Obama 'optimistic' a deal can be reached
Watch: Sen. Barack Obama says he is optimistic a deal can be reached on the financial bailout.
(CNN)— Sen. Barack Obama said Friday he is “optimistic” a deal can be reached on the financial bailout and the best way forward is to explain his vision to the American people at the debate in Mississippi.
“I think that there is real progress being made this morning and last night,” Obama told reporters onboard his press plane en route to the debate.
Watch: 'real progress being made," Obama says
The Illinois senator said he had several conversations with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Sen. Chris Dodd, and other Republicans involved that reassured him progress will be made.
McCain also announced Friday he will head to the debate, feeling sufficient progress on the bill had been made.
Watch: GOP leaders say the return of McCain and Obama helped talks progress
“At this point, my strong sense is that the best thing that I can do, rather than to inject presidential politics into some delicate negotiations, is to go down to Mississippi and explain to the American people what is going on and my vision for leading the country over the next four years,” Obama also said.
Asked if Thursday’s meeting at the White House was a mistake, Obama admitted he wasn’t sure “it was as productive as it could have been,” adding the best move at this point is “to just move forward.”
Both John McCain and Barack Obama are expected back in Washington D.C. after Friday night’s debate to finalize plans for an economic package.
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We the people do not want to be taxed for others greed and corruption.
President Barack Obama!! Enough said!!
I'm sure a deal can be reached now that John "Bull-Moose" McGimmick has left the China Shop.
Seriously, TWENTY-SIX YEARS in "Worshington" and still
NOT READY TO LEAD
Once again, Barack Obama shows his ability to lead without geting in the way.... what a leader should do.
Senator, we need you now more than ever.
Presidential.
Cool, steady leadership. No extremes, no drama, just a firm hand on the tiller.
God Bless You Sir,
Obama/Biden 2008
I think the subject matter of the debates should change and this one should be on the economy and the last should be on foreign policy.
This is nothing more than political posturing in the worst way. He pretends to care, when he has not voted in the Senate since APRIL, and now he implies the wheels of democracy will grind to a halt if he is not in a room for his photo op. Maybe if he had skipped the Clinton speech he would have been there earlier or if he had skipped the round robin of newscasts last night and flown then, he would have been there all day since he appears to think he is so indispensable all of a sudden.
Exactly, who is the McCrypt supposed to be reaching out to??? The republicans in the Banking Committee were onboard before McCrypt hits town. They go to the WH for the photo op, there were NO negotiations taking place in that room! The problem is House republican conservative, that do not want any bailout period. Is McMoron is in the Senate, the Senate repubs are on board! McMoron does not work in the HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES!!! That is where the holdouts are and they are REPUBLICANS AND THEY HATE MCCAIN!
Other than cause the fragile pact that was announced JOINTLY by both parties in the Banking Committee, WHAT HAS MCMORON CONTRIBUTED "reaching across the aisle" to HOUSE REPUBLCANS??? That is not bipartisan that is PARTISAN???
WHAT IS THE DODDERING OLD FOOL DOING OTHER THAN ACTING LIKE A DODDERING OLD FOOL!
Go home, change the Depends, take a shot of prune juice, soak the teeth in Efferdent(PLEASE) and nod off and leave reality to the rest of us for at least 8 hours!!.
A prudent and well considered response from an intelligent leader.
Obama has been so straightforward this entire campaign. Why is it that Americans just can't see McCain for the joke he is?
Thank you Mr President, I wish elections were tonight so we could get this over with.
Yes. Sir
Let's move forward
Country first. America haters will be thrown under the bus.
Obama is out of his league. Why oh why didnt we nominate a real candidate?
Obama have the best sense to lead this country out of this mess and hopefully the American People will see that Change is going to Come Oh Yes IT WIll. Obama/Biden 08
Very much looking forward to the debates this evening and next week also. They will be very revealing. Hopefully people will not view them with tunnel vision.
How DARE you Obama ... for adding 100 million dollars to your campaigning organization aka Mafia aka ACORN as an ADD ON to the bailout money!
Is nothing sacred anymore?
Obama has been right on countless issues. McCain has been wrong wrong wrong. We need a leader. Not an old geezer slowly losing his mind. McCain is and has been the problem. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are the solution. Wake up folks. McCain thinks your stupid. Or else why else would he think he could get away with these ridiculous stunts? This is a game to him. Palin was a "one-up". A green mushroom.
Thank you Mr. President.
Go easy on the old fart tonight, Barack. He's old and worn out from parachuting in to the White House to save the fate of the U.S. economy. Show him a little pity, please.
As he has shown throughout this campaign
Obama is calm, intelligent and stays far above those two circus performers McCain/Palin
Now thats a president!
I'd like to point out how the Dems could just push this through if they wanted to, but are being very cooperative and are trying to tweak the bill so more Repubs will get on board.
SAY HELLO TO THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!
Every candidate has been asked this question, except Obama.
What makes you qualified to be president of the United States?
followed by: Will you produce your birth certificate for examination by experts. When and where were you born?
These are not tough questions. Just like I am required to show my citizenshp when I apply for a Job. He should have the same requirement. How do we know he is eligible to run for the presidency.