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.
Corrections please!
MCCAIN ONLY INTERESTED IN RESCUING HIMSELF, NOT COUNTRY. ALL ABOUT POLITICS; ZERO ABOUT COUNTRY. ERRATIC BEHAVIOR RAISES CONCERN ABOUT FITNESS FOR PRESIDENT
What a clown! McCain sensed a backlash and, after making a fool of himself, blinked. His erratic behavior brings into question again his temperament and age. This man is unstable and unpredictable. Does anyone doubt that such character flaws can ever be fixed, even in high office. We are all in danger. Forbid it that such a man would ever have his hand on the nuclear button–he would act without thinking through the consequences of his action. And McCain has never been a serious thinker or a smart student. He is also a lier. He cancelled his appearance on David Letterman's show supposedly because he was flying immediately to Washington to deal with the economic crisis( NOTE: He last showed up in the Senate in March).Then he proceeded to have an interview with CBS anchor Katie Couric. Upon finally coming to Washington, he muddied the water, instead of providing ideas and leadership. He focused his strategy upon political gain, instead of “country first.” Thus, negotiations that were going on fine before his arrival started to unravel. Is that the kind of leader America wants? Oh, no!
What a show boat....Obama is an idiot just like his followers..He had/has NO CLUE what the bail out was all about...oh thats right he read it on the internet just alike these stupid comments from stupid Obma supporters..aw support another name for a BRA...
To bad Obama was not smart enough to pick Hillary..Go figure Jr Senator with no EXPERIENCE expect supporting Fanie and friends with his backers...
WHAT A SHOW BOAT
I want to see every criminal fraudulent corrupt broker and CEO take a perp walk in front of Congress. I want George Bush to personally apologize to me and our country for the disaster that has been his leadership.
I want Congress (ALL OF CONGRESS) to apologize to us for allowing this to happen, and then I want Barack Obama to take this country onto prosperous, exciting days!
gotta love Obama's comment that he had been in touch with Washington leaders and told them if they need him to call him. What a leader!!! And people are really going to vote for this guy, I would take Sarah Palin over him any time.
Optimistic!! Please Obama is a corrupt sleaze and the only optimisim he has is to line his pockets with money.
well said Mr. President!!! Was voting for McCain, but saw the light.
OBAMA WAS RIGHT, IS RIGHT AND WILL BE PRESIDENT.
A TRUE LEADER WITH THE RIGHT TEMPERMENT,INTELLIGENCE,
OBAMA/BIDEN 08
McCain shows guts... The "Messiah" seems to retreat by
etting back on the plane and hitting the campaign trail
again. He only went to Washington because the President
"invited" him... HIs arrogance is typical of the " Chicago"
politics which are his roots.
Optimistic but not present..
BARACK OMABA LOOKED LIKE A CONFUSED KID YESTERDAY
TRYING TO LOOK IMPORTANT
HE ALREADY SCREWD UP THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION HE MADE UP TO DATE BY NOT PICKING HILLARY CLINTON. IT WAS A NO BRAINER AND MESSED THAT UP. NOW WE WANT THIS INEXPERIENCE GUY WHO IS IN THE POCKETS OF OIL LOBBYST LIKE DAVID AXELROD EXELON EXEC TO HANDLE OUR ECONOMY
HE WILL GIVE MORE TO THE BIG BUSSINESS WHO GOT HIM ALL NAILED DOWN LIKE THE WAY HE VOTED FOR DICK CHENY'S ENERGY BILL
Obama go rock that debate and slice dice mcdrill
Miguel D. Lausell, a Puerto Rican businessman and longtime Democratic activist and fund-raiser, came out for Sen. McCain.
Democrats are flying over to John and Sarah!
McCain supporters – Game Over! Barack Obama will be our next President. Get use to it!
My friends i am sorry i FLIP FLOPPED remember i am a (was) POW. Couutry first. Debate later only when a deal is signed. When I changed (FLIP FLOPPED) nOW I AM GOING TO DEBATE EVEN IF THE DEAL IS NOT REACHED. i THOUGHT I COULD STEAL THE SHOW...IT DIDNT HAPPEN.....I am Jmac and i approve this FLIP FLOP
I AM LAUGHING I HOPE ITS FUNNY TO U GUYS.
Obama's advisers, the ones that ran Freddie and Fannie into the ground, are confident that a deal, any deal, can be reached without bipartisan support..
Wow...
Wonder who wrote that for him...
You will all see tonight how truley stupid Obama is... I can't believe people don't remember the Hillary debates...
Obama is a TOOL without a teleprompter or speech... tonight will tell
Obama offers strong, positive leadership.
McCain offers erratic, irrational behaviors.
Obama/Biden '08
Why isn't anyone listening to the TAX PAYER/ I DON'T WANT A BAIL OUT....this is only saving the rich guys not the Mom and Pops!
politics cant change destiny
Let not the buyer rejoice or the seller grieve for wrath is upon the whole crowd.Ezekiel 7:11 Neither silver or gold will save you vs 19
Obama must be blissfully happy,as Palin lady helps him take an easy lead.Sara Palin's copper is out.She can be selected for VP post only by a moron like McCaine.
Why hasn't McCain taken a clear position on the bail-out?
Because he will try to corner or tag Obama on an unpopular bail-out and show the conservative base that he is truly for deregulation and spin the Bush-led bailout plan as a Democrat faux pas.
The Dems better get McCain to publicly agree to the final draft of the bail-out plan initiated by the Bush administration.
Kind of reminds me of that movie "War Games". The best move is not to play.
When John goes on and on about his POW experience tonight, think about the truth. Think of what he did the minute he got off the plane–had affairs with lots of women. He left his wife and kids so he could have some fun.
Spare me the talk of honor and decency because it's not worth a second of my time.
One house
One car
One wife
One man–Barack Obama 08
McCain is a ticking time bomb. He decided to play political games with our nations financial crisis. He decided to play political games with picking Palin who is now proving to be way out of her league, even by some hardcore conservatives.
But he is a POW so just forget all that other stuff.
How would he know he know oh yeah thats right call me if a deal is reached. Another PRESENT vote from Obama. I am surprised Obama is showing up for the debate seeing he turned down like 20 from John McCain before. As for Palin stepping down the media has been trying to trip her up in the CBS and ABC interview we all know they are in the tank for Obama. Katy Couric looked like a fool asking questions 3 times when they were already answered the first time around.
Obama is smart, well informed, and has handled this whole situation like a steady leader. I am pleased with my choice to vote for him as an independent voter.
He allows congress to work out a plan and stays in touch with the committee chair several times per day, offering input, and even more courageous, offering to stay out of it for the good of solving the problem.
Kudos to his multi-tasking and leadership skills.