Think Progress

Breaking: McCain Proposes Suspending Campaign To Focus On Financial Crisis (Updated)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is announcing that he would like to suspend his campaign and delay Friday’s foreign policy debate to focus on the financial crisis. According to MSNBC, McCain would like to come back to Washington and help work out a bailout package on Thursday. Watch MSNBC’s report:

This interest in the bailout is new for McCain. As recently as yesterday, when a reporter asked him about his position on the Bush administration’s financial proposals, McCain said, “I have not had a chance to see it in writing. I have to examine it.” As the stock market tanked and the federal government bailed out financial institutions over the past week, McCain has been campaigning around the country. Originally, McCain McCain planned to skip the vote on the bailout and continue campaigning.

The last time McCain voted in the Senate was on April 8.

UPDATE I: Statement from Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton:

At 8:30 this morning, Senator Obama called Senator McCain to ask him if he would join in issuing a joint statement outlining their shared principles and conditions for the Treasury proposal and urging Congress and the White House to act in a bipartisan manner to pass such a proposal. At 2:30 this afternoon, Senator McCain returned Senator Obama’s call and agreed to join him in issuing such a statement. The two campaigns are currently working together on the details.

UPDATE II: Matt Yglesias observes, “Meanwhile, I think walking and chewing gum at the same time is part of the president’s job.”

UPDATE III: McCain has also canceled his planned appearance on David Letterman tonight.

UPDATE IV: Fox reporter Carl Cameron lauded the “very, very big move” by McCain. Fox host Martha MacCallum hailed it as “a bold move, a very strong move.” Cameron added that McCain is making “some political sacrifice” by volunteering to leave the campaign trail. Watch it:

UPDATE V: How McCain has dealt with domestic crises in the past:

mccain-bush-photo.jpg

UPDATE VI: A senior Obama campaign official allegedly told ABC News, “The debate is on.”

UPDATE VII: Ben Smith observes what may have prompted the McCain campaign to call for the suspension: “But in terms of the timing of this move: The only thing that’s changed in the last 48 hours is the public polling.”

UPDATE VIII: McCain senior adviser Mark Salter said that McCain “will suspend airing all ads and all campaign events pending an agreement with Obama, though Salter did not know whether John McCain will suspend fundraising activities. He added that McCain would take part in the debate as scheduled if Congress reached agreement on the measure by Friday morning.”

UPDATE IX: Politico reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) just called McCain, and told him that it “wouldn’t be helpful” for him to return to Washington.

UPDATE X: A senior official at the University of Mississippi tells ABC News that the cancellation of the debate would be “devastating” because the university has already invested millions in preparations.

UPDATE XI: The McCain campaign accidentally sent its talking points on the debate cancellation to reporters.

UPDATE XII: Despite canceling with Letterman and calling off the debate, McCain still found time to sit down for an interview with Couric.

UPDATE XIII: Today on NPR, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said, “Someone had suggested that he wanted the debate to be postponed so he could come here to work. I mean, he’s so rarely here that that would be interesting. But, nonetheless, I think there’s plenty of time for the debate to take place.”

UPDATE XIV: In February, McCain skipped the Senate’s vote on the economic stimulus package.

Digg It!



180 Responses to “Breaking: McCain Proposes Suspending Campaign To Focus On Financial Crisis (Updated)”

  1. muzz says:

    ah – the latest gimmick in the mcnuts legacy


  2. Freakaloin says:

    so mccain and sarah new plan is to try to dodge the debates until the election…thats cheating…


  3. upside99 says:

    OMG!! I was wondering what excuse the Repugs would come up with to avoid the arse-whupping Johnny Boy was going to get.

    Now we know, and I am sure they will find some excuse to keep Sarahcuda away from Biden as well.

    Like the wimps avoiding the bigger kids in the playground.

    Heh Heh


  4. stateofthedivision says:

    Like the finance boys want McCain’s advice. This is a stall to get his act together. They didn’t anticipate the real story getting out in any form or fashion.

    Elizabeth Dole was on the right track with her credit default swap in yesterday’s banking committee meeting.

    It’s going to take some serious spin to turn this on poor people and the democratic Fannie/Freddie cabal. I don’t think McCain has the RPM’s in him.

    Tell the people the truth! Then democracy can work…


  5. Wayne says:

    He is just wanting to avoid getting his head handed back to him by Obama in the Friday debate.
    This has been a very bad week for the McCain campaign.


  6. 1984 says:

    Multitask McCain. Multitask.


  7. DieNowForPeace says:

    Yes he should definitely suspend his campaign, but cancel the debate? What a drama queen!

    WHERE’S THAT DAMN ‘FALSE FLAG’?

    And apparently McStupid hasn’t heard of the fax machine either, otherwise he would have read the legislation already and be ready to vote without so much drama.


  8. ohcomeon says:

    Can’t spend 2 hours debating while working on the economy. I hope we never have two wars at once or something. Oh wait….


  9. tombaker says:

    …but, according to the Liar himself, “we don’t have time to wait for Senator Obama to decide what he thinks….etc.”

    but we do have time for a gravely ill and rapidly deteriorating computer-illiterate warhawk fossil to figure it out?????

    Your Admiral Daddy is dead John McCain, and no one’s going to step in to cover up your incompetence, incoherence, and recklessness this time around – not even some wholly unqualified Righty masturbation object like Caribou Barbie.

    John McCain would clearly prefer politicking both issues over doing his duty to Country by engaging in debate with his political opponent.

    “John McCain First, Democracy last”


  10. miatch says:

    hmmm, Obama starts kicking arse in the Polls and McCain wants to “suspend” the campaign. Shall we “suspend” the election too, McCain? along with “suspending” the Constitution?


  11. belac says:

    McCain to take vow of silence to show how determined he is to find solutions…
    McCain suggests shifting election into some type of joust or staring contest in order to determine ‘moral worth’ and ‘leadership’…
    McCain aides reportedly searching for any type of cutting implement embedded in stone or concrete that McCain can attempt to remove…


  12. drago says:

    McCain is such a PUSSY! Multi-tasking, heard of it?


  13. gus smith says:

    Sure it is a gimmick, a staller, a showing of need to regroup on a messy campaign, but I am all in favor of people working for their salary. A senator needs to attend to his duties. A candidate has plenty of flying power to get him to his day job.


  14. mattn says:

    This seems idiotic, but it’s clever strategery. It’s sort of like calling a time-out in basketball when the other team is on a 10-0 run. It slows down Obama’s momentum if he agrees to this. And if he doesn’t agree, you can bet that the entire McCain campaign (except for St. McCain himself, too busy “working”) will hammer Obama in caring more about himself than the country.


  15. Hemlock for Gadflies says:

    Bad move for Obama.

    This is obviously a transparent ploy by McSame, but that fact doesn’t mean Obama shouldn’t play along.

    Now all the McSame ads will say, “Just like he was too busy playing basketball to visit our wounded troops, now Obama’s too busy playing politics with his Hollywood celebrity friends to help rescue ordinary, hurting Americans. Sounds like Obama would rather lose an economy than lose an election. John McCain. Country first.”

    And Obama and surrogates will have to spend 8 news cycles making up lost ground.


  16. margerine says:

    Honestly, if he can’t handle this alongside dealing with Obama then I don’t know he’d be able to handle any crisis in the White House.

    Sometimes more than one thing happens in a week, sorry my friend.


  17. drago says:

    McCain is a ruined man.

    He CANNOT do anything right at this point. He has ZERO CREDIBILITY – worse than Bush.


  18. ohcomeon says:

    Obama – don’t suspend. Debate!!!!


  19. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    That’s a pretty unique way to get out of a debate he’s scared to death of.

    And wait for next Wednesday when Sarah Palin has to run back to Alaska for a family emergency, thereby missing her Thursday debate. I’m guessing that Bristol will have a miscarriage.


  20. tom says:

    I think Obama should respond to McNumbNuts by suggesting that the economy is, indeed, pressing issue; therefore, the topic for Friday’s debate should be changed from foreign policy to the economy.

    After all, whatever Congressional action comes out of the Paulsen boondoggle will need to be managed by a new President. The American people need the immediate opportunity to understand the policies, thinking and problem-solving capabilities of the candidates.


  21. Kay says:

    Maybe McSenile woke up in an Ambien-stupor and thought Kim Jong was dead and he was campaigning for King of North Korea with Pallid as his Queen. No wonder he wants to suspend his campaign & cancel the debates.


  22. tombaker says:

    Here then, is our October surprise.

    Team Bushco manufactures a “crisis” calculated to undermine Obama and falsely sanctify McLiar using their bff’s on Wall Street. Tonight, Dubbie will scare all the dumb people by telling them that unless we give complete control of the economy to the Executive Branch, everyone will get their head chopped off by Al Kader. The McLiar team is already no doubt coordinating messaging with the WH, and will come out next week with a fresh batch of monkeypoop to fling at the Dems, and no matter how completely they are debunked, the dumb people will start gravitating toward the goper ticket.


  23. gummitch says:

    Ha. If McBush was really serious about this, he would give up golf!


  24. miatch says:

    McCain continues to flail about in a manner not befitting a POTUS.


  25. Kay says:

    Look.

    It’s never that serious.

    (to give up golf, that is)

    sarcasm, off now


  26. paleolib says:

    tom

    Completely agree. The taxpayers will be coping with this Bush disaster for years. Let the voters decide which candidate has the best ideas on the economy. If McCain can’t run his campaign now I suggest he let it remain dormant until the election. The last thing Obama should do is agree to suspend anything, especially Friday’s debate.


  27. SP Biloxi says:

    “Breaking: McCain Proposes Suspending Campaign To Focus On Financial Crisis”

    Certainly a dodge from the Friday debate by McSame. And Friday’s debate is on foreign policy not the economy.

    Memo to Obama camp: Don’t cave into McCain’s camp stunt. If Obama is the only person to show up at Friday’s debate, then so be it.


  28. misshusseinmolly says:

    Hmmm…methinks Obama is prepared for the debate and McCain is not. Of course, McCain is going to attempt to spin Obama’s willingness to debate as an indication that he could care less about the economy, but the people won’t be fooled.

    When I was in school, I always managed to find creative excuses for not having my homework done or not being ready to deliver an oral report. I remember any kind of crisis could be exploited for that purpose.


  29. Xisithrus says:

    If he suspends his campaign Obama would end up back in DC as well.

    But I think they will pass something before McCain gets there to do anything.


  30. paleolib says:

    If this is the best they can come up with for an October surprise then McCain might as well concede now. A Republican economic debacle is not going to help the Republicans.


  31. Freakaloin says:

    if obama caves on this he is a moron…


  32. tarazan says:

    This is nothing but a stunt by McCain and his managers.
    What possibly can he do in Washington to solve the current crisis?.
    He has been absent from Senate hearings for sometime now.

    This is nothing but an attempt by McCain to sell himself as the guy who cares,and then use this stunt in the next debate.
    McCain could have helped the economy by simply not being the nonregulation champion.


  33. Kay says:

    I totally agree.

    Obama should say: the debate is still on.
    Let’s talk about the economy.
    And to the McStain camp: share your ideas with the American people — don’t hide behind theatrics.


  34. ljm says:

    Terrific! McCain goes back to War-shing-tin to lend his great economic expertise to the current mess. He knows that the less he and Palin say the better. Hey hero leader there are multiple fronts. You’re running for General not private.


  35. zuch says:

    Another “Palin”. A “Hail Mary”, hoping that he can then criticise Obama for campaigning and not ‘focusing on the needs of the nation’. WTF McCain can contribute to any discussion of what needs to be done is beyond me, although I hear that he did learn a few things from Keating. I mean, from Keating. You know, Keating taught him a few things. I mean…. you know what I mean.

    Maybe he thinks his vote here is essential to the well-being of the country … but then again, maybe he shouldn’t have missed more votes than any other Senator while he was campaigning these last couple of years!!!

    Once again, transparent politicking from the McSame camp.

    Cheers,


  36. miatch says:

    Changing the rules in the middle of the game because you are losing.


  37. Kay says:

    McStain goes to Washington — to avoid showing the world he knows absolutely nothing about the economy.

    bonehead.


  38. Fred says:

    Hemlock for Gadflies Says:
    Bad move for Obama.

    Why, because the right is going to say unfactual negative things about him…..where have you been?

    Obama should show up at the debate, ready to go. Mccain can slither off and pretend to be doing something but he isn’t fooling anyone really.


  39. zuch says:

    Fox ["reporter" and transparent McSame flack] Carl Cameron lauded the “very, very big move” by McCain.

    And the sun rose in the east.

    Cheers,


  40. misshusseinmolly says:

    It’s amazing that McCain didn’t think his presence was important in the Senate for — oh, how many months has it been since he cast a vote there?


  41. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    The Obama campaign said Obama had called McCain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to propose that they issue a joint statement in support of a package to help fix the economy as soon as possible. McCain called back six hours later and agreed to the idea of the statement, the Obama campaign said. McCain’s statement was issued to the media a few minutes later.

    Ok MSM, now’s the time for you to show your stuff. Expose McCain for his crass opportunism.


  42. RUCerious says:

    Hey McIIIrd! You haven’t shown up for a vote since April!

    Why not just continue to ignore your job to focus on flipflop pandering? You know, business as McUsual!


  43. Styve says:

    Where did the “suspend” language come up, because that has to hurt the credibility of the campaign!?

    Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo did a great synopsis…

    Desperate McCain Reacts to Financial Polling Crisis

    (Desperate and Reckless: Ramp up Georgia Crisis for votes; Call off half the GOP convention; pick a demonstrably unqualified freshman governor to salvage his campaign; calls for firing head of the SEC; now ask to have presidential debates delayed or canceled so he can politicize the bailout debate … )


  44. zuch says:

    Cameron added that McCain is making “some political sacrifice” by volunteering to leave the campaign trail.

    … and the Republican obsession with “victimhood” marches on. What a bunch of weenies…..

    Cheers,


  45. Shayne says:

    Obama called McCain at 8 this morning asking him to issue a joint statement to try to facilitate things and McCain doesn’t get back to him until this afternoon and then rushes to talk to the media acting like it’s his idea and he’s in charge. And the Republicans who accuse Democrats of playing politics want to get rid of the capital gains tax to help the recovery.


  46. Wayne says:

    What next? Will McCain suggest suspending the election altogether?


  47. misshusseinmolly says:

    In this age of air travel, it’s possible to put in most of a work day and still get to Oxford, Missippi for the debate by 8:00 Central time. Furthermore, as Obama and McCain are both Senators, they would be handicapped similarly.

    Of course, if McCain can’t juggle a schedule like that, can we trust him with the presidency?


  48. ebbAndflow says:

    “The last time McCain voted in the Senate was on April 10.”
    It’s just a little late for JSM to be playing the “concern” card.


  49. ohcomeon says:

    Maybe he should have been doing his job to prevent the crisis rather than panicking now. Too little, too late.


  50. zuch says:

    #6 1984 Says:

    “Multitask, McCain. Multitask.”

    McSame: “Uhhh. Oh, sorry, dropped off there. What’s ‘multitask’ mean?”

    Cheers,


  51. LibertyLover says:

    Smells like a stunt or a set-up. Polls are tanking for McSame because of the economy. And he pulls this stunt…


  52. JMOHR says:

    This seems to be a very nifty way for McCain to escape press scrutiny and justify his current hiding in his shell. (An 11 minute news conference – with his own statement so included, does not really count for press availability. McCain has tried to escape votes or taking positions during any real crisis. McCain’s attempt with Georgia (stomping on the president’s toe and coming off as a war-like teenager, really did not work.


  53. muzz says:

    I just heard mcnuts comments, and, maybe I a total skeptic, but the whole thing seemed to be framed in a way to make it look he is a “real” leader, and is putting this “crisis” above the election. What I think it’s really all about is that he is starting to get his ass kicked (now that the sara-cuda effect is wearing off), and he is desperate to do something to change the momentum. Obama needs to respond in a way that doesn’t just follow johnny-boy’s lead. I wonder what he will do?


  54. joe cantwell says:

    fannie and freddie

    don’t want him campaigning.

    #

    they want him in washington

    working for them.

    %


  55. TheFreshBrew says:

    Yah, because a problem that’s been developing for years, is a matter of National Urgency – right, McCain?


  56. dporter says:

    I hate to admit it, but the Bailout must go forward (sans Section).

    Pearlstein made a very, very convincing argument as to why this bailout MUST happen, and happen within the next week or so. The gist of Pearlstein’s argument is that this bailout isn’t so much a bailout of the greedy Wall Street idiots as it is a bailout of our entire American economy. Yes the $700 Billion is going to go to buy “bad” debt from Wall Street, but in reality taking the bad debt off the books allows Wall Street and the other banks to get their balance sheets in a much healthier position that will enable them to stave off failures (which would destroy the economy) AND more importantly start the flow of capital again so that we don’t disrupt business and economic health in our country and around the world.

    Getting money flowing again into businesses and other investments is the only way that America can survive this economic crisis. The only way to get the money moving is to stabilize Wall Street and the Banking Industry. If we don’t we will see businesses collapse, job losses, capital will dry up, and we all will be in a really, really bad place.

    http://thelieshavenotimproved.blogspot.com/


  57. drago says:

    Is everybody fooked in the head? WE ARE AT WAR RIGHT NOW in two countries and no one is DOING JACK SH*T to end it.

    OF COURSE we can have a 90 minute debate at the same time.


  58. Tired of being lied to says:

    Aren’t Presidents expected to do a couple of things at the same time? Sometimes tough things?

    I never thought the Oval Office offered a one-crises-at-a-time, wait your turn, calendaring system.

    Maybe McCain is showing us just how well he would do then the second critical item pops up on the daily radar. Troubling.

    Or maybe he’s just trying to protect his ass and hide from the debate.

    Deflector shields activated!


  59. Hemlock for Gadflies says:

    #38 Fred — no, refusing to go along with McCain would be a bad move for Obama because, whatever the truth of this ploy (and I think we all agree it’s a transparent desperation move), appearing as if he’s putting politics above “ordinary Americans” (because you know that’s the way it’ll be pitched) would erase the lead Obama has been building on the economy.

    I don’t like it either, but there it is. That’s how it works. People trust Obama more than McCain because he says the right things and seems to want to do right by Main Street.

    If he passes on an “important debate on the future of our economy,” he loses that.

    It may well benefit McCain by taking the wind out of Obama’s sails and by ending Obama’s domination of the news cycle (or at least the good news cycle), but Obama’s going to have to suck it up.

    And a dollar will get you a donut he does.


  60. tom says:

    The last thing we need is to have McNumbNuts in Washington working on the country’s financial crisis. I mean . . . hasn’t he done enough already?


  61. Chuck Feney says:

    The next step will be when McCain suggests canceling the election altogether; and, let Bush continue his (ruinous) rule. A bipartisan congress passes The Enabling Act of 2008 and Bush’s wish that ‘a dictatorship would be a heck of a lot easier, especially, if he was the dictator’ comes true.


  62. RUCerious says:

    Choose any all or none from below:

    McIIIrd is running out of:

    a. Time

    b. Money

    c. Nerve

    d. 23%ers who’ll vote for the McIIIrd/Moosekiller ticket.

    e. all/none of the above


  63. ohcomeon says:

    Change the debate topic to the economy. Obama is ready. Is McCain?


  64. them_libs says:

    McCain showing what a true leader he his! Stepping up calling for bipartisan cooperative agreement to help prevent even further financial downfall.


  65. miatch says:

    McCain wins another news cycle?


  66. Anonymouse says:

    How about the Obama and McCain campaigns change the venue of Friday’s debate to DC, and make it an open discussion about the (proposed) bill, the root cause(s), and their ideas for both immediate and more fundamental reform(s)?

    I’d stay home Friday to see that.


  67. miatch says:

    @64

    His policies created this crisis. And now, your candidate is OFFICIALLY A WUSS


  68. Evergreen2U says:

    Right lets cancel the election. Presidents need to be vigorous and able to multitask….why he cannot take 2 evening hours out for the debate is beyond me: maybe because he gets too tired and wouldn’t have time to take a nap?


  69. Mr. Evil says:

    John McCave is trying to have it both ways. Crying for regulation on Wall Street while advocating for deregulation for his entire political life. He also wants to deregulate the health care industry. What a collosal mistake that would be. He’s been instrumental in the collapse of these firms involved ever since the S&L scandal years ago and all this deregulation is why Wall Street initiated all these financial contrivances to make quick money. Just a bunch of money shifting schemes that regulation would have prevented. We have to adhere to all sorts of regulations in our personal lives every day but, these criminals get to walk away with billions while simultaneously ruining thousands of peoples lives without so much as a slap on the wrist.


  70. Evergreen2U says:

    McCain would be abdicating our democratic ideals and the people of America if he backs out of the debate…just because he gets too tired to do more than one thing in a day.


  71. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    Will wonders never cease. Fox announced that Obama contacted McBush first and even read Obama’s e-mail to McBush on the air.


  72. zuch says:

    I said:

    WTF McCain can contribute to any discussion of what needs to be done is beyond me, although I hear that he did learn a few things from Keating.

    Silly me. I forgot that McSame’s campaign advisors are experts of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. And his economic advisors know all about how to deregulate an economy for peak performance. Of course, they should be given a break so they can rush off to Washington to pound on doors … and wait in the lobby … to make sure that their expertise is heard by our legislators…. That’s plenty of reason to suspend McSame’s campaign. When these folks have gone off to “do their thing” for the nation, there’s no one left on the McSame campaign staff!!!

    Cheers,


  73. Clumberfeet says:

    The TV cameras aren’t on John McCain now they are in the House and Senate conference rooms, the site of frequent political drama. John McCain is drawn to the cameras not some national duty.


  74. DieNowForPeace says:

    them_libs Says:

    Day late and dollar short.

    Nothing new here.


  75. tom says:

    McCain wins another news cycle?

    McNumbNuts ignores Obama’s good-faith request to issue a joint statement and pulls a political grandstanding stunt? I imagine that will be the story that wins the news cycle, all right. But I don’t think it means that McNumbNuts wins.

    (except, of course, for sh!t-for-brains idiots like them_libs who thinks that McNumbNuts is “bipartisan”)


  76. miatch says:

  77. machost says:

    Guys, slighlty OT. Did you all read that part of the bailout is to SUSPEND capital gains taxes so the wealthy will be enticed to invest again? If there’s that much money to be made investing, enough to require a suspension of the taxes on those gains, then I’m thinking this may not be as serious for the little guy (me) as presented by our POTUS.

    I’m thinking, more and more, that this ENTIRE ‘crisis’ label has been manufactured to allow 1) the corrupt government to reach into my pockets for my last 2 cents and/or 2)our congress to slip away without forcing meaningful bills to be voted on before the republicans finish their final terms, like all the remaining Tomnibus issues.


  78. tarazan says:

    The whole debate time will not be more than 3 hours.
    It is also on Friday evening.
    We know that McCain has a private jet for his campaign and also his wife has one.
    Why does not McCain fly to Washington after the debate..?

    This is nothing but a show,that he is a leader ..bla bla.

    He is even trying to cash on this financial crisis by postposning the debate.!


  79. shoeless says:

    So, McDeregulation doesn’t want to debate during the economic meltdown caused by his deregulation. Go figure.


  80. shoeless says:

    tarazan Says:

    We know that McCain has a private jet for his campaign and also his wife has one.
    Why does not McCain fly to Washington after the debate..?

    Because his deregulation of oil futures trading made jet fuel too expensive.


  81. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    them_libs Says:
    McCain showing what a true leader he his! Stepping up calling for bipartisan cooperative agreement to help prevent even further financial downfall.

    The problem is that Obama asked him to do this first. Even Fox News is reporting that Obama approached McCain. Obama trusted McCain to work with him (silly him) and McCain double crossed him and tried to make it look like it was his idea in the first place. He has a problem there because Fox News outed him.


  82. tarazan says:

    McCain and his handlers spent all yesterday and today grooming his running mate Sarah Palin by taking her to meet leaders at the UN,and for photo opportunity so she can look presidential.
    If McCain was serious about this crisis he should have been in Washington when the crisis started a week ago.


  83. Shayne says:

    them_libs Says:

    McCain showing what a true leader he his! Stepping up calling for bipartisan cooperative agreement to help prevent even further financial downfall.

    Sure Sparky but Obama called McCain with this suggestion at 8 this morning. And McCain just used it as a photo op just like the snake oil salesman he is. Not to be trusted for a second.


  84. gummitch says:

    Clumberfeet Says:

    The TV cameras aren’t on John McCain now they are in the House and Senate conference rooms, the site of frequent political drama. John McCain is drawn to the cameras not some national duty.

    I remember studying plants that were phototropic, meaning that they grew toward the light, and you could manipulate their shape by manipulating the location of the light source.

    So you’re suggesting that McCain is mediatropic?


  85. DallasNE says:

    What, where is the hurricane when John McCain needs one. Last I heard McCain had not canceled his meeting with Lady de Rothschild. Hmmmm.

    Beside, what is the official position of the Republican Party on bailouts?

    http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/09/23/extra_bonus_quote_of_the_day.html

    Oh.

    It looks like McCain is ducking 100 million Americans who are entitled to know where he stands on the most important issue of the day.


  86. pakaal says:

    Two words for Senator McCain: What campaign?


  87. them_libs says:

    Shayne Says:

    So Obama is to be trusted? What about Obama rejecting public funds for his campaign after he made an agreement to so.


  88. wijg says:

    McSame is trying to bailout?? Wow! Priceless!!


  89. Buckie Boy says:

    I predicted this when this sh!t came down…they will continue to find some way to justify not participating in the debates.

    McGonnaDieSoon knew he was going to get his butt handed to him, so he is using this dodge to get out of it.

    Moosejaw will also come up with some reason to skip the debates.

    They don’t want America so see them side by side with someone who is QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB, as in Obama and Biden.


  90. MapleStreet says:

    Slightly tangential: NPR reports that North Korea has broken the UN seals on their nuclear reactor, apparently planning to fire it up – independent of inspection.

    Would it be going too far to wonder if Kim Jong Il looks at the USA’s financial crisis, USA overextended in 2 wars, and decides that now is a good time to defy the bully ?


  91. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    The Obama campaign should arrange to have the debate moved to Washington and suggest that they switch the debate subject to the economy. That way both Obama and McCain can be in Washington to debate the bailout legislation and still be close by to do their debate. I’d like to see McBush say no to that!


  92. MapleStreet says:

    On topic: Of course, Obama is a brilliant orator and McCain is mashed potatoes without gravy.

    Skipping the debate is probably a smart move for him.

    And for the VP debate, I’d love to see Biden vs. Palin debate an international topic.


  93. miatch says:

    them_libs Says:
    So Obama is to be trusted? What about Obama rejecting public funds for his campaign after he made an agreement to so.

    Are you really still crying about that??? Your candidate is a wuss


  94. BuckarooBanzai says:

    Wayne Says:
    ——————————————————————————–

    What next? Will McCain suggest suspending the election altogether?

    Well as the internet rumor is going from the conspiracy theorists, it will be W that will declare an ‘Economic Emergency’ and suspend the elections. Just google that and you’ll see them all. Something about the Bernanke contacting his counterpart in the UK banking system.


  95. hussein toasterhead says:

    them_libs Says:

    McCain showing what a true leader he his! Stepping up calling for bipartisan cooperative agreement to help prevent even further financial downfall.

    September 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
    ______

    Since when do you people support things like “cooperative agreements?” Don’t you know that’s SOCIALISM?!?!


  96. tom says:

    I really do wonder if McNumbNuts consulted his campaign staff before he blundered into his political grandstand stunt this afternoon. He clearly has painted himself into a corner and gave Obama all the power and several counter-moves.

    The difference between the campaigns is becoming obvious — Grampy McNumbNuts is playing checkers; Obama is playing chess.


  97. hussein toasterhead says:

    Also – isn’t it cute that a macroeconomic perfect storm that’s been brewing for two years is now, all of a sudden, a CRISIS?

    This is pure shock doctrine shit. It’s not a crisis. What we need is some well-crafted regulation, not knee-jerk crisis policy.


  98. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    #miatch Says:
    them_libs Says:
    So Obama is to be trusted? What about Obama rejecting public funds for his campaign after he made an agreement to so.

    And, just like in the primaries McBush is gaming the public financing system.


  99. WillowOrchid says:

    What next, suspend the election? If the economy is so importatn to McCain, let them debate IT, not foreign stuff.

    Check out this:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYxTzDFofZQ


  100. MCMetal says:

    A colossal ignoramus when it comes to the US economy (among most other things) is now the critical link in straightening out the Wall Street bailout fiasco ?

    I can hardly wait for Karl Turd Blossom Rove’s “Ethics and Honesty in Politics” seminars …………….


  101. Cal Malenky says:

    The Presidential debate commission says that the debate will take place as planned. Maybe Johnnie would like to be represented by an empty chair.


  102. misshusseinmolly says:

    them_libs Says
    September 24th, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    What about Obama rejecting public funds for his campaign after he made an agreement to so.
    _______________________________________________________

    What about it? Obama made a decision that was best for him and his campaign, and he trusted the voters to see that. Apparently, they have — the only ones still criticizing him for that are the people like you who aren’t going to vote for him anyway (and you have very little else to attack him with).

    McCain is certainly free to make decisions that are best for his campaign. He can suspend his campaign, and he’s even free to bail out of the debate if he wishes.

    And if Obama feels he can perform his duties as a Senator and still campaign, he is free to do so. He can even show up for the debate if he wants, which would become a televised Obama forum if McCain doesn’t show.

    And the voters can decide who made the correct decision.


  103. hussein toasterhead says:

    tom Says:

    I really do wonder if McNumbNuts consulted his campaign staff before he blundered into his political grandstand stunt this afternoon. He clearly has painted himself into a corner and gave Obama all the power and several counter-moves.

    September 24th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
    ______

    I wonder if it’s a financial decision. Does campaign staff get paid while the campaign is suspended? A few days of payroll could buy a good chunk of air time.


  104. motorfingaz says:

    McChicken!!!

    bwoK bwoK!!!


  105. hussein toasterhead says:

    WillowOrchid Says:

    What next, suspend the election? If the economy is so importatn to McCain, let them debate IT, not foreign stuff.

    September 24th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
    ______

    The U.S. economy IS foreign stuff. You can’t separate the two. Foreign investors in the global pool of money are one of the main reasons for the housing bubble in the first place.


  106. Zooey says:

    This has probably already been said, but BULLSHIT!!

    McCain won’t even show up to vote either way on the damn thing…


  107. pbg says:

    If john McCain just knew how to use a computer, he could probably keep current on what was happening.
    Jesus, John. Sit down at a (remaining) Starbucks, Set yourself up for chat and discuss the matter with Paulson!
    Set up a draft .pdf, send it ’round and look at the markups!
    Then release the statement
    OMG OMG 700B$ WTF BRB
    See? Easy!


  108. hussein toasterhead says:

    Cal Malenky Says:

    The Presidential debate commission says that the debate will take place as planned. Maybe Johnnie would like to be represented by an empty chair.

    September 24th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
    ______

    Perhaps that’s the plan – maybe McCain wants something more animated to take his place in the debate…


  109. tarazan says:

    Debate’s McEscape now giving us his own reasons for postponing the debate,that his expertise of macro economics is badly needed now in Washington.


  110. impeachcheneythenbush says:

    Bilbo Hussein Baggins Says:

    The Obama campaign should arrange to have the debate moved to Washington and suggest that they switch the debate subject to the economy. That way both Obama and McCain can be in Washington to debate the bailout legislation and still be close by to do their debate. I’d like to see McBush say no to that!

    Absolutely correct response for Barack to make. It would counter McCain’s nakedly opportunistic move, and force him to both debate the issue, as well as be present in D.C., and he would have to VOTE. McCain, Obama and Biden should all be voting on whatever legislation is resolved on this issue.

    To my fellow conspiracy theorists: I am also suspicious of this whole thing. Bernancke and Paulson, both, stated only a week or two ago that things were under control; that the previous bailouts would resolve the matter, and that the “fundamentals of the economy” were still strong. And now, suddenly, the end of the world is here unless the Congress passes the Paulson legislation immediately, and give him carte blanch to distribute nearly a trillion dollars as HE sees fit. It also wouldn’t surprise me if the Bush administration starts making noises about delaying the election. Not at all.


  111. misshusseinmolly says:

    I have an idea — if McCain feels he can’t attend the debate because he will be too busy dealing with the financial crisis, why doesn’t he send his running mate in his place?

    After all, Palin’s supporters claim she has more executive experience than Obama, is more qualified than Obama, and probably even has more foreign policy credentials (since she can see Russia from her state, and Obama can’t see it from his).

    And Palin isn’t needed in Washington to deal with the economy.

    This would be a perfect time for the Palinistas to put up or shut up.


  112. bonzo 1958 says:

    So

    I doubt he knows what a foreign policy is after the the Spain thing.

    The economy has come back to bite him in his maverick a$$

    He can’t bring palin along as a distraction with her *I told congress…………………………….

    NO WONDER HE CANCELED.


  113. shoeless says:

    pakaal Says:

    Two words for Senator McCain: What campaign?

    Sarah Palin’s


  114. SP Biloxi says:

    Thank you Senator Obama for not caving into, once again, a stunt by McCain. If Obama was the first to want the debate cancelled, the McCain camp would cry foul play and the media would criticize Obama. For McCain to say that he really gives a damn about the finanical crisis and the taxpayers and willing to roll up his sleeve and “focus” on the economic crisis when his poll numbers are dropping and his campaign manager’s lobbying business bankrolled for Freddie and Fannie, I find it really hard to imagine that domestic issues are on his mind when he did nothing in the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe.

    By the way, nice pic by TP of Gramps and the clown President with the cake. That is a simple reminder of how much the Maverick “really” cares about the American people.


  115. Game of Life says:

    I guess the bin Laden scare isn’t working any longer.

    mcchimpy camp is trying to control Sen. Obama’s smokin campaign.


  116. MCMetal says:

    (From Politico.com)

    Harry Reid responds :

    Reid: McCain return ‘would not be helpful’

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, in a statement that would be unlikely to go out without the Obama campaign’s approval, dismisses McCain’s suspension:

    This is a critical time for our country. While I appreciate that both candidates have signaled their willingness to help, Congress and the Administration have a process in place to reach a solution to this unprecedented financial crisis.

    I understand that the candidates are putting together a joint statement at Senator Obama’s suggestion. But it would not be helpful at this time to have them come back during these negotiations and risk injecting presidential politics into this process or distract important talks about the future of our nation’s economy. If that changes, we will call upon them. We need leadership; not a campaign photo op.

    If there were ever a time for both candidates to hold a debate before the American people about this serious challenge, it is now.

    Where the hell has this Harry Reid been ?


  117. Rich H says:

    The best thing for Obama to do is show up at the debates ready to go. He can get there from Washington on time and if he is asked why he is debating can answer he’s prepared for the debate, is able to do more than one thing at a time, and has spent his time in Washington working on the economy along with the rest of the congress and senate.
    He should then be allowed to debate his non existent opponent whereby we’ll be able to hear his views without the constant lies spewing from the mouth of McCain, showing him for the coward he is.
    Absolutely perfect!


  118. shoeless says:

    Cal Malenky Says:

    The Presidential debate commission says that the debate will take place as planned. Maybe Johnnie would like to be represented by an empty chair.

    To be truely representitive, it would have to be a swiveling chair.


  119. MCMetal says:

    shoeless Says:
    ——————————————————————————–

    Cal Malenky Says:

    The Presidential debate commission says that the debate will take place as planned. Maybe Johnnie would like to be represented by an empty chair.

    To be truely representitive, it would have to be a swiveling chair.

    September 24th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    A swiveling wheelchair …………


  120. hussein toasterhead says:

    misshusseinmolly Says:

    I have an idea — if McCain feels he can’t attend the debate because he will be too busy dealing with the financial crisis, why doesn’t he send his running mate in his place?

    September 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
    _______

    BRILLIANT!


  121. Game of Life says:

    SP Biloxi Says:
    That is a simple reminder of how much the Maverick “really” cares about the American people.

    Like a poster said on the Kos blog:

    mcchimpy puts the “ick” in maverick.


  122. tom says:

    Does campaign staff get paid while the campaign is suspended? A few days of payroll could buy a good chunk of air time.

    I don’t know about that. However, it could be that McNumbNuts has nothing better to do than spend a few days in D.C. After all, his whole campaign staff has left his side so that they can lobby Congress on the bail-out bill for the next few days.

    There’s no one left in the campaign office to tell him what to say or prep him for the debate.


  123. celtic cynic says:

    It’s amazing that John McCain, who was one of the benefactors from The Savings And Loan Scandal, is now trying to obfuscate and corrupt this latest debacle. Clearly he doesn’t want to open up to the press about his shady past or present, nor allow any insight into the empty-headed trollop that is his running mate.


  124. bonzo 1958 says:

    *Swiveling chair* Sniveling swiveling chair

    ROFLMAO


  125. upside99 says:

    Looks like our ‘friendly troll’, them_libs just got its arse handed to it …… again.

    When are we going to get some real trolls here? Or has the economic crisis suspended the “Points for Posts Program” that McDepends had in place?

    HMMMMMM


  126. impeachcheneythenbush says:

    Oh geez – now I’ve heard it all. Lieberman is being interviewed on MSNBC and he says something like “McCain is doing what he thinks needs to be done to avoid a depression…” WHAT? Just how long ago was it that McCain said the fundamentals of the economy were strong, and his advisor, Phil Graham said there was no recession; it was just the American people whining? One week? Two, three? My disgust with these people is just astronomical!


  127. tom says:

    I have an idea — if McCain feels he can’t attend the debate because he will be too busy dealing with the financial crisis, why doesn’t he send his running mate in his place?

    No way should Obama debate Failin’ Palin. He would roll right over her certainly but it is still a lose-lose proposition.

    Instead, one alternative proposal that would be interesting to float out there would be to move the VP debate into this Friday’s time slot if necessary. Failin’ Palin won’t be prepared by next Thursday let alone two days from now. This would send chills up her handlers’ spines.


  128. wijg says:

    I’m all in favor of the debate on Friday being about the economy… McCain?


  129. misshusseinmolly says:

    UPDATE VIII: McCain senior adviser Mark Salter said that McCain “will suspend airing all ads and all campaign events pending an agreement with Obama, though Salter did not know whether John McCain will suspend fundraising activities.
    ____________________________________________________________

    I’m going to be royally amused if McCain can’t make the debate, but can attend fundraisers populated with people who just want to shake his hand.


  130. MCMetal says:

    impeachcheneythenbush Says:
    ——————————————————————————–

    Oh geez – now I’ve heard it all. Lieberman is being interviewed on MSNBC and he says something like “McCain is doing what he thinks needs to be done to avoid a depression…” WHAT? Just how long ago was it that McCain said the fundamentals of the economy were strong, and his advisor, Phil Graham said there was no recession; it was just the American people whining? One week? Two, three? My disgust with these people is just astronomical!

    September 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    Maybe someone should inform Israel-1st LIEberman that the GOP is in a depression because their candidate is 5th choice McDepends………….


  131. katy says:

    so, i’m planting shrubs for my brother this morning and till 2…
    i get in my car, and decide i’m too pooped to fix a lunch and so drive to the mcD’s for a salad… i hear this news on the way…
    from randi – who could not confirm because the only source reporting it was fox (hello?)…

    by the time i get to the window, she’d read part of his statement and i was fuming… the kid opened the window at the same time i said, loudly, “that CHICKENshit!” and to him “do NOT vote for that chickenshit!”

    he asked “who is that?” and i said “mcFOOKINcain!”

    and, bless his heart, he said “oh! no way! i’m not voting for HIM”…

    this is so fookin incredible…

    i hope OBAMA is serious:
    UPDATE VI: A senior Obama campaign official allegedly told ABC News, “The debate is on.”

    hell, even if he’s there by himself… … can that happen?


  132. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    (From Politico.com)
    Harry Reid responds :
    Reid: McCain return ‘would not be helpful’
    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, in a statement that would be unlikely to go out without the Obama campaign’s approval, dismisses McCain’s suspension:

    I really hate Politico. They had to inject that bit of snark in a way that most people will take it as a fact. How do they know that Reid got approval for the statement from Obama? Do they ever say that “Boner said, with the approval of McCain”?


  133. Keith says:

    Any time a politician/salesman tells you “hurry, hurry you must make up your mind fast, this is too urgent to wait a second, you must decide now, don’t read the fine print”—–be wary, be very wary.

    Don’t worry McCain, the fundamentals of the economy are sound. You aren’t disparaging the American worker, are you?


  134. zuch says:

    #64: them_libs Says:

    “McCain showing what a true leader he his!”

    I think McSame was trying to say “It’s his”. Like: “Mine. Mine. Mine. MinMine.e. MinMinee. MineMinMinee.”

    Cheers,



  135. spyder says:

    In trying not to be too cynical (and without reading all of the above commentary), i would like to suggest that perhaps the McSame machine needs to take a time out because so many of its staff have to get back to their real jobs of lobbying Congress on behalf of the financial industry. Afterall, which is more important: the campaign or their long term unregulated greed???


  136. zuch says:

    #116 tarazan:

    Debate’s McEscape now giving us his own reasons for postponing the debate,that his expertise of macro economics is badly needed now in Washington.

    You misspelled “bunko economics”. I covered that above. See “Keating”.

    Cheers,


  137. tarazan says:

    McCain was seen on a Highway with Palin next to him driving a new Ford ‘Escape’.


  138. misshusseinmolly says:

    tom Says
    September 24th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

    No way should Obama debate Failin’ Palin. He would roll right over her certainly but it is still a lose-lose proposition.
    __________________________________________________________

    Sigh — I suppose you’re right. Even though Obama could show the world how woefully unqualified Palin is with three-quarters of his brain tied behind his back, the McCain campaign would spin the scenario as Obama beating up on poor, delicate Palin and call him a sexist pig.

    And because the event would have to be dumbed down for Palin, the voters wouldn’t get to see Obama break out of first gear, and they deserve to see how he can run at full speed.

    Which is a pity — Biden is gonna have much the same problem.


  139. pete says:

    Go for it Flippy. There ain’t no way to spin chickening out of a debate. Especially when the VP candidate is still being shuffled around to secret locations in order to avoid the press. And, all the while, their numbers go down any time either one makes a public statement.


  140. Badger says:

    Sec. Paulsen and Bernake had a meeting with congress, and congress left “Ashen Faced”.

    Immediately talks were underway for a $700,000,000,000 Bailout.

    There have been NO Press reports about what exactly was said in that meeting, that led to this urgency.

    WHY NOT. What do congressional leaders and administration officials KNOW that the AMERICAN PEOPLE should NOT KNOW.

    All we’re getting, in lieu of a TRANSCRIPT, is Trust us, this is really URGENT.

    Didn’t the people learn ANYTHING from the RUN UP to the IRAQ WAR?????


  141. tom says:

    I suspect that what drove McNumbNuts over the edge wasn’t Obama’s suggestion of a joint statement or returning to Washington to participate in the process.

    What probably caused him to jump ship and go public was Obama’s suggestion that the economy be made part of this Friday’s debate. That probably scared McNumbNuts $hitless.


  142. misshusseinmolly says:

    spyder Says
    September 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm

    i would like to suggest that perhaps the McSame machine needs to take a time out because so many of its staff have to get back to their real jobs of lobbying Congress on behalf of the financial industry.
    _____________________________________________________________

    I think you just hit on the REAL motivation here.

    “We have to protect our phoney baloney jobs here, gentlemen!” — Governor William J. Le Petomane, “Blazing Saddles”


  143. drago says:

    A week agao McCain said, “the fundamentals of our economy are strong” – and now he says we’re in a crisis? Which is it Keating Five McCain?


  144. Keith says:

    #142 misshusseinmolly Says:

    I went to the link and about three other pages. I can’t see where I am supposed to vote.


  145. Marie says:

    McCain cannot multitask – he has been absent from the Senate for nearly 6 months. McCain doublecrossed Obama after agreeing to a bilteral statement.
    McCain has no ethics, no principles and he is too old and feeble minded to campaign at the same time as he tries to figure out what he is going to say about the economy.

    This is a blatant display of McCain’s lack of character.


  146. Wayne says:

    them_libs Says:

    “McCain showing what a true leader he his!”

    This troll thinks a “true leader” cuts and runs from a debate like McCain has been cutting and running from reporters questions.

    And it still hasn’t signed up to take those adult English classes yet, so it doesn’t sound so stupid.


  147. tombaker says:

    I haven’t seen jonniemac do anything but parrot Obama talking points for the last 2 weeks, sometimes word for word. If he had any principles whatsoever he’d be running as an Independent, but he’s too scared of losing to do that.

    If the best his campaign shills can do is recommend they copy their opponents every move, and pretend their views are his, then they all really really suck at their jobs (yes, you, tucker bounds)


  148. Keith says:

    From Associated Press
    September 24, 2008 2:44 PM EDT
    NEW YORK – “Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Wednesday that the United States could be headed for another Great Depression if Congress doesn’t act on the financial crisis.”

    McCain just said that we are headed for a crisis and time is running out. He warned of devastating circumstances. He compared it to 9/11 and called for patriotism. He said companies won’t have enough money to pay their employees. A few days ago he was criticizing Obama for using much milder language.


  149. Magic Dog says:

    John McCain has just given everyone permission to stick the AGE ISSUE right smack in the middle of the table. He doesn’t have two hours for a debate? Come on. This is about a man who is too old, too tired, too confused, and too sick. He lacks the stamina, both physical and mental, for the presidency.

    That is what’s on display here. Obama’s campaign should issue a statement saying that the demands of the modern presidency require a leader who can address more than one problem at a time.

    He should say that he’ll be there on Friday to answer the moderators’ questions, and that if McCain prefers to stay at home he’ll have his campaign deliver a plate of cookies, a glass of buttermilk, an electric blanket, and a sleeping pill.


  150. katy says:

    just now hearing barack… on randi…

    “don’t infuse capital hill with politics”…

    the whole statement was absolutely THE most presidential thing i’ve heard in a very, too long, time.
    .

    and, that’s what i thought… mcCHICKENSH!T didn’t make any “proposal” – it was a statement, his plan ALONE…

    ISSUED AS A CHALLENGE… no better than A DARE…


  151. kasinca says:

    McLame brain is running from himself. He may as well quit because wherever he goes, there he is.


  152. Game of Life says:

    mcchimpy and his gang are going around telling horrible lies about Sen. Obama and has others to write lies for him under his approval. Now this old fart wants us to believe he’s concerned about the economy.

    The worse presidency followed by the worse repug campaign. Typical repug.


  153. multilee says:

    Stepping in for Grampy McSame on David Letterman….Keith Olbermann!

    Ahh….I love irony in the afternoons :)


  154. zuch says:

    #161 multilee:

    Stepping in for Grampy McSame on David Letterman….Keith Olbermann!

    D’ya think that was Letterman firing a shot across the bow and saying, “Don’t pull this kind of sh*te on me or you’ll live to regret it?”

    Cheers,


  155. multilee says:

    Zuch I do believe you may be correct:)

    Unstable/Unable 08 (McSame’s actions today really do nail the Unstable label firmly to his crusty butt)


  156. EugeneDebs says:

    them_libs Says:

    McCain showing what a true leader he his! Stepping up calling for bipartisan cooperative agreement to help prevent even further financial downfall.
    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    themlibs steps up to show what a COMMITTED, brainwashed hivemind moron he is. These are two Senators running for President. In what way are THEY crucial to taking care of this crisis? Does the administration NOT have people working on this? The HOUSE? 98 OTHER Senators? They have no responsibilities right NOW other than reading the bill and voting on it. Is McStupid so incompetent he cant do that AND run a campaign? He cant walk and chew bubblegum at the same time as was pointed out and THAT is a rationale why he should be president? Thanks for stopping by to tell us what the Limborg is telling their EXTRA STUPID sheeple to think. I am pretty sure actual human beings wont be quite so gullible. God you Limborg morons are just sad.


  157. Leftside Annie says:

    Oh yeah. The *economy* ate McLame’s homework.

    *eyeroll*

    What a ginormous load of BULLSH*T!!


  158. Briseadh na Faire says:

    Perhaps Obama should continue campaigning and keep tabs on developments in the Senate.

    In other words, assure the American People that he’s keeping abreast of the discussions regarding the “bailout” and is providing input as to the sort of change he would like to see implemented.

    If Obama stays on top of the latest developments while campaigning, it will demonstrate the there is no need for a leader to drop everything everytime Wall Street cries “wolf!”

    Let’s face it, the next President is going to step into having to deal with several crises on day one.


  159. EugeneDebs says:

    them_libs Says:
    Shayne Says:

    So Obama is to be trusted? What about Obama rejecting public funds for his campaign after he made an agreement to so.
    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    You are a liar and a fool. You just recycle the talking points the Limborg puts in your head like a cow chewing his cud. Obama said he would use public funds IF McCain did. The Obama camp discussed the issue WITH the McCain camp they couldnt agree so they BOTH decided to forego public funds. YOu are such a sad and pathetic moron. No brain whatsoever. Just a tape recorder to regurgiate the effluvia the hivemind sends you out to repeat like Pavlovs dog…only not as bright


  160. Badger says:

    I just heard this from a caller on NPR:

    We should NOW be able to Find Bin Ladin by tracking down which CAVE the Champaigne is being delivered to.

    So Sad…So TRue.


  161. Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

    #EugeneDebs Says:
    them_libs Says:

    I can’t believe that we are still trying to reason with these idiot trolls. It goes in their ear and out their nose.


  162. fletc3her says:

    This is all part of McCain’s debate preparations. If he can convince everyone that he is scared to debate Obama then when he does the debate expectations will be so low that not tripping onstage will be considered a win.


  163. 666lattes says:

    This campaign is so crazy and will make such a captivating book when it’s over:

    Chapter XII

    “Bailouts for Bailouts”


  164. LibertyLover says:

    If McCain is suspending his campaign… doesn’t that mean Obama wins?


  165. IBTunion4obama says:

    McCain’s mom is going to write him a note excusing him from the debate on Friday night because it’s past his bedtime.


  166. dae says:

    Warning! Warning! Debate, debate, does not compute. Debate, danger, does not compute.


  167. LibertyLover says:

    Someone suggested that if McCain can’t make the debate, then since Palin wants to be President and is confident in her readiness, then perhaps she should take McCain’s place at the debate….I mean, if McCain can’t do the job then Palin will have to take over. Well, let’s see what she’s got, eh?


  168. barfly says:

    Since we know he’s economically unschooled, I’m guessing his primary function will be to keep George occupied, while the dems and Paulson hash this out.

    Lord knows, you wouldn’t want to discuss monumentous financial decisions, and have to stroke his ego at the same time.


  169. Ms_Joanne says:

    Why now, senator? Oh, right, politics. What about your prior history of not voting??

    And NOW you want to move the presidential debate to when the veep debate is supposed to be and postpone the veep debate indefinitely.

    Honestly, how frigging stupid do you think we are?


  170. spearNmagicHelmet says:

    a true opposition party would step on his neck now and not let him up. pound him w/ being afraid to debate and do not let up. ever.

    how refreshing that would be.


  171. Goldstandard says:

    McCain has already shown his hand. He isn’t an economic genius like his budd Phil Gramm or economic losers like Paulson and Bernake who knew about this mess over a year ago and did nothing. What better way to hide from the Republic then by suspending your campaign and keeping your VP pick out of harms way. This has to be the most pathetic move I have ever seen in my entire 58 years.


  172. zuch says:

    UPDATE XII: Despite canceling with Letterman and calling off the debate, McCain still found time to sit down for an interview with Couric.

    … and a little tête-à-tête with Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, the royalty that thinks Obama’s too “elite”.

    Cheers,


  173. tbone says:

    I thought this was all mental according to McCain. Won’t suspending the campaign contribute to the national hysteria and hurt the economy further?

    I would consider holding the debate as scheduled on Friday. (If Obama agrees to postpone this he must suggest a date in the very near future to be clear that he wants it to happen.) Then, he should say “I will not suspend my campaign but instead I am on my way to DC. While there, I will be working with my colleagues on this and I will regularly address the people to explain my economic policy. The situation is serious and needs to be addressed, but there is no need to panic and suspend the campaign.


  174. bigeugene says:

    Calling a Time Out? Unable to run America and multi-task?

    What a total Wuss.


  175. EugeneDebs says:

    Ms_Joanne Says:

    Honestly, how frigging stupid do you think we are?
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Oh they think we are REALLY stupid and as the Limborg trolls here prove they are only wrong about some of us.


  176. Max-1 says:

    .

    As someone who’s been laughed at for far too long concerning 9/11, election theft, and the orchestration of a Fascist Coup under way, who will be left laughing that last laugh then…?

    http://act.truemajority.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=l2RVJd%2FVX5×4imNRQd0lPq9OT0omqdOr

    Our pressure is working. Already this week, TrueMajority members have made almost 20,000 calls to tell their Senators “NO” to the Bush corporate bailout. Now news is beginning to come out that some lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats alike, are having second thoughts about going along with the administration’s plan.

    We can put the brakes on this.

    Tomorrow, Thursday, September 25th at 5 pm ordinary Americans are organizing Emergency Rallies against the Bailout nationwide. Other TrueMajority members have already started 75 rallies in their towns, will you join them?

    ATTEND AN EMERGENCY RALLY AGAINST THE BAILOUT

    We’re all in this together. The proposed bailout is a $700,000,000,000 dollar check from your bank account, handed over to Wall Street. This is literally the largest give away of public money to the private sector in history. We have an historic emergency, and it’s on us to step up and lead.

    If there isn’t already a rally in your community, start one right now.

    Once you pick a time and place we’ll help turnout other TrueMajority members to your event and provide signs you can print out and a sample program. The most important thing is for you to pick a spot where you’ll be seen, and start inviting other people you know right now.

    Together we’ll send a clear message that America Says NO to Bush Bailout!

    Thanks for leading the way,

    -Ilya

    Ilya Sheyman
    Online Organizer

    Act now of forever loose your pursuit of happiness…

    Oh, BTW…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnPS2ho-_6w

    Beginning in October, the Army plans to station an active unit inside the United States for the first time to serve as an on-call federal response in times of emergency. The paper says the Army unit may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control. The soldiers are learning to use so-called nonlethal weapons designed to subdue unruly or dangerous individuals and crowds.

    O C T O B E R
    S U R P R I S E!!!

    .


  177. Max-1 says:

    .

    SO,

    WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH…
    … THE MAVERICK RUNS AWAY?

    .


  178. Max-1 says:

    .

    If Johnny McCan’t campaign during a crisis…
    … How is he supposed to hold up to a crisis as president?

    .


  179. kasinca says:

    McLamebrain threw in the towel…not ready for prime time.



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