[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/11/art.mccainobama.ap.jpg caption="McCain and Obama visited Ground Zero Thursday."](CNN) - The idea of a joint September 11 visit to Ground Zero by both John McCain and Barack Obama was in the works for less than a week, according to both campaigns.
Obama suggested the idea to McCain Friday afternoon when the Democratic presidential nominee called his Republican counterpart Friday, the day after the GOP convention ended, to congratulate him on his convention speech.
"[Obama] called after the convention speech, and over the course of the
discussion they mutually agreed to meet jointly in New York," said McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds.
The two men went to Ground Zero Thursday, entering the site together. Both candidates exchanged brief remarks and spoke with some of those on hand for the commemoration.
These two guys are both brave enough to make great sacrifices for this country. Both have served the country in different ways that are necessary to ensure peace and domestic tranquility.
I commend them for putting aside their differences for the good of the country, just like they will work together after the election.
What is it about "mutually agreed" that some of you here don't understand?
Trying to say that the junior Obama is the most forward thinking ;person by telling McCain that they should meet at the site?
Aren't you people tired of spin? Obama does not control McCain. Didn't you see how he was dogging McCain's steps while there today?
When two opposing candidates can find a common cause and come together as American. This is democracy at its best, people.
First trooper-gate, then per diem-gate (cannot collect it while sitting at home check finance reg) and now email-gate with claims of executive privilege. Been there, done that, ENOUGH Palin ENOUGH.
Americans should be proud of these two candidates.
They have different policies, but at the end of the day, they are brothers from the same land
This is just another attempt for Obama to look good. OBAMA IS A FRAUD!!!
Very nice idea... I dont think it was imperative to give credit to Obama.. that part was not relevant in telling the story that they both payed respects to the victims of 9/11.
That being said
Obama '08
So women, did you know that when she was mayor of Wasilla, Wasilla was the only town that charged rape victims for their own forensic exams.
And when Biden tried to put through the Violence Against Women Act that made it illegal to charge those rape victims, McCain voted against it.
This is who some of you women have chosen to vote for? You must be kidding!
Glad to see the could work together on such a tragic day in history.
Obama has lots of good ideas. And he cares. McCain has ideas and cares too. But Obama takes it up another notch.
I thought it was a great idea. I would have been even more impressed
if they could have scheduled Ms. Palin for Friday instead of her cashing on 9/11.
But that is right Friday is take out the trash day in DC
politics / maybe Monday then.
You're right, that is Obama's grandfather!
Cynthia, your so right. I am so glad that the comments weren't closed yet! Go to the end of the RNC convention. I almost felt for Cindy. She wanted to walk out with him and he moved her to the other side. When she wanted to walk up the stage with him he told her something and she ended up getting on Todd's side and Sarah and McCain walked up. I just thought about How Biden and Obama walked along side their wives. However it does make sense when you consider how he has voted in congress. Against equal pay, against the domestic violence bill.
Leave it to Obama to be the BETTER One and make the plan and IDEA of it. Obama is a MUCH better Planner and is much more thoughtful.
All kudos to both of them for putting aside their differences for this.
Tomorrow they'll go back to attacking each other, and we'll go back to telling everyone how much both of their authoritarian ways are un-American.
In this 9/11 world of ours, and on this anniversary day, I think Bush and McCain have made us more safe, but we are still not completely safe. We need strong leaders, not some weaklings in the high office. McCain will protect us and our country and our values. I am not sure that Obama will.
In fact I doubt that Obama has the strength to do so.
By the way lipstick wearers, why do you let Obama dis you? Why didn't Obama say "well put a suit and tie on the pig and he is still a pig?" But no, Obama had to once again "dis" the females. He could have used male adjectives, but he had to put the dig in against women. I am shocked.
He didn't pick Hillary and even Joe said, “Make no mistake about this, Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America. Let’s get that straight,” Biden said testily. And Biden also said, "Obama is not ready to lead."
Obama called us mid westerners "bitter." Seems he is getting to be quite the elitist and "uppity" and likes to dis us, Americans. I am shocked.
So you have one candidate that is giving a woman a chance at the Office of Vice President and on the other hand you have a candidate dising women. You choose.
I choose McCain.
Obama /Biden we love you .
Its Change We Can Believe In Yes We Can .
Lets hope there is only one McCain as 8 years is enough of McBush down spiral / The loss of over 4,000 Warriors and Iraq deaths / problems here and around the world / its not this time not on our watch .
Obama is the one who reached out and called McCain. He is the one that reached across the isle for the good of the country.
Not McCain. McCain couldn't say no or he would have been called on that.
People need to realize that.
Obama is for change that we can believe in.
I supported Hillary first, but I am very excited about Obama/Biden.
I always liked Biden and he is perfect.
To hurriCain Palin,
I understand that you may not like the man or his policies but Obama is by far smarter than Mc Cain. Don't get it twisted.
Reagan, your too shallow
Bobby in FL, the present votes have been examined already. Try to keep up.
What present means, is not maybe...it signifies a soft no or a no with conditions. It's often used in the Illinois State Legislature.
Know of what you speak before you open your mouth.
Oh God, my tv was on when palin came on and talked to Gibson. OMG! OMG! OMG! mccain is kidding me right? She knows NOTHING about NOTHING!
Bill Clinton ignored! Women.... Now he wan'ts to demoralise his own Wife... " I love you, Hillary. Waste more of your life.
She did not fail!!! Bill has to also get it right also... When you forget your Country, I wonder. But when you Ignore both your Spous and your Counrty? They atre not for Sale Bill, neither...
McCain always walks ahead of his wife...goes to show ya what he really thinks about women!
Kudos to both candidates. A little glimpse of the man McCain once was.