The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

re: The Politics of McCain's Maneuver

not.Brit — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:03:36 GMT

So McCain makes an erratic, dramatic, and overtly political decision, and this is "almost all upside for McCain?" Obama is calm, collected, and apparently able to multi-task, and he's "in a bind?"

Frankly, I'm having a very hard time seeing an "up side." McCain is trying to call a "time out" on a presidential campaign. How in the world is this a good thing? Is there even any precedent? Even his supporters admit it's an entirely political move (though they think it's brilliant). No one anywhere is arguing that McCain's move would be somehow good for the economy.

The whole thing is so transparent, I'm surprised you give him any credit at all. Let alone defend it as a beneficial maneuver.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mpd1960 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:06:01 GMT

totally disagree. Obama has the advantage now. If McSame does debate, his move has backfired. if he doesn't, he looks afraid.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SAY NO TO DECEIPT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:06:45 GMT

Stop playing POLITICS PLEASE McCain, get on the debates. Palin, get off your high horse and takl to the press! Anything and Anybody this secretive BEFORE taking thses positions ARE PEOPLE WE DON'T NEED. AMERICA WAKE UP AND VOTE FOR MCCAIN

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

marlihop — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:09:14 GMT

Patriotic move to temporarily suspend campaign until Wall Street crisis is resolved. McCain puts the 300 million citizens ahead of a partisan campaign. No one is going to care who wins if we're in a Depression. Wake up, Obama. It's not all about you.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

maq1 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:09:23 GMT

McCain is hiding from the inevitable just like he's trying to hide Palin from reporters questions. what a joke!!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

RCocalaFL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:09:28 GMT

The polls are garbage. The press is pro-obama and so are the pollstering organizations. I don't think the attempt of the press to manipulate the American People is going to work. McCain in for Country First. Obama is a ool-foo. The American people will vote for the true unifer, not the imposter.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

NatIrvin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:10:08 GMT

Is McCain the president or a member of the senate? its a short sell. His stock is going down..and he is looking for a buyer.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Libratine — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:10:28 GMT

Presidential Candidate Obama looked and sounded oh so presidential and reassuring at his news conference today as he took questions from reporters. The contrast between him and runaway McCain could not have been more CLEAR!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Pacific NW Mark — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:12:34 GMT

Come on, Andrew - at least some pretense at objectivity? Is that too much to ask?

Injecting the presidnetial race into the bailout negotioations is about the least helpful thing either candidate could do, but McCain, once again seeking an advantage for himself, wades in with his usual lack of consideration.

McCain hasn't been to Washington since early April. Given his completely tenous grasp of economic issues, and his well-documented flip flopping on whether he supports deregulation or regulation, what value could McCain possibly add to the discussion?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

lm_cco — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:15:02 GMT

I expect the next President of the United States to be able to multitask! I would hope that our current President is both participating in the economic discussion as well as keeping track of Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia/Venezuela, etc. This is entirely political. If McCain even knew how to work with someone, he would have waited to work through the joint statement. But he charged off following his impulse to Palin as VP, and now he's charging off on the next impulse. Perhaps if McCain used technology to communicate, he'd be able to deal with the need to multitask now.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

averygard — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:15:49 GMT

If McCain can't handle two things at once, how can he POSSIBLY handle the pressures of the presidency? Just makes Obama look more presidential.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

BenDag — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:17:34 GMT

This is a gimmick from the first! There was a joint statement planned at the instigation of Obama. Nothing about postponing the debate. Suddenly McCain charges out and makes this announcement without conferring with anyone anywhere especially in D.C. where they think its a really stupid idea! McCain is desperate. I blame his enablers who have been telling him what a maverick he is and how every unpredictable thing he does is genius. He is deluded beyond all hope. This a ploy, a stunt, a gimmick, call it what you will; it is now in the process of backfiring in McCain's face!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rbachone — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:18:10 GMT

Of Course McCain has to suspend his campaign since his entire campaign staff of lobbyists must run to Washington to try and get more taxpayer money for the rich ceos of the corporations they work for

McCain = Bush and the Greed Over Patriotism party

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

WAforOBAMA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:18:14 GMT

Beautiful response by Obama! A perfect slap in the face, or better yet, interception of McCain's desparate hail mary pass. I mean come on, first McCain admits he's not somputer savvy, then basically admits he can't multitask...not my president!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

juicedog20 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:18:52 GMT

This is purely a political stunt. McCain sees his poll numbers dipped so he is trying to fly to Washington and then say he was the one who got something don on this issue. I see it as purely a stunt by McCain; he must really think people are stupid?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

RobertSpiegelman — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:19:52 GMT

If Senator McCain can't or won't come, Senator Obama should allow him to send Senator Palin as his standin.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

benkrapf — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:20:16 GMT

McCain is afraid to face Obama.

After criticizing Obama's experience and rhetoric, it's surprising to see McCain so consumed by self-doubt.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bassetlover1 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:20:34 GMT

McCain knows he's on the ropes and is trying to avoid the charges by Obama that he knows are coming. He cannot defend this administration's handling of the corporate "raping" of America.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

sherrybb — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:20:43 GMT

This is a blatant political move on McCain's part by PRETENDING to be Presidential. I hope the American people can see through this ploy. If he really was putting "country first" he would have involved Obama in this plan and not run off to the media. I have less respect for this man every single day.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gonzo510 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:21:11 GMT

This is nonsense - it's just another distraction conjured up by his handlers. The debate must go on. Bush, Paulson and Bernanke are trying to rush a bill through, jamming the consequences down our throats and McCain's trying to use that, smoke and mirrors to put off a debate that the American people need to see. What a pathetic man.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

enclaved — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:21:12 GMT

This is the last straw for me. McCain wants to take polotics to Wahington when the very existance of our country is in danger? And he says that Obama is the one only interested in self? Please!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

papernot — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:21:54 GMT

Is this a clever way to get out of debating Obama? I felt McCain would have an uphill battle in the first debate, but to forfeit the debate. Maybe he should forfeit the election.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ckeledjian — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:22:49 GMT

How convenient to call for a suspension of McCain campaign when recently it was reported that they are struggling with fund raising. How convenient that he calls to delay the debate when he knows the topic might include questions about the economy, for which McCain is and will never be prepared to answer. How convenient to put the opposition in a check-mate situation and call for 'patriotism', just as Bush did, so if Obama rightfully disagrees then McCain will call him anti-patriotic. How ironic that after being a deregulator for 26 years and claiming that he is not very good at economy, now all of a sudden McCain feels that the country needs him to make the most important economic decision in our democracy. He's such a shame. That's it, it's over, cancel the campaign and let Obama win, America does not need more information to realize who will be a better president. It is clear now that McCain is not fit and will never be. R.I.P. McCain.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

corvuscorax51 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:25:51 GMT

Interesting that McCain had time on Wednesday to "escort" Sarah Palin around New York City for her coming out with various foreign leaders. Guess the economy wasn't so urgent after all.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jkhdog — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:26:53 GMT

I for one would like to hear more about the financial plan for the country. If McCain wants to go to Washington, have the debate at a convenient location there. Change the topic from foreign policy to the economy. The American people deserve to hear from the person who will be the leader of the country in a few weeks. The debate will take only a couple of hours. If McCain feels he can not do both, he is leading us to believe he is not capable of the complex job as President.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

MTR1973 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:26:54 GMT

How on earth do you see McCain's decision, which anyone with even a fraction of a functioning brain cell sees as a purely political ploy, as a benefit to him? The internet is afire with people crying foul - only the most staunch GOP loyalists could even TRY to spin this as putting the country first. His campaign is right back down the toilet, as it was before he used his last political ploy - the selection of Sarah Palin as VP candidate - and he's freaking out because he knows the debate is going to rightfully turn towards the economy, the issue that the same polls he's tanking in show is the #1 issue for voters.

Please, there's so much spin coming from him that I'm getting dizzy. The politics of this 'maneuver' are not tricky, they're just politics.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

neophyte — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:01 GMT

McCain seems to be admitting that the Senate Republicans can't be brought to support the President's own plan without him jumping in. It's not like he's going there to bring the Democrats into line.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

P.J. in Michigan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:11 GMT

Andrew:

You must be rather dizzy from being spun so hard by the McCain campaign.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tcthang — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:31:42 GMT

why do they keep talking about people want be able to buy houses or get loans when we can't do that now. He needs to just step up to the plate and draw three strikes and then get out. to suggest that they both go to washington to help bush solve this "crisis" is just ridiculous. i believe that they would be more in the way then be of any help. John McCain is just not prepared to answer questions that he doesn't have answers to. If anything he could have cancelled the last debate that he and obama had, but the first one really does say that he is not prepared

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Anti-Moron — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:32:05 GMT

Neither McCain nor Obama can change the course of what is happening on the hill right now by attending. The best these candidates can do is to help the country understand what they will do beyond this mess to run the country, what they will do to recover from it and prevent this from ever happening again.

Not having the debate and god forbid the election for that matter is a copout. It is unfair to all the people (A vast majority) who desperately want to turn a chapter on the mess the Bush administration and congress left us in. There is increasing information to suggest that the market (Banking particularly) has enough liquidity to buyout the good parts of failed institutions and let the losses for the bad parts fall on the stakeholders rather than the tax payers. The idea that we have to act this quickly looks more and more like a ransom attempt by wall street: If you don’t give it to us we will make you sorry…. George Bush is a weakling and does not deserve the time he gets to pretend that he even remotely knows what the answer is. He is just listening to the advice of investment bankers that have never had any but their own interests in mind. If you ask an investment banker to solve the problem he will save the investment banking system.

What we need is for Obama and McCain to finish the election so that we can move on and fix the economy for the people and not for the few rich fat cat wall street bankers.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

stafa60 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:32:08 GMT

If had a system in which the election itself could be postponed, McCain might have a point, but we don't. As a result, we'll either hear more from the candidates or less from them over the next month and a half. McCain's running mate is already pretty much sequestered: having him shut himself off as well is ridiculous. He'd just dodging and maneuvering (just as he did when he selected his running mate) to buy himself some time and insulate himself from questions while hiding in Washington and attempting to pose for some "Johnny the Deregulator Saves Christmas" scene.

It might work (anything's possible), but it's silly.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

white trash — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:35:01 GMT

I have a better idea. Why not cancel the presidential election until this crisis is resolved! I am rather concerned, however, that anyone representing the Bush White House gets their paws on any economical packages and recommendations as Bush's presidency has been one travesty after another.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:35:50 GMT

Can we just go ahead with the debates? What's a day? I'm becoming more and more disappointed with Sen. McCain. Yes, "Country First" I agree whole-heartedly. But can't they both multi-task? As a hard-working blue-collar American I do it everyday.I want to hear from both of them. One of them will be our next President, and I want to know that he can handle the most stressful, most demanding position in the world. Come on McCain. You're better than that. You owe us as your supporters, and as fellow Americans, more than what you're offering. I don't hide from my job tasks and neither should you.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

curryjm — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:35:56 GMT

I get the feeling that McCain may not have prepared adequately for this debate. If McCain doesn't show up, will Obama get to expound for the entire two hours alone on national TV?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

neophyte — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:36:05 GMT

Isn't the sitting, lame duck Republican President going to speak to us tonight? Why is John McCain trying to pre-empt us from hearing this revealed wisdom? Why is he panicking? I thought he was the experienced, cool-headed one. Instead he is flip-flopping around like a fish on the dock. Just calm down John, listen to the president, let the appropriate committees get the needed information and then give your input in your capacity as a Senator. That's where this decision will be made, in the Congress. You have a vote and when the time comes you cast it as you see it. The campaign for president will only decide who takes over in late January. By that time we will be well beyond this crisis.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

PerspectiveOne — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:37:28 GMT

Grand standing. A week ago the economy was sound now he has to stop the campaign, go hide in Washington D.C. and figure out what the Rovians will want to do to save his campaign. It is McCain/Rove politics as usual.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

lkorpal — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:38:23 GMT

Senator McCain does not need to suspend his campaign. He has a running mate who is not a US Senator or Congressman. Senator McCain has stated that Governor Palin has his full confidence, that she is prepared and extremely well qualified for the role of Vice President and possibility the role of President.

Why in heavens name wouldn't he showcase her expertise and knowledge, her amazing grasp of all the issues facing our great country?

O.K. I'm going to return to reality now, breath deeply and wait for the next McCain trick.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Husker84 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:40:40 GMT

The question is, will Phil Graham be traveling with him to offer up a new round of deregulation?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

max in fl — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:41:01 GMT

McCain the Manipulator, well done, well done. I give credit where credit is due. I love the mind games. Obama was set for the debates on Friday, McCain once again changes the venue to HIS advantage and throw Obama off guard. He is not smarter than Obama, but he KNOWS the ART of WAR. McCain still has a few tricks up his sleeves. I hope Obama doesn't think he can let his guard down for a second with this guy.

I knew McCain had something planned when we continued to campaign while Obama stopped to gather his thoughts. With the gaffes McCain made, I knew there was no way he was that confident that he was prepared for the debates on the 26. Obama has to work harder on cutting off the political ring. Refusing to fight McCain's fight is only the beginning, he has to MAKE McCain fight HIS fight.

It also gives Palin a chance to get more countries under her belt.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

henryfelicio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:41:02 GMT

I got a idea. why dont we sent Obama to were his grandmother come from and mcCain to Panama and let all watch dancing with the Stars...

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Andrew O. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:41:29 GMT

The effects of the current financial crisis could potentially be more devastating that Katrina, Gustav and Ike combined. The difference is that we don't have video images of journalists being blown away in the process (too bad!). So, when the RNC was delayed because of Gustav and campaigning was suspended for Ike everyone understood. But when McCain proposes to take a time out on an issue that could have much graver consequences FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY… then it's politics.

Imagine having a presidential debate, as Ike was approaching… or better, as the Japanese were attacking Pearl Harbor. All I can say is: multitask THIS, Obama!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

allisongayle — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:42:56 GMT

I can wait a while for a debate. I'd rather see the bailout bill rejected and have the market fix itself. However, since that won't happen, I'd like to see a good bailout bill passed. If both McCain and Obama go to Washington, then congress and the White House will have the added heat of a suspended presidential election to fire up an expedited effort to get a bill passed. McCain's idea is a great one. Mark my words, Obama will be joining him in Washington.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

DGol — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:43:23 GMT

Oh, please. The best he could do in a difficult situation? McCain was trying to duck the debate. You just didn't have the "obvious" take on it because you were distracted by thinking the candidate was taking your suggestion. (Yeah, right.) If he doesn't want to show up, he should send Palin. Isn't the VP supposed to pinch-hit for the POTUS?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rube — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:43:53 GMT

Senator with 26-year disdain of oversight and regulation of financial institutions calls off presidential debate as to offer his personal oversight

of previously mentioned institutions that have crashed due to lack of political oversight and regulation!

A lot of sick irony here!

Shakespeare couldn't’t write this stuff!

Mccain are you strong enough, are you mentally fit, and is your health capable to endure the demand for the job?

Evidently not!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

STL-Nicole — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:45:31 GMT

I really hope that everyone else sees this as a sad McCain move to distract the public from his sinking numbers. People can't be that naive, can they? God I hope not! What does he think he is going to contribute in DC? It seems the banking committee is doing just fine with Paulson and Bernanke. Does he think he is going to draft some miraculous solution that no one else has thought of yet? It's just so sad, McCain. Man up and debate. Trying to get out of it now just shows unpreparedness and a scared attitude. And I swear, my head will explode if one person mentions Obama is unpatriotic for wanting to debate. That is the lowest blow anyone could made in this regard. How is it unpatriotic to want to address the American people on how you would fix this mess?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rktoad — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:46:13 GMT

Great stuff. Since this blog asked for it, and got it from 1 of them at least..should be no complaint. As far as the debate goes..I seem to remember an offer of 10 town hall style debates that Obama did everything to avoid...as debating is not his strong suit..now all of a sudden, nothing is more important than the debate.

As far as multi-tasking goes..perhaps that is one of the big problems with our politicians...they always multi-task and never actually fix anything.

Great political stuff...from both sides. I love politics, so I love this. Gotta give McCain his due..he's got grapes. Obama's task is to not look like everything he does or doesn't do is a reaction to McCain. But in general..politics aside...focusing on a resolution to a very large problem, above everything else..is what most Americans do in their everyday lives...multi-tasking and not being decisive about anything and not solving any problems..gets us all nowhere. So I say score one for McCain...especially if he delivers.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Lady Jag — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:47:10 GMT

We need to be very aware of who we should have leading our country. A man with real foresight or, a talker, squirt, supported by Islam terrorists?

This is from the Congressional record.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/record.xpd?id=109-s20060525-16&bill=s109-190

FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2005

The United States Senate

May 25, 2006

Section 16

In This Section...

Sen. McCain [R-AZ]: Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and...

Record Text

Sen. John McCain [R-AZ]: Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal.

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae's former chief executive officer, OFHEO's report shows that over half of Mr. Raines' compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac.

The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator's examination of the company's accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform.

For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs--and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO's report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO's report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.

Quick Info

S. 190 [109th]: Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005

Last Action: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Status: Dead

I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.

I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

thosfiore — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:47:11 GMT

So should we stop the two wars that we're fighting as well?

Can McCain explain why he thinks injecting the presidential race into this bailout will help resolve it more quickly? If anything it will slow the resolution down insteade of speeding it up.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JJ4770 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:47:13 GMT

I really doubt that McCain is that worried about debating foreign policy on Friday with Obama. I don't see him cramming like Palin is right now. I agree with other posters that McCain is probably throwing some curve balls Obama's way to see how he reacts and/or get media from spending too much air time on changing poll numbers. I would think that McCain's camp wants the debate on Fri. to turn the poll numbers around or at least keep them from sliding more in Obama's favor.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

TBinSD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:48:16 GMT

McCain is playing a dangerous game here and it has, in my opinon, the ability to blow up in his face and not so much Obama's. Yes, it does put Obama in a box, but I think most people are looking at this as a political maneuver.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

DrFricke — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:48:28 GMT

I'm amazed - it seems those who like McCain praise this move, those who like Obama hate this move. How about judging the decision without party/election biases. Seriously, most of the people who have such blind loyalty are the reasons our politicians can do whatever they want. I like this decision - I'd like it if Obama did it. Why can't Obama says he agrees with McCain, and help heal this issue? Our hatred of the other guy will end up destroying our nation. A house divided cannot stand.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mcleodmn — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:49:39 GMT

McCain is a P.O.S. And a desperate one at that. People that continue to support him at this point are either dumb or just can't stomach a black man in office. You don't have to like Obama to see what is going on here. McCain has nothing to offer. Nothing.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

narvco — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:50:05 GMT

Hello?

People, Andrew, this is a problem of unprecedented magnitude. Your Fed Chairman and Treasury Secretary are telling you it is time to get off the can. Playing politics now is like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burned. Do you know what is at stake? Do your remember your parents or grandparents or great grandparents telling you about the Great Depression. Tomato soup was ketchup and hot water. A stick of gum was a treat. Wake up people. McCain, Obama and every God fearing, country loving politician better get his rear end to DC. Main street will be skid row if this crisis is not met head on. Time to stop the blame game and take care of America.

A. Narverud

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Sasha2 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:51:09 GMT

Let Palin take McCain's place in the debate with Obama who will let Biden take his place in Friday's debate. If McCain is scared to debate with Obama, and that's what it looks like, let Palin have this day, Friday, as an extra-practice session with Biden. She needs it.

Please encourage George Will to respond with an opinion of this latest move on McCain's part; Mr. Will can see through McCain better than any other columnist recently.

Doesn't McCain realize that he still knows nothing about complex economics. Ugh!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rube — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:51:09 GMT

The word "Chicken-Hawk" has been revived!

If only McCain would have shown the same caution with his vote to go to war in Iraq!

He was the first in line to sign for war!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Disgusted by media — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:54:30 GMT

mcleodmn

It's amazing how you Obama supporters keep injecting race into this campaign. Take it from a black person, so of us do not want to see a socialist in office, no matter what color he or she is. Obama has dodged all of the debates that McCain called for and now he is ready to debate.

Get over the race issue.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

CCATT56 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:59:18 GMT

I have been waiting for that debate. McRun doesn't want Palin to debate Biden. She only answered 1 reporters questions; he keeps reporters away from her. Now this ploy!!! Isn't that interresting? McRun is not a maverick; he is a chicken. He is showing true colors. I can't believe reps thinks he is doing good and that dems are scared. LOL. The polls are showing who is ahead and we still have a few more weeks of McRun / Palin no show. Guess that is how he would run the goverment also.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

DonTampa 58 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:59:44 GMT

Everyday McCain comes across as more mentally unstable. Maybe the whisper campaign "W's" minions started in South Carolina in 2000 is true.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Omnius — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:01:21 GMT

Now that McCain is trailing in the polls he wants to suspend the campaign to suspend the negative momentum growing against him. A cheap cowardly political gimmick that shows us he is putting himself before country. He has been too busy flapping his tired old gums and not prepping for the debate so now that he has failed to do his debate homework he doesn't want to take the debate test because he knows he'll flunk. If Congress passes the Paulson Flim Flam Plan the way it is written then there will be a real riot at the election.

Let Wall Street pull itself up on by it's own bootstraps!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

CCATT56 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:03:03 GMT

mcleodmn, It isn't Obama that is running; its McRun / Highing Palin that is the no shows. By the way, I never was for Obama because of his race. I for him because he is for the working class people not the greedy corp people and Reps that put this ecomony in this situation.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

northcan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:03:39 GMT

Shameful display of ignorance on McCain's part. He thinks voters are stupid. I cannot for the life of me understand how anyone can work with this horrible egocentric man. He's nuts, and scary...so is his soulmate and I worry more about them in power than this Republican crash. He's part of that crash. AIG, Rick Davis and the Reform Institute, The Gramm's of his world, Donald Diamond and legislation peddling with a developer, his attitude toward his peers, but even common decency toward Obama who has shown him always with respect. Not McCain, he must be the best with everything. Wait until it comes out about the real 'Corrupt bastards club in Alaska'. He will find something to call everyone a liar.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:05:09 GMT

As usual, Obama has chosen exactly the right response to the McCain camp's latest ploy. Clearly, the Senator from Arizona is stalling for time. This is understandable, given Obama's oratory (and intellectual) superiority. Unfortunately for him, his attempt to force Obama into a lose-lose situation has failed. Barack has extricated himself from the trap with his usual grace, style and intelligence. Obama is no John Kerry, this is not 2004, and it's time the McCain and his handlers accepted and appreciated it.

The best thing McCain could do now is cut his losses and go through with the debate. However he meant this gambit to look, the voters are already seeing right through it and calling it what it really is: a transparent attempt to save face and avoid an embarrassing situation.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mcleodmn — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:05:24 GMT

Disgusted by media-

Black conservatives or Republicans, McCain supporters, or whatever the hell you call yourself, along with gay and female of the same resspect never cease to amaze me. It's a lot like being a Jewish Nazi symathizer. You need to seriously reconsider whats in your best interest. Good luck to you.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

cwguth — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:06:45 GMT

This is who McCain is. Remember he said "I would rather loose and election, than a war". He has gone against his own party more than anyone else, to do what he believes is right, He spend 5 years in a prison camp, because he felt it was the right thing to do. Question his policies, but don’t question his desire to do what’s right for this country. He is a leader and is demonstrating it right now.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jmacken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:06:53 GMT

If McCain cannot attend the first debate, he should send his VP candidate to debate Obama.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bhud2008 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:07:41 GMT

The comments by all the liberals are hilarious but mostly ridiculous. They keep saying John McCain doesn't want to debate Obama, but I beleive it was Obama who turned down all those opportunities to debate McCain in the town hall meeting that he was invited to by McCain. He was also scared to debate him face to face at the church forum. If anyone is running scared it is Obama.

The liberals are just upset because Obama is going to look like a fool no matter what he does now. McCain has acually taken some leadership in trying to fix this crisis while Obama will propbably vote present or not even show up at all. This is the biggest bailout in history and is going to effect everyone so I am thankful that McCain is acually doing something about it.

And don't get me started on Biden. He can't even remeber who was president during the great depression.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Young Hickory — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:08:08 GMT

Here ye! Here ye! Bush with support of McCain proposes massive socialist expansion of government by taking over private investment firms with over 700 billion of taxpayer money or more than $10,000 dollars for every American family. This in addition to Bush's massive socialist expansion of Medicare. Here ye! Here ye! We can now proclaim Bush the biggest socialist president ever in the history of the United States and McCain promises more of the same. Anyone who denies Bush and McCain are socialist have no idea what the term means.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

inlovewithus — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:10:11 GMT

The debate must go on as scheduled. McCain's attempt to suspend his campaign creates an unwarranted atmosphere of panic in the country. Besides, we can expect that our next president can multi-task. He should be able to take the 3 am call without abandoning the other duties of his office. Go to the debate McCain. We need to hear what you and Barack have to say about the economy and foreign policy. Also it would be nice to hear from Palin. We have a right to get to know her positions on things. Shielding her raises suspicion of incompetence. It seems there is something to hide. She deserves to be heard. You may have chosen her to run with you, but it seems you do not think that she is good enough to be heard. Let's be serious. TALK ABOUT CUTTING AND RUNNING (& HIDING!)

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Notnaive — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:11:10 GMT

RE: " . . . this is a problem of unprecedented magnitude. Your Fed Chairman and Treasury Secretary are telling you it is time to get off the can. Playing politics now is like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burned. Do you know what is at stake? Do your remember your parents or grandparents or great grandparents telling you about the Great Depression. Tomato soup was ketchup and hot water. A stick of gum was a treat. Wake up people. McCain, Obama and every God fearing, country loving politician better get his rear end to DC. Main street will be skid row if this crisis is not met head on. Time to stop the blame game and take care of America."

Thank You, A.Narverud - for being the voice of REASON and COMMON SENSE. This is not the time for nasty, partisan politics. Which is more urgent, a debate or the future of America - no contest !!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:11:22 GMT

P.S. Lady Jag - you're a moron. Ordinarily I'd say you and the McBush/Snarkey team deserve each other...but unfortunately, if we allow you to vote these reactionaries into office, then we all end up waist-deep in the Big Muddy.

Luckily, you're doing more for Obama than his own volunteers can do. By all means, keep running that nasty, bigoted, ignorant and hate-filled mouth of yours. Right-wing throwbacks like you are the reason Democrats have registered 11 million new voters since June!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

pamp205 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:11:28 GMT

Shameful! Last week the economy was good, this week catastrophe. And to invoke 911 into this issue is a disgrace. As usual, McCain looked flustered and childish. Obama cool and Presidential. McCain tried to one up Obama but just came out looking ridiculous. There is only one choice in this election and it's Obama.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bklyndan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:11:55 GMT

First, this is about headlines, not results. Senator McSenile wants to appear the proverbial White Knight riding to the rescue of a distressed country. I'd rether he admit that his zeal for deregulation helped accelerate this crisis, or that his chief economic advisorr, the Godfather of Deregulation (Phil Gramm) who told us it's a "mental recession, and we're whiners", not be ne of the first there with his hands out to save UBS. Moreover, since we discovered today that the WH has been preparing for this crisis for months despite its happy talk (less than believable), BOTH campaign should have had a seat at this table from the beginning, since whoever is elected gets to supervise this Administration created mess. McCain is all about symbolism, not good of country; he proved that with his Palin pick. So suspend your campaign, John--it'll save us 2 or 3 days of sliming.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

parkeru — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:13:08 GMT

This provides a high-minded, face-saving excuse for McCain to save his campaign dollars. Right now, Obama could outspend him three-to-one.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bluebloodedLV — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:14:19 GMT

If Obama was behind in the polls and pulled this stunt he would be crucified! But somehow McCain is putting country first? What a joke. If he wanted to put country first he would not have Sarah Palin as his running mate. Or, like many have stated, why not show us what Sarah is made of and send her to debate Obama or Biden. She apparently has more balls than McCain at this point.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

afisher — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:15:01 GMT

sorry, McCain has used all his political capital and this is seen as a political ploy. Obama did not blink! The Debate is going forward...and if McCain does not show up, then Obama gets 1.5 hrs of free TV time. If Obama followed McCain...the McCain would have buried him in it. This was a fumble on the part of McCain.

Interviews with congressman from both sides say McCain is not needed in Washington.

He can follow everything electronically if he is so inclined.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jrbales — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:16:36 GMT

How about this: both McCain and Obama show up in Washington for Thursday and part of Friday, then both show up for the debate. Definitely multitasking, McCain gets points for showing up to attend to the Peoples' business, and Obama gets points for not letting McCain get away with ducking out of a debate that's not in his favor (I mean, have you SEEN his speaches on TV? Next to Obama he's going to look like he has one foot in the grave! Have you ever seen reruns of the Kennedy-Nixon debate of 1960? It definitely didn't help Nixon out. He looked pasty and uncomfortable in front of the camera, as I remember. It's always been suggested that the debates helped get Kennedy the extra votes to win the election). Frankly, I'm more interested in the debate since we're only 6 weeks or so away from the election. McCain's name is all over prior legislation that helped create the mess we're in so I don't really feel there's a high likelyhood that he will suddenly make proposals to undo the mess he helped create. Neither candidate has spent much time in Washington over the past two years so other than the additional information they might get by being closer to the action, their presence probably wouldn't be missed much by their colleagues.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Young Hickory — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:17:10 GMT

Let me get this straight. This is the same McCain who said he wants to field parliamentary style questions like the British Prime Minister? He can't deal with a debate as well as handle this crisis. Lord help us if we have a real crisis! Maybe he will read My Pet Goat and wet his pants like Bush did when Republicans were on watch while the twin towers burned. Bring it on bhud2008 and all you Republicans who want to take $10,000 dollars per family of our money to bail out inept financial managers. Oh yeah! Thats right, you will probably just pass the bill on to our children like you cowards always do.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ShannonW — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:17:36 GMT

McCain is demonstrating what leadership is all about. Our country is in a terrible financial crisis, really never seen before, and we need our leaders to handle this crisis and prevent a recession, not kiss babies and shake hands.

This shows exactly what kind of president Obama would be----all about making money for himself and to hell with our country and our people. McCain actually cares about our country and our people and that is rare in governmental leadership. McCain is putting our country's needs first.

That idiot Obama is throwing a smoke screen with whining about he can do two things at once as campaigning is more important to him than the plight of our country. Obama was so afraid to debate McCain for months and has made some progress in the polls due to the economic crisis and some trying to blame McCain as we have a Republician president although it is actually the fault of the banks and greedy corporate America. Obama himself is deep in that greed and got his payoff from Freddie Mac.

McCain once agin does the right thing for our country and American deserves the best man for the job---John McCain. What John is doing is a very noble thing and it makes me proud to see such leadership for our country.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

CCATT56 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:19:01 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LoneVoice121 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:20:46 GMT

Hey - Send Palin to the Debate - her job after all is to fill-in when necessary.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

paulettekelly — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:21:43 GMT

This is just a game for Mc Bush.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SarahN — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:21:46 GMT

So unbelievably transparent... McChicken running from Obama... Lame. Very unpresidential.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JRaine2004 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:21:51 GMT

I am very disappointed in the media and their unfair and extremely biased portrayal of these two political candidates. I admit that at this time, I have not made a decision who should be our next president. However, McCain's willingness to put the Country FIRST and this extreme crisis over campaigning goes a long way for me. The media calling it a political ploy is like a childhood bully calling someone who refuses to fight a "chicken". When in reality, not fighting the bully sometimes more courage and integrity than staying to fight. Obama is showing the American people that his interests and proving that his rhetoric and his agenda comes first. It is time that Americans stood up and demanded that our elected officials take the time to do their job..and not spend our money (that is quickly dwindling) for empty rhetoric and "well this is what I thinks". Before anyone can clearly step forward and say what their next course of action will be, they must wait and see what Congress decides. Any promises or plans prior to that are simply premature and political rhetoric.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:22:18 GMT

To bhud2008: I notice you toss off all of the usual accusations but fail to provide anything in the way of proof to support your right-wing spew. The "church forum" you mention was decided upon by both parties - McCain also refused a face-to-face debate in that venue, which you'd know if you actually read anything that told the whole story. Obama is, by McCain's own admission, the far superior orator of the two, so the idea that he would "run scared" from any debate is ludicrous, and especially a debate on the economy for which, also by his own admission, McCain is not especially well-prepared.

There is absolutely nothing to be gained by either or both candidates going to Washington in lieu of debating. The debate is tomorrow. Whatever legislation is finally hammered out will not even come up for initial vote before at least Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. There's plenty of time to do both. As Obama said today, if and when those who are actually working on the resolution need him in Washington, then he will go there.

He also said, and rightly so, that a President must be able to multi-taks. All that McCain demonstrates by his actions is that he is either unable, or unwilling to meet that challenge.

The best thing he can do is cut his losses, go through with the debate and, if necessary, take his licks. Scurrying off to Washington in such an obvious and transparent attempt to avoid debating Obama doesn't make him look like a leader or a President. It makes him look like a coward.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:23:54 GMT

ShannonW if you fall for this TRICK then you are indeed a fool! I'm a Republican but I'm not stupid. Stand up McCain. You're our war hero right? What is this? I'm tired of the political ploys.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

markci — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:25:22 GMT

McCain is such a pathetic phony. The last thing the treasury department, federal reserve and congressional leaders need is a couple of presidential candidates returning to DC and interjecting presidential politics into the situation. There's a reason they say nothing ever gets done in election years, and McCain knows it.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

eyesus34 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:26:24 GMT

WEAK, WEAK, WEAK!!!!! If Americans elect this yellow belly coward and Caribou Barbie, we deserve whatever we get!!!!!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

markci — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:26:40 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

vote4thebest — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:28:16 GMT

If this is the first time that McCain has done anything contradictory to the convential ways of doing things then it might be a real suspect. However, he has a record of willing to go against the tide and stand up for what he thinks is right for the country, then I would give him the benefit of the doubt. The fact that he also gains some political points then it is even better.

The democrats and Obama look bad in their handling of this economy. Just recently, the dem demands that they won't do anything unless there is a Repub's support, especially for McCain's vote. The best Obama can do is to ask for an agreement of principals. What the country needs is action, not more words. Now that McCain picks the method how he can best help solve this crisis then the Dems said that they don't need him. Consistent with Obama's negative compaign, he twists McCain's message of 'treating this as #1 priority for the people, he twists it to say that "McCain can only do one thing at a time". Obama continues to play political games for his own gain while McCain shows that he spends the time solving what is most needed by the people. McCain scores, in my book.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:29:54 GMT

To Shannon W: Apparently you must've missed this on MSNBC this morning:

"One of the giant mortgage companies at the heart of the credit crisis paid $15,000 a month to a firm owned by Senator John McCain’s campaign manager from the end of 2005 through last month, according to two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement. The disclosure contradicts a statement Sunday night by Mr. McCain that the campaign manager, Rick Davis, had no involvement with the company for the last several years. Mr. Davis’s firm received the payments from the company, Freddie Mac, until it was taken over by the government this month along with Fannie Mae, the other big mortgage lender whose deteriorating finances helped precipitate the cascading problems on Wall Street, the people said."

If you're so intent on trashing Obama, at least get your facts straight.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

sueadams — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:30:52 GMT

ShannonW -- are you one of those paid ghost writers for the McCain campaign?

Leadership is about rising to the occasion in all matters before you -- not just those you'd like to address. Leadership is also about having integrity, not constantly having to explain what you say by creating new definitions for your words -- fundamentals of the economy equal workers -- comes instantly to mind.

McCain is ill-equipped to lead this country and it becomes more obvious with each passing day. He can choose to no-show Friday night and remove all doubt if he so desires or he can be a true leader, honor his commitment to debate and show up and blunder his way through as he has been doing the past ten days.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bluebloodedLV — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:30:53 GMT

ShannonW: You're comments reveal a lot about you. Let's see if you can follow logic.

1) If Obama wanted to make money for himself, he would be doing that right now with his Ivy league education, not running for POTUS. There is no debate that he could have and would be making a ton of money if he weren't busy serving the American people.

2) Seriously? You must not be able to keep up with Obama when he speaks if you actually think he's afraid to debate McCain? That notion is laughable!! He hasn't done townhall meetings because there is a series of DEBATES that the presidential candidates participate in.

3) Please take a moment to google Phil Gramm, Rick Davis and Charlie Black. Wait, sorry, you won't be able to make the connection, so let me make it for you: They are running McCain's campaign and are directly responsible for the Wall Street melt down. These are facts, not liberal talking points. Really, I promise! Sounds like you want more of the same.

4) I will repeat: If McCain loved his country and put country first, Palin would not be his running mate.

I am very sorry about your ignorance (and possibly racism) in a time like this. My sympathy to your children if you have any.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LamarVanDyke — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:31:11 GMT

This is an opportunity for the American people to see for themselves whether John McCain has anything to say about the issues as opposed to criticizing everyone else for what they have to say and playing the blame game which is all he's done so far. The Republican machine doesn't want Palin answering questions, and apparantly they don't want John Mc Cain answering questions either. How insulting to the American people! They're afraid to let him go in front of the cameras for a spontaneous display of what he thinks. If the people are stupid enough to fall for this ruse, they deserve to have another 4 years of the same.

He's afraid he's going to lose his train of thought once again or that they might ask him something too difficult for him to understand, like who's the president of Spain!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

glimps — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:31:51 GMT

i cant understand why McCain thinks this is a GREAT idea..

what an idiot, 5 weeks to go & he ops out.. isnt this when the VP's are suspose to come front & center?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

eagles1776 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:32:27 GMT

Why doesn't McCain get into the crooked talking express airplain and zip up to DC and give a speech or sit in on a meeting or something and then jet down to Mississippi for the debate? A president should be able to adjust his schedule at a moment's notice and to multi-task. It seems like McCain has difficulty there.

It is quite obvious that one of the most outspoken against deregulation feels guilty and now wants to save his behind with action to clean up his mess. Well, OLD Johnny it is too little too late.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Cazador1972 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:33:21 GMT

McCain is desperate, this is a Hail Mary pass if I ever saw one.

http://slackeruprising.com/download/

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LamarVanDyke — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:33:32 GMT

Why is the media not mentioning the obvious?? If we weren't spending 12 billion dollars a month on a war that no one wants, including the Iraqis..we might be able to take care of this crisis AND deal with our crumbling infrastructure.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

limitless88 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:33:48 GMT

Once again, McCain tries to wriggle out of a tight spot, by using a cheap excuse that he's desperately needed in the Senate (as if he's the only one making the decision about the economy, nevermind that there's several hundred other people involved in resolving the crisis).

It's so obvious that the GOP is trying to separate himself from being linked to Bush...they did the same thing with the RNC by citing that they had to postpone the meeting because of Gustav, and then stopping President Bush from appearing there in person. McCain's in trouble, and everyone knows it. Economic policy is not his strong point, he's not that good at debating, and to follow the debate days after Bush's address, spells GOP disaster. It seems that the Republican's hopes of having another term in the White House is slipping through their fingers.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:34:43 GMT

Thankd you troubador52, though I have a feeling that you're a Democrat or Independent. Let's just all call it what it is. Ducking and dodging. We're human, we've all done it at one point in time in our lives. Thats why so many of us see straight through it, across party lines. I would have rather he said, "I've been concentrating on how best to fix this crisis, and I am not prepared to debate." Honesty is what we're looking for.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Benevolent Swordsman — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:35:11 GMT

When McCain is wrong or confused, he CALLS on OBAMA to ACT, then he throws red herrings around. Here is a man who knows nothing about the economy, now pretending that his presence in Washington is essential to resolve an economic crisis. Here is a man who in 48 hours, has opposed the bailout, supported the bailout, said he reserves his position on the bailout, and now wants to push the bailout in a non-descript direction.

Yes, he says country first...but he does not have to be in Washington to serve the country. After all he gave his economic crisis solution speech while on the campaign trail a couple of days ago. His actions are so erratic and unpredictable when he is in a panic / crisis mode, that we must question the safety of entrusting him with a position that can put us all at risk.

The presidency requires level headedness (right temperament), thoughtfulness, and clarity of action. John McCain is not showing these skills and it is highly doubtful that he has them. If indeed he does, then he must be playing politics with serious issues.

Benevolent Swordsman.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:35:47 GMT

To vote4thebest:

Unfortunately, I doubt McCain had much to do with this latest maneuver, as transparently political as anything we've seen so far. Clearly this came from the fertile minds of Karl Rove and the other McCain handlers, who are much more interested with retaining power than with maintaining their candidate's integrity.

Had McCain been involved, it's hard to see how he could've allowed it to occur, for the simple reason that it doesn't make him look "Presidential." It makes him look like a man running from a fight.

It's difficult to understand how the presence of McCain and Obama in Washington at this point would have any significant impact on the ongoing proceedings. Obama knows this. The best thing McCain can do is cut his losses, do the debate and, if necessary, take his licks. It's the honorable thing to do, and it's what Americans need and want from a potential leader.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tnorwoode — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:35:49 GMT

I think the debate should go on. If Mcain can not handle two problems at once, then instead of supending his campaign, he needs two throw in thw towel.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Texan_007 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:36:47 GMT

Obama, MC Cain, has been calling you out to Town Hall Meetings for months......You have not even responded.....

When MC Cain puts "Country First" calls for postponement of the debate, just until this matter is settled you then say no. You are not interested enough in our economy, not important enough for you to suspend the debate. Well MC Cain puts "Country First"

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

asil1964 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:37:19 GMT

I'm sorry, is not Mr. Obama still a US Senator? Elected to serve the people that put him there? Should he not be performing the duties he has taken the oath to uphold instead of continuing to shoot for the next job? I think this is a an issue that deserves more than "status updates". McCain is not dodging anything. Mr. Reid's comment that Mr. McCain's presence "would not be helpful" is self serving. Country before Self is more than a slogan, it's a choice. I assume change will come when Mr. Obama can find the time during all his multi taksing.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

dsmguy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:38:57 GMT

And here I thought the fundamentals of the economy were strong? Why do we need the bailout then and why postpone the debate?

If McCain and Obama wanted to do something, they should get in front of the American people and tell us how they will help us through this mess! Also Wall Street needs reassurance not more politics back in Washington!! I think the other 97 Senators can handle the job, or they shouldn't be there, so McCain and Obama you do your job and tell me how you will make America better, don't go hide back in Washington we only have 41 days left!

The Great Depression was really bad, but America pulled through with the strong leadership; now is the time for McCain and Obama to get in front of the American people and tell us how they will lead us past this mess and onto better days!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jrbales — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:40:40 GMT

ShannonW: Where have you been, somewhere with your head in the sand? As you stated, quote "This shows exactly what kind of president Obama would be---all about making money for himself and to hell with our country and our people." Where did you get this piece of drivel - Fox News? Obama and his wife have actually turned away from high paying jobs to work for the good of the people. Obama could have taken a high power/high pay job right out of Columbia Universisty but instead chose to return to Chicago and work as a Community Organizer for low income people on the south side. After completing a law degree at Harvard, he returned to Chicago again to work in Civil Rights Law and then went on to run for the Illinois Senate. If you read his biography, he didn't come from a family with a silver spoon in his mouth. I've read his biography and see NOTHING that indicates he's out to make money for himself...his occupational choices have been people oriented. And from an educational standpoint, Mr. Obama was at the top of his class in his college work; unlike Mr. McCain who was at the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy, even after having been from a high ranking Naval family. I also don't know where you get the idea that Mr. McCain "actually cares about our country" and "is putting our needs first." If he had put our country's needs first, he wouldn't have been involved in the Keating Five financial scandal in the 1980s and he would not have been working to repeal financial regulation legislation that had been working to keep Wall Street in line since the Great Depression. He took his cues from Wall Street, not Main Street. Remember also, it's the Republican Party, including Mr. McCain, that has continued to call for moving your (and my) Social Security benefits into personal accounts. First of all, who does that really benefit, the beneficiaries or Wall Streeet. Second, would you have wanted your Social Security account invested on Wall street over the last year, particularly if you were on the cusp of retirement (or worse, already retired). Mr. McCain serviced his country in Vietnam, and his sacrifice is to be respected. However, he has a long history that you need to review and ask yourself, who was he REALLY serving with the legislation he helped pass.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:42:13 GMT

Liar, Despicable, Ruthless, Impulsive. WOW! Now we're starting to see what kind of pig McCain really is. He has his own rules and everything. He wouldn't be the same as Bush, HE WOULD BE WORSE! I'm just glad Obama entered his corral to put a real fight and really hit back, otherwise the democrats would not stand a chance.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

yllwrose318 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:43:21 GMT

LOSER!!! ... McCain already admits that economics are NOT his strong point, but now he wants to look like an economic leader? And who are his biggest economic advisers .. the same people who participated in this credit meltdown ...his campaign manager, Rick Davis, whose company has collected monies from Freddie Mac until the government take-over, and other lobbyists are HIS economic adviser ... Mr. McCain, why go back to Washington now when you should have been there during the last 8 years ... of course, with 7 homes of your own, you have greatly benefitted from this mess ... HELP THE PEOPLE, NOT REWARD THE CORPORATE IDIOTS WHO PUT US IN THIS POSITION!! ... also, please let your pit bull of her leash so that she can be verbally put down like the animals she murders for sport ... you obviously believe she needs to be muzzled which indiciates just how dangerous you believe pit bulls can be ... and she's only a McCarin heartbeat away from the presidency ... you courageously survived your ordeal in the vietnam war but can't handle a simple debate ...

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Cazador1972 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:45:40 GMT

Good point Glimps! Since he is opting out, then this should be a golden opportunity for the oh-so-ready-to-lead Palin to go on the Situation Room, Face the Nation, Meet the Press, Anderson Cooper, Nightly News, Election Center, This Week or ANY interview not conducted by a soft-balling Fox News lackey. I mean, if she is so prepared, why not face the scrutiny all the other candidates have been facing for months and years. Palin is just window dressing and most honest republicans admit to it.

http://slackeruprising.com/download/

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Boulder Sue — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:45:57 GMT

Now it seems that McCain wants to do a make up of Friday's debate in place of the VP candidate's debate which will happen at some undetermined time (if at all, given how Palin has been kept away from the press almost completetely lately). What a dodge, no, double dodge! I hope McCain doesn't really believe that this isn't totally transparent to the American voters! But of course, transparency in government is one of his promises, I guess. I don't think this is quite what he had in mind, though.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mccaincursingonyoutube — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:48:32 GMT

McCain, McCain, McCain... it's all smoke and mirrors.

I was blogging on FoxNews.com just as this story broke , and I read many upset blogs regarding McCain announcements . I typed my statement and hit submit and then all of the negative posting that I read were removed and pro-statements were posted. These blogs were about what a great leader McCain is.

He is down in the polls and now he is trying a new trick.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tortor — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:49:03 GMT

Everyone who is disappointed in the "lineral media" calling this a McCain stunt might benefit from understanding that McCain did exactly what he needed to in order to get people to THINK that he was putting the "country first" while Obama was "self -serving and waxing poetic" ... Nothing could be further from the truth: At 8:30 this morning OBAMA initiated these talks. Then at 2:30 McCain agreed to issuing a joint statement - and then ambushed the media with his own unilateral statement. That is neigher bi-partisan NOR moral. It forces Obama to go to washington looking like he's following suit when, in fact, he BEGAN the talks about adressing the financial crisis. Also, for all you who seem to think that these men are still senators and should worry about doing their job instead of getting a new one... I agree, which is why it's funny that McCain has not shown up for a vote since April, which is why he wasn't there voting on tax credit for renewable energy, which is exactly why these men should be able to go to washington to head off this economic melt-down AND debate...

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Boulder Sue — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:49:26 GMT

As Barack said, or something to this effect: a personwho want to be prez should be able to do more than one thing at once, like chewing gum and walking, or even something a little more complex!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Boulder Sue — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:49:27 GMT

As Barack said, or something to this effect: a personwho want to be prez should be able to do more than one thing at once, like chewing gum and walking, or even something a little more complex!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Boulder Sue — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:49:28 GMT

As Barack said, or something to this effect: a personwho want to be prez should be able to do more than one thing at once, like chewing gum and walking, or even something a little more complex!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

dunnhaupt — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:50:21 GMT

The economists and bankers trying hard to solve the crisis need McCain's "help" like a hole in the head. Since McCain has already admitted that he knows nothing whatever about economics, his cheap political stunt would merely disrupt their work. Shame on McCain for trying to exploit the nation's worst financial crisis for his own political gains.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

cely99 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:51:55 GMT

We have a big problem that involves everyone and it is a priority. McCain understands. Obama is jumping on it after he heard he is ahead of the polls and wants people to think McCain is chicken.How is that when he refuses to face McCain in townhall meetings?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

valadezaj — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:53:55 GMT

You don't talk your way out of a crises - you act. McCain is being a true leader. Too bad Obama can never be one. :)

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

avjones — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:56:04 GMT

This is really absurd that McCain feels he needs to return to the Senate and help devise a bailout plan when both candidates have been campaigning for the past 18 months and no urgent need to return to the Senate. McCain knows this proposal if approved by Congress wont make it to the Senate for approval until early next week. Last I checked, someone is still residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I thought this was his job to devise a solution for this mess. McCain should really learn to multi-task, but that isn't a term associated with his campaign strategy unless you mean distract, deceive, discredit, or just tricky politics

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Do Something — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:57:32 GMT

In a time of crisis, the VP must step up to fill in for the President. If McCain will not debate on Friday, the McCain camp should send in Palin to debate Obama. Or, the Biden-Palin debate could be move to Friday.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bluebloodedLV — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:58:18 GMT

valadezaj : How is McCain going to act when he doesn't understand the problem to begin with? He wants to undo this mess because he's part of what caused it in the first place. Ignorance is bliss!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

American Made — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:58:25 GMT

Obama has received the 2nd most contributions from Fannie & Freddie in a short 3 years far, far surpassing anything McCain ever received from these organizations.

McCain proposed legislation to fix the problems with Fannie and Freddie that have come up so lets not say he sat on his behind with all the issues that were going on with these 2 and he was proftiting from it. I mean even Bush has called for reform on Freddie and Fannie like 12 times over the past year with Democaratics in charge of both Houses of Congress.

Seriously we already new Fannie and Freddie had committed fraud and it wasn't Republican's heading those 2 organizations. Where the heck were the hearings on these guys? There is pkenty blame all over in both parties and the Democrats have held both houses for the last 2 years folks.

Please folks actually look at who was running these organizations and what political affiliations they had. Actually take a look at what government was pushing on companies for low-income loans and the pressure they applied. Crappy policies starting in the 90's and crappy policies from both parties.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Real Southern — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:58:30 GMT

What exactly does McCain think is going to get accomplished in a few days? Is this a stall tactic? I need to hear from both candidates on this matter ASAP!!!! The timing of Friday's debate could not be any more perfect. Voters need to hear from both of them!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mccaincursingonyoutube — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:59:22 GMT

Valadezaj:

McCain can fly to Washington and fly to Mississippi and keep participating in the run for president.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

luckylarry — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:00:15 GMT

I think they should have the debate, but switch the topic to how they would deal with this financial crisis. I think that would interest people the most.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Independent-guy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:00:31 GMT

Interesting article about Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver.

However, after skimming through the comments, it seems clear that Newsweek and most of its readers are too left leaning for an independent middle-of-the-roader like me.

If these opinions are becomming the 'standard' for the country, we are indeed headed toward a socialistic welfare state as some have forecast.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

callmehandy64 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:03:38 GMT

I must admit that I am impressed with this move. The campaign is like a game of chess and this was surely placing Obama in "check". Good move for McCain.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

goeast12 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:03:42 GMT

When I wouldn't do my homework or study for a major test I would skip school and then bring a note the next day saying my grandma died. McCain should try it.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Durell — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:04:40 GMT

I can not believe McCain would fall to such a level... He can not be trusted. dhj

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Loden Green — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:07:57 GMT

This is just one more example of McCain's tendency to be erractic, impulsive and act without thinking. If he can't handle the debate with everything else going on now, he has zero business being in the White House. This nothing but a rank political stunt.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

American Made — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:08:44 GMT

Folks, Congress plays a huge roll in what gets done in this Country. It's their job, plain and simple. They have had oversight on Freddie and Fannie and didn't do squat with it.

Start holding them to the fire. Democrats have run both houses for 2 years. Charles Rangel who heads the Committee that forms tax law wasn't paying taxes on property he owned. There are other legal issues he is faced with. Where is the media with this?

You need reform in both parties folks, if you want America to be great hold them all resposible and stop falling for the crap.

McCain and Obama both should be back in Washington, getting the most important issue that has faced this Country since 9/11 done. These guys are getting paid to solve tough problems, not pass on them.

And yeah one guy is more concerned about Powere than the other and this isn't the first time that has been proving. Stop being so guliable with Obama. He wants to give away the farm to everyone, that's been his message and he knows he can't do it.

We got time for a debate after this gets done.

Quit complaining cause a guy is doing what is right and what he is suppose to do.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bhud2008 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:08:49 GMT

To troubador52, Good try but first of all you didn't even mention the 10 debates that McCain wanted to have that Obama turned down . You can't say that John McCain is running from a debate that he is putting off until a county crisis is over and then say that Barrack Obama wasn't running when he didn't want to debate when there was no county crisis. Your double standard is amazing. You are taking notes from the liberal media.

Secondly, sure Obama may be a better orator as you say but just because he can read better from a telepromter doesn't mean he is a better debater. The debate isn't even on the economy as you say. It is on foreign policy which McCain would do much better on.

And im not sure Obama wants to debate about the economy because along with two other democrats Obama was the number two US Senator in getting big bucks from Fannie and Freddie.

Also,I don't want to have to call a president when something is wrong. He should be there already to fix the problem. Reid told McCain to do something about this crisis and he is doing just that. At least he is trying to find a solution to this problem while Obama talks about multi tasking like he has acually accomplished something in his time in the Senate. Voting present doesn't count.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:08:57 GMT

Based on the comments , I fear for my party. Call a spade a spade. If McCain can have all these houses and cars, I'm sure he has access to more than one plane. I'm turned off more and more by my own party. They don't give a hoot about the little guy, and I'm part of that group. I'm disappointed in McCain.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

reezel — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:09:43 GMT

If these opinions are becomming the 'standard' for the country, we are indeed headed toward a socialistic welfare state as some have forecast.

What is so unclear that the Bush plan is the socializaiton of the finance industry? That is not the Democrats but the Republicans.. The federal government during the past 8 years has expanded in terms of budget and people at a rate double that of any similiar period. That is a form of socializaiton of the US. So Mr?Ms independent, you seem to have the wrong end of the stick

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

halava — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:09:57 GMT

McCain bailing out proves that he is already shaking in his boots at the thought of having to debate Obama. Let's face it, he can't speak in front of a big crowd especially having to debate in front of millions of viewers. I think he is stalling to buy more practice time.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Mazzy23 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:10:00 GMT

Maybe McCain should continue to suspend his campaign and go end the war in Iraq. That would save a tone of money and lives.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Mazzy23 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:12:04 GMT

Actually if McCain feels he need to fly back to DC to work on this, then he should send Sarah Palin to fill in. That's what her job will be especially if he cannot handle more than one issue at a time.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

reezel — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:13:12 GMT

No they do not get paid as individuals to solve crisis. Rather, they are a part of an insiitution that is structured for specific committees to solve problems. In the House that is currently Barney Frank and in the Senate Chris Dood. These committee chair people then rely on expert advice from their committee members and staff, as well as the administration. The two Senators are not needed in Washington but their financial teams are and should be part of the negociations. They then take advice and vote on what comes out.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Farmerbob — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:13:31 GMT

McCain has suspended his [residential campaign because his wife and other contributors are broke. His cancelation has nothing to do with the American people if it did he would not offer to be the first in US history to cancel a presidential debate. What kid of president would he be and what liberties would he be willing to cancel if elected? I hope this back fires in his face and shows all that this man is not to be trusted.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

CarolMD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:13:58 GMT

Politics and maneuver sums it up. John McCain has nothing to offer in the negotiation phase. He isn't on a relevant committee and should show up to vote like any other member. I'm sure his legislative staff can do the job for him in the committee room. We don't need to provide another photo op.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:14:38 GMT

McCain is being a, what do these young kids say nowadays? Oh yes, he's being a punk. I don't want a coward President. Especially one who is supposed to be representing my party - the party of Lincoln.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:14:38 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Cazador1972 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:15:21 GMT

"'Why don't the two most powerful politicians in the country at this point--two politicians who profess to be uncommonly bipartisan--go back to Washington and lead the bipartisan effort to get America out of this catastrophic financial mess?' we asked.'"

This is naive. A better question is: What can the add to the discussion? Because it is not clear that either of these candidates can do much at this point in Washington. Both (read that again "BOTH") Democrat and Republican leaders have said it is not clear what McCain can add to the discussions, that in fact it can jeopardize the progress being made because it will inject presidential politics into the consensus being sought.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

HyperD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:15:29 GMT

McCain is just buying time and very lost on how to solve the crisis… and obviously he can’t multitask..! He should SUSPEND his campaign UNTIL NEXT THE ELECTIONS IN 2012..! McCain is toast!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

more of the same — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:16:06 GMT

As to be expected, politics are a larger issue than the problems of the little people so sez one candidate.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

halava — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:16:29 GMT

I think they should just send in Tina Fey to fill in for Palin since she's not allowed to do terviews by the McCain campaign. Or, Perhaps Cindy McCain is out trying to top her $300,000 outfit she wore for the convention. Maybe she can auction her outfit and help the feds bail out.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Lee Holmes — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:17:12 GMT

The Whiz Kid mentioned McCains ''aide''copping FANNIE bucks,but not Candidate Obama himself.

Why is that Whiz Kid?

www.opensecrets.org

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

timetospeakup — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:17:56 GMT

McCain wasn't too worried about the economy and how it affected us everyday last week or even last month. This is a ploy on his part to try to decieve the American Voter again. He has been in office for years and did nothing about this mess the Republican party has created. A debate is just exactly what we need to show who can clean up this mess. Bush and his boys are to blame for this one. It is time for a chance.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

angelique — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:18:41 GMT

OH MY GOD!!!! Now I know this was a real stunt. The McCain campaign wants to replace the VP debate on 2 Oct with the one for Friday and maybe possibly reschedule the VP debate for a later date (after Palin had more time to study). Sen. McCain really should suspend his campaign ---- to go look for his honor and integrity.

To be sneaky and take to the stage while your oponent is awaiting your answer to releasing a bi-partisan statement from the two of you regarding this crisis and to go even a step further; and say let's put off the debate and then state that YOUUUU initiated this idea is lower the a snake. Can you say "pond scum"? Country First? LIAR. Try I'll do anything I can to win."

I want my next President to be able to stand and chew at the same time. I thought a President Obama would say I can't work on the economic issue because I am working on the Iraq war today. A president should be able to multi-task. I know that Sen. McCain doesn't know what the Internet is but multi-tasking should be familiar to him. The debates start at 8pm plenty of time to get to the location and debate for 90 minutes on an issue that Sen. McCain claims to have the upper hand on.

I used to believe that Senator John McCain was an honorable and heroic individual now I see him for what he has become - a man without scrupples and without honor. So sad how low one would go to win a seat in the White House.

As my great-grandmother use to say when I did something she believed was beneath me ---- SHAME ON YOU SENATOR MCCAIN - go sit in a corner.

What? Palin hasn't learned all your talking points or hasn't the Bush gang surrounding her taught her all they believe she needs to know? We aren't falling for the "rope a dope" this time s0 that your rope home because there aren't any dope around!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LanceRepublican — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:19:27 GMT

We just lost the presidency because of this one dumb move. Thanks a lot John.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

angelique — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:20:32 GMT

As my great-grandmother use to say when I did something she believed was beneath me ---- SHAME ON YOU SENATOR MCCAIN - go sit in a corner.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

oh michael — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:21:10 GMT

mcain has been running scared.re all the lies in his adds. now he knows he's very close to loosing this election. lies are not working so manuver manuver. won't work. show up! take the heat. scence the convention you been listening to those political hacks you hired, and not one original thought has emerged. you used to be a man. what happened? being president is not everything. as gb has vivedly shown. wake mccain! be your own man before it's too late. it is too late to win the election. it is not too late to recover your honer!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JBach67 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:22:41 GMT

Maneuver is the right word. Whoever called who first (and I don't see any reason to doubt Obama made the 8:30 call), both candidates said that developing a joint statement on principles and need for quick action was discussed. If he really put country first, McCain should have insured the staffs had ironed that out and released as soon as possible as his first and highest priority. Yet we still see no joint statements and 20 minutes after the call McCain's first priority was a transparent attempt to appear to be a leader - apparently it is more important to appear to be bipartisan and a leader than actually be both. Moreover, since the debates are jointly negotiated, canceling the agreement should have been a joint decision, and instead, McCain's account says he "informed" Obama of his "decision" to cancel the debate - obviously, Obama didn't hear it that way, but again, that should have been cleared up before he went public.

Now I'm sure McCain is not afraid to debate Obama on foreign policy and I'm sure he'd like to see the bailout resolved quickly. I would have been impressed with both him and Obama if they had a joint press conference on the principles and moved on to disagree on the debate. Instead, I see another example where McCain screws Obama for his own gain and puts the country and bipartisan principles second.

Worse, he again displays his fondness for the dramatic reaction (e.g. just last week fire the SEC chief, lets have a commission, now stop the campaign and debates, to say nothing of delay the convention, we are all Georgians and so on), Indeed, his now discarded commission on the economy idea shows that as of a week ago he didn't have the apparent sense of urgency that drives him to todays "maneuver." Those commissions take a long time to produce reports nobody uses. Do we really want a risk takiing drama queen waking up at 3 am in a bad mood?

Or to paraphrase what we used to say about coastal weather, if you don't like McCain's position on (fill in the blank), wait a minute.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

alfablue62 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:22:49 GMT

McCain is using the 'do anything for the country' excuse in order to avoid the issues. He is obviously floundering for answers. Obama is not afraid to stand up to him or the american public. Classy guy...

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:23:13 GMT

HAHA. If McBush had any sense or if his intentions were truly about putting America first he would have presented his gimmick less transparently. He would've sounded something like this (in a resolute tone): I AM GOING OVER THERE AND I'M GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS BILL IS PASSED EFFECTIVELY WHILE REMOVING THE BURDEN FROM THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER. I'M GOING TO BE PRESIDENT AND I'M GOING TO BE LEFT WITH THIS MESS, THEREFORE, I'M GOING TO MAKE SURE THIS THING IS DONE RIGHT!

That would've done the trick. But of course, McCain's intentions aren't about putting the America Taxpayer first. He just wants to be President and will do whatever to get elected. Another foolish lameduck.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

norcalbiz — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:24:05 GMT

McCain is running scared. This is a political trick. They don't even want him back in the senate according to Harry Reid, it would be a distraction. Debate for Christsakes!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

amr001 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:25:06 GMT

John McCain and Republicans Politics First Country Last

On Wednesday John McCain continued the same old partisan politics as he positioned himself and other Republicans to vote against what should be a bipartisan economic rescue package that is sorely needed.

This political strategy suggested by radical Republican operatives is a final attempt to distance themselves from their own failures of the last 12 years and the Bush administration. One Republican Congressman even called the plan the Obama / Bush plan on MSNBC.

Now in desperation McCain pushes to postpone the scheduled debate with Obama, while 11 states have already started early voting. This is a disservice to the American people who deserve to have the most information possible on the choice before them. This also deflects attention away from today’s news that Rick Davis, John McCain’s current campaign manager, was taking $15K per month from Fannie and Freddy through last month.

This attempt to take political advantage, even though consensus has been reached on a compromise package confirms Republicans are in a panic and now want to rely on drama to take the stage away from Democrats.

Because of all these Republican games the package may not pass; sticking the American people with an economy looking like the great depression or worse in the 21st Century. All caused by the deregulation pushed for and passed by Republicans and John McCain himself. John McCain is not a solution to the problem, he is the problem!

We cannot afford let Republican / McCain misrepresentations and games continue to influence our direction in America.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

teetx — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:26:00 GMT

McCain is afraid to face Obama without Palin by his side, same reason she has to be at every campaign rally.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

PoliticsFirst — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:27:49 GMT

Did McCain and his Rock Star running mate also cancel their meeting with the Rock Star Bono. It seem so ridiculous that McCain and Obama into going to Iraq and then they criticized him for being elite and a celebrety. Then he and his friends chastised Obama for not doing town hall meetings yet now he wants to cancel the first debate. He has not allowed Sarah to be vetted by the public, but wants photo ops with world leaders. My head is spinning from the hypocrisy of John McCain and friends. And oh, by the way, that line; "My Friends" has worn so thin. Nothing new. Another manipulator, just like Bush and "Friends'.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bhud2008 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:28:19 GMT

It is amazing all of the negative comments about Sarah Palin. Although, the liberal and democrates never mention poor Joe Biden. Heck he himself thinks Hillary Clinton would be a better VP pick them himself. He thought their campaign ads were wrong to attack McCain and he can't even remeber who was president during the great depression. No wonder they don't talk about him. I agree Hillary Clinton would have been a better choice. To bad Obama had the worst judgement when he picked his VP not McCain. The fact that all the liberal are upset shows that he did pick the right canidate. Heck, she has more experince then the democrats presidential pick.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gopher — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:30:51 GMT

McClain is not ready to defend his ideas and directions for the country. He has SOLD his soul to become President. At one time I had such respect for the man, but it is long gone!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

norcalbiz — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:30:55 GMT

Pitiful, Pitiful, Pitiful. America, we deserve better than a coward who is hiding behind an issue he himself has said repeatedly he really doesn't know much about. McCain, stand up and debate like the war hero you profess to be.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

American Made — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:31:50 GMT

Foreign Policy Debate on Friday. Is that the big issue of the day currently? Heck NO. We can get to that debate next week.

The economy is supposidly a big issue for Obama and this election, well it's staring everyone in the face right now, not in 4 months when he may be sworn in.

Go take care of the biggest issue Congress has had since what 9/11?

Obama doesn't want to take a side on this issue. It's the same crap the Dem's did with Hillary and the protest on the Iranian President.

Seriously can't we be American's first and worry about America rather than power? I hear all this crap about wanting to work together. It's total BS those same folks never do, they go on the attack if you don't agree 100% with their ideas.

Joint statement on working this out when Obama says he's different from McCain on this?

McCain has bucked his party time and time again, when has Obama done that?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

oh michael — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:32:06 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

B.Cairns — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:32:28 GMT

Obama, having first suggested a joint statement , was shown how the dark side really works. The hope is this whole manuver will be accurately reported in a timely manner by the news media.

And who's stealing whose ideas. I am referring to such items as increasing the troop levels in Akganistan; alternative energy strategies; economic bailout plans and joint biparistan statements. It's clear one's moving forward while the other's playing catch up. The question is, are we smart enough to see it?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jrterrier — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:32:47 GMT

McCain's 100% correct. if this is really as Warren Buffet (Obama supporter) is right that this is an enconomic Pearl Harbor, and it requires that we, the taxpayers bail out the Wall Street fat cats to the tune of $700 billion (or even a trillion) then it is right to suspend the campaign and for McCain to go to Washington and see what's up and participate in the decision. If it's just another hoaky non-emergency so that the campaigns should continue, then don't you dare use my tax dollars to bail out Wall Street.

In any event, both Reed and Pelosi yesterday said that they needed to know how McCain stood on things because DEMS were not going to bail out Wall Street if McCain wasn't on board. So, if the fate of the US rests on McCain's shoulders, I want him in Washington finding out what the hell is going on (not hearing it from staffers).

so, McCain is 1000% correct on this.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

obama08virginia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:33:14 GMT

Another politcal stunt because McCain is down in the polls. The strategy to suspend the campaign is only designed to boost his ratings. Guess what! The Emperor wears no clothes and we can see through this stunt. Support Obama since he shows tremendous restaint as he has to deal with McCain's impulsive, irresponsible decisions. We need a debate to listen to these men discuss the present and future of the USA.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:33:30 GMT

bhud2008: Whatever else you might say about Joe, one thing that nobody on either side of the political fence disputes is that he tells it like it is, and his integrity is beyond reproach. Not exactly what's being said about "Anti-Choice, Anti-Education, Anti-Free Speech, Bomb-'Em-Back-to-the-Stone-Age", nepotist and animal brutalizer Palin. That's the difference.

Speaking just for myself, I sure as hell know who I would rather have a heartbeat away from the Oval Office (and who I'd want as far from that office as I could get her)!

Notwithstanding, now that the Palin Psychosis has faded, we'd all do well to remember that we're voting for Top Dog, not Second Fiddle.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mwturner2 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:35:02 GMT

Poor McCain, If he was scared to debate Obama, He should say so. What a joke, to suspend one of the most important events of this race, and to pretend that he and he can solve this mess is funny. I think Americans should wake up and realize that Obama is our only person that can and will fix this mess

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mikefreeman — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:35:43 GMT

Maybe it's not about politics. God forbid a liberal rag would take that angle.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

troubador52 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:36:22 GMT

To B.Cairns: Well said. Devoid of creative or original ideas, the McBush/Snarkey campaign even tried to hijack the mantle of "Change." The only change they will bring to the White House is change for the worse. Eight years of Republican mismanagement is plenty, thank you very much. They had their chance, and left us with only one way to go from here. Vote 'em out.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

chiro1 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:36:54 GMT

It sounds like Mccain is chickening out! Now is the time the american people want to hear from him. He wasn't so worried about it when he was trying to push for less regualtion on corporate america. He's hands are dirty too! But of course, the republicans will put some sort of spin on it. by the way, isn't he the one that said not to long ago that he didn't think the country was headed into a recession. What a COWARD!!!!!!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:37:55 GMT

Does McCain really think the American people can't see through his latest ploy????He knows he's going to get clobbered by Obama in the debates and this is just his feeble attempt to get out of it.We see through this McCain!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mccaincursingonyoutube — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:38:24 GMT

angelique:

Your statement can not be true!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:39:26 GMT

I'm sick and tired of hearing the GOP say that John McCain challenged Obama many times to a debate previously. Why the HELL would Obama waste his time back then when he wasn't even the Democratic Presidential candidate yet? Just because McCain was able to quickly defeat the GOP's other weak candidates and was ready to debate does not mean that Obama didn't want to debate him, HE WAS STILL TRYING TO GET THE DEMOCRATIC NOMATION! Why would he waste his time when he was still focusing on Hillary. Damn GOP is so good at creating false perceptions and twisting things around.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Draw — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:39:54 GMT

I am temporarily suspending my hit and run campaign to go to Washington to rescue George Bush. I may have to give up a few houses, my nine million dollar a year life, and a few cars if this President leaves me with terrible economy when I am elected President. I do NOT want Palin to open her mouth! But really the economic foundation are just fine-houses will be foreclosed and we'll just pick-up the pieces and make money! You are just a bunch of whiners.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

kshortSD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:40:10 GMT

God, McCain is such an ass.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LA2000 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:44:22 GMT

Just what Washington needs: a showboating Senator slowing the whole emergency process down by adding his own brand of cutthroat partisan politics to the mix. I am a republican and I am going with Obama on this. This is nothing less than a presidential candidate using a national crisis as a photo op. McCain would certainly make Guliani proud with this move.

I am truly disgusted.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jaigd — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:44:27 GMT

Nah, Obama's not in a box at all . . in fact, Mc Cain just shot himself in the virtual head, making himself look like he cant walk & chew gum at the same time, which again puts the age issue on the table as he shuffles behind an inexperienced * hot * VP choice with a silly grin on his face ( think Anna Nicole Smith & 80-ish husband) & which quite legitimately raises the question ( again ) if he has what it takes to deal with the continuous onslaught of demands, to say nothing of crises, that come with the Presidency.

Worse still, it adds to the mounting impression that he & his gal are deliberately avoiding freely exchanged appearances with the public. Why no news conferences in over a month - until it became so glaring & blogged about that he had to stage one yesterday - for 15 minutes ? Why is the press unable to speak with Palin ? Why cant she & her cohorts respond to troopergate as she indicated she would before she knew she was running for the # 2 spot in the nation ? And, since she is, why dont the American people now DESERVE to know what happened ? Why does she need to appear at the UN to greet world leaders en masse as if at a reception ? ( And if americans fall for that as a substitute for international policy experience, then how about Dubya's Scottish Terrier Barney as VP ? He's then surely better prepared AND would be alot cheaper at a time of national financial crises. [ Which brings up yet another issue : Mc Cain's purpoting to give Sarah Palin international policy experience by having her say hello to folks at the UN has to mean : 1 ) either Mc Cain himself thinks that' a sufficient substitute - scary indeed - but then this is a guy who doesnt know sunni from shia .. OR 2 ) he thinks Americans are sufficiently Stupid to THINK it is - OR BOTH - either of which tells you all you need to know about a potential Preseident Mc Cain. )

Bottomline : i really hope Americans are fully tuned in this time, can forget about who they'd like to have a beer with, exchange war stories or exchange Kawasaki eye glasses. This is mighty serious stuff, folks . . We may Never Recover from The Next Big Blunder.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:47:15 GMT

To:Mike Freeman--Get your head out of your a__!!Are you really that Studpid!!! I bet you voted for Bush twice too!!Enough said----

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Colorado Conservative — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:49:08 GMT

Not again. When is McCain going to cease with these gimmicks. He had my vote before this Palin pick. After his lies and now this sleazy ploy, there is no way in hell I would vote for him. Obama is looking like the straight shooter here. McCain is a conservative in name only and I was a fool who thought that he could be the best man for the job. Not any more! Why can't McCain stand up in a debate and take care of his other responsibilities. Bait and Switch politics again. Shame on you John. While you are hiding out with your lobyist cronies, why don't you get some respect for the constitution and rule of law.

You can only handle one thing at a time?

Weak. Very Weak!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George from Westerville — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:49:10 GMT

John McCain is an irrational, loose cannon. His campaign is starting to self destruct. I for one am glad that he pulled this stunt, it's going to backfire on him and I don't want this man, especially considering the wacko he picked as his running mate, to end up in the white house.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

alpha_nu_916 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:49:18 GMT

what a joke. a man who admitted he knows little of the economy has decided to fix the economy. why don't we put tweddle dee and tweedle dum in charge of fixing health care.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Anticrisis — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:49:30 GMT

If there is anything that will make a spectacle and divert Congress' attention from the problem at hand, it would be for two candidates to show up followed by a hoard of media and the feelings of partisanship in the congress that pres. candidates would bring - whether they wanted to or not. In this situation, it would be more productive for the candidates speak in private, over the phone, etc. with Paulson and Bernanke - which Obama does daily.

For either of these guys to show up in this situation with all their political baggage that they will carry until November 4th would be counterproductive to the financial crisis.

Thanks McCain - you're part of the problem.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gratefulheartintimesofstrife — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:49:51 GMT

aw, c'mon people: obama's simply annoyed that he didn't come up with idea himself!!!

it only highlights obama's inexperience when he refuses to "play nicely with others." he has blundered so often in the last month or two: he could have offered the olive branch to hillary and sewn up the election by asking her to be his running mate; he could have accepted mccain's olive branch now.

wake up -- obama is not prepared to lead the most powerful nation in the world.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rigorous honesty — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:50:21 GMT

Mr Mccain has demonstrated the ability to land jets on a carrier--which requires a level of ability and courage to which the liberal mind can only respond with devaluation and contempt. And Mr McCain has demonstrated the ability to go into battle one on one, where there is no politics, no hidden agenda, only a life or death outcome where the best man wins. The liberal who has never been there can have no concept of this type of "no spin zone." So when someone actually attempts to do something based on his belief that it might actually be the best thing to do for his country, the liberal mind can only grasp the concept of hidden agendas and respond with the only courage they know--running their mouth from the safety of a keyboard. And regardles of who wins this election, the fact that it even a contest reveals that America has already lost

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ak1978 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:52:02 GMT

Why cant everyone stop being so liberal and stop being so conservative and think for themselves for one minute. What we are facing here is potentially DEVASTATING to the economy of the Untied States of America. Are McCain and Obama Senators? Last time I checked they were elected to serve the people of their states and they should do so by getting to Washington and help lawmakers work through this potential financial disaster. Obama cares more about his campaign than he does the economy, and lets be honest he is not that great in debates anyway, Hillary made him look bad every time. If McCain is using this as a ploy then he should be denounced for his tactics. Maybe he is really worried about this economy and wants to do something about this. It was a good idea to have Bush and McCain and Obama meet. Of course Obama wont do that. Its time for our leaders of all parties to get involved and leave politics at the door for a little while. There are many things the people of this nation need right now, and it does not matter if they are republican or democrat. if we end up in a GREAT DEPRESSION. WE WILL ALL SUFFER!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gratefulheartintimesofstrife — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:52:21 GMT

...and one more thing: why do liberals resort to name-calling? it really takes away from their credibility.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:52:44 GMT

grateful heart--YOU ARE EVEN MORE PITIFUL THAN MIKE FREEMAN!!!!!!!YOU NEED TO WAKE UP FROM YOUR LAST EIGHT YEAR COMA AND LOOK AT THE WORLD!!!BUT IT IS A TYPICAL REPUBLICAN REMART---DISTRACT AND DISTORT!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

luckylarry — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:52:53 GMT

Mr Romano I have to say you are at least a little objective and far ahead of most of the left leaning cult. Maybe there is hope for the media to report objectively instead of acting like the Obama News.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Johnny1967 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:53:32 GMT

McCains rash behavior really does not help the financial situation. He panics and stops his campaign to travel to Washington? Then he scares everyone will lose their money? What in the world is he doing? He is just making things worse by increasing uncertainty and fear in the financial markets. The last thing the market needs is for Americans indulge McCains crazy behavior with higher poll numbers... like it had with the silly Palin selection.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

IDon'tUnderstand — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:53:40 GMT

Are we stupid? Really stupid? John McCain is soooo transparent. He's doing this because he's been looking at the poll numbers. I am so glad that Obama did not take him up on his challenge to suspend his campaign, and go back to Washington with him to solve this economic crisis. What John McCain is doing is purely political. It has nothing to do with putting, "Country Fiirst." He's trying to exude leadership, however, it looks more like pandering. We need a President that has the ability to multi-task. Obviously, McCain can't.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

cuppa jo — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:53:57 GMT

You failed to mention Raines and Johnson's role in the Obama campaign. They were part of the Fannie/Freddie problem. I guess it was just an oversight...right.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bhud2008 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:55:31 GMT

to troubador52, finally somebody says something about Biden. All I was saying was that he thinks that Clinton would be better VP pick than himself. He made a true statment. Never questioned his integrity. In fact based on that statement I am all for his integrity. I hope he keeps telling it like it is.

As far as Palin goes I don't think blurting out a bunch of anti this and anti that really accomplishes much besides distorting her veiws. I'm sure everyone here beleives that she is a animal brutilizer and wants to put peole back in the stone age. Great way to throw out straw men arguments though.

Also, I agree with you that we are picking a top dog so know maybe some of your democrate freinds will stop comparing Obama to Palin. Which seems like an stupid thing to do since he is running for president and not VP and she has just as much or if not more experience than he does.

Thanks, for the comment though enjoy a good debate

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mrpike — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:56:39 GMT

I was wondering how BO was going to counter, good move BO. Its true we would rather hear the canidates views and where they stand at this point. I don't think anything more would be added about the bail out if both desided to suspend their campaign to be in Washington. State your case discuss your position, move forward.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1 and 10 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:57:17 GMT

McCain is doing what we would expect a President to do. Get to Washington and solve the crisis before it gets worst. Both of them should be there for the vote anyway. That is what we elected them to do. These are not normal circumstances and we have wars going on at the same time. I don't know what we will do if the financial system fails, while we are at war. McCain understands this and Obama and his handlers obviously do not get it at all. I am no 100% in McCain's corner for this "country first" action.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

klebrun — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:57:38 GMT

McCain was former chairman of the Commerce Committee and didn’t understand the responsibilities of the Commerce Committee, confusing them with the Senate Banking Committee which has actual oversight of over the part of the economy we are currently having a crisis with.

He has repeatedly confused Sunni with Shia in Iraq.

McCain, as ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, apologized for not knowing that the privatized company at Walter Reed Medical Center, connected to Cheney, was ripping off our wounded troops. When the Army blocked testimony of the fired general before a Senate investigating committee, (read White House) no indication that McCain took any action on behalf of our wounded soldiers when he should have taken a baseball bat into Cheney’s office to get some answers. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/03/06/mccain-apologizes-for-walter-reed/

If you have the stomach, just Google Army Times Walter Reed for a long list of articles.

McCain missed every Armed Services Committee hearing In the last two years that discussed Afghanistan http://www.americablog.com/2008/07/mccain-missed-every-armed-services.html

And then we have McCain’s voting record against vet benefits. He is hot to send our troops into combat, but suddenly becomes fiscally conservative when it comes time to care for the families of the dead and wounded. http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1856

I sent a personal letter to McCain to stop the process of falsifying secret homosexual reports at the US Naval Academy as a tactic for bypassing the UCMJ in difficult political situations to protect legacy midshipmen like McCain. He responded with a campaign contribution solicitation.

For anybody with a full deck, supporting corruption in our military justice system poses as much a threat to our men and women in uniform as some of the Arab terrorists.

As the third of three brothers to enlist, one of whom paid the ultimate price, I believe that McCain deserves our respect as a POW and deserves the very best in nursing home care… but I wouldn’t trust him to walk my dog to say nothing of sending my son to war.

US Naval Academy class of 66 for Obama

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Clear Thinker — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:59:16 GMT

McCain is a coward but he's not stupid. He knows that, if he were to debate Obama in the current financial crisis, he would be crucified. (Remember, he confessed that the economy is not his strong suit). His goal here though is two-fold. First, he wants to postpone debating Obama until after the crisis is over so it is less of an issue with the voting public. Second, and equally important, he wants to delay the debates just enough that Sarah Palin won't have to debate Biden. Since that would REALLY be fun to watch, I suggest that the presidential candidates go ahead and postpone their debates but have Palin and Biden debate friday night in their place.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gratefulheartintimesofstrife — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:59:33 GMT

what would all of you have thought if obama had made the offer, and mccain had declined? huh? yeah, i thought so....

they're both senators, and they should be doing their job now when we really need them. mccain is willing to go back to work for us. remember, they are our employees -- we are the taxpayers and we deserve no less from those who have committed to work for us.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Cynthia Long Island — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:59:49 GMT

Its so obvious why McCain wants to put off the debate................he wants to push back the Vice-Presidential debate.. ...He already suggested, and knows anyway, that the first Presidential debate will take up that slot next week. Sarah Palin will have more time to "study"!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Johnny1967 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:07 GMT

So stupid. Does anyone really believe that the bottom will fall if congress does not act by Friday? The market just needs to be convinced that the US will take care of things in a rational manner. Panicking and making some reckless legislation will just make things worse.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mccaincursingonyoutube — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:01:37 GMT

LanceRepublican:

Give McCain a chance. He is putting his country first.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

conchchowder — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:03:13 GMT

Today, Sen. McCain has announced that due to the economic crisis, he has decided to suspend his campaign and pending debate and has called on bipartisan unity in reaching a solution to this crisis.

There are a few problems with this.

1) How have we gone from his August 24th statement

INGRAHAM: And now look: the dollar’s weak, we have serious competition from abroad, government is running a deficit. … What are the Republicans going to do if China ultimately overtakes us economically and does that matter?

MCCAIN: I still believe the fundamentals of our economy are strong. We’ve got terribly big challenges now, whether it be housing or employment or so many of the other — health care. It’s very, very tough times. It’s very tough. But we’re still the most innovative, the most productive (13 trillion...right), the greatest exporter (wrong...Germany...the US is number 4 behind the EU and China), the greatest importer (that means we can't make what we need...why is that good?).

MCCAIN: I still believe the fundamentals of our economy are strong.

One month and the economic crisis is so bad he want's to suspend campaigining to help solve the crisis.

What's wrong with that?

Everything.

As president, he won't have the luxury of suspending wildfires in CA, flooding in the midwest, hurricane damage in LA and TX and an impending one in SoFl, Russia moving into Georgia, the re-start of the N. Korean reactor, gas prices rising, the mortgage market in a death spiral, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, trade..........and work on one problem at a time. He must be able to multitask without complaining he needs to focus on one issue over another. This proves he isn't up to the task of being president...he can't even run a campaign and deal with one economic issue.

Speaking of issue.

The foundation of our economy is the free-market. Wall Street is the free-market center of the universe. Wall Street is broken. How can the "funtamental" of our economy go from strong, to dead, in less than 28 days.

Sen. Obama needs to make this clear. McCain can't deal with more than one thing at a time.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Clear Thinker — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:03:42 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:03:42 GMT

HAHA. Looks like McCain even upset Letterman by lying about cancelling tonight's appearance. It turns out McCain's still in NY and won't leave for Washington until tomorrow. It seems the consensus in America is that everyone knows this is a ploy. It's very transparent and the people aren't stupid. However, there are some people who believe McCain really cares about this issue and strongly feel he can make a difference. Can these people not see the transparency or might they just be turning a blind eye to the right?

MSNBC just announced that Bush invited both McCain and Obama to the White House for a bailout meeting. HAHA, is McCain going to request that both Bush and Cheney not be present?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:03:56 GMT

GRATEFUL HEART---YOU NEED SOME SERIOUS HELP IF YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU WRITE!!!OBAMA DOES NOT HIDE FROM THE PRESS OR HIDE FROM ANSWERING THEM. HE DOES NOT KEEP JOE BIDEN AWAY FROM REPORTERS LIKE MCCAIN KEEPS PALIN AWAY!! ACTUALLY FEEL SORRY FOR YOU IF YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAY!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Infoman1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:06:44 GMT

McCain is an American Hero. What is Omama but a pawn for the Democrates with empty words that his party is putting in his mouth. I have never seen someone who has surrounded himself with so many loosers during his life but will never take responsability for his poor judgements. Let Obama try to take away our rights to own guns and see what happens. There is over 300 million guns out there and we are not going down the same road as Poland, Hungary, and the other countries that had the Government take over. I was born free and will die that way. I served my country in the military and so did McCain. How about the looser Obama. What a cop out when he said the Viet Nam was over and that is why he did not join up. That statement is as lame as, I did not Inhale! NO MORE LIES! What good is the economy if we are overrun with terrorist. Obama is a whimp as so are the people that support him. ie the Hollywierd group.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Jac Lan — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:08:35 GMT

This is nothing more than an old fashion political stunt by an old politician. I don't believe for one second that this is anything but trying to duck the debate. McCain is in trouble in the polls and is resorting to this kind of trickery. What in world is going to do anyway, remember, he does not know anything about the economy.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Johnny1967 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:08:55 GMT

Don't rush to the legislation! Rushing to pass legislation under any panic situation will only make things worse. Let the financial markets fail for a while. It will be good for a while. But do not let congress pass any legislation under such panic situation. The idea of a last minute legislation preventing a Great Depression should make everyone stop and say: huh?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gratefulheartintimesofstrife — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:11:26 GMT

easy there, mm_Mo. -- you'll have an aneurism! screaming at people isn't effective....

am i not entitled to my opinion? just like you are? that's one of the reasons this is such a great country -- we can all debate without fear of reprisal. :)

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

steve02001 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:11:42 GMT

So McBush is supposed to ride into Washington on a white horse and save the day!? He is supposed to do in a couple of days what he couldn't/or wouldn't do in 23 years? What a fiasco, all this proves is that he apparently can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

warnertom3393 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:13:14 GMT

The debate on Friday is supposed to be on Foreign Policy. This is the policy that John McCain is at his best on. Say what you want he has always held a huge lead over Obama in the polls on this issue. Why would he want to suspend a debate that he is favored to win? Now I don't doubt that this is partly a political move I'm not that dumb, however, I do think McCain is trying to show some leadership as a Senator and his willingness to reach out across the aisle to make a decision that no matter what the outome will be ostracized by thee side that did not get their way. At least he is willing to make a decision.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:14:19 GMT

Grateful heart--You are entitled to your opinion, but if you are reading these the majority of the people on this forum see trhough John McCain's ploy--Majority rules, as they will on Nov 4---This time Jeb Bush is not in Florida--maybe this election will not be rigged

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ademeyer — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:15:01 GMT

Seems like a debate is the perfect forum to discuss this crisis with the American people. The debate has been planned for months and millions of people were planning to tune in. I think it just goes to show Obama is a communicator, in the tradition of Reagan or FDR, and McCain is the type who huddles with his buddies, like Nixon or Cheney.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

billp — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:15:07 GMT

McCain's camp is desperate and rightly so. All the trends are going for Obama, the gloss has come off Palin and today's revelations that Rick Davis lied about his Freddie Mac payments are all bad news. He had to do something dramatic and this is it. I can't help but admire the expertise with which the Republicans play the election game. This is a stunt of course, but it pushed McCain's bad news off the front pages. On to the home stretch!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Maarten VB — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:15:27 GMT

my god this is ridiculous. McCain and Obama are two senators, who probably vote against each other on this bill anyhow. McCain is trying to avoid facing Obama again. GET 2 THE ISSUES!!! MY GOD. And lol@ all the fabricated comments here. Republican propaganda. McCain his tactics are so transparent. When are we going to stop accepting this. Palin doesn't even talk 2 the press, she's a yoke. And like McCain is a complete puppet to McCain's propaganda campaign team. Who I might add are perfectly working the stupid republican mass... They fall for it every time.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

dcail — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:15:28 GMT

McCain is a fraud and anyone who falls for his lies and trickery is either mislead or miseducated. Either way, we need someone in the white house with the intelligence to correct what not so intelligent people have caused. McCain should be ashamed of himself for using this crisis to dodge a real debate. He will add NO value to this economic process and will only distract from the work that needs to be done. This is an example of his leadership and judgement.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

middle class mom — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:16:51 GMT

An impulsive move from and impulsive man. This is the same brand of fear that got us into Iraq. Pay attention here America, the futures of our children are depending on it.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Amisenes — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:17:02 GMT

Can not believe J. McCain is running away from the debate! It is now when he ought to "speak" to the public about his plans!! I am very disappointed by his political gimmick

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Truthspeaker84 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:17:26 GMT

Absolutely tremendous leadership from John McCain. Come on folks, Obama is a rank neophyte here trying so hard to look presidential. McCain will be elected in 40 or so days and a lot of this panic will subside. Don't worry folks, an adult is about to take over and get us all home safely. You nothing-to-lose victims and other assorted liberals should be used to conservative leadership. Get ready for more becasue its coming and there is nothing you can do about it.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

orion12 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:18:32 GMT

Infoman1, so what has the 300 millions contributed to you having a good life? Do you thing that guns give you freedom? You are a prisoner of your guns. Without them beside you, you are not comfortable. You are enslaved to guns. What will you do if government took your guns away. I suppose you will go out into the streets and fight? Hey tell me something. What good will your gun do against terrorists. There were all that 300 imllion guns around on 911. Did it help at all?

I just want you to think things out a bit more. You live by the sword, you die by the sword.

I hope if you have kids you do not pass on your message to them.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:18:48 GMT

Let's hope that McBush doesn't request that he debate Obama via satellite. Who the hell knows what kind of cue cards or other form of manipulation they employ. If McCain doesn't request it, don't be surprised if they request it for Palin on the Biden/Palin debate. I doubt that Palin will be able to connect the dots from her recent homework assignments. We have to anticipate anything from these people now.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Sarah Hurt — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:19:05 GMT

You are really, really wrong on this. This is not how I perceive this ploy. I'm from Indiana and even from here I can smell that McCain just made a extremely wrong headed blunder. There is nothing noble or wise in running to Washington to fix something he can't remotely fix. My take is that this is some way to avoid the debate Friday when a debate in front of the American people and the world is precisely what is needed. I think there will be a real outrage if McCain ducks this debate. I think it will be viewed as cowardly. Bush is fixing to come on TV and push this crappy bailout and McCain thinks he needs to hunker down in Washington to push through a very troubling solution and rapid answer to a long, long coming problem. This is how we got Iraq. People are not stupid. And I feel a groundswell of regular folk like me saying 'enough'.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

gratefulheartintimesofstrife — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:19:23 GMT

well, i guess from the lack of response to my query, "what would all of you have thought if obama had made the offer, and mccain had declined?" that i have uncovered the underlying angst ya'll seem to share. you're upset that if wasn't obama's idea. it's that simple. :)

be honest with yourselves. and while you're thinking it over, i'm going to go home and make dinner for my family....

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

MontanaOpinion — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:19:50 GMT

As far as I know - there will be an election in Nov. I'd like to see and hear the candidates before the election. The debates should continue.

We don't need McCain running to Washington to act Presidential. We have a President. Whether you like him or not the President should be working with congress.

McCain needs to do the job at hand. Tell us what he believes on the issues and let us actually hear Sarah Palin speak for herself. Enough with the hiding, gimmicks and other annoying stuff. Americans aren't stupid. The dog ate the homework, it's a real crisis and I can't take the test I've really studied for... oh and we should postpone the debates cause I don't do well, and can we make different rules for Sara's debate with Biden --- these don't go down very well with the American public.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JD598 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:20:23 GMT

Looks like Mr.McCain would rather take on Bush about the ecomony than Mr.Obama...What will they do when the VP debate comes up??? I know...They will go into morning over the loss of American tax payers dollars.....What A Cop Out

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:20:57 GMT

The comforting thing is-- it seems that almost everyone on this forum has seen through McCain, as it seems so have the American people. Almost all the polls show the American people want the debates to go on.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

hillary1973 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:21:06 GMT

It's a disgusting political ploy and they need to debate. McCain looks like a coward. What if there were 2 crisis's at once? Can he do 2 things a 1 time? He was on Rachel Ray YESTERDAY making bar-b-que and wasn't concerned with the economy. Now that the debate is 2 days away he's running scared and using political tactics to try to get momentum back.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George W. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:21:30 GMT

I was sadded to see McCain dissapear behind Palin's skirts for the past month. The only time he came out of hiding was to claim that the economy was sound. His handlers are probably scared that he wil blow the whole debate and they are trying to put him back in hiding. His advisors will probably come up with another reason to miss the next debate too.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Truthspeaker84 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:23:54 GMT

McCain will be the next President for one very good reason.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Buckeye Voter — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:24:00 GMT

I said it when he picked Palin and it still applies: if McCain's not going to take this seriously, why is he running for President?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

va4life — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:25:06 GMT

I dont understand why anyone would believe someone who not long ago said the american economy is fundamentaly strong can go to Washington and solve anything after proving by that statement alone not to have a firm grasp of reality. Mr McCain I to served in the military and I remember when I first got in my drill sergent telling me something I still remember to this day LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE @#$% OUT OF THE WAY. You are to slow to lead, To stubborn to follow, so do the U.S. a favor and PLEASE get out of the way. Do your debate and let those in the know handle the crisis

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George W. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:25:26 GMT

If it is just Obama fans who are upset that he did not come up with the idea of postponing the debate then we will win the election....According to all of the polls that I have seen, 60-70% of the responendts are angry with the proposal.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

pintocalle1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:26:19 GMT

Sick and tired of all you damn liberals. McCain can debate better than Obamarama and is strong on foreign affairs. He knows how to speak at these debates. Obama will never be president.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

omoekun — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:27:28 GMT

SEE MCCAIN RUN. WHAT A SHAME. THIS IS THE GUY WHO WANTS TO LEAD THE FREE WORLD? THE MORE SURPRISING THING IS THAT THERE ARE STILL SOME BLIND SO-CALLED PATRIOTS WHO WILL DRINK ANY KIND OF FREAKIN' KOOL AID THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN PUTS BEFORE THEM.

STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS? PUUUHHHLLLEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

more of the same — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:29:38 GMT

Posted By: alpha_nu_916 (September 24, 2008 at 7:49 PM)

what a joke. a man who admitted he knows little of the economy has decided to fix the economy. why don't we put tweddle dee and tweedle dum in charge of fixing health care.

COME BACK IN NOV. You might get your way!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tjb0728 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:30:32 GMT

As a Senator, Obama has a very short record, and, it is a record of not coming to work while running for President, and while voting "present". The MSM DNC NBC MYTH that Obama is somehow better on economical issues is incredible . . . it is Sen. McCain who predicted this, and it will take a leader like McCain to fix it. Isn't it ironic when ABC and Stephonapholous even report that this package has no chance unless McCain saves it. I thougt it was Obama who could "part the waters". If Obama is such a genuis why can't he get Congress together . . . you Obamacrats know bettter than to believe the Commander would fear debating the community agitator!!!!! You're all reading too much fineman, listening to too much olbermann, and drinking far too much of the liberal kooliad!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Maarten VB — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:31:46 GMT

gratefulheartintimesofstrife ; are you getting paid 2 post here? Its unbelievable that after all the political games and lies that McCain has used someone still thinks this is not a trick. Yes I really wonder what 2 opposing senatorial votes will do, 2 help out with Henry Paulson's bill...

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Perusing-through — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:33:01 GMT

STOP HIDING McCAIN AND PALIN!!

McCain keeps using stupid subjects like "LIPSTICK" to avoid issues that are of deep concerns for the middle-class; while Palin continue to hide from the press and not take public queries.

Now with McCain-Palin poll numbers bleeding BLUE, McCain suddenly wants to go back to Washington and take credit for the expected $700-Billion bailout. This is a bunch of cr@p and McCain is a snake!! There are 98 other Senators and 450+ Congressman in the U.S. Legislature that will help fix this problem. The other political leaders can do without John McCain's campaign lights & entourage which would only get in the way of the real "congressional worker-bees".

And besides that, McCain has no leadership position on any relevant financial committee where he can make any difference. As Senator Obama said, a world leader must be able to multitask. McCain needs to learn to walk and chew gum.

McCAIN NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS "COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES" HE CANNOT STOP ONE CRISIS JUST TO WORK ANOTHER!!

GOD Bless America!

GOD Bless Obama-Biden Leadership!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

viaexports@msn.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:33:36 GMT

I love the hypocritical BS. Obamma received more contributions from Fannie and Freddy than anybody else but Dodd, and by the way it only happened in record amount of time. You do not realize how dangerous this situation can be. There are 100's-1,000's of small companies that can not even meet their payroll obligations because the banks have frozen or suspended their credit lines. When the economy collapses, you will have your precious Obama, I hope the welfare state is to your taste. For myself, my son said it well let's go to Australia, where you can still be a free!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Hayduke1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:34:29 GMT

The idea that we are all crying out for McCain to run back to D.C. and save us from this mess is laughable, as is his political posturing in challenging Obama to cancel the debate. McCain doesn't even know yet if our economy is in trouble, and he certainly has nothing useful to contribute to the solution. But lets pretend for a moment he is sincere about suspending Friday's debate:

FINE. BUMP UP THE BIDEN-PALIN DEBATE TO THIS FRIDAY. AFTER ALL, LIKE SHE SAID, PALIN'S 'READY,' RIGHT? NO NEED TO CRAM LIKE SHE DID FOR HER PHOTO OP WITH WORLD LEADERS (WITHOUT ANNOYING PRESS REPORTING ON IT).

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Newsweekbhg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:35:23 GMT

SMOKE MIRRORS AND MISDIRECTION. FOR THE STUPID

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ForTheUSA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:35:55 GMT

The debate can wait a few days. Obama is showing his true colors and his "politics as usual". He is such a hypocrite. Obama and McCain's main focus is to be senators first and presidential candidates second.

Perhaps Obama plans to just vote "present".

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

klebrun — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:36:00 GMT

He has repeatedly confused Sunni with Shia in Iraq.

If you have the stomach, just Google Army Times Walter Reed for a long list of articles.

McCain missed every Armed Services Committee hearing In the last two years that discussed Afghanistan http://www.americablog.com/2008/07/mccain-missed-every-armed-services.html

For anybody with a full deck, supporting corruption in our military justice system poses as much a threat to our men and women in uniform as some of the Arab terrorists.

US Naval Academy class of 66 for Obama

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George W. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:36:01 GMT

tjb0728

"listening to too much olbermann, and drinking far too much of the liberal kooliad!"

better than Rush L. the junkie and Pailins God's Plan

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mrzoid — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:36:27 GMT

TJBO728: There is no such thing as a "present" vote in the United States Senate, but it's nice that you are a faithful regurgitator of things you hear from mouthpieces on T.V.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

wilbertaberry@gmail.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:38:36 GMT

McPALIN LOOKS LIKE A COWARD. THE GREAT POW. IS AFRAID TO DEBATE OBAMA.

IF McCAIN WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HE WOULD HAVE A LEGIT EXCUSE TO GO TO DC....HOWEVER HE IS NOT. WHERE HAS HE BEEN AT THE BEING OF THE REVEALATON.....IT WASN'T DC.

NOW HE IS CONCERNED. MAYBE THE FBI PROBE GOT HIS ATTENTION. .HIS *** FIRST.

AND HIS CRONIES. HE COULD USE THE DEBATE TO SHOW AMERICA HOW HE CAN FIX THIS CRISIS. AMERICA WANTS TO SEE WHAT HE HAS BESIDES MAKING EXCUSES,AND

HAVING PALIN OBFUSCATE THE ISSUES FOR HIM.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George W. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:38:48 GMT

I agree with McCain on one thing... I call for the immediate resignation of the chairman of the FEC!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

pintocalle1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:38:50 GMT

There's something wrong with this world. The number one reason I would never vote for Obama or any liberal ever. The economy is second to this. God protects this beautiful country. All of you liberals say that war is killing innocent people and capital punishment is wrong. Look at these photos and tell me what is murder. Our soldiers have a job to do. Theychoose the job. Every other country in the world must join the army. Murderers chose their path as well. When did these things have a choice. The economy is one thing, partial abortion is another.

http://www.100abortionpictures.com/Aborted_Baby_Pictures_Abortion_Photos/Index.cfm?FirstPhoto=26

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mrzoid — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:39:17 GMT

If the job of being a senator was of utmost importance, perhaps these two shouldnt have missed almost every vote of the 110th congress cycle. Just for your informtion people, McCain has missed more than Obama, and Obama has missed alot.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

wdh3007 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:39:37 GMT

The recent economic events will dictate who will act and who will wait give Mcain credit where credit is due. He knows politics and he knows how to play them it's no ploy he is putting country first which in essense is wiser than having some debate that no one will remember 6 months from now. Remember he is a maverick and is doing what mavericks do best whether he debates or whether he solves what others should have done years ago is beside the point. What is important is that we the people need a president who is willing to take charge of our economic shortcommings and if the canadates have to postpone a debate so be it.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bigjimslick — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:40:34 GMT

McCain needs a game changer because he has had one of the worst campaign derailments over the last 10 days ever. Some may say that McCain can debate well, but right now he does NOT want to answer for his liftime of deregulatory policy that have led to this mess or he knows he will be put on his HEELS. I still dont know why any American would support NEO CON economic policies and want more of McSame. Cannot everyone see that the money NEVER TRICKLES DOWN AND NEVER WILL. GET A FRICKIN CLUE!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

greatmidwest — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:41:03 GMT

It's hilarious that this guy is asking to postpone a presidential debate. It's like the college student who didn't study all semester and is now asking for an extension for handing in his term paper. McCain is not the "Maverick" he used to be many years ago in the senate. His thinking has slowed down, his lack of opposition to Bush's failed policies on the Iraq war and US economy, and his questionable choice of palin as his VP, confirm that change in his decision-making capacity. It's almost a blatant admission that he cannot multi-task, let alone take on the rigorous job of making critical decisions to be out next President. Bush wants to bail out . The American people are tired of the games of the Republican party this just tops them all!

Today, I made my decision for President. My vote will go to Senators Obama & Biden.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rigorous honesty — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:47:11 GMT

Anyone who can call Mr Mc Cain a coward has no concept of courage, and I would love to meet them face to face and find out how "courageous " they really are. Mr McCain has proven far beyond the need to ever prove to anyone again that he represents a degree of courage to which few can even aspire --He is the living definition of courage. That people would even have the audacity to call this American a coward is reprehensible.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Libertad — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:47:32 GMT

I understand why the straight talk bus reached it's last residence : a junk yard and his partner might as well retire.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George W. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:47:51 GMT

pintocalle1

More people die in one God's name or another, than for any other reason. It is reasuring to know that Palin thinks pipe lines and wars are part of His plan....I think God would be in agreement with her (NOT). I hear the same talk form Islamic fundamentalists.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

suzieqqq — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:50:38 GMT

i was undecided until today,,, for me it will be obama-biden..... mccain sealed the deal or should i say didnt ,, when he pulled the latest political stunt..... too bad...

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jonnyooh — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:56:04 GMT

On the blogs that I've read, the people seem to be suspicious of McCain's motives. On the MSN live vote the numbers are 70 to 15 against McCain, indicating that the people are smarter than Steve Schmidt, (Karl Rove Jr.) gives them credit for. However, I have only been on blogs where the majority of bloggers are intelligent people. So far as I know, there are no blogs for the morons McCain is playing to. The morons usually just crash the forums of non-morons and regurgitate the crapola they've been fed on FOX News or Rush Limbaugh. These morons usually come out with something like "I'm sick and tired of you dams liberals. McCain can debate better blah blah blah...What would really be nice would be for the rednecks to have their own blog and leave the grown-ups alone. They always come across as high school dropouts, and they don't understand that the Republican leadership is their enemy. All the Repubs want is their vote, then nothing ever changes for them for the better, but they never catch on.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

swe123 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:56:56 GMT

I"m getting angrier and angrier listening to Bush's speech. This is sounding very familiar...do what I say...trust me....there really are WMD's and we need to go to war before the apocolypse...God I hate that man!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

dsmb2007 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:57:28 GMT

Everything McCain has done since his nomination has been manipulative and coniving, Including of all things his Veep pick. This suggestion of delaying the debate isn't a proper solution, it's a chess move. He's playing the American public, and the republican base in particular, for fools. As a conservative republican, it makes me sick to see the way he's trying to manipulate me. I don't feel like he has the best interest of America in mind, just his interest of avoiding the tough situations enough to let Americans vote on their instincts, which history already shows us they will re-elect a republican who had already led us halfway down the path to oblivion only to make sure he gets us all the way there! What can you do in a democracy when the majority are idiots? It's scary.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

George W. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:00:39 GMT

jonnyooh

Well said. They seem to school like fish or lemmings at the urging of their media blowhards.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

larkirs73 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:00:58 GMT

Aside from being wrong on all the issues and a proven liar, McCain again and again shows that he lacks the composure or disposition to be Commander in Chief. He reacts hysterically to ever crisis.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Stopthetwins — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:03:51 GMT

Whoo Hoo!!! You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time!! NEVER BETTER~! Let the games begin! If this presidential campaign doesn't solve the immigration "problem" then nothing will! Yahoooooooooo! & a triple whoop de doo for Obama! And its adios McPalin!!!

Ha ha ha hah I just freakin' love it! Bet Palin is "regrettin' it now. Let the troopergate roll! Let the VietNam vets against John McCain rock! Let Carol McCain be exonerated!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bhud2008 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:04:21 GMT

Are these liberals acually reading what they are typing. Are they serious that they think McCain who has fought in war and been in POW camps is afraid to debate a community organizer who has less that two years in the senate.

None of the liberals has said anything about the 10 debates that McCain asked Obama to and that Obama declined. McCain is holding off on a debate until a crisis is adverted but Obama declined a debate without a crisis.

And enough with the crap about Palin not doing any television interveiw or that she is hiding from the media. She did a television interveiw with Gibson her first few weeks of her selection and it was with as we all know a in the tank Obama supporter journalist. Obama has been running for two years and finally had a tough interveiw with Bill Oreily last month. Obama has been running for two years and only had one tough interveiw. Going on MSNBC does not count as an interveiw it counts as a pro Obama campaign spot. And as I said before no one wants to talk about Joe Biden because he has turned out to be a horrible VP pick as he has said Hillary would be better than he.

And please stop talking about multi tasking folks. You can only talk about that if you have acually accoplished something in the two years you have been in the Senate Obama. Obama has not even accomplished a task let alone multi tasked.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Eye of hope — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:06:06 GMT

The debate should go as planned. Neither the economy nose dive nor the election are going to be delayed if there is not a consenus or even an an agreement on bailing out the crooks.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Left Coaster — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:07:26 GMT

To: Infoman1

I think I speak for all Obama supporters when I say:

1) We all respect your service in our armed forces. I'm sure Barack Obama would have considered serving if the country had been involved in a serious military conflict when he came of age. However, he turned 18 in 1979. Viet Nam *was* over. Besides, as has been mentioned elsewhere, military service is not be a prerequisite to holding political office in our country. You may be heartened that Barack mentioned as part of his acceptance speech at the DNC (it was really a great speech, I urge you to check it out. It never got much media coverage -- even from the "liberal elites" like Newsweek -- because the Palin announcement came the next morning) a desire to institute some form of national service program if he were elected, whether that be the military, the Peace Corps, or something like the California Conservation Corp.

2) We all respect your constitutional right to legally own a gun. Barack has said on many occasions he has no intention of coming into your home and taking away your guns should he be elected. Really.

Finally, I'm very sorry you are so bitter. Remember at the end of the day we are all patriots who love our country, otherwise I doubt we'd all be so worked up about all this. Relax, take a deep breath, and be glad that we live in the greatest nation on Earth.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Frustrated in Alaska — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:08:01 GMT

gratefulheartintimesofstrife - You obviously don't live in Alaska, home of Sarah Palin!

Express your opinion without repercussion?! Ha!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:15:17 GMT

$700 Billion taxpayer money. WTF! He said it so casually too. Yeah sure, your partisan leadership and deregulated self-interests ruined us and now this. YOU S.O.B.!!!!! This man will not be remembered as the worst president of the free world, but the worst president that any nation the world ever had. He led us to war with the wrong country, he divided our country like no other president ever had, he ignored the economy's downspiral and he leaves us with this HUGE tax burden. How much worse could he have been? UNBELIEVABLE!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Harvard white guy — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:17:53 GMT

tjb0728

Dude, you are so stupid and ignorant it's pathetic. You probably dont have a high school diploma, you live with your mother somewhere in the south, believe anything you hear from the right, and your head is so far up there, you cant tell where the poop's coming from. Moron's like you, I dont care what situation the country's in, will NEVER get it. I have voted republican all my life, and we created this mess. It takes a man to own up to a mess. Instead of McCain playing chicken, he should fess up and accept that deregulation of the BIG FAT GREASY corporation CEOs have brought our country to the brink of the great depression. Talking white trash with that koolaid thing aint gonna help the pockets of Americans. Americans are hurting and to play politics and to think that Americans are dumb, is beyond comprehension. As for you tjb0728 , everybody knows what the hell you are going to post...white trash right wing bowl of crap; so save yourself and spare us the pain of reading your uneducated white trash talk, do something beneficial to the country or to yourself; educate yourself about the issues, and stay away from those sheep and your cousin is a relative...stop the in breeding: that's the root cause of all right wing mentality. Conservative my S

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

booyah1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:20:17 GMT

If Obama sticks with his plan to debate in Mississippi, does anyone really think McCain will be a no-show? He can hardly afford to allow Obama to take the stage alone for a Q and A on foreign policy. With his numbers climbing daily, if the public can come away from this with some sense that Obama has a grasp of foreign policy he can wrap this one up. No point in McCain giving him a big red bow. I'm hoping Obama calls this bluff.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JFLO — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:21:38 GMT

NOW, WE CAN TRULY SEE, THE REAL MC CAIN, FOR ALL THE QUEEZY TRICKS AS A POLITICIAN, AS A HUMAN BEING, AS A SUPPOSEDLY LEADER OF THE UNITED STATES, AS A DISPICABLE LIAR, IF HE THINKS THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE USED AS SCAPEGOATS, FOR WHATEVER REASON HE AND PRESIDENT BUSH TOGETHER PLANNED THIS FRIDAY DEBATE CANCELLATION , FOR OUR COUNTRY, HE(MCCAIN) IS SO WRONG AND SO UNDERHANDED, MAYBE THAT IS NOT EVEN THE RIGHT WORD TO USE, BUT GOD HELP US, IF HE SHOULD BE VOTED IN AS PRESIDENT ON NOV. 5, 2008. I HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD, THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WAKE UP AND GET RID OF ALL THIS SUPPOSEDLY GREAT POLITICAL REPUBLICANS. LET'S GO BACK TO DAY ONE, AND START WITH JOBS FOR THE REGULAR HUMAN BEINGS, PUT PRIDE BACK WHAT IS BELONGS, PUT BELIEF AND TRUST WHERE IT BELONGS AND GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT ELSE THESE CROOKED REPUBALICANS HAVE DONE IN THE LAST 8 YEARS!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rigorous honesty — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:23:08 GMT

Left Coaster--if you can read even just this blog you will see that you clearly do not speak for all, or even most Obama supporters. But nice try in attempting to make the mindless liberal babble more palitable. Howevr, because you are "sure" Obama would have fought for his country indicates you really don'tknow the man.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

hamsoda — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:23:37 GMT

This is an odd sort of concern-trolling, so typical of the author.

Let's see, John McCain, who just yesterday wasn't going to show up for the vote on this bailout, and who hasn't shown up to a number of politically dangerous votes over the last *eight years,* is now suddenly going to fly back to D.C., put on his cape, and save the world. Much like, just prior to Hurricane Ike, he flew into Texas as if he were going to single-handedly turn back an act of God.

And this "might" be political theater?

Come on, Newsweek. Print a picture of a puppy or something in the space you use for this Romano crap.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Hayduke1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:27:48 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Hayduke1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:29:36 GMT

The idea that we are all crying out for McCain to run back to D.C. and save us from this mess is laughable, as is his political posturing in challenging Obama to cancel the debate. McCain doesn't even know yet if the "fundamentals of our economy" are in trouble, and he certainly has nothing useful to contribute to the solution. But lets pretend for a moment he is sincere about suspending Friday's debate:

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

parchedinphoenix — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:32:57 GMT

Can't anyone see what's happening??? We, the white collar workers, blue collar workers and poor

people are about to make the rich folks RICHER!! We need to let the companies that made these mistakes go under. The Builders, Realtors, Mortgage Brokers and people who can't pay for their homes are already suffering for their greedy mistakes. It's about time the Lenders take some responsibility for what's happened and do some suffering along with the rest of us. This bailout would be catastrophic! LEAVE IT TO PRES. BUSH TO TRY TO CHANGE THE NATURAL CYCLE OF THE ECONOMY TO FIT HIS PLAN AND LINE ALL OF HIS BUDDIE'S POCKETS!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

omoekun — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:35:47 GMT

Posted By: pintocalle1 (September 24, 2008 at 8:38 PM)

DEAR PINTO:

YOUR BRAIN MUST BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE CAR YOU NAME YOURSELF AFTER. WHAT THE HECK DOES ABORTION HAVE TO DO WITH WAR?

THE COMPARISON IS SOODAFT IT IS NOT EVEN FUNNY. AND I SAY THAT AS SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE IN BLANKET ABORTIONS. YOU DUNCES THINK DEMOCRACY CAN BE SPREAD BY WAGING WAR. WHERE DID YOU EVER GET SUCH A STUPID IDEA? DO YOU KNOW WHO SAID POWER FLOWS FROM THE BARREL OF THE GUN? I KNOW YOU DON'T. IT WAS CHAIRMAN MAO TSE TUNG (I HOPE YOU KNOW WHO THAT IS).

FREEDOM CAN NOT BE IMPOSED, IT MUST BE SOUGHT. THEREIN LIES THE NONSENSE WE WERE FED ABOUT THE WAS THAT HAS NOW KILLED NO, TO USE YOUR WORDS, MURDERED OVER 4000 OF OUR BRAVEST AND BEST. ALL YOU JACKASS WARMONGERS ARE VERY QUICK TO ADVOCATE WAR BUT WILL NOT SIGN UP. WHY ISN'T MCCAIN'S DAUGHTER IN THE MARINES? WHY WON'T BUSH SIGN UP HIS KIDS FOR THE ARMY?

WE ARE BEING FED BS ON A DAILY BASIS AND LIKE UNTHINKING MICE, THE BLIND KEEP FOLLOWING THE BLIND. AMAZING" THIS IS THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD AND IN THE PAST 8 YEARS IT HAS BEEN BLED DRY BY YOUR FREAKIN' "W" AND HIS NO-BID CRONIES, YET DUMB A**ES STILL SING THEIR PRAISE. JUST AMAZING!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

parchedinphoenix — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:37:54 GMT

Can't anyone see what's happening??? We, the white collar workers, blue collar workers and poor

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:44:49 GMT

I can't help but wonder (and hope) that McCain's latest tactic comes back and slaps the pig right in the face. If he doesn't show up on Friday and the debate proceeds with Obama taking Q & A on foreign policy, that might work out just fine. McCain clearly has had an advantage on experience in foreign policy. I have to assume that Obama will be considered the winner of Friday's debate if McCain chooses to attend his photo op in Washington instead. Obama would just have to hit him hard at the following economy debate. McCain is going to try to get credit for the bailout, but who's going to give him credit for adding a huge tax burden to the American taxpayer? Plus everyone knows what hell he's up to with this stunt.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Duck Soup — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:46:11 GMT

Is this a rescue plan for America or a rescue plan for John McCain, as Chris Dodd just said?

A blogger wrote, "I think McCain's "suspension" of his campaign to go to DC and sit around while Congress hammers out a bailout plan is just political theater. I am not sure that McCain's presence is required at all."

I agree. McCain's presence, in fact, will be destructive. If McCain really wants to speed up passage of the bailout plan, as he claims, then suspending his campaign and rushing down to Washington to politicize the plan can only impede that goal.

McCain's "suspension" of his campaign by in effect transferring it back to Washington to politicize a critical reform urgently needed to restore confidence in our markets once again proves that McCain doesn't understand what our political leaders need to do to help our economy. McCain is worse than President Bush and he can only get in Bush's way here.

McCain's stunt is unprecedented. Reagan and Carter didn't call off the Presidential debate during the Iranian hostage crisis. Just like McCain placed his campaign above America in picking an unknown, unvetted, unqualified VP, again McCain is placing himself above America by using a crisis as a pretext to run away from a head to head debate with his opponent.

Jack Cafferty has it right: http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Cafferty_Dont_cancel_debate_0924.html

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

salvoter — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:46:12 GMT

Senator John Mccain has become the ultimate STUNT MAN. He has sold his soul to win this election, and his henchmen have given him truly devastating advice.

If he and palin are unqualified to DEBATE, then it is time for the GOP to hold an emergency convention and select new candidates. Even GOP'ers are gasping over this one. He is humiliating his party and his country.

NO PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE IN THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY HAS EVER BEEN CANCELLED.

Mccain is committing slow and complete political suicide with these stunts, but this one is truly a slap in the face to all Americans. HE IS TELLING YOU THAT YOU DON'T COUNT---HE IS TOO BUSY TO BOTHER WITH YOU OR YOUR VOTE.

GOP---you are being made into a laughingstock by this whole sordid drama. Obama was already doing well, but Mccain is truly handing victory to Obama on a silver platter. I am happy for Obama, but shocked by the pitiful spectable that mccain has become.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

booyah1 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:48:13 GMT

parchedinphoenix

In case you haven't heard, whats happening is not the "natural cycle of the economy". It is the direct result of the failure of our regulatory system(or lack thereof) to keep pace with the changing economic climate. Yes, bad loans were made by bad people to people who were bad risks...what you seem to be missing is that the byproduct of these toxic transactions is a part of nearly every investment fund in every money-market, mutual fund, pension plan, ira and 401k in this country and overseas. This crisis will affect the general population much more than you seem to realize. Now, allowing this situation to implode may not be the end of the world as so many would have us believe but for those of us who are over 50 and close to retiring, we don't have 10 or 15 years to recover from this.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

FLMom — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:48:24 GMT

I've read a lot of these comments, and I agree with the people who say John McCain is NOT afraid of debating Obama. After all, he has been proclaiming for months his disappointment in not having the opportunity to discussing the issues man-to-man in town hall meetings. So I ask myself, why would a man with the means to do both (appear in Washington thereby bolstering his "bipartisan leader" credentials AND bump his numbers in a debate on his strongest issue, national security) bow out?

Then I read about his proposed rescheduling details and the answer is perfectly clear-- to delay the much anticipated VP debate and give Gov. Palin more cramming time. After all the bad press about the limited press access to Palin at the UN tour, this latest stunt will do little to calm those rising fears of her unreadiness for the office to which she aspires.

Judging by the public's overwhelming disapproval of his announcement to forego Friday's debate, looks like the Mav may have buzzed one tower too many.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

studiusbagus — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:52:25 GMT

If it is soooooo important, and soooooo patriotic for McCain to be there, why is he staying in NYC until after thursday night to attend a function hosted by Bill Clinton?

Because there will be world leaders there thats why, they are there because unlike Bush, Clinton has a respect from the international community and John McCain wants a piece of that. But he's not telling you this part now is he?

So, is it just politics? Yes. He can't do anything, he's not part of the negotiations, can't vote or debate on it until a negotiation is hammered out and that won't be until this weekend at best.

Nice try John, I'm not sucked in.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tiredoflies — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:00:32 GMT

Obviously McCain cannot do two things at once.

This is typical of a senior citizen and a graduate of 894 out of 899.

What the hell?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

dsmb2007 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:07:56 GMT

It seems the cats out of the bag now. This whole charade is simply intended as an excuse to replace next weeks Veep debate with this weeks Presidential debate, thus allowing Palin to once again dodge the American people.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

SFSerg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:13:27 GMT

I just saw a portion of the Palin/Couric interview. Now I know why the GOP doesn't want Palin to talk to the press, SHE SOUNDS TERRIBLE. Her responses sound empty and unsubstantiated. Now I really believe some of the comments here saying that McCain's recent ploy is an attempt to eventually eliminate the Palin debate. The possibility of Palin being a heartbeat to the Presidency gives me terrible nightmares! OH GOD NO! PLEASE PEOPLE, IF ANYTHING, VOTE AGAINST THAT POSSIBILITY!

HAHA. McCain told the media that he trusted his campaign manager Rick Davis and that the media could check his record. The next day it was discovered that he received payouts from Freddie Mac as recently as last month. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. McCain must have thought that the media wouldn't check up on him or he obviously did not know. HAHAHAHA

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

badlogic — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:15:17 GMT

I agree with some of the other posters. I used to respect McCain, but that was when i didn't know a lot about him. Now I see his duplicity and willingness to outright lie and manipulate to win. No matter what political orientation, the people are seeing this and will hopefully make the right decision.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Stopthetwins — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:21:26 GMT

Whoa Ho bhud2008

Are these liberals (LIBERAL? LIBERAL? NO. WE'D RATHER HAVE MEN IN BLACK ROBES TELL US HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES. WE LOVE INVESTIGATIONS OF OUR PRIVATE LIVES...WE ARE VERY LIBERAL...WE LIKE LETTING PEOPLE CHANGE OUR CONSTITUTION, WE JUST LOVE IT. WE ARE SOOO LIBERAL) acually reading what they are typing (YES. WE READ THE BLACK PARTS). Are they serious (WE'RE DEAD SERIOUS) that they think McCain (YOU MEAN THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA-WHO-WOULDN'T- BE-THERE-IF-IT-WEREN'T-FOR-DADDY-IN-LAW'S-MONEY-WHICH-HE-WOULDN'T-HAVE-GOTTEN-IF-HE-HADN'T-CHEATED-ON-HIS-FIRST-WIFE-CAROL??? who has fought in war (HE NEVER "FOUGHT" .HE GOT CAUGHT BEFORE HE KILLED ANYONE) and been in POW (DOES NOT A PRESIDENT MAKE) camps is afraid (OH, YES, VERY AFRAID) to debate (I SAY NOTHING HERE) a community organizer (YOU MEAN THE GUY THAT HELPED POOR PEOPLE?) who has less that two years in the senate (YOUR ONLY TRUE STATEMENT). (YES WE DO THINK THAT. ESPECIALLY AFTER HE VIOLATED CODE...OH JANE, OH JANE WHERE ARE YOU NOW???)

None of the liberals has said anything (CORRECT ENGLISH IS THE LANGUAGE WE SPEAK) about the 10 debates (NOT DEBATES, BUT TOWN HALL MEETINGS) that McCain asked Obama to (TO??? TO WHOM> TO WHAT??? AGAIN THE ENGLISH IS DEAFENING) and that Obama declined. McCain is holding off on a debate until (PALIN GETS A PROPER EDUCATION) a crisis (CAUSED BY HIS PARTY) is adverted but Obama declined a debate without a crisis.

And enough with the crap (DOODOO IS THE CORRECT WORD) about Palin (VON PALIN TO YOU...USA UBER ALLES) not doing any television interveiw (OF WHICH SHE IS INCAPABLE, BUT MIGHT BE GETTING BETTER DUE TO TUTELAGE) or that she is hiding (YOU MEAN DRESSED UP LIKE TINA FEY ON SNL OR WAS IT "HALLOWEEN", SURELY THAT IS WHAT YOU MEAN) from the media (FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, TAXPAYERS DONATIONS TO THE CAMPAIGN FUND-I WANT MY MONEY BACK). She did a television interveiw with Gibson her first few weeks of her selection and it was with as we (WE??????? YOU MEAN...YOU KNOW, LIKE, COME ON YOU KNOW, WE THE PEOPLE??? HELLO?) all know a in the (THINK) tank Obama supporter (SUPPORTER? HOW ABOUT INTELLIGENT THINKER) journalist (FREEDOM OF THE PRESS TYPE PERSON?). Obama has been running for two years and finally had a tough interveiw with Bill Oreily(YOU MEAN, OF COURSE, THE ANGRY IRISH GUY THAT LOOKS LIKE HE JUST CAME OFF A BENDER, THE ONE THAT SPELLS HIS NAME O-R-E-I-L-L-Y, SURELY THATS THE ONE YOU MEAN) last month. Obama has been running for two years (AND IS IN GREAT SHAPE BECAUSE OF HIS EXCELLENT EXERCISE REGIMEN) and only had one tough (OOOH, MR. O'REILLY IS SOOO TOUGH IS HE, WELL AS JON STEWART WOULD SAY "HAVE I GOT SOME CLIPS FOR YOU") interveiw (O'REILLY MONOLOGUE). Going on MSNBC does not count (NO, YOU'RE RIGHT, MSNBC DOES NOT COUNT...IT JUST DISPLAYS FACTS AS THEY COME TO LIGHT..WITHOUT COUNTING) as an interveiw it counts as a pro Obama campaign spot (AND. GOING ON FOX MEANS TEN THOUSAND, SORRY FOR THE SARCASTIC REMARK-its a case of repressed repubican DNA from the early 90's) And as I said before no one (EVERYONE) wants to talk about Joe Biden because (HIS WIFE HAS MORE EDUCATION THAN THE ENTIRE VON PALIN FAMILY) he has turned out to be a (THE MOST EXPERIENCED DECENT HONEST GUY, THE CANDIDATE WITH THE FEWEST SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET POLITICIAN) horrible (KICKASS) VP pick as he has said Hillary would be better than he (AND WE THINK THE REPUBICANS ARE NASTIER THIS TIME...CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE IF IT WAS HILLARY? ILMAO) . Holy Moly, under which rock did you just crawl??? Oooh, it must have been the moss covered rock!

And please stop talking (TAKING AWAY MY RIGHTS ARE YOU? THERE YOU GO AGAIN) about multi tasking folks (VOLKS. THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL BE BE IF VON PALIN GETS IN). You can only talk about that if you have acually accoplished (I WISH TO ACCOPLISH) something in the two years you have been in the Senate Obama. Obama has not even accomplished a task (NONE! NOT A SINGLE ONE!!) let alone multi tasked. (HE'S IN LIKE FLINT)

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tjb0728 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:25:44 GMT

Harvard white guy, I'll compare my deegrees, multiple, and my intelligence, with yours anyday. This is not a republican mess. I'll conceed that Bush should've undone what Clinton and Greenspan did, the reason we are in this mess is because this socialistic government wanted people who couldn't afford houses to buy them. I'll debate this economy with you anytime, anywhere. I'll also debate Obama's experience, and it will be a short debate. The man has no experience which qualifies him to be president. He has a ton of questionable associations, he has a poor track record, he votes with Pelosi/Reid 97% of the time and in case yall don't check these things at Harvard, Congress's approval rating is lower than Bush's. McCain far exceeds Obama on foreign policy, management of our economy, and yes, social issues. Any candidate who will not provide a living infant healthcare in order to gain political favor should not only be cast from office, he should be put in jail. Obama track record is horrendous. But you, and your leader Olbermann, can keep spouting your lies . . . last week Olbermann made up bs about Palin cutting special olympics spending when in FACT she actually raised it! You guys may win this election, but it will cost this country dearly. Barak Obama is dangerous for America. He is clueless, has apparently tried to delay troop withdrawal while on his european vacation pretending to have experience, and cannot speak or think without a teleprompter. As with the situation in Georiga, he waited until McCain acted and then responded on the economy. He is an empty suit. One mroe fact for you to smoke on harvard boy . . . the folks who cling to their guns, and their religion, they're not voting against Obama because he's a black man, they're voting against him because they work hard, every day, they raise families, they go to Church, they try to build a future and they are tired of paying the bills for the likes of YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will not bother again to respond to your ignorant posts nor will I stoop to your level . . . I will suggest, that if you are indeed a "harvard" man, that you could come up with something a little more intelligent than farm animal analogies . . . but that's what you guys do, when you lose an argument due to FACT, you insult character. You'll grow up some day, it might be AFTER olbermann and msnbcdnctv lead us off a cliff, who knows, you might even have to work instead of cheesing off those of us who do!!!!!! In your heroe's words harvard "boy", GROW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tjb0728 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:33:02 GMT

I found the references to farm animals unnecessary, and, quite frankly, very inappropriate in this format. I have replied to the post personally, however, this post should be reviewed and this gentleman (and I use that term loosely) should be reprimanded. I thought this was a format to discuss issues, not to make personal and disgusting attacks. I have a teenage daughter who reads newsweek frequently, despite my concerns over the magazine's left wing agenda I let her do so, I will no longer do so as you are allwing this kind of trashy post! Good luck with your candidate, Fineman and Olbermann are doing a good job of promoting Obama, in doing so, they are putting our country in the hands of an inexperience man!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JD598 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:08:25 GMT

I think that when Mr.McCain decided to postpone the debate with Mr. Obama , it backfired. He let down all of his supporters and the Republican party...This decision, rather it was his idea or suggested by his advisors, was a very...very...bad mistake.......Even thou McCain tries to distance himself from Bush, he did the exact thing that bush would of pulled.....Enough of the games....Lets see the debate every voter has been waiting for...May the best canidate come on top. I think that alot of undecided and some Republicans will not vote to put a man in office that will give us another 4 more years of te same....This country could not withstand it.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

JD598 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:08:38 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

icarusinbrazil@yahoo.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:09:51 GMT

It looks like McCain is afraid he will be too tired to debate on Friday.

That is why they say, "McCain Tires. Obama Inprires.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Omaar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:32:53 GMT

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/palin-on-mccains-history_n_129078.html

The only people that will Vote for McCain-Palin are [100% Pure Bigots & Bitter Bigoted Feminist]...

Palin is asked to chime in on McCain's hard stance an history on [Regulation] and [Dereulation

She could'nt think of one specific answer, because she simply did'nt know, so she says....

"I'll Find You Some and Bring Em... To Ya"

Man, I'll keep it Simple and Plain as I can make it....

This Poor Soul is not Ready for the Bright Lights and Big Governemnt, whether as a VP and more over the [President Of The USA]

First it was Charles Gibson and the "Bush Doctrine" Question and now this !!!

I see why McCain and his Camp are keeping the Mass Media at bay and why he wants to postpone the Presidential Debates as well as push back the Biden-Palin VP Debates, for another Week !!!!

Palin...Thats why..

Plus McCain is not the Sharpest Spear in the Jungle as well

----------------------------------------

Katie Couric: Ask Palin about McCain’s History On De-Regulation. Listen to her Response...Sad

Gov. Sarah Palin could not name a single instance in which Sen. John McCain has advocated for more regulation of the market -- a position that, in the wake of crisis in the housing and financial markets, the Arizona Senator has adopted as his own.

Appearing on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Palin briefly discussed McCain's call for greater oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- the two beleaguered mortgage houses - as evidence that McCain doesn't always shy from a firmer government role in the economy. But when pressed, she could not name an actual instance where McCain supported regulation.

"I'm just going to ask you one more time, not to belabor the point," Couric said. "Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation."

"I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you," Palin responded.

The reason she was stumped is somewhat simple: McCain, in his 26 years in Congress has been a strict champion of deregulation. As my colleague, Nico Pitney reported: Back in October 1999, when Senate Republicans led by Phil Gramm were deep in negotiations .. legislation to deregulate the banking industry, McCain was at a primary debate in New Hampshire touting the benefits of such a measure.

"There's a number of reasons why we are experiencing this almost unprecedented prosperity," McCain said back then. "Among them are a lack of regulation, free trade, and most importantly, we are going through a revolution the likes of which the world has seldom seen."

Here is the entirety of Couric's interview with Palin.

COURIC: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

------------------------------------------

PALIN: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie--that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

COURIC: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

PALIN: He's also known as the maverick though. Taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about--the need to reform government.

COURIC: I'm just going to ask you one more time, not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation?

PALIN: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

martin_gray — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:59:37 GMT

McCain does not want to debate Senator Obama because he reads every speech from a teleprompter. He cannot speak intelligently when the speech is extemporaneous. McCain does support deregulation.

The failures on Wall Street were caused by greed and a lack of oversight due to the lack of regulation.

America's overall sad financial picture is caused by the budget deficit. It has cheapened the dollar, increased fuel costs because petroleum prices are computed in dollars and increased the interest expense that must be accounted for in the budget.

When Bush took office, there was a 5 trillion dollar surplus. Now there is a 4 trillion dollar deficit. In less than eight years, the Bush administration spent the spread of 9 trillion dollars. Deficits are caused by excess spending over revenue. Wars on two fronts have contributed greatly. Iraq costs us about 350 million dollar a day. While this administration was busily increasing military spending, they were reducing revenue by reducing federal income and capital gains taxes on the 10% of the wealthiest Americans.

Now Bush wants to bail out Wall Street and I'd be willing to wager that his figures are about 35% on the low side. Even worse, McCain is talking about a possible war with Iran and conflict with Russia over Georgia. It appears that we have three choices: 1. Elect Obama 2. Gift Fort Knox to China to prevent them from cancelling the China Credit Card 3. Crank up the printing presses creating massive inflation.

Remember, you can't have your cake and eat it, too.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

martin_gray — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:01:27 GMT

McCain does not want to debate Senator Obama because he reads every speech from a teleprompter. He cannot speak intelligently when the speech is extemporaneous. McCain does support deregulation.

The failures on Wall Street were caused by greed and a lack of oversight due to the lack of regulation.

Remember, you can't have your cake and eat it, too.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

cleobeo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:46:35 GMT

I would love to debate but it will be past my bedtime. And Cindy doesn't like to change my Depends after 8:o'clock. Also, I really don't know a thing about the economy. Maybe Sarah can take my place, she might know something to say, after all, she said she killed the bridge to nowhere. I never did understand how she killed a bridge. Anyway,

nitey nite.

McComa

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1easylay — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:13:27 GMT

Give ol' john a break. He obviously needs one. Like the Feds and congress need him to fix this mess. It's him and his failed policies, like the failed policies of his mentor, Ol' W, that brought about this disaster.

It's hard running for president when you have Alzheimers disease. He doesn't even know who Palin is. Lieberman has to constantly remind him of who she is.

Go buy a ranch and retire, John. You've done enough damage to this country.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

bhud2008 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:25:44 GMT

to Stopthetwins, wow that had to be the most boring and unsophisticated response I have ever read. I have never read so much rabbaling on about nothing of substance. Once again you will see that there is not a response to Obama declining 10 town hall meetings/debates. They continue to deny the fact that he would not accept any of McCain's offers but want to make the claim that McCain is the one running scared. Double standard?

Also, I will agree with tjb0728 who says that all liberals do is once you lose an agument due to facts, you start to insult character. Saying Sarah Palin is uneducated and that John McCain never fought in a war is seriously misinformed, illogical and just plain stupid.

And Omarr on the comment:

"The only people that will Vote for McCain-Palin are [100% Pure Bigots & Bitter Bigoted Feminist]..."

really just adds to the point that all liberals do is to start calling names once they have no response for the facts. Although I can't blame you for taking after your Messiah who called people who cling to their guns and religion as bitter americans.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rockyroad — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:45:47 GMT

Agree with bhud2008 . . . inept article dithered.

McCain's Gimmick is exactly that and any thinking voter (not writer) will see it for the political ploy that it is. McCain's scared out of his skin to debate Obama and even more afraid to let Palin out of her cage to debate Biden. Humm . . . how to appear presidential while hiding in my cave? I'll just demand that the world stop so that I can participate in the proceedings of a leadership committee on which I am not a member. Fact that they won't let me in the door . . . hell. . . Americans are idiots. They won't know the difference . . . Yeah. That's the ticket.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Cazador1972 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:52:12 GMT

Bhud2008,

Don't generalize about liberals, if you read these comment pages you'll see that the scathing insults, name calling and downright mendacity come mostly from Mccain/Palin supporters. Also, what the heck is "rabbaling"?

Someone please explain this to me: McCain said last week that the economy was fundamentally strong, but he's now putting his campaign on hold because of this crisis?! I am seriously, very seriously thinking he's losing it a little. How about his VP running mate whose "executive experience" they they keep bragging about, what can't she take over and hold the fort?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

caraprado — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:20:07 GMT

From:

Head of State

http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-trailing-in-polls-continues.html

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

McCain, Trailing in Polls, Continues Campaign By "Suspending" It

John McCain, trailing by 9 points in national polls, has announced that he is "suspending" his campaign.

Having lost significant ground to Obama on the issue of the economy, and facing a potentially defining and withering debate on Friday where he would be confronted on his statements on the economy that have led to this sharp decline, McCain has attempted to change the rules of the game, to erase many past errors through a putatively "unpolitical" move--something we have seen before.

A simple question: Under the same economic conditions, if McCain had been leading, does anyone believe that McCain would have "suspended" his campaign?

This is the ultimate in cynicism--using the current conditions in order to attempt to blunt a sharp decline and try to control the media dialogue, through a political act designed to avoid a potential political debacle. He is continuing his campaign--which was leading to loss in all directions--by "suspending" it. It is an attempt to silence media criticism and questions--and to prevent a debate on these issues that for him is sharply unfavorable. As such, it is impulsivity masked as statesmanship, as well as an attempt to control the media dialogue, as we saw yesterday at the U.N.,--factors we have seen all along. He wants to attempt to force media to avoid covering openly his flailing campaign, the cynically political masked as the unpolitical, as we saw in the VP pick. Don't be fooled.

McCain is attempting to avoid the debate in the face of this decline, through the type of evasion and lack of press access and communication that has characterized his campaign. It shows an extraordinary willingness to use difficult conditions to erase and avoid political errors, and serve political needs.

He surely would like to put off the debate, and attempt to create more favorable conditions for it.

This is just the time for a debate. We can work on solutions as well. Don't be cowed.

Cite:

Head of State

http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-trailing-in-polls-continues.html

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

lm_cco — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:24:27 GMT

So doing Letterman is "campaigning" but speaking with Katy Couric on CBS is not? The debate Friday before all of America is trivialized, but photo ops at the Clinton summit in NY can't be missed -- and isn't "campaigning"? McCain is just like Bush -- it's all a political ploy. Do we need another 4 years of a president that can't be trusted to make rational decisions?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

OhioGal — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:01:12 GMT

Unlike places like Pakistan, we are a country where the presidential election will take place regardless of the financial crisis. McCain is one of 100 senators but only one of two presidential candidates. His job at this point in time is to run for president. His campaign needs to continue because the election continues regardless of what is happening.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

sirhc — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:15:43 GMT

CLAY AIKEN'S GAYNESS THINKS THAT MCCAIN SUSPENDING HIS CAMPAIGN IS TOO OBVIOUS BUT SERIOUSLY..........................HIS BEHAVIOR DURING THIS MOST STRENUOS TIME IS ERRATC TO SAY THE LEAST. HIS BEHAVIOR IS EXACTLY WHAT I DON'T WANT DURING A TIME LIKE THIS. GIVE ME OBAMA'S STEADY INTELLECTUAL COOLNESS. BTW..................................WHY THE HECK DOES HE WANT TO DELAY THE VP DEBATE TOO?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

navel — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:57:40 GMT

McCain is certainly a poor speaker, forgets things and is older than we might like - but lets face the truth here - There is absolutely NO WAY obama should ever come close to the white house. His views on foreign policy are freightening, on homeland security - freightening, it's clear he has no true game plan on the economy - he is just a good speaker in a pressed suit.

McCain is not the Maverick he portrays hiself to be, but we all know he truly does put his contry first, has strong beliefs both morally and ethically (unlike obama), and at the end of the day, he's not the one calling the shots its his cabinet members that are. Vote McCain, the better choice when both choices are not too good.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

klebrun — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:11:47 GMT

Hotdog vs Maverick???

A hotdog, in the military, is a commanding officer whose ego takes priority over his mission and his troops. The end result is generally a disaster for the mission and the troops.

At 72, McCain has fought multiple bouts with a lethal form of cancer and refuses to respond to a reasonable review of his medical records. Add the 5 ½ years of physical abuse as a POW and we now have a man whose mind and body are putting minimal effort into his responsibilities as a senator at a time when the demands on a president will be astronomical.

Short of a medical miracle, he is not up to the task mentally or physically and time is working against him and the country.

Bottom line is that this campaign is an ego trip for McCain, and he is pulling out all the stops for one last fling to win the big one.

He is subordinating the mission/country and the troops/public to that ego.

US Naval Academy 66 for Obama

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

LFforMcCain — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:25:18 GMT

nothing tricky about McCain's maneuver! He is doing his duty to his country and he is acting like the leader that he has been for his entire life! Obama, in typical 'hotdog' fashion, has chosen his own personal ego and personal motives to get in the way of doing what is right for the Country he is paid to serve . . . our Illinois tax dollars NOT at work!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jnakhoul — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:29:33 GMT

he doesnt know a damn thing about economics! what good will he do anyway

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ike2000 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:32:36 GMT

McPain, lately, looks very pale in appearance. This does indicate a systemic failure needing rectification -- medical, that is. Insider sources reveal that the senator was mandated by his physician to cease his campaign and check-in for an urgent medical attention. His tactics to suspend, therefore, was gimmickry and aimed at adverting media questions about his absence during the medical procedure.

Insider sources reveal also, that the senator is not in DC, but in a Cleavland, OH clinic.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

saberman — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:41:13 GMT

This move by McCain is indeed nothing but a callous and dishonest trick. He knows nothing about economics and is not even capable of contributing to the discussion. The latest ploy for attention is hardly a suspension of his campaign. It is a dishonest method of campaigning.

Prior to the campaign I had a reasonably good opinion of McCain. He was one of the Republicans who occasionally would buck the conservative right wing elites and help the Democrats pass legislation that had potential to help the average American. I never really bought the self praising "hero" bit in which he would have us believe that a) being a victim of the Vietnam war (which he was) plus a perpetrator of the killing in that war (which he also was) is equivalent to being a "hero". Senator Kerry actually was a hero, in my book, because he led successful dangerous missions. He was even more a hero when he later opposed the war. But all of that is neither here nor there. The disturbing thing now is that John McCain is running the most dishonest presidential campaign on record. It seems he will say anything or do anything to get attention. It frightens me to think that this guy could actually win. Anyone who hopes to hang on to health benefits (any that might be left after the Bush years) or to a chance for good housing and decent retirement would be wise to reject McCain and support Obama.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

careerdaytrader — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:43:25 GMT

Great Job Mc Cain! Those of us who WORK for a living and PAY taxes love you! The liberals who support the poorest 40% who PAY NO TAXES condone your actions.

We need a leader, not Obama who says "if you call and need me, I'll be there."

What kind of BULLSHIT leader is that! Take the initiative you coward Obama!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:10:47 GMT

Hey, careerdaytrader, how's the market these days?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:12:45 GMT

Do you call sitting at a computer buying and selling securities WORK? That is what a careerdaytrader does, isn't it, careerdaytrader?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1easylay — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:17:26 GMT

Earlier quote:

He only cheated on his first wife with single women, right? That's his "moral" cause, huh?

Please.................he finished bottom of his clas, marginally intelligent and partied like an animal and now can never find his car keys.

Ethical????????????? He fought for this "deregulation" and know that his campaign is in the toilet, he wants to suspend it to go help on a committe he is NOT NEEDED AT? He olnly wants to suspend it is because nobody can believe a word coming out if his mouth. A week ago our economy was strong and deregulation brought about great wealth, but now its an EMERGENCY and go to Washington. Who the hell sends Mr. Magoo to the sharpshooting contest?

They need him there like I need a second a_shole. He's affraid to debate cause the dementia's acting up this week.

RETIRE and go hunting with Cheney.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1easylay — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:17:42 GMT

Earlier quote:

He only cheated on his first wife with single women, right? That's his "moral" cause, huh?

Please.................he finished bottom of his clas, marginally intelligent and partied like an animal and now can never find his car keys.

They need him there like I need a second a_shole. He's affraid to debate cause the dementia's acting up this week.

RETIRE and go hunting with Cheney.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

OhioGal — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:17:48 GMT

Republicans will say that McCain is being a hero and doing his job. Democrats will say this is just another political gimmick from a candidate who is sliding in the polls. As an independant I look at the situation and ask myself what can McCain do for the situation? How is he essential to what is happening? What can't be done without him? How will he speed this situation to a successful solution? So far I haven't seen anything that makes me think he is critical to a solution and so see this as a political move. McCain needs people like me to vote for him, we are the people who are willing to vote for either party. I used to love this guy and declared myself a Republican (I live in Ohio where you declare which party you wish to vote for at each primary election) just so that I could vote for him in the 2000 primary. I loved him when the Republicans didn't and now I'm just sad to see the maverick isn't the guy he used to be or maybe he never was the guy I thought him to be.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

wealwaysknow — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:19:33 GMT

Debate On Hold = Democracy On Hold

Americans deserve to see the presidental debate on schedule.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1easylay — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:21:58 GMT

Careerdaytrader is a 45. yr old, 375 Lb, housebound, Popeye's eating loser who still mooches off mom and hasn't been laid since Reagan was in office.

Just from how she/he/it brags all the time about $$.

You know what they say..................if you have to brag about it, it probably ain't much to brag about.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Donna1000 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:48:52 GMT

Obama's own economic advisor, Warren Buffet, has called the financial crisis "an economic Pearl Harbor." Executives have to know what to delegate to staff and what to focus on personally. Obama's desire to delegate the financial crisis to staff is absurd and demonstrates his inability to operate as an executive.

When the financial crisis broke, Obama headed to Hollywood to party with other celebrities and raise money for his campaign. McCain has suspended his campaign and headed to Washington to focus on the Economic Pearl Harbor. IMHO, McCain has shown vastly superior judgment here.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Donna1000 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:51:13 GMT

BTW, for Obama's young supporters. Pearl Harbor was a military crisis when Japan attacked U.S. soil, Hawaii, during World War II. It shocked and terrified Americans and moved America directly into a war.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ike2000 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:01:41 GMT

Maverick McCain will trow in the towel and call it quit, Friday night. Another inside scoop reveals that McCain, sensing a landslide defeat in November, is contemplating throwing in the towel. However, hardcore zealots are pressing for a kamikaze style attack on Obama to wrestle the mantle away. Internal pollsters believe he (mccain) will be lucky to win 3 states. The end of the tunnel is here, was advised.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

missconservative — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:04:52 GMT

David Letterman made an excellent point last night. He opined that considering McCain is suspending his campaign to handle the crisis (as a president would), isn't this the best time for your vice-presidential candidate to step up to the plate and be the face for the campaign? Sarah Palin is still under lock and key with 30-second media coverage. With the election less than 40 days away, I want to hear what McCain and Obama both have to say. McCain and Obama are both instrumental in signing the bill but are not its architects. If Obama were the one to call for suspension of the debates Republicans would be all over him about being weak and a real leader should be able to handle more than one problem at a time. Don't retreat into a cave, McCain! I want to hear what you and Obama have to say!!!! I have my bottle of wine ready for the debates Friday evening, September 26th, 2008.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Heldenhammer — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:09:05 GMT

Obama was not in Hollywood. He was doing his job as a presidential candidate by campaigning in battleground states. His presence and McCain's does absolutely nothing to the bill. They are not authors or champions of its creation and they have little more authority now than simply to vote for it. The idea that McCain rushing off to 'save Washington' is laughable at best and is a political gambit to rescue sliding polls.

As for Buffet, he is not the economic advisor to Obama. It would be fantastic if he were especially as a mere word from the Oracle of Omaha can cause stocks to rise.

And for Pearl Harbor, I'm fairly certain you should have to worry about uneducated young Republican voters than Democratic. To keep with the allusions to Pearl Harbor, the destruction of our destroyer and battleship fleet also refocused the naval conflict to air power through carriers. The tragedy lead to a revolution which I hope is the same result here. Old systems are rarely removed until they fail.

Get back to me when you write objectively, Donna1000 and know your candidates.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

apolemic — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:09:39 GMT

Donna1000,

So THAT'S what that "Pearl Harbor" thingie is! Thanks for telling us. Golly gee, if I couldn't download it to my iPod I wouldn't know anything!

Try to patronize us just a liiiittle more, would you? And spare us your political gullibility in this matter.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Donna Yannotta — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:19:59 GMT

Fine, have the Vice Presidential debate on Friday!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1easylay — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:26:46 GMT

Just hope John takes the right meds that night............................

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

1easylay — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:26:47 GMT

Just hope John takes the right meds that night............................

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:46:36 GMT

Mc Cain is experiencing a significant decline in energy and significant short term memory loss, as a natural result of his advanced age. He is just not up to handling the debate and trying to go cast a vote in the Senate on the same day. There are just too many things for him to remember to do them both, as opposed to the razor sharp short term memory and high physical energy level of his opponent. Hence, it is more likely that he is designing a workable schedule to accommodate his physical and mental disabilities instead of making a calculated political maneuver.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:51:10 GMT

I think that it would be very polite if Senator Obama would accommodate Senator Mc Cain's problems with old age in this matter. Surely such courtesies should apply in a fair contest.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:54:02 GMT

As an alternative solution to the problem of the debate, it would be quite courteous of Senator Mc Cain to send his very able, young, intelligent and capable vice presidential candidate to stand in for him. He is a very experienced politician and we can count on him to have chosen one who could stand in for him in the event that anything untoward, such as a national financial crisis, or anything else, might arise.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:56:32 GMT

I am confident that if Senator Obama had some sort of a similar disability, that he would certainly send his vice presidential candidate to stand in for him in such an important debate.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

tiredoflies — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:14:59 GMT

THE REAL TRUTH COMES OUT:

If McCain can cancel Fridays debate and swap it for the VP debate, then:

PALIN DOES NOT HAVE TO DEBATE AND ANSWER QUESTIONS SHE CANNOT ANSWER thereby AVOIDING LOOKING INCOMPETENT.

That is what this is really all about. MORE MCCAIN DECEPTION.

Else, MCCAIN CANNOT DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE.

Either way, INCOMPETENCE ABOUNDS!

This really smells

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

MsChiTown — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:18:12 GMT

The funny thing is tomorrow's debate's main focus is to be on FOREIGN POLICY. You mean McCain is wimping out on what's supposed to be his strong suit! Hilarious

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

knowthefacts — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:23:20 GMT

WE WILLN'T FALL THIS PLOT BY THE McSHAME FLIP FLOP CAMP

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

EightOh9 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:43:03 GMT

Hoover and Roosevelt ran a presidential campaign in the midst of the Great Depression and Roosevelt ran a campaign during WWII. Lincoln ran a campaign even in the middle of the Civil War. Don't tell me that this subprime crisis is more of a mess than the Civil War.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

max in fl — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:53:31 GMT

Obama should 'one up' the psychological game on McCain and say he WILL be at the debate and he EXPECTS McCain to be there too. I would wait with the media (you know McCain will be watching) where it will be held. After a while hold a press conference and in no uncertain terms Obama should emphasize historical precedents that did not stop the debates. That is the only way to flip the game back on McCain court. Obama doesn't have to fight McCains fight. The townhall meetings were free publicity for McCain. As for public financing I quote "We have created a parallel public financing system where the American people decide if they want to support a campaign they can get on the Internet and finance it, and they will have as much access and influence over the course and direction of our campaign that has traditionally been reserved for the wealthy and the powerful," Obama .THAT is how you deal with soft money. For goodness sake McCain coauthored the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. McCain was setting Obama up from go.

Let McCain pay for EVERYTHING until he is out of cash then you REALLY unload on him. No feelings, pure grit, if McCain wants to step into the ring prove he still has what it takes, then stop stalling. Palin has what it takes (though we haven't seen it so far) then proceed as scheduled. It not tough to threaten to bomb a country that doesn't have any. He saw FIRSTHAND what a bomb can do and he liked it then and he is singing about now.

If our leaders think war then we will see war and nothing will change until our leaders decide to think peace. Fortunately we now can choose who will lead us.

There is not enough letter contrast so bloggers can see what they writing. I guess I'll see what I wrote afterwards.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

caraprado — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:54:23 GMT

From:

Head of State

http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-and-bushs-kabuki-theatre-mccain.html

Thursday, September 25, 2008

McCain and Bush's Kabuki Theatre: McCain Contacts Bush To Set Up Meeting To Prop Up His "Suspension"

Now we know why McCain hired the Bush contingent.

It emerged in the White House briefing today that McCain called Bush and asked him to initiate a meeting today at 4 pm at the White House, putatively for him to "deal with" the crisis.

That is, McCain asked Bush to help him create an avoidant trifecta: To try ti\o lend some credence to McCain's desperate assertion that a suspension of his campaign is necessary, in effect avoiding a debate in which he would face critical questions about his stance on the economy; attempting to co opt the financial crisis thereby trying to put an end to his plummeting in the polls created by his flailing positions on the economy--perhaps best reflected by his statement days ago that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong"; and, while avoiding his own debate, also buying more time for Sarah Palin after her embarrassing photo op at the UN yesterday, by moving her debate forward as well.

Here's how it happened, according to Q and A at the WHB:

McCain emailed Bush asking for the 4 P.M. meeting. Now, one reasonably might ask, why is today at 4 p.m. such a necessity for McCain, if his interest is solely the national good?

Because it is before the debate. McCain hopes to stage a meeting at the White House, thereby, with Bush's cooperation, lending plausibility to his claim to need to suspend his campaign. Then, if Republicans, in their own electoral interest, can be persuaded to come to agreement after the meeting, and before the debate, he would claim--in an act of utter stage management--to have "resolved" the crisis. Thereby hoping to take the heat off on his past careening stances and sliding polls and staunch the bleeding on the polls--before the debate.

This is Kabuki Theatre masquerading as substance--no different than what we saw at the U.N. yesterday.

It is utterly stage managed, utterly cynical, and utterly unrelated to the substantive deliberation necessary to actually resolve these matters on the merits and for our nation's future, rather than for short-term and desperate political advantage.

These occurrences are equally important for what they indicate about McCain's governing style as they are for their impact upon democratic process: impulsive acts that rely on drama and theatrical posture rather than substantive reasoning and long-term deliberation; a strong willingness to sacrifice substantive reasoning, deliberative process, and even prior structures and agreements to immediate political need; an attempt to reach outcomes through last minute stage management rather than substantive argument.

These should create deep concern for anyone who wishes for a change in governmental process from the past eight years.

We have an economy, rather than a campaign, to rescue. Putting nation before politics means putting all attempts to resolve it before political attempts to co opt it--and to move towards one's commitments, rather than towards a more immediate and short-term salvation.

Cite:

Head of State

http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-and-bushs-kabuki-theatre-mccain.html

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Rametyn — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:26:42 GMT

All of this rhetoric by Democrats only serve to prove one thing--you are way more concerned with how this effects your candidate, and the possibility of winning--than you are concerned with the economy of this country. The idiocrity of thinking Mccain is trying to duck a debate in which he is so much stronger than Obama is pure fallacy on your part--once again, using anything, and saying anything to dilute the true nature of this move.

In fact, news reports are now coming in that say Dems--after days of saying that cannot come to a resolution--are now affirmed on this bill--only BECAUSE THEY ARE TERRIFIED that Mccain will get some credit for moving it a long, and prove he is a leader in this area. ONCE AGAIN MAKING DECISIONS FOR OUR COUNTRY BASED SOLE ON WINNING VOTES FOR THE ELECTION!

You haven't posed the question on here, that if this were just a political set-up by Mccain and Bush, then why is Obama falling for it? Why is he going to the meeting, if that is all it is?

Oh yeah, because once again he is only proving that he comes to a decision on these matters only AFTER Mccain has made his. The same as his stance on Israel, and on the Georgia fiasco--where he issued a statement that is was NATO's to deal with--then retracting it three days later and trying to come out stronger on the issue--THREE DAYS after Mccain already had!

Looks to me like your boy is much more of a follower than a leader.

After you are done politicing it, you also have to be balanced, and open to the possibility that Mccain actually made this move BECAUSE he puts country first--unlike you, worry more more about winning the election types do. There is a much stronger record for truth in this than the BS you are posting in panicing attempts to discount him. That is, when the troop surge was unpopular--Mccain stood behind it--saying he would rather loose the election than the war. Proof he cares more for his country than he does winning the race.

So, keep posting all this factless opinon crap--trying to turn this into somethin else--only because YOU KNOW if he gets something done then it will show beyond doubt who is a leader and who is the follower.

If nothing else, you have to wonder why Obama didn't think to make the move first--and why is he always reacting to what Mccain does instead of the other way around. IF anything, he is usually telling the media that they will release statements later today, or tomorrow, because it takes him that long to figure out what he should do, or say in REACTION to the goings on.

Man, if he does elected, I hope when something dire does happen, he doesn't wait to see what everyone else thinks before he does something then too.

Could you imagine this happening while Obama is pres--and him saying--oh, well, I'll release a statement on the White House position sometime tomorrow--after I figure out what the people who know what they are doing think I should do?

These arguments are laughable on the part of Dems

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Rametyn — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:50:46 GMT

Oh yeah--while your busy poting idle opinion that DOESN"T MATTER.

Guess what race just went back to dead even.

LOL

Gallip poll just realeased--Obama 46% Mccain 46%

After you factor in the Bradley Effect--wonder where that puts you guys now? With you party saying that if Obama is not up by seven going into Nov 4th he will lose? That's right, what your party thinks--not the GOP estimate.

How ever you want to dilute it down--opinion on who is a leader and who is a follower just shifted again in favor of Mccain.

After years of trying to win the White House by arguing transparent bull crap--slandering and twisting at every move--when are you people going to realize that it is a tactic THAT JUST DOESN"T WORK>

Even more so than ever. With the highest percentage of people watching the race than ever before in an election--EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT THE FACTS ARE!.

When you post crap--people read it--then discount it as crap. It does not help your cause, and probably just pushes undecideds away from your party. So, good job.

We're neck and neck again. Keep it up/

LOL

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

TJ21 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:58:02 GMT

Rametyn, I'm embarrassed for you. Please tell me what McCain is doing to "move this along". He doesn't understand the economy AT ALL, yet you are advocating that he deserves an ounce of credit for anything that happens. Yes Obama is going to the meetings. But he can do both. John McCain is in no way an important figure in this process yet he wants to "stop the campaign to rush to Washington"? Really?

And I'm guessing that you don't pay attention because McCain's "decision on these matters" that you claim Obama comes up with only after McCain has come up with them first is so OFF it's unbelievable. McCain shoots from the hip and gives his first reaction to situations which is almost always wrong and then he changes his mind the next day. At least Obama assess's the situation. A week ago McCain thought the economy was ok, now he has to rush to Washington to help fix it?

If you are going to type as much as you did, please please please incorporate some logic. And please don't talk down to "the dems" when you yourself are beyond ignorant.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

good conscience — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:15:04 GMT

Ah, McShapeShifter strikes again! He is hell-bent on proving to the American people that he is an all-out, all-time loser. And his ability to do so is absolutely outstanding.

Palin's afternoon tea-party is also wearing thin. Her brush with some of the world's leading diplomats at the UN was laughable.

Years ago I met, and shook hands with, Mick Jagger. But the next day I did not wake up as a rock star! Wonder why?

Letterman should be saluted for taking the strong stand that he did last night. See you at the polls.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Cazador1972 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:42 GMT

Let me see if I follow the logic here:

A) McCain admitted early in the primaries that he doesn't know much about the economy.

B) McCain said early last week that the fundamentals of the economy are strong.

C) McCain then suspends his campaign to go back to Washington to help with something he admitted not to know much about in a crisis that last week he didn't think existed.

Am I the only one baffled by the McCain logic?

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Sassy Lady — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:38:25 GMT

How much wackier can this get? The McCain camp has more twists and turns than a world-class roller coaster, and we still have over 1-month to go. His erratic behavior is becoming increasingly evident. What will he do, or not do, next? I'm not sure this is what I want in a President.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

mm_Mo. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:45:48 GMT

CAREERDAYTRADER--Obama is not trying to get out of debating like MCain is. The walls are closing in on McCain--people are seeing that he is too old and can't do more than one thing at a time--great presidential material---NOT!!!!!!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:02:11 GMT

Mc Cain's idea of good economy is to marry a very wealthy person.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

PacificGatePost — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:02:20 GMT

NEW DEBATE: WHO IS GOING TO JAIL?

WHO SHOULD OVERSEE THE FIX?

Too many have fed at the trough. What Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executives did was illegal.

http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/09/fanny-mae-freddie-mac-congressional.html

Still no time to panic, but some executives and some in Congress should see jail time.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:04:10 GMT

Buy stock in prison suit manufacturers.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

olderwiser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:08:41 GMT

It is very characteristic of people who are entering senile territory to make sudden and ill considered decisions. Like choosing an inexperienced nursing mother for vice president of the United States of America. Like suddenly canceling a scheduled debate before the whole world to make a vote in the Senate, as if only one of those is possible to do in only a couple of days.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

rf08tbo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:47:41 GMT

John McCain’s erratic behavior makes me wonder if the 72 year old man is in the early stages of developing dementia. I feel sorry for ANYONE who has to run against this guy. His opponent wakes up in the morning and wonders what antic or gimmick will McCain come up with next? It’s like the man suffers from ‘ADT’ and is bouncing off of walls. Making decisions on the fly. Just what we need “an unstable individual controlling an unstable country”. Perfect fit for America.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

hillary1973 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:08:29 GMT

Will the media please stop saying the McCain has suspended anything but the debate??? His surrogates have been everywhere today. If he suspended your campaign he should pull everyone. It's like the media hasn't noticed his hole team has been on every media outlet.

Please, it's a desperate ploy to try to scare Americans. Can he do more than 1 thing at 1 time? Is he scared of Obama? Doesn't he have any confidence in his own party to get this done? It's just sad.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jh35180 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:53:04 GMT

It really amazes me that we have all of these pseudo neurologists who are diagnosing McCain as being senile. Unless you are a physician who can diagnose McCain, I really think some of your amateur diagnoses of McCain are rather stupid. I am still voting for McCain. Here is a list of why I am voting for McCain and why I will not in my wildest dreams vote for Obama.

1. Obama's supporters. Most of Obama's supporters are so nauseating. If Obama's supporters were less nauseating, I might give Obama a fairer look. Nevertheless, Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, and Chris Matthews are not exactly helping Obama.

2. McCain has 25 years in the Senate as opposed to Obama's 3. I know the Obamists will spew out their usual garbage: 1. He's wise and thoughtful, 2. He's for change, 3. McCain is too old, 4. Palin is inexperienced. Frankly, the Dems would be better served if Joe Biden were heading the ticket.

3. The fact that Obama seems so willing to talk to Ahmindinijad with no preconditions seema at best naive and at the worst dangerous. Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba maybe more "tiny" in size. Nevertheless, they pose a threat and they should be taken seriously.

4. Obama acts like he voted against the war to start with in 2003. He may have been against the war but there is no way that he could have voted against it because he was still in Springfield, Illinois in 2003.

5. Even though Obama acts so noble, he engages in dirty politics with negative ads that don't tell the full truth.

6. Obama acts "post racial," yet he pulls the race card frequently.

7. Obama's supporters frequently pull the race card. In case some of you are not aware this could create some backlash for Obama.

8. In spite of how Obama acts like he is going to raise taxes on only the wealthiest of Americans, many of his past actions seem to show he will be one of major taxing presidents. In Economics 201, most texts suggest that raising taxes in uncertain economic times is foolish and counterproductive.

9. In education, Obama has said he is for the career ladder. This is not a new idea. It was tried in several states in the 1980s and it was junked by many of these states. Of course Bush's "No Child Left Behind" has been a failure as well. Frankly, education would be better off if Washington kept their nose out of it.

10. I realize the Obama worshippers will pan my points as you are welcome to do so. But I still have free speech rights to criticize Obama.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

martin_gray — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:40:07 GMT

Gee, I find it hard to believe that Hannity, O'Brien, Coulter, Rushbo and all of the others are somehow surperior to Maddow, Olbermann and Matthews.

McCain's 25 years of experience have just brought him closer to the time when he should be seriously thinking of retirement. He would be the oldest president in the nation.

Obama prefers diplomacy to war. That is perhaps something that we should have tried over 5.5 years ago when we attacked Iraq and found no threats existed for our nation.

Well, he did.

Regarding 5, in my market area, I seen two to four viscious attack ads with the approval of McCain. The Obama campaign ads are rather mild compared to McCain's.

I have not perceived him as having pulled the race card. You know that he was hung in effigy at the University of Oregon this week! What is with that?

I believe Obama when he says that he has no plans to raise taxes for the lower and middle classes. Check out Factcheck.org on this issue.

I will grant you number 9.

Of course you do. I just feel that it is my responsibility to point out to you that you have erred on almost all of your comments.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

martin_gray — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:46:06 GMT

HERE IS AN INTERESTING ONE FOR YOU.

MCCAIN THE LAST FEW DAYS HAS TALKED ABOUT AND CRITICIZED "GREEDY EXECUTIVES WHO ARE PAID EXORBITANT SALARIES FAR ABOVE THE INCOMES OF MOST AMERICANS"

FACT: HIS WIFE CINDY MAKES AS MUCH OR MORE THAN SOME OF THE EXECUTIVES HE IS REFERRING TO.

THIS MANS CHARACTER IS COMING APART BEFORE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. TODAY HE IS ON RECORD AS SAYING WE NEED TO APPROVE THE BAILOUT PROPOSAL BUT THEN IS AGAINST PASSING THE [PROPOSAL BECAUSE OF THE ALLOWANCE OF EXCESSIVE PAY FOR GREEDY EXECUTIVES. HOW MANY THINGS WAS HE IN FAVOR OF BEFORE HE WAS AGAINST THEM?

IN A MAGAZINE ARTICLE PRINTED BY AN ACTUARIAL SOCIETY TODAY HE IS QUOTED AS SAYING " WE NEED TO DEREGULATE THE HEALTH SYSTEM IN AMERICA MUCH AS WE DEREGULATED THE BANKING INDUSTRY 10 YEARS AGO THAT HAS HAD SUCH BENEFICIAL RESULTS."

I AM NOT MAKING THIS STUFF UP. OBVIOUSLY HE MADE THAT STATEMENT TO THE MAGAZINE AT SOME TIME IN THE RECENT PAST BEFORE ALL OF THIS STUFF MATERIALIZED BUT IT IS A CLEAR STATEMENT THAT AT THE TIME HE THOUGHT WOULD PLAY WELL AND GET VOTES BUT THAT AS USUAL WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE ARTICLE HE CLAIMS HE WAS NOT SAYING WHAT THE ARTICLE SAYS HE SAID.

BY THE WAY, I SAW ON THE INTERNET THAT HE AND HIS SPOUSE OWN 13 AUTOMOBILES. FURTHER EXAMINATION SHOWS THAT THE AUTOS ARE CADILLACS, LARGE SUV'S JEEP WANGONEERS AND EXPENSIVE (HE ALSO IS OFTEN QUOTED AS SAYING HE ALWAYS BUYS AMERICAN PRODUCTS) JAPANESE AUTOMOBILES THAT ARE GAS GUZZLERS. THIS FROM A MAN WHO CLAIMS THAT HE IS IN FAVOR OF CONSERVATION AS A MEANS OF ASSISTING IN REDUCING OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL.

OBAMA OWNS ONE AUTOMOBILE AND IT IS A GREEN MACHINE.

INCIDENTALLY, IT WAS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT HE DRAWS THE FULL AMOUNT OF HIS SOCIAL SECURITY. OBVIOUSLY BY LAW HE IS ENTITLED TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS BUT I WOULD RESPECT THE "STRAIGHT SHOOTER, THE MAVERICK" A BIT MORE IF, DUE TO HIS SUBSTANTIAL WEALTH, HE HAD REFUSED TO ACCEPT THOSE PAYMENTS. IF I WERE IN HIS POSITION I WOULD HAVE DONE SO.

IT IS A BIT ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT POSSIBLY THE WEB OF LIES, ATTACKS, DISTORTIONS ETC. SEEM TO FINALLY BE CATCHING UP WITH HIM. IT MUST BE GOD'S WORK.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

vakosh — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:45:06 GMT

You have your very own Chris Matthews to thank for this stunt. He got on TV night after night after night asking where's the president, it's a crisis, were all going under ... blah blah blah ... you wanted a reaction ... you got it! Hysterical .... McCain is playing the media like a fine tuned instrument ... always one step ahead of them .... the man is brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

vakosh — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:50:06 GMT

Why is Dodd out there representing the dems on the financial crisis. He might as well have COUNTRYWIDE stamped right across his forehead. This is stupidity at it's highest level ... if O wants to win, he better lose Dodd.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ICYEYES800 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:01:44 GMT

TRUTH is a rare commodity in these days....The plain and simple truth is that McCain has a greater vision of what comes FIRST...and his life has been dedicated to that love FIRST OF COUNTRY!!!!!! He is answering a call greater than appearing in fron of millions of people to whip the hell out of a unqualified candidate. Some of you are just IGNORANT and others I guess are just CRAZY...President Bush asked that McCain and Osama be in Washigton for these meetings to iron out a bailout that was fair.....It seems that many have forgotten that Hillary and McCain have been like bloodhounds on the hells of this empty suit to debate, and he's scampered all over Europe and won the hearts of many there.....He's no man, he's a self serving, devious, and totally unfit person to be in MY WHITE HOUSE!!!!! If he is elected do we still call it the White House????

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ICYEYES800 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:01:55 GMT

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

jseid — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:22:37 GMT

Truth?

McCain has said he'll temporarily suspend his campaign, yet I've seen his ads still airing.(Thursday evening in PA on mutiple stations)

Country First?

I'm sorry but this financial fiasco didn't just start yesterday. If he thought this was so important, why didn't he suspend his campaign a week ago to help sort out a deal? Instead he rushes in to try to look like a hero in a time of need. Besides, there are other needs this country has as well. I can't believe he wants to postpone the first debate. Our contry's foreign policy is nearly as bad as our financial crisis and I need to know how each candidate is going to respond to the rest of the world. A sound economy means nothing if we are at war with the rest of the world.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Happyone — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:22:56 GMT

McCain is a bitter old man with dreams to ruin the world.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

josephbbl — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:05:42 GMT

Why is McCain in Washington? Is he : (1) Redrafting the Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, which bailed out Lincoln Savings and the S&L crises during which McCain was part of the Keating Five (2) Apologizing for being involved with Phil Gramm and his deregulation bills Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Commodity Futures Modernization Act (3) Avoiding debating Obama (4) Doing a photo op to look like he is wasn't involved with Gramm and is sincerely trying to solve the problem (5) All of the above

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

KipFromCalif — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:08:52 GMT

Its obvious McCain's "help" wasn't needed in Washington. First they seem to have a deal, then he arrives, and it unravels (kind of like his campaign). Thanks for the help John. Call me a cynic, but I think this whole thing by McCain is ultimately a ploy to postpone or cancel the VP debate since its obvious that Palin isn't ready to pass the VP test. The first suggestion after "suspending" their campaign was try to conveniently postpone Friday's Pres. debate to the VP date and have the VP debate at a later, unspecified date. Obama wisely rejected a postponement saying a President should be able to multi-task.

Now, that he is backed into a corner and the economic rescue plan up in the air, I predict that McCain will skip the debate or he would look weak for going back on his word to stay in DC until the plan is done. To try and get out of that self inflicted damage, they will try to spin their way out of it (some variation of "Country First" crap). I also predict that they will again propose that the Pres. debate replace the VP date and postpone the VP debate to a later date.

If the McCain campaign is successful in this gambit and the debate commission buys this BS, my next prediction is that they will find a way to get her out of the debate altogether. Somehow, there's going to be "scheduling" problems or they'll say "there's only a few weeks for her to introduce herself to the American people" (you know, debates and interviews just take too much preparation, better to keep her in her cocoon).

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

MN0104 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:50:56 GMT

OK folks -- this is how the whole thing will play out. McCain will refuse to show up at the debate, stay in Washington, and voila! At about the time the debate was supposed to start, or somewhere in the middle of the 90-minute period, the Republicans will come around and suddenly there will be agreement on the bailout package! And who will be the "hero?" You guessed it -- McCain! This, I'm sure, was all pre-arranged BEFORE the "country first" decision to cancel the debate and go to Washington to "fix" the problem. My, my, my! Save your boots, folks! The stuff is getting pretty deep!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

j tech — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:05:04 GMT

The National Banking Committe was warned of this situation 2 years ago and did nothing! The Democrats have had majority control of Congress for the last 2 years!The Clinton administration forced banks to provide risky loans to lower income families. Thank the Dem's again for a fine mess.

Rushing into a bailout would be a huge mistake. No one even knows for sure that it will work. THIS IS NOT A SOCIALIST COUNTRY! The tax payers should not be asked to pay for wall streets mistakes!

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

j tech — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:17:49 GMT

Have to wonder how the citizens of IIlinois feel about not being represented in the senate while one of the biggest decisions in our lifetime is being made? Anyone out there from Illinois?

John Mccain is a senator from Arizona and is doing the job he was elected to do! Representing the state of Arizona in the senate.

DIdn't know senators were elcted to be "on call if needed". Must be something new or just different in Illinois?

On the other hand being from Delaware I am glad Biden is not there (I hope he's not any way).

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

katiec — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:10:22 GMT

It is a shame that Mccain has no more respect for our country and its future than

to pander and play his political games.

For any intelligent voter, this has cost him dearly as we see through his actions.

Any who were undecided about his capabilities to lead our country, surely

must realize the man has lost all integrity and honor.

We cannot allow him to lead our country.

It is called survival.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

Mariann Pepitone — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:23:17 GMT

J Tech: I don't know what your smoking but debates are not as important as thecrisis that we are in right now. Obama wanted the debate because he doesn't know how to handle the situation with both sides at the table. Let's face it he doesn't have the capabilities to run this country or the knowledge of foreign policy. Why did he have to have three days with his advisors in order to debate McCain when McCain doesn't have to be advised. Obama has a problem and that is thinking he knows it all when he knows nothing. And Obama has never won one debate yet, failed in the forum interview but he expects to outwit McCain. No such luck.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

williambanzai7 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:43:46 GMT

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW A CRISIS PERFORMANCE; YIKES!

(WilliamBanzai7)

Putting aside all the political posturing over the TARP summit

(the Torpedoed Asset Recovery Plan), among the

astonishing events of the past week was the

rare opportunity to glimpse both of our Presidential candidates

shaking and baking in a genuine national crisis. As a result of

Sage McCain's grand gesture of pushing the campaign

pause button for a powder break, both he and Mr. Obama were hauled into

the TARP snake pit. Barack Obama never made any

pretense of being able to Rambo the situation. So I will cut him the slack he deserves. After all

he is very busy running for President.

On the other hand, Mr. "All Hands on Deck" insinuated that it was

imperative for him to indefinitely suspend the Presidential

campaign so he could save TARP, the financial markets and his deteriorating standing in

the Polls. Well, if you do a little web searching, you

will learn what observers from both political parties reported

regarding Mr. McCain's rousing performance. Apparently he

kept his hatch tight for most of the meeting. Finally, when asked

for his view, he babbled some incomprehensible

platitudes. What more could we expect from a guy whose

claim to fame is seeing the big picture,

managing a contentious political meeting and getting the job done for the

good of country . Something that

by all accounts was already being handled by certain

Democrat and GOP leaders.

I'll tell you what I expect. If you are a candidate for

President and you publicly insert yourself into an

emergency situation (yes, when the largest bank failure

in US history is simultaneously unfolding it is sort of an emergency), you better have something interesting or

important to say. That is what a President is supposed to do. No?

Well, Mr. "All Hands What the Heck" blew it out the blow hatch.

He apparently had no grand wisdom to impart to the room full of experts, President's, partisans and bipartisans.

You know something is up when even Bush is rolling his

eyeballs. Its says a lot about Mr. McCain as well as the quality of the

advice he is getting.

I learned a long time ago,

never ever go to a meeting unless you know what you

are going to say when called upon. And more importantly,

make sure its relevant. Otherwise, don't bother showing.

I also believe in respect for your elders. But it would be

foolish to count that maxim as a good reason for

electing someone like this for President. Its

a mistake similar to a similar mistake this country has already made twice in

8 years, to wit "vote for the guy you'd like to drink beer with."

I hear the spread on McCain election default swaps has

shot through the roof.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

williambanzai7 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:43:48 GMT

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW A CRISIS PERFORMANCE; YIKES!

(WilliamBanzai7)

Putting aside all the political posturing over the TARP summit

(the Torpedoed Asset Recovery Plan), among the

astonishing events of the past week was the

rare opportunity to glimpse both of our Presidential candidates

shaking and baking in a genuine national crisis. As a result of

Sage McCain's grand gesture of pushing the campaign

pause button for a powder break, both he and Mr. Obama were hauled into

the TARP snake pit. Barack Obama never made any

pretense of being able to Rambo the situation. So I will cut him the slack he deserves. After all

he is very busy running for President.

On the other hand, Mr. "All Hands on Deck" insinuated that it was

imperative for him to indefinitely suspend the Presidential

campaign so he could save TARP, the financial markets and his deteriorating standing in

the Polls. Well, if you do a little web searching, you

will learn what observers from both political parties reported

regarding Mr. McCain's rousing performance. Apparently he

kept his hatch tight for most of the meeting. Finally, when asked

for his view, he babbled some incomprehensible

platitudes. What more could we expect from a guy whose

claim to fame is seeing the big picture,

managing a contentious political meeting and getting the job done for the

good of country . Something that

by all accounts was already being handled by certain

Democrat and GOP leaders.

I'll tell you what I expect. If you are a candidate for

President and you publicly insert yourself into an

emergency situation (yes, when the largest bank failure

in US history is simultaneously unfolding it is sort of an emergency), you better have something interesting or

important to say. That is what a President is supposed to do. No?

Well, Mr. "All Hands What the Heck" blew it out the blow hatch.

He apparently had no grand wisdom to impart to the room full of experts, President's, partisans and bipartisans.

You know something is up when even Bush is rolling his

eyeballs. Its says a lot about Mr. McCain as well as the quality of the

advice he is getting.

I learned a long time ago,

never ever go to a meeting unless you know what you

are going to say when called upon. And more importantly,

make sure its relevant. Otherwise, don't bother showing.

I also believe in respect for your elders. But it would be

foolish to count that maxim as a good reason for

electing someone like this for President. Its

a mistake similar to a similar mistake this country has already made twice in

8 years, to wit "vote for the guy you'd like to drink beer with."

I hear the spread on McCain election default swaps has

shot through the roof.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

ALLEAS — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:06:36 GMT

TIME TO CHANGE DIRECTION IN THIS COUNTRY, PURE AND SIMPLE.

re: The Tricky Politics of McCain's Maneuver

GregHere — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:27:59 GMT

............................McCain is too unstable to be President and this Political Play of unilaterally suspending his campaign and not showing up for the Debate in Oxford, Miss. America can not tolerate Maverick McCain and his wild style!!!