, Gayle!

Good luck.

scariest man ( BUSH ) tries to scare us like he did with the WMD !!

don'y buy it….no bail for Main st = no bail for Wall st….stick with it
Democrates / Obama……let the greedy boys pay the price.

What will the banks do with millions of homes…sell them @ half price
or buy one get one free !!! They will also finance at below prevailing
rates….don't give in !!

McCain didnt go back to Washington,he cancelled Letterman show and Letterman saw him in the same theater giving an interview with someone else,he said he was going back to Washington tomorrow after Letterman caught him,what a big lier

You are Predidential candidates that owe the country a debate, so go and DEBATE. Get Haliburton to cough up the 700 bill and get on with the debate.It is ludicrious to think McCain who thinks the economy is fundementally strong a week ago can now stop the campaign while he is diving and rush off to hide in Washington and fix America.This should go down as the last straw for anyone that thinks this fool could do anything as President.If he was so concerned he would not have been out on the trail lying to Americans about how good the economy is.For him to just now learn how bad the economy is and think he is going to be a hero is a joke.This should be everyones clue as to why you don't want another fours years of stupid.

McCain didnt go back to Washington,he cancelled Letterman show and Letterman saw him in the same theater giving an interview with someone else,he said he was going back to Washington tomorrow after Letterman caught him,what a big lier he knew he wasnt ready for the debate so he made this an excuse.It wont work John and Bush know it ,you got caught see you in old Miss on Friday

For Gayle; Your Weren't Listening!

Sen. McCain Continues To Showed Very Poor Judgement In This Major Issue.

He's Looking For Polling Points, It's Not Going To Work!

The Grand Old Party has become a grand old farce. McCain will indeed be more of the same. There is no way to spin failure. Let the debates begin!

CNN HAS ALREADY ELECTED OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT LONG BEFORE THIS HAD REALLY BEGAN, IT IS AS PLAIN AS THE NOSE ON THEIR FACE. NOT VERY SUBTLE! I AM NOT SURE WHEN JOURNALISM TOOK THE TURN FROM TELLING THE NEWS AS IT SHOULD BE TO A BASHING GOSSIP COLUMN!! I ACTUALLY HAVE VOTED DEMOCRATIC FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS, BUT YOU CAN BET I SURE WILL NOT BE VOTING THAT WAY NOW. THANKS CNN FOR HELPING ME SEE THE LIGHT OF JUST HOW DEMOCRATS CAN ACT!!!!!

Bush, his advisors and the other 98 senators need to get busy. McCain and Obama are running for POTUS. I really don't think these two will make a huge difference in the decision. If there that much in a pickel about this just ask for only 100 billion for the first month of this crisis and trickle more in as needed. 700billion is a big pill to swallow. They dumb alot of money in the economy america and foreign allieds who use american money. The market has stabled. Do it nice and easy and not so sparatic. We will be fine. Obama or McCain will pick there own course right or wrong Jan.20th, 2009.

the first time Bush is doing something right
which is take in consideration opinions from other leaders

he may but i would not my self to late rep this is a joke…..

If they postpone the debate and reschedule it like McCain wants on the date of the vp debate will the vp debate be rescheduled or just cancel it all together? McCain wants the presidential debate to take place at a later date on the vp debate date so what really happens? Is it a ploy to give palin more time? Or not debate at all?

Obama watch your back! The Bush and McCain snakes are more slippery than you think! Help them straighten this thing out; and get the heck on to the Debate!

Why does anyone in the country trust Bush and his motives in the bailout of his cronies and supporters on Wall Street?

Why?

He's lied about everything, and we've become a Stepford Nation of sheep. Why? The whole "I'm a patriot, he's a patriot" cheesy, insincere "message" from Bush was intended to silence us into submission for fear of being accused of not loving our country.

Obama's the only candidate who has been speaking truths for the first time in years –so no coincidence the facade of these last 7 years has come crashing down.

I for one, was scared after 9/11 when two reporters were fired for criticizing Bush. Once the Constitution was threatened and no one squacked, we the people sat idly by and were entertained by Shock and Awe on national TV–as a city filled with children was bombed, Rumsfeld bragged. And we the people, never objected. Now there's a bailout proposal by Bush and he's once again scaring we the people into submission….let the economy blow up–otherwise we'll further be controlled by fear—and that's downright un-American.

senator mccain think he's slick there is nothing they can do about this crisis that america is in mccain know nothing about the economy so what kind of advice he will have to offer to solve this problem — debate or no debate senator obama still have my vote — I BET MCCAIN PLAN THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE DEBATE BECAUSE HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THE ECONOMY!!!!!! slick.slick mccain and bush I GUSESS THEY THINK THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE STUPID……. MCCAIN MCCAIN 9 HOUSES AND 13 CARS and i work two (2) jobs

Funny how the economy was fundamentally strong per McCain just a week ago and now OMG I have to go to Washington to save the day. Insane political stunt!! I guess McCain's wife's investments must have lost some $$ over the past few days. McCain did you really think that a deal would be struck in a few days when there is $700 billion dollars at stake and no one has details on the who, what, when and how much? What a crock!!!!! Negotiations take time. We won't believe anything coming out of Washington anyway so… let the debate GO ON as scheduled on Friday. Planes do fly on weekends and you could be back in Washington first thing Saturday morning since you feel so inclined to now participate in the negotiations. HA!

NO BAIL OUT just let the chips fall….

Also there is no need to postpone the VP debate on 10/2!

LOL Karl Rove i mean.. McCain is really trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people. To bad most of the American people have more education then he and can see right through this failed attempt to delay the fall of his campaign.

Obama just got another 100 bucks from me!

McCain and the "Zig-Zag Express" are heading to 'Warshington' ta "shake things up" LMAO!

At least both Bush and McCain suggested something….instead of vote "present". The Dems had 2 years to suggest something and what did we get? Oh yeah, Obama and Biden voted to keep the road to nowhere, and voted NOT to redistribute those funds to New Orleans….besides getting in the top 5 of contributions from Fannie and Freddie Mac….and, oh yes, write 2 memoirs and vote "present". They never once crossed party lines and never will – at least McCain has and will have dems on his cabinet – a LOT MORE than Nobama can say!.

That was supposed to be "a subject he knows almost nothing about"

What happened to taunting Obama to hold a series of debates? When it came down to the real thing, McCain blinked.

Thursday 9/25 – Meetings with Bush and Congress
Friday 9/26 – Presidential debate
Thursday 10/2 – VP debate

What's the problem? The election will be held 11/4, rain or shine.

How long can they continue to hide Palin and still expect to come close in the election?

why is that you guys, the CNN people never post my coments. what am I? A nobody? You guys suck. The only reason I watch you guys is bec you have some hot girls working there.

What a waste of time. Another photo op, but it's not going to work Johnny 'Me Too' McCain. Your face showed fear today.
Is it because John McCain headed the commerce committee that de-regulated markets for years until the 'anything goes' mentality finally brought down this country ?

@Gayle. . .if this made up your mind, I am truly scared for the future of my children. Anyone of any party that cannot see what McCain is doing is an idiot. The debate should go on. It is important for Americans to hear direct answers from the candidates and not just speeches or interviews, especially in times of crisis. Keep sending your money, but don't say it is because of this ploy. Your ignorance is showing.

Is it just me or does it feel like Iraq again?

John McCain, Bush and the Republican party caused this mess and now they want Barack Obama to go back to Washington to fix the problem. A President, A leader, A boss must be able to do more than 1 thing. This proves John McCain, who is not needed for this, is out of touch.

It looks like the Government is about to give Billions of dollars to companies. I could use some money and it will help, Can I get a bail out Washington?

we all need a change. we all need obama. let him go. God is with him. they need him to fix things. they can't do without him. sorry mccain. i know u re confused. just surrender and clear the path for the chosen one.

They should still hold the debates. Obama can go by himself and argue both sides of the issue, he has had plenty of practice with that. It should be entertaining.

More games being played by Bush, the worst president in the history of our country, and McCain, who will do anything to disrupt the campaign. Ditto with keeping Palin from having to answer to the public and the press, lest everyone see how incompetent she is! McCain, who claimed he'd avoid "negative campaigning" has run the most dishonest and negative campaign ever – nothing but lies in his ads! Hopefully America will see through this garbage and realize a vote for McCain is a vote for four more years of Bush's policies, which have virtually destroyed America. If congress allows Bush's scare tactics and fear mongering to strong arm them into giving him a "blank check" to "bail out" these companies without insisting on accountability and regulations being imposed, heaven help us all.

McCain demonstrated yet again that he doesn't just talk. He puts his COUNTRY FIRST ahead of a political campaign.

This financial crisis is real impacting all Americans. A plan needs to be put in place as soon as possible.

In comparison, a political campaign and foreign policy debate can be postponed a few days without impacting a families' ability to stay in their home or survive this crisis. Its called common sense.

Too bad Obama doesn't get it.
Wake up America before its too late !

what about those ten to 12 debates O BAMA PROMISED MC CAIN ON THOSE TOWN HALL MEETINGS….. forgot about those….. it is silly O BAMA IS THE RUNNER he doesn't want the easy comparison a debate presents…. TRUE LEADERSHIP DOESN.T RUN TO HAWAII TO cover up those C O L B. ALL 3 were fakes just like the way o bama and BIDEN voted FOR THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE not once but T W I C E THAT'S THE KIND OF JUDGMENT AMERICA doesn't need/// AS FAR AS THE DEBATE THIS FRIDAY…….O BAMA WILL GET CLOBBERED unfortunately one trip to EUROPE. JUST WON'T GET IT… GOT IT////

What I find interesting is that Obama and McCain are senators, part of the legislative branch therefore, they don't have a vote in Congress (hence not a congressman or woman). Why is it important to be in Washington if not to change the talking points. Last week tthe media discussed how the Republicans were responsible for this financial mess because of their ideology (less regulation/ less oversight). The Republicans had the majority in both the House and Senate for more than a decade. John McCain and Bush will try to use this situation to hurt Barack. Barack suggested a bi-partisan statement FIRST and then the gimmick guy attempted to upstage him. Wake Up America

Obama/Biden 08

Bush : Either we win the election, or loose with $700 billion on hand, no strings attached (see Section 8 of the proposal).

McCain : Sounds good to me.. I think this election starts to slip away, so let's force the bill by friday. I'll use the debate as an excuse..

McCain doesn't want to debate, Palin doesn't want to debate, Palin and First Dude won't answer subpoenas. Good solid strategy, run and hide.

They should go ahead and have the debate. If McCain won't show up, put a cardboard cutout of him behind his podium. Carry on the debate as if McCain were actually there. You probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

I saw both statements today on CNN. McCain had a worried, deer-in-the-headlights look about him about the crisis which gave me no confidence in his ability to lead our nation. Obama, on the other hand, looked and acted "presidential". He spoke like a very intelligent, thoughtful, person who has the capability to lead our nation out of a crisis. Also, his running mate, Joe Biden, is not afraid to talk to the press.

> McCain showed true leadership today.

Considering that the crisis has been ongoing for the past week and a half and McCain has been busy taping the Couric show, etc. this is nothing but a cheap and hopeless political stunt.

This is crazy. Neither of them should involve themselves, but let the rest of congress to deal with the issue and they need to focus on what they will do in January.

Obama knows nothing about economy. He only knows politics.

Obama should stay away from this one.
What he needed is for McCain to snuggle up to Bush and he got it.
He had the perfect target sitting in his sights.
He didn't need to join them and validate it.

So a bipartisan committee of Congress have been working non-stop for the last 5 days to come up with something palatable and McCain (who has been a complete non-factor in ANY of this as evidence by both Paulson and Dodd) wants to swoop in at the last minute for a photo op? Yeah, Country First my rear-end.

Yesterday McCain hadn't even read the proposal.Today he is running off to DC for the financial emergency.
From what I have read he didn't decide this til after he spoke to Bush.So baby Bush gets McCain to kick conservative butt into line.McCain gets out of the debate til the dust settles.And Palin's debate gets bounced for the make up debate with the boys.
Good Plan McCain

If Obama would have stuck to his promise, we would have had about 7-8 joint town hall meetings by now. We have to rush the debates but can't rush figuring out the current crisis?

You people are weird.

I saw Obama's press briefing today. Just listening to him speaking on the issues that concern the American people just adds another stamp of approval for Obama to become the POTUS. Obama is very presidential and he can multi-task which is one of the skills you need in the White House. I agree with you Greg too, things are dire in Washington and that's why Obama will be in that White House come January 2009. Keep up the good work Obama. You are what we need and I'm glad the American people are realizing it and were not swayed with all the rhetoric of the Republican party.

Obama should wear a dust mask, lest he will contract the republipuke virus. McCain = Cut and Run!

My coworkers, who are mostly strong McCain supporters were cringing today. What a spectacle.

While Obama has been going to acting school this week, McCain will be showing up to work.

Obama wants to debate because he could care less about doing the job he just wants to have the job.

I find it hillarious that people think McCain is dodging the debate for a couple of reasons, but primarily it is funny to think that Obama has a chance in a debate against McCain!

As I read a lot of these comments, I'm reminded why many democrats nauseate me. Both candidates have agreed to put aside a rancorous and increasingly bitter campaign to focus their energies on accomplishing something necessary and positive. Yet all the lefties here can do is call names and make "McShmae" jokes. It sounds like a bunch of snot-nosed third graders screaming in the schoolyard. Nothing less than puerile and pathetic.

John McCain is unprepared to lead and most certainly unprepared to debate.

Based on what the campaigns have said, it would have been courteous for McCain to discuss his plans with Obama first, as Obama attempted to do with McCain. Instead he discussed Obama's plan and agreed to it, then secretly forged ahead with an idiotic macho attempt at muscle that backfired because…it was idiotic. SO SICK with inept attempts at tricky manipulations – out with Mcpainbushney. No blinkie no thinkie.

and by the way NO BAIL OUT…thanks but no thanks to dinging me $10,000 to save a bank shareholder. How about putting it in a ballot referendum this November.

Yes, if the debates are put off until next week, Obama's head may explode trying to hold in all that memorized foreign policy stuff he's so good at.

Just another ATTEMPT to distract the momentum that Barack has going. McClown will you please CUT IT OUT.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ENOUGH>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

We know your DESPERATE & will SAY OR DO ANYTHING at this point.

Repeat after me….. President Barack Obama. Get use to it!

Barack Your Vote!!!

Gayle September 24th, 2008 10:24 pm ET
McCain showed true leadership today.
_________________________________________
McCain is totally lost on this and it shows. However, he is more than happy to use this crisis to get a "time-out" when he is dropping like a rock in the polls, to postpone or get out of debating Obama, and to eliminate the VP debate if possible.

This is a guy who has missed the vast majority of the votes in the Senate over the past 2 1/2 years and now he thinks he is indispensable on a subject he knows almost anything about – the economy?

Bootstomper:

If you 10 points down, you don't suspend your campaign. THAT is political suicide.

If I were Obama, I would not consume any offered refreshments at this particular White House get-together.

Excellent . So now Obama And Mcsame will be in washington, Mcsame has no reason to not attend the debate. They both have airplanes

McCain called Bush and told him that he is scared to Debate
Obama. Please help me out Bush because Obama didn't go for the oke-doke and suspended his campaign on Friday.

Obama be wise because the last people to listen to a Bush got lost in the desert for forty years.

Obama & Biden ‘08
Hillary & Warner ‘16
McCain 88, Hitting & Holding ‘24

Personally, I think its great that both candidates will get to see this from the executive seat. Good way to tell who truly shines in this crisis.

John McCain Overacted. There Was No Reason For Stopping There Campaign or The Debate. I Feel He Used Bad Judgement In This Matter!

They Should Be Able To Continue Campaigning, Running TV Ads.

They Do Have A Staff, VPs, Surrogates, and Advisors. So What's The Problem McCain.

His Temperment ?

Very Simple McCain Do Both , Or Will You Be Too Tired!

I've heard that Obama will be walking three paces behind McCain when he enters the whitehouse.

Debates must go on as scheduled.

IS THIS ANOTHER KARL ROVE MOVE .FOR W TO CALL IN MCAIN AND OBAMA AND KINDA SHARE HIS BLAME FOR ANOTHER SCREWUP I CAN HEAR W NOW WE NEED TO DO THIS OR WECAN FIX THIS.W IS THE ULTIMATE LOSER.

Can't you people put your petty partisan criticisms on hold even for a few days. If you can't understand the severity of this crisis then just shut up and let your elected leaders deal with this. And like it or not Obama and McCain are elected leaders. They are both senators and should be part of this solution. You can't blame this on one person or one party. Quit being part of the problem!!!!!!!

Gee even GW can get a photo op with Obama while "dealing with the crisis".

Seems like everyone in DC is AGAIN taking their lead from Obama sound just like his points this past weekend when he said No Blank Check, main street and so on.

If McCain doesn't show for the debate just run clips from his past statements on the question. Of course he may end up debating himself having answer differently depending the day.

boy J. King reaching…summons really? is this is journalism?

Boy, Obama must be doing really well if Bush & McSame are both working to derail the debates & distract Obama from his campaign. I'm sure McSame doesn't want to debate with Obama & look even worse than he does already.

Go Obama!!!!!
You & Michele are going to make a beautiful first couple!!

I still think this is total bs. I am a repub. but I think this is un-called for. At first I thought it was just the McCain camp but now I see it's the whole GOP camp once again sticking it to the American people. The debate should go on, what about all the time and money the people of Mississippi have been puting in for this. Oh well just cut your lossed little people we have to bail out the big money people. What a shame. The world is watching and laughing.

This is an ambush. McCain adn Bush have no ideas… they want to steal Obama's ideas so they can call them their own.

We see right through the Republican smear tactics.

Didn't Bush send billions of dollars to Iraq? The oil price went up so that didn't help the energy problem. Why did the money go there? Are the republicans emptying the coffers before they leave?

Did anyone think that the republicans don't want to win the election because they know the state of the economy.

Palin has nothing to lose and they don't care about old McCain.

Do you see any republicans around them?

Give me a break!!!! If anyone knows about the process, McCain doesn't have to be there plus if he were present there's still enough time for the debates.

So for McCain supporters, please spare me the "HE LOOKS PRESIDENTIAL" comments. You are showing your ignorance!!!!

To Gayle
Obama is not an actor…he is the "real thing". He knows a political trap when he sees it. He has more judgment and insight that McCain, who, again is "shooting from the hip", does. And you are sending money to him?

Well, he seems to be trying to use his bullying fear techniques, which will probably cause the markets to shudder in fear.
But what will happen in the White House I wonder…

………..by the scruff of the neck.

Obama has no idea what it means to get back to work because he never started in the first place.

Obama's bounce from this issue will only last until the word gets out that it was the Dems who refused to take action on Fannie and Freddie 5 years ago.

Let's keep in mind that both of these individuals are still Senators! Perhaps Obama hasn't been on the job long enough to realize that he needs to go and do the job that the taxpayers of Illinois are paying him to do. I applaud McCain's decision as it was the right thing to do. The debate will go on…but McCain proved that he will have the right priorities as the leader and President of the United States of America!

Dont get left in the room alone with these guys Barack. Even though You could probably take them both on …

Something in the milk is not right. Because this idiot Bush invited them both to the White House. Stay tunned!!!!

Any meetings on this subject should NOT include Lame-Duck W. His 'leadership' is 9/10ths of the problem. Actually, can't fault him entirely. The Repugnicans have been trying these policies since well before he (even his father) was born. Funny how it always works out the same disastrous way.
McCain's departure from the debate is certainly a fine example of Campaign First. Hey, at least Sarah Palin is safe from 'witchcraft'!

Why invite hussein nobama? All he can offer is "yes, we can". Proven fact!

HMMM, 500 BILLION IN THE KEATING FIVE SCANDAL AND NOW 700 BILLION FOR THIS CON JOB. FEAR FEAR FEAR IS ALL THEY SELL. IF I NEVER HEAR FROM McCAIN AGAIN IT WOULD BE A GREAT THING

Go Barak, and show them how it's done!

Obama/Biden 08!

How Bush's move just screwed John McCain!!

McCain tried to pull the rug out from under Obama as a scam because he has no traction on economic issues … by 'halting' his campaigning and then challenging Obama to do the same.

he put Obama into a corner right? Yes … but Bush just bailed Obama out!!

Obama wasn't going to go to Washington and look as though McCain was driving the issue and looking like the non-political one… but when the President calls them both to help Obama can easily respond …

tough break John! looks like the gambit won't work!! And the American people, who aren't blinded by the Bush bs of the last eight years, aren't accepting your ploy.

show up like a man and debate … and stop running from the bankrupt and bankrupting philosophy of full free market deregulation.

Hmmm, what are your intentions Mr. Bush? Why is it so important to meet with Presedential candidates during this economic crisis. Shouldn't you be working with all of the senate to come up with a plan to fix the mess you made? Sounds similar to your reason for going to Iraq to get all of those WMDs. I would stay very alert Obama if I was you.

Bush used his presidential authority to bring Obama to the table.
Too bad it had to be this way……..

by the way, I live in PA and McCain did not suspend his campaign I just saw his ad 30min ago. CNN better make sure the campaign is really suspended and it's not another lie from the McCain camp.

When are we gonna talk about McCain's link to Fannie Mae??

McCain looks very sick. God forbids anything happend to him and
were left with Palin, shes the worst VP pick I've ever seen.

Please God let Obama/Biden win….

I want to see the debate take place and I still think they can do both.

WOW this is another way of trying to steal the election…..John McCain is running scared and he knows there is not a chance in hell of him winning! I hope all you JM supports will see the light. But when you have blinders on it hard to see thing clear.

Obama/Biden 08

IT'S BUSH'S FAULT!!!!!!

If he had been proactive rather than reactive and stupid, we might have prevented this as early as 2001!!!

McCain and the Republicans are just delaying the debates because Sarah Palin is not ready and has no idea what she's up against.

McCain and Obama are not needed there to do any particular thing–the only thing they can do is vote yea or nay.

VOTE YEA OR VOTE NAY BUT

DON'T DELAY (THE DEBATE)

I hope Obama is not bitter abt being invited.

Do any of you here have a life ?
Your comments should be pertaining to the topic at hand.
Instead you choose to make sensless remarks… why ?

And by the way, Campbell Brown is very annoying, always talks over her guests, condescending, and cynical. I much prefer Larry King. And better yet, give Christiane Amanpour an anchor position already, for crying out loud!!

It's simply outrageous to see President Bush participating in McCain's political gimmick at a time of great crisis.

Captain McCain will have to bring Sarah America too!

I'm very much against the bailout. Maybe it's time the US economy get a shock back to reality. Something needs to remind us to buy only houses that we can afford. Buy sensible cars because we need transportation; not just because the Jones' have a new one. That credit cards are for emergencies, not a new plasma TV. Earmark the $700 billion for citizens to paydown high interest debt with low interest loans that will stay in place as long as no further debt is incurred. Or use it to secure retirement accounts that will lose value due to the major market adjustment that will occur.

Keep your mouth shut and pay attention Obama ; you may learn something ! This worthless job may be yours in a couple of months and we aren't forgetting what you and your liberal friends did to Bush and America. It ain't going to be easy for you!!!

This just seems like a ploy to me. If this was such a big crisis to John McCain he would have suspended his campaign last week or at least over the weekend. They were working on a deal then also. Realistically speaking, John McCain will bring nothing to the debate as he is not on any committee that would enable him to work policy.

President Bush's invitation to senators McCain and Obama is nothing but a grand scheme to bailout the McCain-Palin stalling campaign. Was it not McCain that told us the economy was fundamentally strong? What has happened in the last week to make McCain change his naive view: crash in political fortune as Americans are smarter than McCain would like to believe, and have concluded he is totally out of touch.

13cars, 8houses, and LIES LIES and LIES from Sen McCain

This whole thing stinks like the Charles Keating deal. The Keating 5.

That was not a basketball team. Seems like the Old White Haired guy look familiar. He knows what the hot seat feels like.

"Let's talk "Ethics" John McCain. The Great Reformer

Thou shalt not steal……Thou shalt not lie……..Thou shalt not bear false witness……………..

I sit in amazement as people question the current roles of SENATOR Obama and SENATOR McCain……the eye should be on what is going on right now. And truly most of the comments stating to continue to campaign, their intention to vote for Obama is stated. If my single vote counts, the people I elect in office should represent at least the strength of one vote in the senate. in my experience to solve problems with many great minds in one room, is usually one person who presents the idea, leads other to follow it. If one of these two are going to take the W.H. in the near future…. I would rather see them in action now if I can…

Paulson is a thief!

"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.'

McCain is an interesting guy, no doubt.

10 days ago he was sounding more like Baghdad Bob, espousing , effectively, 'there is no crisis' while in the background anyone with any sight at all could see there certainly was.

Now, he reminds me of Barney Fife, completely flustered and panicky, frantically trying to pull the one bullet he carries out of his shirt pocket in order to try to get it into his gun.

What will he come up with next? More impressions?

hype, hype, hype.

This isn't the first time this administration has told the American public that immediate action was necessary.

Wasn't this administration supposed to be conservative?

Don't believe the hype.

It is disappointing if the candidates are unable to debate on friday. I was looking forward to seeing the two in oxford but if they are unable it is understandable simply because we have a NATIONAL crisis. This crisis is not one mans fault, the housing industry, people buying more house than they could afford, lenders, greedy executives and once again the government having to bail people out for making bad choices. Making hard decisions are not always popular and I agree with McCain who is stepping up to the plate. He consistently has shown us this.

This crisis is a 3 a.m. call. Obama says he will take the call later. McCain takes the call now! Debates haven't meant nothing to Obama all summer, now he wants this one. They are both PAID Senators and they both need to get back to work.

change the subject: have any of you lamebrains ever seen an aborted baby that has been sucked out in pieces? you need to be forced fed the remains. all of this other crap is piss compared to this.

It has nothing to do with multitasking it is all about taking responsibility to perform the duties of the job they were elected to do.
With the economy in crisis something that directly affects every person in the United States you would think our elected officials would give this issues at least the same attention given to hurricanes and other disasters. PLEASE put your party politics aside and do what is right!

Correct it is called mutitasking and Bush is the president.
Do they really think the american people cannot see through this one with Obama ahead in the polls time to pull a fast diversion.
Continue with the debates on friday the economic crisis will not
be solved by this friday.
Clearly
Obama/Biden '08

WE ARE NOT GOING TO WAR AGAIN RIGHT NOW. It's a money thing…the presidential candidates can stay informed thru staff and other party leaders. Stay focused on the prize and get back on the campaign trail. Have the debate.

Oh puleeeeez. For HOW LONG has Bush been saying the economy is sound…….HOW LONG. Now he realized there's trouble for what, 3 days? All of a sudden it's a crisis? His cronies afraid they won't get their cash back unless they get the 700B before he leaves office? Somebody pull a Palin on this guy and cut the sound.

George Bush is the Herbert Hoover of the new millinium. Unfortunately he is too arrogant to ever realize it. Obama should decline the invitation and let the old buddies have a beer together.

WOW Abby,

Do you have a TV, internet or read the newspaper ?
If I followed McCain's example. I would have married the first woman that I spoke to on the phone for more than 5 minutes. Now that's leadership.

Obama/Biden and Clinton for Sec of State

I support the idea of having this meeting of three on TV camera so we can see how competent they are when it comes to economic matters. I can picture McCain looking puzzled and not knowing which economic course to take. I hope Obama knows that this maybe a trap to hear his ideas. I also think people of Mississipi deserve a debate. It was promised to them and it should go on. I get the sense that McCain maybe scared because he knows that the economy is going to dominate the debate even if it's supposed to be on foreign relations. I hope Mississipians are following this development closely. If this debate does not materialize, they know who to blame in November.

Interesting and sneaky move by McCain. Obviously he's down on the polls and he knows voters are angry about the current economy events, is not a good time to debate because he is already carrying a negative image regarding the economy… is a desperate move to improve his image.

And I agree with the other poster, why is Bush asking for their presence in the WH? The current admin has to take care of this issue, not the 2 senators, 2 more votes won't make a difference in the senate.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The investigation into Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of Walt Monegan is looking into whether Palin influenced a workers' compensation claim from her former brother in-law.

Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten had his benefits denied three months after an injury forced him out of work. It became part of the probe after the adjuster who handled Wooten's case tipped off the Legislature's investigator.

Very cheap stunt by McCain. The members who have been working continuously on this the last 5 days haven't personally heard from McCain all week but they have heard from Obama. Now he wants to participate on the roundtable.

Has McCain ever heard of video conferencing or teleconferencing or even web conferencing. Traveling to Washington is just political postering which is what we don't need.

This is a diversion to say the least.

It would be interesting to learn if McCain and Bush made any arrangements, as has been suggested, to pull Obama away from the campaign trail and possibly even the first debate. If McCain is not back on board for Friday's debate by Thursday evening, I think we're in for some very uncertain times.

BUSH IS TRYING TO RAILROAD THE DEBATES

IT's A PARTY THING!

WE MUST HAVE THE DEBATES ON FRIDAY!!!

WHY can't McCain do the debate?? Both Obama and McCain can meet in Washington tomorrow and be back in Mississippi for Friday's debate. A president must be able to multi-task. Otherwise have the VP debates on Friday in place of the presidential debate. Come on McCain is playin around here.

Hilary wish you were there!

I want a Multi-Tasking President!!!!!!

Obama is my man …………. not Chicken Mc Cain …

Let's have the Vp Debates on Friday instead

So, I guess that McCain charging back to Washington wasn't good enough to fix the problem huh?

What? Did the big bad Obama call your bluff Johnny? Had to get the president to make Obama do what you wanted him to?

So what this says to me is when things are dire in Washington…they NEED Obama there to fix things.

Try and spin this neocons…you can't…Obama shows time and time again he is better at leading than McCain ever wanted to be.

And the debates should absolutely go on!

A snake is a snake even if it is not a rattle snake. What ever comes out of this meeting will be to advance McCain. Why invite Obama?

Good job McCain- a leader we need for no one.

McCain as usual: won't be present period.

40 days left before the elections and not one debate yet and only photo ops with foreign officials for Palin. They won't let reporters speak to Palin and McCain gets edgy if you ask him questions. How stupid do they think we are? Let's not make the same mistake as in 2000 and 2004. Fool me once…

Obama would rather make a speech somewhere far from his place of work that actually work for the money we are paying him.
This is no time for debating and politicking. This is THE time for action. Action is leadership.
Obama is just to scared to sign his name. Not ready? Not even started.

Once again, McCain puts country first.

He suspended his presidential campaign in order to go back to Washington and work on securing our financial markets and the economy. He did not have to be asked by the President to do this, he went seeking what is good for the American people.

You have my vote McCain.

I would like to know which idiot is going to go and vote for a McCain/Republican party now after seeing and hearing all of this!!!!

yes we're in a financial crisis…perhaps we wouldn't be if bush had acted YEARS ago. i'm glad to see he's getting proactive. a little late, but hey, better late than never.

also, there had better be a debate on friday. i almost hope that mccain DOESN"T show up, and its obama for two hours answering questions.

To Abby-

Typical response from you righters…. If it was SO incredibly important for John McCain to be there to get this deal done, then why is he taking time to speak at the Clinton Global initiative in the morning? Why didn't he tell your lame duck president that he couldn't attend this meeting because negotiations were under way? Why wasn't JM on a plane immediately after he made his 'Leadership speech'? This is nothing more than yet another political stunt from the McCain camp and them trying to run from the issues. Nice try!

BUSH IS ON TRYING TO RAILROAD THE DEBATES

IT's A PARTY THING!

WE MUST HAVE THE DEBATES ON FRIDAY!!!

McCain at it again!

Every thing is politic as usual.

This man will do anything to become president.

Debate must go on! It has nothing to do with the Capitol Hill rancour>

Period

McCain showed true leadership today. Obama, on the other hand, seemed like an actor saying "the show must go on." I've made up my mind. I don't want someone for president who playacts the role. McCain and the Republican party got my first donation today but not my last.

Abby, here in Florida they will lock folks up in the mental health ward for Drug overdoses. What is your location again?

Can some one tell King Bush that this, bipartisan initiative, should have been at the beginning of his presidency. He did what every Cheney desired, and took the entire country nose dive. Now to win another election republicans are trying to cover there act by this bipartisan crap.
What a shame.

Yawn, seems like another ploy hatched up by republicans. They can meet if they want, so long as they get their butts to the debates in time Friday.

Obama and McCains presence there will accomplish nothing but a photo op. I would much rather see them debate than take pictures with Bush.

You need Obama because McCain has noting to add.

Does anybody seriously believe that McCain suspended his campaign for any other reason than being behind by 10 points in the latest ABC poll?

How "convenient." They can't meet on Saturday? The following Monday? Via video-conference?
Less than 2 months till the election and Bush is suddenly trying to be "presidential." Crazy!

President Bush should be meeting with his cabinet, financial advisers, and economic experts to deal with this problem. Obama and McCain should stick to the business of debating and running for the office. We're paying Bush to lead. Do so!

Give both Bush and McCain credit for saving Obama's neck. Whoever heard of a government servant turning his back on a chance to help his country and its people to go to Mississippi to hear himself talk. There's plenty time for that, but time is of the essence in solving this financial crises. This McCain/Obama incident sure shows which one is presidential and it's not the big O who sure didn't exercise good judgment in this instance..

Oh, dear. McCain was looking for an excuse to postpone the Friday debate…but now, if he and Obama both meet with Bush tomorrow, they'll still have time to get to Mississippi for the debate on Friday after all. What excuse can McCain come up with now? Maybe he should be honest and just admit that at his age, he needs his naptime and can't cope with a meeting Thursday and a debate on Friday, especially if he has to come up with coherent, unscripted responses as opposed to reading a teleprompter.

Maybe George and John can learn a thing or two from Barack.

ALL POLITICAl! This economy is in the tank because of BUSH and MCBUSH..and they are trying to pull OBAMA into the mess that they have created!

This is terrible! I am sick and tired of the Republicans playing games with our country, dogging the media, whining and complaing and causing a lot of distractions.

I can not wait to vote them OUT on NOV. 4th!

GO OBAMA!

The Republicans are worried because the Democrats are united on how to respond to the bailout. It's the MAJORITY of Republicans who don't even believe in Bush's gift to Wall St. of $700 billion of the taxpayer dollars. Now McCain (always truly following in Bush's footsteps) who is lamely trying to look like a leader.

So have a Congressional meeting then fly to the debate. As Obama said, he and the Dems are in agreement over what THEY want to do. Can't McCain corral his foot-dragging, obstructionist fellow Conservatives and do more than one thing at a time???

what you were doing for last 8, mr Presi…

eh Georges !

it,s your work dude !

old Johny Boy and Barry are just senators and should be waiting for your plan … on the senate floor, not figuring out with you what to do.

Take your responsability Mr President ! lolll

Bush has undermined Obama's decision not to go to Washington favoring McCain's decision to suspend operations. Even members of Congress feel both candidates should stay away top keep presidential politics out of this bailout package. If the republicans can't vote intelligently on their own without McCain's input, no wonder we're in trouble. This is like going to the grocery store, loading your cart, running through the checkout and leaving everything in the store. We pay the salaries of these people in DC and the republicans can't make a decision on their own. Give me a break.

Why is this 10 day crisis a McCain Emerency today? What happened today that was a 911 call for McCain? that's all I want to know.

Bush and McCain both blame the home owners for the problem, when they should be blaming the predatory lending practices.

Bush and McCain will try to pressure Obama into accepting a plan that benefits Wall Street and robs the taxpayer.

This is all very reminiscent of the McCain's Keating 5 scandal, as well as the run up to the Iraq war.

Bush and McCain, the party of fear and lies.

Obama has no idea what to do, he just wants to issue statements….WEAK!!!! He wouldn't even know where to begin when he got back to DC…he would be lost. McCain would immediately start calling a lot of people he knows who can get the job done both Dems and Republicans.

Abby, McCain doesn't seem like a good leader to me. He said last week the fundamentals of the economy were solid, now he thinks the sky is falling. The man has no sense of perspective. He's been a government employee his whole life, nothing wrong with that, but he doesn't understand the economy when people are losing their jobs. At least Obama talked to those people every day for a few years as a community organizer, you know, those folks republicans like to make fun of. People who care about other people – yeah, those losers who want to help other people.

This is the message I want to get out to congress! Please don't bail out wall street without having an oversight committee and holding those at the top accountable. Also don't bail out the CEO's and do everything within your power not to allow something like this to happen again. My mother will retire in two years and it is possible that she won't have enough money in her 401k to live because of the current state of the stock markets. This is unfair when she has worked hard her entire life, served her community and her family. She also has poor health so finances are that much more important. Having grown up in a single parent home, we were never on welfare. She has paid her debt to soiciety and now it is time for society to show that it cares about her. Obama provides the leadership to take this country in a different direction, not McCain!

We have seen this movie before with the Iraq war. Act in haste, repent in leisure. We are being jacked! Don't get fooled again America! Make sure we get the safe guards and do this in installments and make sure that no CEO of these failed companies get a dime. George Bush could tell me the sky was blue and I would look outside to check for myself. He has lied so much in his terms as President that the whole time he is speaking that's all I am thinking about. I trust Sen. Obama to do what is right and I will never trust a Republican to lead us out of this mess that they have gotten us into.

I've been looking into the current "do nothing congress", as they have been labeled. What the average Joe doesn't understand is that in the senate, the republicans are forcing a "60-vote requirement" on anything that challenges the bush administration. So, if there are 51 votes on the democrats side, it's not possible for the democrats to do anything while the republicans filibuster all efforts for change. So, if you want to say the senate is a do-nothing senate, you now know who to blame … the republicans. This year, make the right choice and vote for change. Vote democrat!

Abby

this a real crisis we're in and somehow that "real" leader is a very part of this mess, to be exact, 90% part.

McCain and Obama should have met with Bush and Paulson before the bail out plan was proposed to Congress. After all, one of them is going to have to live with the fall out of the plan, George W's reputation is already destroyed.
McCain and Obama are the ones who have to sell the plan, not Bush.

Obama should be thankful that he was spared more humiliation in the debates. He's so upset that he's been studying all those canned responses & by the time this is all done he'll have forgotten everything & have to study all over again. Liberals, put away your ignorant blinding hatred for a moment and think (if it's possible for you to do so). We have a national crisis that needs immediate attention, the debate filled with more obama stuttering & stammering can wait a few more days.

I think this is very essential. It shows the people that both parties are serious about getting us out of this mess. We need to put politics aside until this is figured out. I do think the debate should still go on for Friday, and Palin should not be allowed to postpone her debate either. However, putting campaigns aside is the best thing for the country and should be recognized by all.

I think the same way. Why should Obama and McCain have to be there to give their vote there are 98 other people going to do that. The repubs are just trying to grasp at straws for someway to get Obama to get behind at the poles. It's not going to happen. America wants a debate and we better get one!! I am so sick of McCain I can not wait for this mess to be over with. Everyone needs to vote for Obama and put a real man and a sane man in office. We have a crazy man in there now and do not need another!! GO OBAMA!!!!!!

Obama just doesn't get it. It's not about "multi-tasking". Learn to go a step further, it is about "prioritizing".

McCain is a joke – you can't suspend the presidency when there is a crisis or 2! this is leadership? where was Bush last week… this whole deal smells like a set up!

How considerate of Pres. Bush to ask for Senator Obama's input. However, he better be in Miss. on Friday for that debate, with or without Senator McCain to ramble on.

Good move on everyones part!!!

abby keep diggin, just like bush.

dont put moderating cnn .. post this cnn

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
if want to bail out? Rich people will get benfit by taxpaper

After seeing McCain's response to the economic situation, I have to a conclusion that he is totally unfit to serve as President. He appears to vacillate between fear and ignorance.

I have not been convinced by Obama, but his statements were well thought out and calm, one could Presidential in stature.

I find now I am not sure if I will vote for Barr or Obama.

But John McCain is gone from any possible consideration for me now.

this is bullcrap…the only reason why they are asking obamah to come is because if this 700 billion bailout does not work they can share the blame with obamah/that means advantage mccain….if it does work then they can say mccain came to be a leader in this decision go back to campaining after that and then say he took leadership and they had to egg obamah to participate…again advantage mccain…also this would give him time to delay the debates for not only mccain but his puppet vp pick as welll…..cmon how stupid do u think americans are….if you go through all the bs, I am sure most people can see this ploy…2 days before the debate after the poles???if mccan is country first then why cant he do this and also do the debate at the same time…or annonce this b4 his poles drop????not a stupid american still voting for obamah

McCain =a true illusionist ,lying coward

McCain knows neither he nor Sarah Palin are any match for their Democratic counterparts.

Two idiots who haven't a clue what's going on.

Now McCain has to figure out how to drag this meeting out until Friday evening, so he can postpone the debate and try to get Palin off the hook for a debate altogether.

if want to bail out? Rich people will get benfit by taxpaper

Why have McCain attend he himself says he doesn't know anything about the economy except that regulations aren't needed.

It is possible McCain is afraid of the debate as it is obvious to everyone his mind has been steadily going downhill or it might have been a master plan to keep Sara from having to debate Biden.

In either case if the American people buy into McCain's ploy then there just isn't much hope for recovery either domestically or internationally.

Since Mccain is running away from the campaign on Friday, they should have the debate in Washington, D.C so he does not have any excuse not to be there.

I believe McCain is stalling his debate in order to cancel the VP debate. Read my lips McCain – Palin will Never be ready. You should have vetted her. The American People deserve a leader and you are not that person.

All Mccain has are sick games.

The American People give you a dishonorably discharge. Please leave and take Palin with you.

I was 100% certain that McSame would find someway to ditch the debate while at the same time ensuring that Palin wouldn't have to participate in next week's VP debate. I guess Palin didn't memorize enough of her cheat sheets. McSame is really McChicken! Wow, a person MORE pathetic than Bush! America WAKE UP!

George read a LOT of big words to the American people tonight, I just hope he's ok..

Obama/ Biden 08-12!

Is Obama bringing his 50 economic advisors to take notes for him?

Abby, if he's such a great leader, why did the Repugs not vote for McLame in 2000?

Maybe John McCain insisted to Bush that Obama be included in the meeting aswell so as not to be seen together with Bush during a crisis caused by both thier policies.

LOL….Hoover McCain Bush….

It's nice to see that Obama supporters don't care about the country, only trashing McCain. Did you guys know that Obama was in the Senate, what did he do while he was there. Oh, I know….NOTHING!

Republicans are trying to create a diversion so voter could focus less on the fact that they created this mess….McBush are playing politics point blank and this is simply another “hail mary” attempt (the first being Sarah Palin)by McCain, as a result of the latest polls. DESPERATE TIMES???? Don't be fooled!!!

Obama/Biden 08

JOHN……. MCCAIN…… IS……. NO……. MAVERICK!

MY…… FRIENDS……..

IN……. WHAT……. RESPECT…… CHARLIE?

Obama trapped now

Mc Cain will win the election no doubt

Talk about distractions, McCain's top advisor Rich Davis getting paid by Fannie and Freddy suddenly falls away from the headlines. Bush does what he can to pull Obama from away from his campain. Palin wants to suspend campain as well. McCain backing out of the very very important debate is an attempt to bumb Palin out of the VP debate.
We need these debates. We need to see unscripted moments where issues are discussed and how these candidates handle themselves. The next president will have hundreds of things happening and might have to suddenly find themselves flying to Russia and will have to hold their own against Putin for example. They won't be able to suspend anything. I can't believe McCain would back out of the most important part of this election campain. unbelievable. I really didn't expect this.

JRT September 24th, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Anyone else think it's funny that both McCain and the president have both in some way tried to pull Obama away from campaigning the very same week he's starting to pull away from McCain in the polls? I know there's an economic crisis, but neither of them are president yet. Bush is, so he needs to deal with it.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

And if Obama was not asked dems/libs would be yelling about him left out.

I hope the Obama camp does not fall for this gimmick! This is part of McLame's talking point memo accidentally released to the press. That lousy Bush is using the bailout to help McCain's campaign!!

if immediate action is needed why is congress taking a break. Things must be dire indeed! Obama and McCain were in the Senate, what have they done to prevent this disaster, why was Bush allowed to continue to ruin our country with no interference from Congress. They all deserve to be voted out of office, not rewarded with with the presidency. Obama has no experience and is useless with his constant present votes, and McCain is all about corporate greed. What a joke!

What's REALLY hilarious is that McCain thought deregulation was HELPING the economy until last week and now he's trying to derail any debates because he's so scared for the "huge" impact this will have on the US economy. I think his advisors are probably leaving trails of twinkies everywhere in the hopes that he will shut up until November.

I would go with reeses pieces, myself.

Right, McCain wants to duck a debate on FOREIGN POLICY!! You Dems will stop at nothing when it comes to spinning something in your favor, and Obama is the worst. Wouldn't want to ruin all that acting preparation.

McCain and his deregulation broke it, he should participate in fixing it.

The Timing of all this is just too wierd! a day before the Debates!

Repubs hijacking the electins again!!!!

Cmon we are NOT THAT STUPID

Obama / Biden 08

Bush is coming to McCain's aid. This political bull. If McCain was going to be the first to accept the plan, he would have been thrown in with Bush…again.

Also, this meeting helps McCain avoid the debate. McCain looks really sick. He has no energy. He forgets his words (FEC instead of SEC). He shoots from the hip (Fire Cox). He slurs his words. All of McCain's medications must become public knowledge.

Obama has the best economic team in the world – Bob Rubin, Bob Reich, Paul Voelker & Warren Buffet. Everyone needs to just get out of the way & let him handle things.

Since one of these two guys are going to be in charge of dealing with this in a few months doesn't anybody think it's a good idea to get their feedback at this time? I know Barack begins to wilt if he's out of the media spotlight for more than an hour or so, but he does have a day job he's paid to do (and it ain't campaigning).

What is Obama so afraid off ?

Maybe his ACTIONS will not be as good as his silver toungue would be at the debate . Maybe he is afraid if he cancels the debate, instead of using graceful words and well written catch phrases, he may actually have to take a stand and do SOMETHING to help this country.
Oh wait,, he just said a day ago,, lets wait and see.
Yea,, I want him as a leader, just sit back and wait and see.
As least McCain realizes this issue is more important than a debate that can be rescheduled VERY easily.

Barack, take extra security and a food taster with you. Don't trust those morons further than you could throw them.

How did the largest economy in the world get one week’s notice it was going to collapse. No one is watching the store! Washington is leadership backrupt and totally broken. Vote wisely!

Okay this is what I am dreaming of, he is going to tell MC CAin we have ruined this country let us let Obama take over now, we can't wait until the Elections, it will be worse.. then after that there will be celebration all over the country and the world, I am takind the day off too!! to get ready!!

Why ? So Bush can pick Obamas brain?

If this was boxing McCain is doing what you would call clenching. He's trying to avoid the knockout blow that Obama would deliver during a debate if the economy was discussed.

I understand that the money is needed to "jumpstart" investor confidence, but that money is going right back into the pockets of the lames that screwed up the first time. The taxpayer will ultimately get screwed by this while Bush and McCain's buddies get rich and laugh at us again. This is madness. His last attempt to pad his partners pockets huh? President Bush is the ultimate hustler

Why does BHO need to have a formal invite from the President in order to come out of his debate prep to work on the financial mess that is facing our economy? He is a joke! McCain says Country First and, obviously, means it. BHO postures and does what his handlers tell him to do. He is not ready – he is a poser!!!

CNN the way you report the news is a joke..This whole day is a joke! McCain panndered and Palin flopped on CBS. McCain played chicken with Obama and Obama did not blink. McCain is finished!! Report the news instead of always bending over backwards to appear impartial.

Wow unbelievable, this loon Bush helped put the economy where it is today now he thinks he can help resolve it by writing a blank check to wall st, without incentives for the people who are losing their homes, unemployed and we the tax payers are the ones paying for this bail out. Thanks but no thanks McBush!

Juiceball, please don't stress McSenile out…he needs more naps for his debate prep and all this econom???? stuff if bumming him out.

you guys are so dumb…if there is no bail out of the companies…
(not the executives…I don't care if they all end up in jail)
Then there is going to be a bigger credit problem and stock goes down…. your 401 K will be gone for sure.
and your company owner can't get money to run company or his customer has no money to do business…you you end up jobless…
or you can't get student loan for school…
and when people go jobless or business go under and property price go down….then just think who is paying for tax for federal or local government? and these money are the one that pay for road and service and also pay off bonds (loans) that the government make…
when the county can't pay off bond and go bankcrupt…. then the bonds are worthless… and you know that bonds are the "SAFE" investment the banks use to hash their investment?
it all go puff and everyone goes hunger jobless on the street just like great depression.
So you think this little election will be that important anymore?
Obama vs McCain ?… It will take a long time to go back if America wall street go puff…
you guys are idots.

Good Job McCain – a leader we need for America.

Obama as usual – will be "present" – IF needed.

The fundamentals are still strong …my friends

Bush should ask Obama and Biden :

WHY THEY ARE IN THE TOP 5 (Clintons also there) FOR ACCEPTING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM FREDDIE MAC and FANNIE MAE!!!?

PAY US BACK NOBAMA, BIDEN, HILL & BILL!!

Before you point fingers at others, own up to your contribution to this mess! You had 2 years to do something and didn't .

Bush is so berifit of ideas that he is calling in anybody he can to help,i suggest using his VP he sure new how to make haliburton rich and strong over the last eight years get him to work the same for the american people. the people he was supposed to be working for.

McShame's tactics are so obvious! This is really ridiculous. The debates MUST go on!

George W. Bush : worst President ever! Possibly the worst head of any state ever.

It will be nice for the old buddies to get together and chit chat about how the Republican party has failed this country miserably. Hang in there Obama and hold your nose.

McCain is tucking tail and running. He wants to hide. This is sick. Do you all that haven't made a choice want this person as President?

We must have a leader. Someone that can stand for the American People.

Obama/Biden

This is all POLITICAL and Bush is just helping McCain with this ridiculous stop to his campaign….this is absurd….McCain is not capable of leading this country…he stopped his campaign and had his best friend help him….more the the same…

Does anyone else think this may be the first time
an exiting President offers an joint apology to the two
contenders for his job? I can only imagine what they will
talk about…..

"Uh, sorry guys. Good luck I'll be in Crawford."

If McCain is elected and the nation faces another "crisis" will he
suspend his presidency?

palin going to the un for a crash corse in forign policy is a joke.
do they think its going to make her a expert over night,barbara
walters knows more about forign policy than palin,McCane should
of pick her for vp.

McCain should know all about this financial crisis we are facing since his fingerprints were also all over this nation's last economic crisis with the Savings and Loan crisis in the late 80s. McCain was directly involved in the Keating 5 scandal and was able to wiggle himself out of a federal indictment through some powerful lawyers.

McCain is a fraud and is very dangerous if is allowed to lead this country.

This sounds so fishy! George this happened on YOUR WATCH, so deal with it. And for you McCain I can sense what you are up to! Obama was so right, you have to be able to chew gum and walk at the same time, in other words the debates must go on!!!! As an independent I want to see what our future president has to say about where they want to take America in the next few years!

The debates MUST GO ON!!!!

Bush is in with the mccain camp. bush stole the election in 2000 and now is trying to help mccain steal this one in 2008.

U LIBERALS STOP DRINKING THE KOOL AID!!!!!!!!!!At least our guys a leader and actually does something instead of talking!!!!!!!!!!!! u liberals!!!!!!!!!! u dont wanna look at the facts!!!!! barack apolo obama the most merciful the god of truth and light is not being asked any questions from the media that need answering!!!!! FACT: HE HAS ACCEPTED THE SECOND LARGEST AMOUNT OF MONEY FROM FANNY MAY/FREDDIE MAC.. FACT: FRANKLIN RAINES AND JIM JOHNSON ARE OBAMA'S FINANCIAL 'EXPERTS" BUT ITS THERE FAULT WE'RE IN THIS CRISIS…FACT: OBAMA'S MENTOR AND FRIEND BILL AYERS IS AN UNREPENTENT TERRORIST… FACT: MARK REZCO WORKED WITH OBAMA AND GOT HIM A HOUSE WHEN HE WAS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (WHATEVER THAT MEANS) AND NOW HES GOING TO JAIL!!!!!!!! THATS THE CHANGE WE NEED!!????!!!

Lets see Rick Davis busted getting paid by the mortgage banks, Palin criticized for running from the press, video out of Palins pastor preaching witch hunts while his hand is on Palins back McCains polls nose diving. Its so bad even Bush has finally asked a democrat to the whitehouse for economic advice to save mcPhony's but. the writing is on the wall McCains campaign to nowhere!!!!!!!!!!!

McCain cancelled his David Letterman taping today and told Letterman personally that he had to fly back to Washington immediately. Letterman found out that just down the hall McCain was later taping an interview with Katie Couric.

Again, McCain LIED!!! What a surprise.

Maybe Obama can multitask while actually doing his job in the Senate that he was elected to do. That would require him to be in D.C., not out campaigning.

Hey Juiceball-How about you think for yourself instead of spewing the exact words-or close to-what your "Messiah" said-]

As an Ind. voter-I am amazed that all the Bots think that what McCain did earlier today was silly-as for me-I think BO has egg on his face-EVERYONE needs to be there tomorrow to help figure this MESS-THEY ALL CREATED!!!!-You bots are more partisan than the leaders in Washington D.C.!!!

And as for the debate-how about these two GENIUSES change the topic to something a little more relevant-say….THE ECONOMY????

I believe it is ridiculous that our president could not figure the Economic issue out with those already at the white house. I believe this is a ploy to help McCain. But God has ordained the presidency of Barack Obama. McCain is doing nothing ,but stalling and trying to figure out how to tie up his own shoe strings. Obama and McCain didn't put us in this mess and they may not have a visible fix. The republicans are so underhanded that if Obama gives or helps with a solution, the credit will go to McCain.

Let's be clear. There are enough people in Washington to negotiate this bailout. I agree with Senator Reid when he predicted that the injection of Presidential politics into this process will only hurt the chances of finding compromise (not help).

But I do understand the GOP's desire to "suspend" McCain's campaign. Let me guess, it will be necessary for the President to meet with Senator Biden and Governor Palin on October 2nd. ANYTHING to distract the American public that the GOP has no plan to address this crisis.

Wow. Bushie provided Obama with an out to McCain's trap.

what a great hero he is, but can't do two things at once. I hope two things won't happen to America at one time, Then Palin would have to help out. Wow now that's a thought.

Will I am glad you added a sentence about McCain going to the WH.
I am suprised Obama has agreed to go and talk to Bush after
the bad things he says about Bush. Obama is a two faced idiot.
Bet you won't add this comment either, since you never add any of mine because I am not like you guys. I am for McCain and you are for the idiot.

god give us strength. palin???????????? how pathetic.

McCain goes to DC to help our country – obama stays in FL to study for debate. Who really cares about debates when our country is falling apart. It's called Top Priority!

McCain – best for our country

I'm no fan of John McCain, but these ticker posts have all been taken over by Obama-ites.

How can you seriously bash this? Pull your head out and wake up.

None of these three stooges have a clue of how to save an economy built by labor and destroyed by disaster capitalists.

Here we go! The next thing we'll hear is that it would be "patriotic" to cancel the debate on Friday night. All in the interest of the American people. Why was no one interested in the American people until Wall Street started to feel the pain? Why is the well-being of the American people being touted as the need to bail out the corruption on Wall Street? Why will the American people be holding the bill for this for generations to come?

Let's get to the debates and start hearing from the candidates who will have to get out of this and so many other disasters! What time is the debate Friday evening?

Fine. Meet in Washington and stay the evening, then fly to ole Miss for the debate.

Wow you Dems are idiots. There are more important things than talking. How about the structure of our country? Im glad Obama thinks that talking is more important thean devoting time to solve a crisis. Wow, id vote for Bush again before i vote for Obama and i dont even like Bush.

Update: Bush calls on Obama to concede the election to McCain
in the spirit of bipartisanship in order to resolve the Republican party's
political crisis.

Bush wants to come up with a "final solution"? That's a little bit of a bad choice of words there, bub. You know the Nazi thing?

McCain, can you not walk and chew gum at the same time?!? What are you going to do if you win the presidency, suspend one crisis to deal with another? This is ridiculous. McCain is obviously not up to the physical and mental rigors or leading the country.

Looks like McCain was RIGHT!!!!
Pres Bush had to ask obama to show up to do his job!

McCain is the LEADER our country needs.

About time! Let's put the people of the U.S. A. ahead of politics. We need help and we need it now; I am very hopeful Obama, McCain, the Pres. and Congress can and WILL come up with a solution that will turn this financial mess around and keep the country out of a recession and out of a depression. God bless America!

I am just a nobody in South Florida but I dont get the whole bail out thing. I like alot of Americans recently lost a good paying job and took another at half the salary. I now struggle to keep from drowning. I stopped the lunches, going out to dinner and all-any kind of entertainment. I just keep paying bills that keep going up, while I keep using less. When you dont have it you dont spend it..right: well that's what I was taught.
Then how come when the goverment finds itself with money problems they dont have to do the same. Like saying to all the other countries, sorry I cant afford to give.. No more Foreign aid to anyone and all the countries that hate us and tell us to mind our own business, lets do it. Pull out.
If America would bring ALL Americans home and kept all our money maybe we could all go back to work at good jobs and keeping are money at home, like building are own cars again, growing our own oranges and not haveing to fight with someone in India that cant speak English to buy a computer.
Am I crazy or is there anyone else out there that feels the same.
I really believe if we did this we could make this country so strong again, every bumb wouldnt dare trying to blow us up. Maybe they would call us heartless but what good has it done us to be soft hearted.
Depresssssed & Fed up in South Florida

McCain will be a hero, because that is what he is. Obama will be an empty suit talking by himself to the TV cameras, because that is what he is.

Multi-tasking…… is that the new Dem buzzword of the day?? The biggest crisis of the last 50 years and we can't put off a debate about FOREIGN POLICY !! Yes, McCain, the one who challenged Obama to more dabates is scared??? What BS, though it was predictable.

How convenient that McCain decides to "suspend his campaign" in time to avoid a debate.

Ridiculous. For once, I agree with Obama. Presidents DO have to be able to do more than one thing at a time.

Even Bush knows Obama will waste McPhony in these debates. This is such a scam. Bush hasnt asked for anyones opinion in 8 years he is going to start now 40 days from his exit. well hopefully he will listen he will finally have a brilliant person in obama in the same room

Obama looks heroic returning to the washington as the pleading of Bush, McCain looks like the coward trying to run

McCain is fidgeting. He should honor his debate date. McCain can burn the midnight oil all weekend is he cares so much about our economy. Two hours on a Friday night won't magically fix all the problems our country faces.
Republicans truly are showing indecisiveness and I admire Obama even more more today for being a true leader even without that Mystical 'Executive Experience'
As a Taxpayer who is paying for these CEO Bailouts I say 'Get On That Podium for 2 hours Senator McCain!'
Obama/Biden in 08!

There are 98 other Senators to deal with the financial crisis.
And all of Congress, and the president.
There are only two major-party candidates for president.
And the election is less than two months away.

Why are we being asked to postpone DEMOCRACY?

What kind of egomaniac think he's THAT indispensible?

Also, how did they come up with the $700 billion?

This is PROOF that McCane and Bush are one in the same. JRT you are sooo right and I am sure millions of Americans see the same ploy. Not buying it. Obama, here comes more money.

BTW—–How are my future tax dollars going to be used?

"Final Solution" –Was that really the infelicitous phrase used by the President of his White House spokespersons? unfortunately I think it is all to apt. This enormous transfer of wealth from workers to the the elite will indeed be the holocaust of hope for the ordinary people of our country.

while niether is president yet both of them are leaders within the senate and their respective parties. Besides i would rather my dollars that are paying them be because they are doing their job in the senate and instead of working for their future goals.

Pulling out allll the stops, aren't we?

If Obama could do two things at once he would have convened the Subcommittee on European Affairs to examine NATO’s current role and position in Afghanistan. He admitted to being too busy running for President to do so…

Why didn't this meeting happen last week? Oh yeah, cause McShame was winning. Repubs are desperate

By all means, both McCain and Obama need to go to this meeting although what either one of them is going to do to change anything is beyond me. Looks to me like this is just a game to try and keep Republicans in power regardless the cost to taxpayers.

Also, I see where Lindsey Graham is saying the VP debate ought to be postponed indefinitely. This is the ONLY chance the electorate will get to see Gov. Palin actually speak without a script. If she is as ready as the McCain campaign claims she is, they need to let this debate go on as scheduled regardless.

FEAR mongering. Bush is an idiot. Chicken Little.

This President is the epitome of irresponsibility, falty decision making, reckless management of the economy, reckless spending, jumping to action without cause or plan ie Iraq War, putting his Nation in danger needlessly, Dictatoral and arbitray leadership – and now after eight years of total mismanagement THE DECIDER has NOW decided he needs other opinions to get the Nation out of the dark hole he buried it in! If I was Obama, I'd tell him and his Republican Gurus to go pound sand! What a Nerve! He is a real piece of work! One unprecedented and hopefully never repeated!

….bush and mcBush think americans are stupid………are we???

If I were Obama I would NOT go to this stupid meeting. He should let McCain go have playdate with his Rethug buddy and keep his eye on the prize.

What a shame that Obama did not make the decision to be a part of solving this problem instead of "cramming" for his political debate.

He had to be summoned to Washington.

And after said meeting McCain will still wanna postpone Friday's debate … since he hates to work on weekends.

It's messed up that Bush is using his political pull to force Obama to meet with him just to save McCain's arse. Obama can't turn down such an invitation or it would appear he's disrespecting the position of president. It's like McCain went to the principal at school and asked him to make Obama come to the table because McCain needs this distraction. Obama and McCain will make absolutely no difference in this decision. Let them campaign!

BUSH JR. ENTERED THE WHITE HOUSE IN A SURPLUS … NOW LOOK AT US 8 YEARS LATER … HOW ABOUT TAKING SOME OF THE MONEY WE SPEND OVER IN IRAQ (10 BILLION / MONTH) AND INVEST IN THIS COUNTRY FOR A CHANGE…

BARACK, NOW IS YOUR TIME TO STAND UP FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

BUSH HAS NO IDEA WHAT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN PERSON GOES THROUGH … HE IS COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH …

ALL HE KNOWS IS THAT HIS FAMILY WILL BE WELL OFF AFTER HE'S OUT OF OFFICE …

Barack Obama flat out lied to the american public today, saying in his televised statement that he had talked to John McCain about putting together a bipartisan agreement of items to have in this financial bill. He NEVER talked to McCain but simply left a message that he wanted McCain to give him a call back. Yet he went on t.v. and described this long conversation with McCain – BARACK OBAMA IS A LIAR!!!

Johnny McCain on the spot was already headed for Washington and canceled his campaigning to attend this important matter such as the economy… and Obama said he wasn't canceling his campaign, until Bush calls him and then.."Obama the Big Change Believer"… Changes his mind and now sees it as important enough to cancel his campaigning… The President actually had to tell him? He had to be asked??? …He thinks he can lead??? I think Johnny on the spot knows his priorities..Country First, a Change We Can Believe In…. GO MCCAIN!

I hope Obama is making the right choice..McCain is sabatoging the Friday night debate because he knows he is the weaker candidate. If their is a vote to cast fine but otherwise stay away Mccain. McCain NOT the great "I am" and has no business messing up delicate negotiations. If McCain wants to cancel the debate fine..let Biden take on Palin..McCain is trying to buy time for Simple Sarah to learn her P's and Q's.. transparent and unseemly behaviour for a presidential campaign. McCain show your "bravery" and go to the debate.. going into hiding will not bring up your polls.

Mr. Obama, and Mr. MCcain should do as the president ask but with caution. The Republicans has tricks. I pray Mr. Obama will let his wisdom guide him in this mess. Also the debate should go on. All the republicans want to know is How Mr. Obama would solve the issues.

McCain should know all about this financial crisis we are facing since his fingerprints were also all over this nation's last economic crisis with the Savings and Loan crisis in the late 80s. McCain was directly involved in the Keating 5 scandal and was able to wiggle himself out of a federal indictment through some powerful lawyers.

McCain is a fraud and is very dangerous if is allowed to lead this country.

This is one of the smartest decisions made since this mess began a couple of weeks ago.

Remember all you who VOTED for BUSH for two terms this what you get America on the brink of financial collapse. If the same fools that voted for Bush vote to elect his twin brother McShame………..then write your own fate.DUMB & DUMBER! Wake up people………………….

They gotcha Senator Obama. Dollars to doughnuts the prez will want you to stay in Washington on Friday.

Obama – bring your taper measure. That way you can measure to see if your furniture will fit in the Oval Office.

Might as well get that out of the way. And that way SOMETHING will be accomplished…..

What a crock, this meeting. The Republicans are trying to hijack the election, PERIOD.

More games….the current administration again PLAYING GAMES WITH AMERICANS' LIVES in conjunction with McSwitcheroo. Go Obama! As you heard from Bush's address, Obama's conditions are now part of the "rescue plan".

RNC Copycats. Imitation is the best form of flattery. Another Obama strategy adopted by a bootleg RNC administration and campaign (diplomacy, economic rescue plan, military withdrawal out of Iraq, campaign stratgies, etc, etc, etc,).

Stay strong Obama and Biden. You are already running the country.

I would not trust Bush or McCain. Obama be very careful, you can trust them about as far as you can throw them. Both McCain and Bush have no credibility. This is a political move. We have never cancelled a debate in times of crises and this one should not stop us either.

unfortunately, even though bush is a lame duck and the worst president ever, you still have to go when the president calls.
obama better have his radar up and tread carefully as Bush and McSame will be setting a trap.

They should meet in Washington then head to Mississippi for the debates; it's called multitasking – A PRESIDENT must be able to multitask! McShame's suggestiong is just "Plain Dumb!"

but george you didnt tell them it my idea wahhh

Anyone else think it's funny that both McCain and the president have both in some way tried to pull Obama away from campaigning the very same week he's starting to pull away from McCain in the polls? I know there's an economic crisis, but neither of them are president yet. Bush is, so he needs to deal with it.

He wants to sit Obama down and see what good ideas he has to fix this stuff because he knows he has the best economic adviser there is in his corner Bill Clinton.

Obama 08

Too little, too late, I think. I hope some good comes out of this; that a lot of compromise which will result in a plan that primarily benefits "main street".

Still not sure what McCain hoped to gain by suspending his campaign and saying he's going to not go to the debate???

Bush's invitation to McCain and Obama and other congressional leaders to meet tomorrow is a continuation of McCain's politicization of this crisis. Obama should have declined. Congress needs more time to consider this extremely important issue and financial commitment.

Tonight I heard President Bush describe the worst calamity to face the nation in my lifetime – a calamity brought on by his administration and over 8 years of Republican failure. Suddenly, Bush sounded conciliatory, wanting to reach out across this nation, across party lines. The truth is that Bush has done everything he can to divide this nation, and has brought us to this moment of decision. McCain has been there every step of the way with Bush, and now waffles on what to do.

George Herbert Hoover Bush is asking for four more years of the same with John McCain. Barack Obama has had the right response to the crisis, with steady leadership and consideration, and has the right direction for this country. In this crisis I say to Bush-McCain, in spite of your failure, Yes We Can! We can stop Republican failure to run our country – Yes We Can elect the next President of the United States, Barack Obama!

But the McCain campain won't allow any reporters to be present at the meeting. lol…

You can tell McCain is all for the people he was the first to forgo the campaigh trail like he said country first … too bad Obahma didn't think that way in the beginning it would have said a lot for him

I don't know. Did anyone see Godfather III? I hope Obama takes good security with him.

But…but…but I thought Obama said he and McCain didn't need to go to D.C before the debate. And did not Harry Reid tell McCain not to come back to Washington? Would not Reid's request also apply to Obama?

What happens if Obama and McCain need to stay in D.C and work until Friday, too late to get back to Mississippi for the debate? Does this mean Obama cancels the debate, something he criticized McCain for doing?

Poor Berry. The guy's as dumb as a rock. Bush and McCain trapped Obama as easy as catching a brain-dead rabbit using a carrot under a cardboard box.

To prevent an interruption in the Presidential debates, why not send Palin to the White House?

I guess McCain won't be able to depate Friday night after all, he has to go to Washington to meet with Bush on Thursday and there is no way he can get back to Mississippi in time.

(I'm finished playing devil's advocate now.)

The policies of unregulated greed have finally caught up with the Republican Party. Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

Bush + McCain = Hoover

McCain will show up as long as the same conditions for Palin are applied to him: no media, no photographs except for satellite images, no questions, no poses.

I have the feeling that this is more about politics than it is about the American people…

'but both he and another senior McCain adviser insist the Republican nominee will not go to the debate Friday if there's no deal on the bailout.'

We have heard about this section 8 or Provision 8 of this bailout. According to the news, this provision is asking the American people not to ask any questions about the bailout, not verbatim but you get the picture. And now, they(Republicans) want us to quickly sign this bailout(ummm Iraq War) and no questions allowed.

Isn't the president supposed to handle this with his team of economic advisers? Well, its hard to do that when your team of economic advisers were behind the wheel for all 8 years.

Who is Bush?

gee what do you know, he's actually going to leave his precious campaign trail for do something for the people, amazing, just amazing

I find it quite surprising that every details of what Obama said, when he reveived call, what did he say are covered in this article. And just one last line of the article talks of what McCain said.

Does this not show who is being favoured ?

Well guys, I have my message sent. I don't need help but some of the people here in the states don't need help, they need someone they can trust…

That's fairplay since one of these two will be saddled with this deal after Jan. 1, 2009. I hope this is more than just political posturing.

SO THE REAL DEBATE STARTS TOMORROW IN THE WHITE HOUSE JUST WHERE JOHN MC CAIN WAS ALREADY real insight good judgment….. WORD TO O BAMA bring your REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE WITH YOU or don't come at all / check it out obamacrimes.com cOMING THIS OCTOBER near a theater in your town… country first and last/////that's how it's done in AMERICA…..,

Obama, don't drink the Koolaid!

Why is Obama going to meet with him? I mean he officially has no opinion on the bail-out. I guess that is above his pay grade.

I am glad to see this. Regardless of their background, I am glad to see that the soon to be former president and the candidates can see past the political prospects and focus on what is best for the nation.

Good…This should put to bed the DEBATE issues. I look forward to friday and both candidates on where they stand.

I watch the president's speech and everyone is talking about the people who caused the problem should not benefit from the tax payers money to bail out wallstreet but should'nt the president be included since the whole thing happened on his watch. And his failure to properly institute the proper regulations. So why should he get his salary that the tax payers pay him.

I honestly think McCain and Bush should just go away. We will probably be better off without them.

Busg is now doing McCain's bidding, by calling Obama away from debate preparation. Presidential politics at its lowest. The idea that the candidates are needed for resolution is absurd. Remember, McCain admits that he doesn't know much about economics, yet he is going to foster a resolution? Absurd. This "meeting" is nothing more that Republican political tactics in support of McCain's campaign stunt.

John McCain Overacted. There Was No Reason For Stopping There Campaign or The Debate. I Feel He Used Bad Judgement In This Matter!

They Should Be Able To Continue Campaigning, Running TV Ads.

They Do Have A Staff, VPs, Surrogates, and Advisors. So What's The Problem McCain.

His Temperment ?

He used fear and deception to stampede us into attacking Iraq, which made his cronies wildly wealthy, now he again is using fear to stampede us off a cliff while the rich criminals who caused the debacle will be left holding OUR money PLUS their huge golden parachutes. The GOP is the party of, by and for the wealthy…to hell with the other 99% of Americans. And to think this joke of a president will get a library and aircraft carrier named after him plus a life time pension and benefits…..all paid for by US, the people he so dearly screwed the last 8 years. And McCain is eager to grab the baton….

what a joke bush is and Mcsame I hope america realizes the stunt mcsame just pulled and for palin not talking to anyone and not even having a vp debat T am so sick of this from mcsame i have no words to describe how terrible this is and want mcsame has done

I still think this is total bs. I am a repub. but I think this is un-called for.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YA'LL … BUT I SMELL A RAT. MIGHTY INTERESTING THAT MCSAME JUST HAPPEN TO POSTPONE THE DEBATE ON THE HEELS OF THE PRESIDENTS CALL THAT EACH SIDE MEET WITH HIM TOMORROW….

This invitation by President Bush to Sen. Obama (& Sen. McCain) strikes me as another "grandstanding event," not unlike what Sen.McCain did earlier by abruptly making a decision to go to Washington (without invitation). This action by President Bush only serves to foster Sen. McCain's attempt to appear as the most so-called patriotic of the two. In this situation, Senator Obama is in a lose, lose position. I trust that Americans can see through the political maize of this Republican ploy and, further, that it is and should be Obama, without doubt, as our next President. Looking at the polls today dictated Sen. McCain's actions and that he needed to call in "his markers."

As much as I dislike this president, this is what he should do. McCain should not play political games say he is not political. He and Obama should work with the leadership in DC now.

Best Solution > Take whatever Dubya has said and do the exact opposite.
We will flourish for sure

Part of the reason we're in this mess is because Bush has bankrupted this country. And the democrats cave into him and have done so for eight long years. Now the dems want us to think they can save the day? When they are part of the problem? And that rookie Obama can lead us out of this? This is no time for on the job training. I don't want an intern doing surgery on me. And I don't want a junior senator as President of this country. I'm voting for experience, Mr. Mcain has it, Obama, "present" voter does not.

Obama should take security and a food taster.

I think Obama is walking into a trap that the McCain campaign will take credit for. I am surprised he is going. He really need to think about what he is doing.

Obama 08

AS IT STANDS, THE CURRENT PLAN OF 700B BAILOUT OF CRIMINAL BAILOUT WILL ONLY "ENCOURAGE THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP BELEAGUERED HOMEOWNERS"!!!

CALL AND WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMEN/WOMEN AND SENATORS

AND TELL THEM TO SPEND 700B FOR

1) restructuring troubled mortgages sold by predatory lenders and

2) create jobs for the unemployeed!!!

So Bush and McSame are going to explain to Obama how they totally screwed up the economy. That should be interesting.

Obama better beware of how close he gets to Bush during the meeting. Seems Bush;s mishaps are transmuting to whoever comes close to him these days. Also be careful for any negative photo-up which maybe used by republicans in the remaining days.

seeing the word "summons" in the title looks strange in a democratic society….

And the Mafia has suceeded to distract us from the debate. One wonders why they weren't invited before now. How come its when McPain decides to dodge the debate that this happens.1 smell 2 rats.

Same sly moves to
Hide Palin from Press
Still her tax records have not been released
Troopergate is being swept under the carpet

With all these, they will come out to chastise and preach freedom and democracy to rogues like Putin,Ahmmadjad wtvr and N.Korea when McCain-Palin themselves are not representing the core values of this country. Its a shame. the people who are getting ready to vote for them shd think very well.

Pres Bush, I sincerely hope you are not simply playing partisan politics here. You should indeed have called these folks together last week, if not sooner. We need to hear from two prepared candidates in Friday's scheduled debate. No delays—-we have but weeks left to get the measure of these individuals.

I listened as your father and former President Clinton discussed, on ABC News, their feelings about the debates and the state of the nation. Both of these larger-than-life gentlemen were non-partisan, honest, helpful in providing us understanding of the importance of government. I hope your meeting tomorrow will follow in their footsteps.

PUHHHLEEEZZ make BUSH AND MCCAIN go awayyyy!

Bush and company RUINED the American economy and now they are asking for billions to bail out their rich corporate CEO buddies. Let them wither on the vine and die.

Wake up America and realize that McCain is more of this Republican train WRECK !

This article never once mentioned the fact that Obama said that he would not suspend his campaign and go to the White House until Bush called and asked him… When John McCain right away stated he would suspend his campaign and headed for Washington canceling the debate if need be. Why does CNN report biased for Obama???… personally I am sick of it and so are many others. Further more this is a close race and it is never equal when it comes to comments… people out here see this and know what CNN is doing. As usual CNN will not post this. All you can say about McCain is that McCains advisor said that McCain plans to attend? That's it? McCain reacted immediately! Shame on you CNN!!!

Something needs to be done. To save our country financially…….we need to STAY OUT OF WARS……..it costs millions. Quit giving our money to other countries. There are those with hardships that live in America. TAKE CARE OF AMERICA FIRST!

I thought Bush was the President. Why is he inviting candidates to join him a the Big House to discuss this? It's some kind of trap OBAMA.

Timesink.

Bush is totally irrelevant. He has dropped the other shoe in McCain's tactic to delay the debate, maybe even substitute it for the (obviously gonna be disastrous) VP debate. Obama should reject this out of hand. He should tell Bush that Bush and his administration are responsible for the mess we're in and that if he's going to talk to anyone about it, it will be his fellow Democrats, and then only when they ask him to become involved.

Bush is in the con the delay the debates. We are not THAT stupid.

This is nothing but a republican dirty trick. Obama should have said no thanks. McCains ship appears to be sinking so he calls Bush to throw him a life line.

PHOTO OPS!!!! MCSAME — U FOLL ITS NOT ABOUT YOU, ITS ABOUT USA!!!!

Of course McCain plans to attend, he is the one who suggested the meeting in the first place!

THAT is why he suspended his campaign, and took the action. He really does put country first! He ALSO puts bipartisan leadership first. HE INVITED OBAMA to go with him!

If Obama was "blindsided" it is because Obama did not show the SAME kind of leadership…instead, he does a press conference that scoffs at McCain…then accuses McCain of a political stunt…when the real truth is YESTERDAY Reid said they needed McCain's bipartisan leadership, and then today they don't? THAT is the political stunt by the Obama campaign.

So McCain says get us all in a room, we hammer out everything, and stay until it is done, period. So now, Reid, Dodd, Obama, Pelosi, McCain, the minority leaders will sit in a room with the President.

We may or may not have a debate Friday.

Elaine Quijano and Dana Bash never once mentioned the fact that Obama said that he would not suspend his campaign and go to the White House until Bush called and asked him… When John McCain right away stated he would suspend his campaign and headed for Washington canceling the debate if need be. Why does CNN report biased for Obama???… personally I am sick of it and so are many others. Further more this is a close race and it is never equal when it comes to comments… people out here see this and know what CNN is doing. As usual CNN will not post this. All you can say about McCain is that McCains advisor said that McCain plans to attend? That's it? McCain reacted immediately! Shame on you CNN!!!

I am a registered Democrat who has consistently voted along party lines for the majority of my voting life. One thing that has bothered me during this election is my feeling that so many of the media are swept up swooning over Obama that they are not doing accurate, unbiased reporting. This article is another example of the bias the media has shown favoring Obama. Though President Bush contacted both Senators McCain and Obama inviting them to the White House and both accepted, you have 4 paragraphs of the story talking about calling Obama, Obama's comments, the fact he is attending, etc. and you have one short sentence stating McCain will also be attending. It is no wonder people, Democrats and Republicans alike, are getting so fed up with the media. It is hard to trust much of what you read anymore because of the obvious bias.

And when they're done, they can fly to Ms. for the debates…Walk and Chew Bubbl;legum like the rest of us. POTUS cannot take a day off.

Obama/Biden/08/12

President Bush is a disgrace to the office and a failure for our whole country.

McCain is selfish. Its so obvious. He'd rather win an election than keep his integrity. What a sad sell-out.

McCain wants to cancel the VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ALSO.

He is committing slow but certain political suicide.

It is sad to watch a man who used to be decent get so far from his values and from the truth that he is hopelessly lost.

I don't trust bush, he is probably going to help mccain rangle his way out of the debates.

Elaine Quijano and Dana Bash never once mentioned the fact that Obama said that he would not suspend his campaign and go to the White House until Bush called and asked him… When John McCain right away stated he would suspend his campaign and headed for Washington canceling the debate if need be. Why does CNN report biased for Obama???… personally I am sick of it and so are many others. Further more this is a close race and it is never equal when it comes to comments… people out here see this and know what CNN is doing. As usual CNN will not post this. All you can say about McCain is that McCains advisor said that McCain plans to attend? That's it? McCain reacted immediately!

I do hope something positive comes out of this meeting. I however, wonder if Mccain knew this invitation was coming.

Who cares whos there, I say , no and hell no, If we bail out these jerks,
then they should be force to lower interest rates on credit cards and loans,,,, other wise, let them fail!

oh yeah and that other old guy is showing up to. Way to give the McCain crazy more fire for CNN.

Obama 08!

OUR ECONOMY IS GOING DOWN THE TUBE. BARACK MAKE YOUR STAND & STAND STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just saw his , Pres. Bush's, message to the American people. I am so 'frustrated' by all this…a big part of me says no bail out…yet a cautious part of me says I need to hear more to be supportive of a bail out. My feelings are that I don't trust any politican right now…are we being duped again? Is this a real call to be concerned about? Is this just saving the rich mans back , again? I just need a lot of questions answered because right now I , the taxpayer, am not convinced on what way this should go. God help us!

Huckabee has a plan.

Huckpac.com!

Clearly a showdown at high noon between the two nominees.

The worst person in America President Bush the Killer of the inocent.

Hie should be live the rest of his live surround by dead bodies.

This man and his VP has taken care of all his Good Ole Boys at tax payers expense..

Sad Story…..

It seems Sen. John McCain and his campaign doesn't understand the word MULTI-TASKING anymore like Sen. Barack Obama mentioned earlier today, because, its election period.
Why is McCain trying to interfere with plans Paulson, Benarke, and Congress already started delibrations on?
Your little gimmick of country first is not going to work this time around. Americans have already waken up from their slumber of the last almost 8years.
The debate on foreign policies doesn't have any bearing on your proposal, Mr Mc-Palin.
How long is your campaign going to continue to shield Gov. Sarah Palin from the media and the American people?
McCain, we still have an incumbent president to make whatever decisions on the economy even though is lam-duck.
Thanks.

What we're learning here is that free markets are not the solution to everything…

Seriously, a bunch of free market bankers made a bunch of loans that the shouldn't have made. Now, they'll all go bankrupt…meaning there's noone left to give loans to legitimate businesses who want to expand. Or legitimate homeowners who want to buy a house.

Of course, in the "long term" the free market would solve this. Some one new would pop up to replace the moronic bankers who messed up…and these incompetent fools would be out of luck.

Of course, in the "long term" we're all dead. And in the "short term", the free market solution entails a period of total chaos. Something generally unacceptable to all.

So what did we learn?

1) Free markets are not the solution for everything.
2) Government and regulation of select "markets" play a necessary role in smoothing out the ups and downs of long-term, free-market economics.

Elaine Quijano and Dana Bash never once mentioned the fact that Obama said that he would not suspend his campaign and go to the White House until Bush called and asked him… When John McCain right away stated he would suspend his campaign and headed for Washington canceling the debate if need be. Why does CNN report biased for Obama… personally I am sick of it and so are many others. Further more this is a close race and it is never equal when it comes to comments… people out here see this and know what CNN is doing. As usual CNN will not post this.

So Obama now will actually have to go to work…..after saying earlier he would not return to DC. Its clear that McCain was right on this issue while Obama was more interested in trying to win this election. McCain is planning ahead…and is more concerned about the people of this country…even if it means losing the election.

Stop interfering with the campaign, Bush. Shut up, go away.