Candidates, Bush to meet over economic crisis

The purpose behind McCain's move is open to interpretation, SueZQ. I think it is largely a symbolic gesture, possibly motivated more by self-interest than altruism. Be that as it may, it is a powerful symbol and a very smooth move by his campaign, and it is certain to solidify his wavering base as well as captivate those who cannot see or will not see past its symbolic nature.

Kinda like the Obama supporters who cannot see, or will not see past his associations with people who are openly anti-American? It really doesn't matter to me at this point any of McCain's shortcomings....I can't and won't overlook the anti-American associations of a candidate.

So Keith, you wont over look the fact that Sarah Palin wants her state, the State of Alaska, to secede from the union?

I can overlook that more than I can the fact Rezko is a Syrian with business ties to Saddam husseins cousin....the Rezko who contirbuted to Obama's campaigns...if Obama wins I am likely to go to Alaska and join the secession movement...better than a socialist president

sdunes: Alaska seceding from the union would at least give her some international experience.

Keith S: If you want to play the guilt by association game, great! Try this: Bush friends with bin Laden family, prominent member of bin Laden family is mass murdering devil, McCain friends with Bush. How's that shake out for you?

Because I have NEVER been scared of one of candidates becoming president before OBAMA is SCARY...he is an overt threat to our way of life.....BinLaden's family disassociated with him because of his views.....

SueZ,

McCain has no role to play. He's not in the committee that will review and revise whatevver legislation the House produces. the only time his presence has any meaning is at the vote of the full senate, for which there will be plenty of warning. I'm sure Harry Reid will not schedule that vote in such a way that McCain can use it as an excuse to run away from the debate.

McCain knows very little about economics and cannot contribute in any meaningful way to solving this crisis. He's just getting in the way and drawing attention to himself. Like a 3rd grader.

What racial slur did I use? Socialist is a bad word but it isn't a racial slur

Obama may have the stage to himself tomorrow night. What a coup that would be, to show up READY for the debate and take questions from the audience. It's not likely ... the debate commission wouldn't be pleased to have only ONE candidate who is committed to the American people show up.

Obama showed presidential judgement by not using another event to manipulate the press, public opinion and the polls. By not running scared like McCain, Barack Obama is the one who appears ready, willing and able to handle the pressures of the presidency with a calm and deliberate demeanor that inspires confidence through rough times.

Listen Mccain is already in the white house and plus the debate is what or was this friday what he is doing is trying to give lip stick more time to learn what to say for her debate with Biden period dot!!!! Tell me where is all this money going to come from 700 billion dollars hell Mccain wife is wealthy let her put up a couple of billions. Bet that's not going to happen.

Oh, Sue, is your thinking flawed. What would happen if China were invading the US across the Mexican border and prez Mac was working on a financial package or striving for more deregulations for his rich pals [of course, so he could pig out for a few pieces of silver, the reversal of Robin Hood], and Mac says, heay dudes, cancel the invasion -- I cannot multi-task causin I'm working to save the economy.

Why doesn't Mac cancel the election until this nation's economy is stabilized, cancel all government until the economy is stable.

What really needs to be done for the greater good is get Bush & his twins outta the WH asap and not allow any of those idiots close to the economic crisis. Now, that isn't flawed thinking, Sue!

"Real leaders don't have the luxury of taking time outs, Senator McCain. They're supposed to be able to deal with a wide array of problems, all at once. Especially when they're President. That's why it's called the hardest job in the world.

"Lincoln ran for office during the Civil War. Reagan ran at the height of the Cold War. Bush ran with two wars raging in Afghanistan and Iraq. But McCain can't run during a crisis on Wall Street?

"Kind've makes you wonder what his multitasking threshold is, and what else he'd suspend or postpone when the going got tough.

"Maybe he'd just hand it all over to Sarah Palin."

Seth Grahame-Smith
Huffington Post.com

WHAT? WHAT?! Obama does not want to debate McCain on Foreign policy? Why is McCain running from the debate then? Well we ALL know why...It is one more political trick to make it look like he is more concerned about the economy than Obama is. This is so transparent that it is laughable. Maybe he could send Palin to debate McCain. Yes, an excellent idea!

A few questions for the "McCain is putting country first" crowd:

1. Where, exactly, was McCain when this whole thing hit the fan? When was that now? Almost 2 weeks ago? Why didn't he rush back immediately? Please. Ask yourself "Why now, two days before the first scheduled debate?" Privately, offline, you may reach a more cynical conclusion than "putting country first."

2. Then also ask yourself if either McCain OR Obama are vital and intrinsic to this process at this juncture? I'm not saying either are irrelevant--they are both collecting Senatorial paychecks. But other than their individual votes, which they can fly in for given that they both have those big ol' private jets, what would either be expected to offer? Neither is on any of the committees overseeing this. You can bet both are being briefed down to the sub-atomic particle level by their respective staffs on the goings on up on Capitol Hill these days. And as some have argued, given that they are both in the middle of a heated and highly contested presidential battle, their very presence might actually prove more polarizing, distracting and "political" than helpful.

3. Did you see Sarah Palin's interview with Katie Couric? She's not ready to hold national office. Heck, she's not even to debate Joe Biden next Thursday. And I'm not saying that because I'm sooooo delighted to see her fail. In fact, I feel growing sorrow for her that she's been used as a pawn in a game with stakes--and repercussions--she couldn't even begin to image, let alone fully fathom. Politics at any level is a dirty business. At the national level, it is obscene. Her pregnant daughter outed by the international media? Herself and her husband dragged through the mud? The specter of an abuse of power charge that was on track to be heard and settled remaining unresolved over her head when she returns to Alaska? Every nuance of her public and private life pawed and snickered over. As my husband said this morning, she's coming to a gun battle armed with a butter knife. So it's more than a little interesting that the McCain camp suggested that he and Obama swap out tomorrow's debate for the VP debate schedule next Thursday. I wonder when that VP debate would have been rescheduled if Obama had gone along with McCain's agenda. Never mind. I suspect I already know the answer.

4. Do you have any idea how much money Ole Miss has invested into its debate hosting duties? Everything costs—and what a waste that would be. How can McCain, in good conscience, decide he can't be bothered to honor his commitment to take a couple hours out of his busy schedule to stand up in front the American people and debate as he's promised to? We are electing a new president in 40 days. We have a very limited time to hear what the candidates who will be inheriting this mess have to say about it. And for anyone who believes that foreign policy is off topic given the national economic crisis, I would argue that the U.S. economic woes have far reaching consequences that will have an impact on the way our next president shapes his foreign policy at every level. Foreign aid? Ongoing military presence in various nations around the world? Playing a game of chicken with our enemies and daring them to engage us in a war? We can no longer afford this...and EVERYONE knows it. Do you not think Russia's having the gloat of a lifetime watching this disaster? So I ask do you truly believe McCain can't wing his way to the campus after Senate breaks off its negotiations and then wing back in time for the earliest of morning sessions on Saturday? The absurdity that he somehow can't insults everyone's intelligence.

McCain needed a time-out to change the tempo of the game. That's what coaches call for when they feel momentum shifting to the other team. To try to make it about "putting country first" is a shoddy political game. As Peggy Noonan put it today on 'Morning Joe,' "This feels way too clever by half."

suezq

you've had enough cool aid dear ....

you must be touched by palins healers...

mcsame is pond scum for thinking that the American People are going to believe his diversion tactics...he's cheated us out of $500 billion with Keating 5, got away with that and wants more. Hope you both fall off the planet!

Now he pretends like he wasn't a big part of the reason we have gotton into our current mess, mr. deregulation... sad I find this behavior disgusting

I thought he postponed his campaign a couple times yesterday and then again early this AM. So he could save us all from his thieving buddy's. Dude if you are going to lie do a better job of it. The internet is instantaneous. So your campaign speech in NY was just another fabrication of my imagination or where you really selling us a bridge to nowhere again. Please someone tell me I am in a nightmare and I will wake up and there wont be a BushHanney or McPain clouding this country with there crap. The shi is getting deeper and deeper and we are all about to drowned. Oh and I can see the moon from my front porch so I am going to NASA I qualify and I am a quick learner.
God Help us ALL

Keith spoke of anti-American, What would you term Alaska separating itself from the other 49 states?

The topic here is about bailout.

oh yeah right
the great non-maverick mccain putting country first
he is such scum he would never put country first
he picked Palin unqualified for anything to be VP (politics plain pure politics... ie politics before country)
Mcbush has over a dozen lobbyists running his campaign certainly politics over country
Mcbush has his own mother held hostage so he is selling his mother to be president... mcbush has 1 priority get elected president at all costs he doesn't give two chakes for country as long as he gets elected
wake up folks and stop drinking the Greed Over Patriotism Party cool aid

SueZQ
I agree with you. McCain is doing his job by going back. Now if only we could get Obama, Polosi and Read to do there's. Obama wants the debate to go forward just so he can strut his stuff, to hell with an emergency. Always thinking about himself. But I think when McCain starts working on this the Dem's will get a deal done real quick to try and keep McCain from getting any credit. If he hadn't went back the Dem's would keep the debate going and blame it on the Republicans . When is the Democratic congress going to start working for the country instead of their party and selves. Barbara Boxer (D) California stated that she is only going to work for her district. I always thought that when someone was elected to congress they are suppose to work for everyone, not just their party or district. That's what is wrong with this congress, always thinking about getting re-elected , how much money they can get from lobbyist, basically thinking about themselves instead of the people. We need term limits on congressmen and get some fresh blood in there.

So, SueZQ, he is unable to do more than one thing? He has to focus ALL his attention to this? Ok, then why not put Palin on the trail to the White House? Why STOP all activities to get him elected? This is where, as Letterman says, you put in your backup quarterback! I guess, like the KC Chiefs, he doesn't have one! He's not on the committee that is writing the law. All he needs to do is vote. That's it! Hmmmmmm, can't think of yes or no, and concentrate on the debate. Yup, that's who I want running the country!

SueZ,

If McCain was so concerned about Country First and our Economic Crisis, why did it take him so long to read Paulson's three page bailout plan. Shouldn't he have done that first, before shooting from the hip?

Hopefully, before the debate, he will understand what actually happened on Capitol Hill while he was seeking photo opportunities.

Keith S - Then you had better begin to take a look at the affiliations Sarah Palin's husband has had in the past with the Alaskan Independence Party. It didn't bother me initially, as he was not the one running for office, but after discovering what an influence he has played in all of her government positions, I think we'd better start worrying.

It just goes to show you that McCain is really all about putting our Country First, and Obama is all about himself. Too bad the rest of the world can't see that Obama is putting politics first. If the economy is the #1 issue, then why can't anyone see that McCain is a Senator who is doing what he is paid to do, and going to Washington to help work it out.

So don't you think it is patriotic to run for the office of President of the USA?. How do you rate that exercise in terms of importance to the country? Obviously, a majority, or, close to a majority of voters don't think as highly of the office as they should or they wouldn't have elected GHB as president. The truth is that McCain has no access to the actual discussion tables of any of the committees presently in session, except by proxy, and that can be done by phone or video conference just as conveniently. This is what he would have had to do in Washington anyhow to cover the maximum amount of ground.

I've been there, at college, and it seems to me that McCain's problem is simply that the turn of events means that he has swotted for the wrong subject (international security) for his first test, and now he needs time to bone up on the subject that he's weakest on, economics. I think he's just afraid of making some bone-headed gaffe that everyone is going to jump on. Actually, I think he's done that already.

Someone on "The View" just asked Paris Hilton if her conviction was a misdemeanour, or a felony that would disqualify her from voting. She replied, "No, my conviction was for driving on a suspended licence." After being intimately involved in the system, that ingenue still doesn't even know the terminology, far less the significance of that portion of the law that deals with her case. Now that's bad. This is the kind of mistake that McCain is afraid of making, even after more than 20 years in a national leadership position, and that Governor Palin won't have time to avoid? As for me, I still place my bets on preparation, and acumen first, then experience.

Only two Republican senators said McCain would be of value in Washington.

WRONg it goes to show you Obama can focus on more than one thing at a time and McCain is all about taking any opportunity to grandstand and milk a situation whether it's true or not.

It shows McCain will take any horrific event and try to use it to his own political advantage and people like you fall for it

you are the same people who fell for Bush's fear campaign last time WAKE UP doing the same thing over and over again does NOT get different results. if you liked Bush you might love McCain but otherwise McCain is not a good idea

lol
SueZQ, they had a deal until McCain came back. Way to lead, old windbag!

Sunny-T : expect Barack Obama as our next president, he IS ready to lead and we need him right now.

Gee, I don't see Obama dealing with any financial crisis or anything else for that matter.

Because you choose not to see it. You are suffering from selective perspective.

SueZQ - Neither McCain nor Obama are in a position to do ANYTHING about this economic problem right now - they are not even on the appropriate committee's...
Besides...

PLEASE POINT OUT ONE IMPORTANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION MCCAIN HAS DONE IN 20 PLUS YEARS IN CONGRESS.... JUST ONE!!!

Heck in the last two years McCain has not attended his congressional committee ONCE... not one time....

Hello - I ask this question everytime and nobody ever responds - i.e. WHAT PIECE OF IMPORTANT LEGISLATION HAS MCCAIN EVER PASSED???

devils ad

the main thing that I know to be true is that mr mcsame deregulation has done was pad his pocket, deceive the American People scandal after scandal.. He's the most disgusting excuse for even a republican he can't seem to remember what he's done.............

well said jeh

altho why waste your breath talking to McCain voters is like talking to Bush voters which is worse than talking to a wall

a wall has more sense

DA, my guess is he has passed more kidney stones than legislation in the past 2 years.

Tell them that the campaign is over since Mccain suspended his campaign LOL

Ok -- perhaps this is simple speculation -- but has anyone paid attention to John McCain's face lately? I know he's had the surgery on the left, and perhaps he's just tired, but something seems wrong. He could simply be tired...this campaign (and the office of the president) really wear people out.

hoosier - I think after this stunt, they might as well remove their signs... this last stunt was the nail in the coffin for McCain... Oh, he will have that diehard base of 30% that still thinks Bush is doing a good job, but at this point, I dont think McCain will even win the -hard core republican states...

his presidential bid is now HISTORY....

McCain is not trying to cancel anything, he is trying to play to the press. It worked like a charm. For the last two days he is back in the news trying to show everyone he is an "American Hero" that will put the Country first IF the press is there. Before he even announced he was off to save Wall Street the news was saying progress was being made and both parties felt a decision could be worked out. What he has now is the ability to say he can deal with both sides to make things work. We all know that everything was worked out before he even landed in DC. McCain and Obama and a few others are meeting with Bush right now. The deal is over and now the politics begins. "My Friends, I want to assure you that I will always put my Country first even if it cost me the election". What he is not going to say is that on Tuesday it was much more important to make sure "Little Ms Sarah" was in the pictures but not allowed to talk to the reporters without him. He hid her in New York where the reporters could not ask her anything then it was time for his "Here I come to save the day" speech to the press. They didn't want him or ask him anything, he was using a crisis to promote McCain first. You can see his new ad about Tuesday claiming all he did while Obama didn't.

What I'm most concerned about is the people involved in crafting the bailout legislation. Here are some figures from USA Today:

PAC and indivudual employees of the financial services industry (includes financial, insurance, and real estate companies) have donated the following amounts to the congressmen:

Sen. Chris Dodd, Chair, Senate Committee on Housing, Banking and Urban Affairs - $13,163,356
Charles Schumer, Committee member - $12,793,446

Barney Frank, Chair, House Financial Services Committee - $2,430,361
Paul Kanjorski, Second Dem ranking member of the committee - 2,718,472

Guess whats in their best interests.

And why is B. Obama refusing to debate J. McCain in a "town meeting" forum? A forum where people in the audience can ask questions on an ad hoc basis. Could it be that he is lost without a prepared response in front of him?

Maybe those signs indicate that Bumbles actually owns those homes also.

They needed time to get a few more intruthful ads made and it wasimportant to go film Courics show. He got roasted on that one on letterman last night. He actually lied to Letterman.

it does not SEEM like grandstanding it IS grandstanding to the point of actual dishonesty

right ask your neighbors that -- since McCain has suspended his campaign please remove your sign

and when will we know when the campaign is 'back on' will he make a big announcement (no doubt trying to say he saved the day -- another lie -- he is not however above trying to take credit for something that was already done by the time he got there)

And why is B. Obama refusing to debate J. McCain in a "town meeting" forum? A forum where people in the audience can ask questions on an ad hoc basis. Could it be that he is lost without a prepared response in front of him?

The answer is very simple, it's tactical, and McCain knew that Obama would never be so dumb as to fall for it. He just wanted to be able to get what captial he could out of O's refusal. The man who is drawing crowds averaging 60,000 of his own supporters or so is never going to agree to allow his opponent, who's drawing only 10,000 to be exposed to these crowds. This would mean that he's exposing 60,000 of his supporters to McCain's arguments whilst McCain is only exposing 10,000 of his. Let him draw his own crowds, why should O' let him piggy-back on Obama's drawing power?

Let's put it in terms of money. Even if I know I'm twice as good as you at golf, I'd never put up $60,000 of my money against only $10,000 of yours on a round of golf. That's a sucker bet. Obama's no idiot.

Brilliant response, Louis! I knew McCain's invitation to Obama to attend town hall meetings together was a political stunt, but I couldn't figure out the reasoning behind it.

Seems McCain uses other people - such as Obama and Palin - to get political points that he can't earn on his own. Obama didn't fall for it. Palin did.

what I can't figure out is if they want to socialize the debt but privatize the profits....rather than use taxpayer money to bail out people who, in a lot of cases, shouldn't have gotten the home loans in the first place, or save the CEO's who should probably be incarcerated....give private citizens the option to buy into the loans and get a piece of the profits

I agree, Keith S. Private citizens typically have more common sense than your average politician. Probably the result of living a real life.

Your suggestion would also make it unnecessary to have a g-man looking over Paulson's shoulder while he's playing Wall Street Santa Claus.

In the meantime, why not draft these financial wizards, take away their three piece suits, cut their hair, pay them military scale, dress them in fatigues, house them in barracks, feed them beans, and order them to eliminate this threat to our way of life?

Put them under the tender auspices of Homeland Security. If they fail, subject them to a court martial and send them off to Leavenworth or Gitmo. If they succeed, pin a medal on their chest, have a parade, and name an elementary school after them.

And the government can send the $700 bil back to the taxpayers from whence it came. That would be around 2 million bucks for every man, woman, child, and illegal immigrant in the country. Now THAT'S an economic stimulus package.

The U.S. Treasury will never run out of money. They just keep printing more.

Ron Paul kept trying to talk about the problems caused by printing more money, but no one would listen to him. And he was absolutely right. You can't sustain a national economy this way. Sooner or later it will all collapse.

LU - RON PAUL told it like it is - the FEDS are running this country into the ground because its THEM I.E. THE FEDS that keep printing money out of thin air... this just keeps devaluating our dollar....

But the shame of it is, those little grey haired ole ladies in Florida will probably still vote republican because they think they are looking out for their nesteggs never realizing that their nesteggs are now worth 1/2 what they did eight years ago...

CAN WE PLEASE get Ron Paul back in this race as third party candidate... oh well... at this late stage since Ron Paul is no longer a viable candidate, I looked at the remaining two and picking an Unknown over a KNOWN EVIL. I.E. MCCAIN its a no-brainer - if Obama proves incapable of running this country in four more years I will look for another... but I give him the benefit of the doubt over McCain anyday...

mcsame =bush/chaney/pork belly palin

sad, sad excuse for leaders...the only thing that they had led is to the downfall in America's Credibility!

Michele - credibility and CREDIT TO CHINA too...

LU In reference to where will the money come from? It will replace all the programs that Obama is promising, yet he still promises them because he would have to change his platform.

Ron Paul DID tell the truth. So did Dennis Kucinich. The trouble with their campaigns began with the debates, where they were totally marginalized and culled from the rest with questions to Paul about 9/11 conspiracies and questions about flying saucers(!) for Kucinich.

There, ladies and gentlemen, is your media bias. They don't really care who wins or loses. They know they can't really influence the outcome and they don't really want to. But the ratings are in the process itself, and THAT is what the media controls. They want a horse race.

The US government is going to float more bonds to finance this bailout. Consider it an investment and an education the next time a Republican tells you too much government is a problem and that raising taxes on the wealthy (they pay the same 15% capital gains taxes we do, just with alot more money invested) will hurt the economy. European and Japanese middle class workers are much better off than Americans. And they don't forclose on their homes when they can't pay medical bills. Corporate America controls our government and John McCain is the Champion of Corporate America, no matter how much of a Maverick he tells you he is.

Thats too simple for Republicans. I also think this is just not bad paper on home loans but a complete cleaning of student loans and credit card debt.

There is a process at work here that has to provide results. So what do we have so far?
1) Debts will be scarfed up by the government with taxpayer money. They aren't really "bad" debts.. They're just useless at this time. Maybe in the future the government can resell them for a profit. If so, maybe taxpayers will get some of the money back.

2)The Fed Chairman needs to be held accountable somehow.

3)There may or may not be a way to make sure Wall Street is not rewarded for the mess they have made. Even republicans say it is Wall Street's fault for the most part, even though it isn't clear why that is being said.

4)The presidential campaigns of both major candidates have not responded well, and are still somewhat off balance.

5)A sense of urgency has been introduced but not fully explained, though it probably is something as simple as the fact that the end of the month is coming, and bills will have to be paid.

6)Nobody on Wall Street trusts anybody else on Wall Street enough to continue to do business under current circumstances, but bargain hunters with cash are waiting in the wings to go into a feeding frenzy on the floor of The Exchange, with Buffet getting in on the early bird special.

OK. So what else have we got? Does anybody know just how badly we the people are going to get screwed? A dollar amount?

I liked Libby's idea for how this bail out should have worked.

" I think, if you want to spend $700 billion purchase the mortgages from the homeowners, make all the mortgages fixed rates and have the homeowners pay the loans back directely to the government. Why go through Wall Street. This plan would get the bad debts of the books and save the homeowners."

It's a little disappointing that neither of the pres. candidates thought of this.

Has anyone thought that McCain trying to cancel the debate isn't about him but about Palin?

I also proposed this as a solution. If we took the 700,000,000,000 and divided it among everyone who made less than $250,000 and distributed it we would get almost everyones mortgage up to date and still have money for infrastructure that would put people back to work.

We could save money by not giving tax breaks to send jobs overseas and stop the hiring of illegal aliens.

Why isn't anyone promoting Sarbanes Oxley - if you are a publicly held company or government agency and you obeyed Sarbanes Oxley and were regularly audited you would be doing really well. Solution - only by stocks from companies who are SO complient.

I'd like to talk more about possible solutions to the economic crises.

Devils.Advocate:

You state the following - "But the shame of it is, those little grey haired ole ladies in Florida will probably still vote republican because they think they are looking out for their nesteggs never realizing that their nesteggs are now worth 1/2 what they did eight years ago... "

As a completely independent and COMPETENT grey haired old lady, I would advise you to watch your mouth or every post you put here will be "collapsed by the community". Some of us old ladies have enough sense to still go to the bathroom alone, pay bills, READ, drive automobiles/pickups, take care of ill relatives, baby sit children, hold down a job, keep up with technology - our list is endless. You would have trouble following me around for one day physically OR MENTALLY. Your mouth gives evidence of a very small thinker. You stated in one of your posts on another "discussion" to "google devils advocate". I looked that up - you are nothing but a lot of hot air and like to see your "opinion" in print. Keep it up and you will continue to be either deleted or "collapsed". Us old ladies were smart enough to raise the likes of you - do you even "like" your own mother, or is she too stupid, in you opinion, to even know HOW to vote???????????? You are incapable of even composing a proper sentence - now how old are you???? You need to use Check Spelling more often or better yet, just be quiet - read and listen - maybe you will learn something.

KittyKitty:::: OO-RAH!!

This is my favorite quote of the day, "Democratic Congressman Barney Frank, chairman of the House committee shepherding the bailout plan, said all sides were getting close to a deal and accused McCain of "trying to take credit for something that's already happening without him."

What hasn't been explained enough is that, because of Iraq, our country is beyond bankrupt. And McCain IS responsbile for that. America... how much longer are you going to be duped? It's time to get this group out of leadership. There was no economic "danger" until the weathy took hits in the stock market. Then Republicans lose their minds. Get it???? It wasn't an emergency when you almost lost your home.... They only have one class of American's on their radar.

What the hell was that?

By the way, on Obama's "present" votes, I'd like to clear up that little misunderstanding. Voting "present" in the Illinois General Assembly is a signal that the bill isn't finished, that some aspect of it may violate the U.S. Constitution, that there is more negotiating going on, that the bill needs to be amended in some way before an up or down vote can take place. It isn't a case of refusing to vote on the matter, but a way of saying the bill needs more work before voting.

Because Barack Obama taught constitutional law for 12 years, he certainly may have more understanding about the constitutionality of bills than most legislators.

T&R
The same is only do what he is doing to pretend like he's really helping like all of this just give his lipstick V.P. more time to study and figure out what she is going to say. LOL at you because you don't see but america do wow clean your glasses so you can see the big pciture dude!!!

T&R - at least Obama was present - McCain has not attended HIS CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE ONCE in the last two years - total no show.... why dont you repubs mention that...

By the way, voting Present is no bad thing - not all politicans have to have an opinion one way or the other - they can be neutral too.... at least he was THERE....

It's actually pretty funny, Obama might have well said I KNOW THEY DON'T NEED ME. lol

It's a long horse and buggy ride from DC to Mississippi. Pony express is quicker.

And the majority of the American people are going to invite Obama to DC for a eight year stint at the White House.

There were negotiations going on and neither of them had any reason to go to Washington. Neither of them is involved now or will be in the near future. McCain took the time to pull the old hurricane stunt once again and Obama took the high road. McCain came out of his stupor and thought well since I am not going to win at least I can act Presidential for a day or so!

you are absolutely right McCain is just doing what he always does NOTHING but managing to make a big scene about it as if he had done something

i cannot believe you people are taken in by his dishonest and slimy and actually pathetic and stupid tactic! what is wrong with you? seriously?!

T&R you are a terrifying and misguided person

that's exactly right spreadex

You're absolutely right! BeeOoh can't speak a single sentence without a script or teleprompter in front of him. That's one of the reasons why he won't accept the McCain challenge to debate in a "town hall" forum, where ad hoc questions are asked by the audience.

Obama, Obummer

There was no economic "danger" until the wealthy took hits in the stock market. Then Republicans lost their minds. Get it???? It wasn't an emergency when you almost lost your home....

LOL! Since I haven't read this anywhere else, I thought I was the only one who noticed this extraordinary phenomenon!

Despite all the trouble, John McCain declared in a speech that, "The fundamentals of our economy are strong."

Let's face it. McCain is getting rocked in the polls. He admitted he knows nothing about the economy. The subject is clearly his weakest link.

What's worse is that he's surrounded himself with the same economic lobbyists that got this country into this mess in the first place!

According to his campaign advisor, Phil Gramm, "...we're a nation of whiners! This is really a mental recession!"

Bottom line, this is an act of desperation by a man getting his ass kicked up and down the boxing ring (Excuse me, the UFC ring! Gotta get with the times!).

By going back to Washington, it makes it appear he really cares about the economy and the middle class. He might even get brownie points, as well!

It's an old fashioned chess game. Don't be fooled!

well said again spreadex

and since the economy is his weakeast link what is his strongest? OH RIGHT GOING TO WAR -- T&Y and all you yabos who are too racist to vote for obama and trying to justify it i HOPE you are ready to don your battle gear b/c you are voting for war, war, and more war -- war like you never thought you would see - try WWIII

I would love to vote Libertarian but I am afraid if I do that I will throw my vote away and Obama will get in.

Nobody is ignored quite so thoroughly as a Libertarian voter.

Sonny - hey - I resent that remark - there are worse ways to vote than Libetarian like REPUBLICAN.......

The only problem with voting Libetarian this year is that its throwing away a vote for OBAMA...

Isn't it funny. Once upon a time the Republican party was inline with a lot of Libertarian values. Now they are as far from it as they can get. Where is the smaller government they promised.

Now they are even embracing socialism. This bail-out might be corporate socialism but it's still socialism no matter how you try to paint it. So both parties are socilist now.... we really don't get much of a choice anymore do we?

Libitarian...A person who votes Republican all the time but they are for legalized dope.

whatever libertarian means you will be voting for McCain if you don't vote for Obama just be aware of that -- this country needs real votes not futile objection votes right now

A football game and an economic crisis that could devistate our country are hardly in the same league. McCain does need to be in Washington for the senate meeting because it is his job. The point is that Obama is banking on the stupidity of voters. He is hoping that the majority of Americans say, "oh he looks like a nice guy, let's vote for him." with no account for the ability to lead a country, let alone show up for work. Obama as president would more likely skip a meeting with foreign leaders so not to miss out on an interview with oh let's say...Letterman.

LU - agreed - lying shows just how typical a politican McCain is... why doesnt the media call out McCains lies??? I mean he lies every time his lips move...

One problem, mommycubed

McCain isn't IN the "senate meeting". He isn't on any of the committees. He has no input on the draft. His only responsibility is to vote. There is more than enough time to do that and to debate in the same week.

As for you, Socialist Dem-Not, all we see from you is little bully tantrums. What do you have to do with this sensible debate? Typical Repub. Controlling, mean.

The Presidential debate has been on the books for over 6 months. Looks like McCain wants to take his marbles and go home. His way, only. Bush invited McCain and Obama to be there in DC in the discussions. They were both there. Now what's McCain gonna do now that the solution may be in sight. He'd better cram for the debate!

Maybe you should read through others' comments. They are often enlightening. Search for "Sunny" and educate yourself about what a "present" vote actually MEANS in the Illinois state legislature.

Janet-- Sunny dosen't know what she is talking about and putting out false info. A present vote means you have nothing to say about it one way or the other and is recorded as a no vote. I suppose a present vote is one that says, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING HERE, SO I'LL JUST DO NOTHING. Obama will be lost as President, he might have to take a side. There's not a present vote as President.

As usual you are wrong and so is the Republican party.

Let's just take a moment to learn what voting present really means. The "present" vote is in effect a "no" vote, but it is a "no" vote that sends a message. The "present" vote is used by lawmakers in situations where they agree with a bill in
spirit, however the current version of the bill is not good enough to vote "yes;" either it is too expensive, it is inadequately planned or funded, or it has riders or earmarks attached that are entirely inappropriate.

Go back get your civic book and read it this time my kids know this and they are teenagers.

spreadex you are going way above the republican capabilities

their limited range only extends to name calling, lying, bluster and bullying

and education doesn't count with them

mommy cubid

boy are you out of touch, guess that's why you think it's ok for mcsame to do his dirty trickster moves on the American People

cheers have some more cool -aid!

Why does he suddenly have to be in Washington? He hasn't been there for the last several months. The last time he voted there was in April. He is just grandstanding as usual. Obama is ahead in the polls, so he has to do something to get in the limelight.

If Senator Bumbles hadn't deregulated like he did in the 80's he wouldn't (supposedly) have to hurry back to Washington. If he's got so much pull with all of these changes why isn't he pressuring Cheney/Bush to do something now about all of these change issues. Because he's going to have the same policies.

He isn't even on the committee debating this.

The one and only thing he can do is vote on it. So when they iron it out in a couple days and put it up for vote he can go vote on it. I don't see how a debate will cut into that.

McCain has a 63% voting record in the Senate and now you believe he is important?

spreadex

McMummy has missed the SENATE vote 439 times. He is 1st on the absentee list of

missed SENATE votes. He last voted in APRIL. If he has a 63% voting record

that means all of the SENATE NEVER PARTICIPATED in voting ever.

NUMERAL UNO on the missing in action votes. I guess he got his experience in missing

votes from being a P.O.W.

Thnk You Rhonda.....let's face it Socialism doesn't work at all.....it fails everywhere....Dems don't see that

And Paulson said all was well in April 2008 and McCain said all was well a week ago Monday. Your point, then, is what?

Excuse me Rhonda... Do you know who Phil Gramm is? He was McCain's number ONE economic advisor and the architect of looser banking rules. I keep thinking of the Simon and Garfunkel song, "The Boxer"... "..but a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest..."

The fact is we are ALL to blame for thinking we could have something for nothing. Just the same I will go for Obama. McCain is all over the place and is playing "politics" non-stop. Palen is ...well, clueless; that should be obvious to anyone by now, even Republicans.

hvnhell2 - have you seen the polls today - people who think positive of Palin is down to 21% - for Biden up to 64%...

the lipstick is wearing off fast...

Lets desocialize: the military, FBI, CIA, Veterans Administration, Police, Fire Department, Public Schools, State run Universities, State Department, and most of all the Congressional Health Care Plan.

Keith S-298098

Um. How do I break this to you. This bail-out that is proposed and suported by the Republicans along with the other bail-outs lately IS socialism. Both parties practice it, sorry. It is corporate socialism true, but paint it any color you want, it's still socialism.

let me guess....another pole of 38% dems and 28% republicans? I do not get my facts from the media.

Yes, let's get the facts straight. Fannie Mae was started in 1968, when Lyndon Johnson was President. Freddie Mac was started in 1970, when Richard Nixon was President. But Republicans don't dare whether their claims are truth or lies.

The only socialism being practiced now is the White House insisting on taking over private business. They don't want Congress to have any right to disagree. Someone needs to tell Dick Cheney and George H. W. Bush that the U.S. is a democracy, not a dictatorship!

Both Lu and Dingus refer to the Iraq War as costing this economy big time, and the credit card economy that pays for this war at the tune of trillions and trillions of dough is borrowed with interest. Oh, my gosh, what could the American taxpayers have done with all that money!

Heay, I have a grand idea for Mac. As his thinking and reasoning is a reflection in the mirror of Bush's, why don't we just cancel his candidancy! Cancel, cancel, cancel.

Amen to that, LU! If Romney and Hagel were the candidates, I would certainly respect the Republican ticket.

We see the GOP looking worried and assume it's about the bailout, when they're actually horrified at McCain and Palin.

The John McCain of the 2000 election was respectable. His ideas were wrong, but he didn't come down to the Carl Rove level. He will look back and regret this.

It's truly astounding to me that a political party can consistently and completely fool half the citizens of this country with lies, smears, tricks, evasions, distractions, distortions, spin and counter-spin.

Looking at all of the facts, McCain is more interested in doing the right thing for America than what Obama is. McCain is Meeting his responciblities that the Arizona People intrusted to him. he siad it Once before." I would rather lose a election, than to put the American People" in harms way.

Total b.s., but obviously some people love that stuff.

Ken - Senator Obama is going to be surprised to find out he is the US Senator from Ohio. I certainly am! Also, do you know what a dictionary is? It is a reference book that will explain to you the difference between "there" and "their". You can go "there" to find out what "their" means.

The truth is I would rather mcCain loose the election. All these years we have heard, let the markets work. O.K. now what? Now lets put people with inteligents into the leadership roll and ship out the market frist and go back to the FDR regulations. The Demo's cleaned up after Hover they will clean up the bush mess.

Ashame that if McCain is so right here, he is so wrong on everything else. Except, of course, when he did the ole 180 degree and had two opposite opinions on the same subject. Regulate/Deregulate..

The truth is neither McCain more Obama are on the committee debating this bail-out. They don't get a say until the vote. If they go to Washington they will just be waiting until they can vote. As far as talking and swaying people on the committee they can't do that they same way they would in Washington from anywhere, use a phone.

HvnHell2
For Obama being a senator form Illinois was just a nuisance...something to be endured while he ran for President. Just a little fluff to put on his resume...John McCain takes his seat seriously.
And while you're giving spelling and grammar lessons can you tell me if Dikkhead is one word
or two.

Kenn R. First of all Obama is from Illinois not Ohio. When throw the word FACT out you should at the very least get the right State. The only person calling for McCain that I have heard is his best friend Phil Gramm. You remember him don't you? He was the one who sponsored the deregulation of lenders in 1999.

Some of you need to stay abreast of the news before you post. They were saying a deal had been reached before McCain ever arrived in DC. Remember he had to talk to Katie before he came back so that he could promote his "town Hall" meetings. Just think it out, why would he have brought that up if he had not had a political motive for skipping the debate? Do you know the difference between a town hall meeting format and a debate format? In the town hall meeting you do not have to stick to the issues. If a question is asked by a person or plant in the crowd you can ramble forever on what you want. An example we all know would happen is that if a person asked, are you ready to be President? McCain would take us back to Viet Nam 40 years ago and tell the same story we have heard a thousand times. Well you see I was in the Marines in Viet Nam during the Tet offensive and I have two Purple Hearts,Bronze Star, and 29 friends name on the wall in DC that paid a much higher price than he did, their lives. When we came back people were calling us murderers and child killers, not heroes. I don't want our brave young people in Iraq to experience that. That is what a town hall meeting would be and we would not hear one thing about our current problems. A debate on the other hand you have to stick to the issues that we face today and may face in our future. Both get to answer and respond. That is what we need to hear coming out of the candidates mouth, not in a written or memorized statement.

At One pm we had an agreement the candidates met with the President at 4 pm and the deal was off. Now tell me McCain came to help. He came to be the hero. All he is doing is grandstanding, another McCain stunt. If it is so urgent that it can't wait, why is he stalling it? I want to hear these talks and where they stand and unless you are a party puppet you should too. Let's hear the debate.......

Roger 356271

Excellent post - good advise regarding the town hall meetings vs. true debate form.

What you said about Vietnam is very true - Vietnam veterans have never gotten the attention, respect or praise they deserved. I do believe they were appreciated by most people. I think we have heard too much about John McCain and his experience. Forty years later it has become old and many younger people are not familiar with the Vietnam War. Hopefully our service men and women will never be treated as the Vietnam vets were - hopefully they will receive thanks from a grateful nation and benefits to help them adjust to civilian life with better medical care and facilities, too.

Hover's mess cleaned up by FDR Bush's mess cleaned up by Obama that my friend is what history books will show.

LU-404506... Do you realize that all columnists are paid for an opinion. I have one of my own I don't need to borrow one or rely on theirs to develop my own. They tend to have agendas.

The melt down started much more than 10 days ago. America should have reacted to our markets when Norther Rock went the way of the dodo in Britain. That was a sure wake-up call for what was to come in America as much around the world is tied to our financial workings.

The drive to open the housing market to those who could not afford to own their own homes, let alone expensive homes, is the primary impetus to our current financial crisis. It allowed creativity in the investment market that should have never been. It allowed investors to take advantage of money where they should have had no access. It allowed incentives for brokers to move unsecured loans and brokerage companies in bulk to risk their investors life savings. It allowed people to have a stake in the American dream of home ownership without vesting anything. Win win until you can't pay the note then it is still a win because they walk away with no less than they brought to the table when they agreed to an unsecured loan.

This bogus housing scheme allowed so much unsecured money to be drained out of the system they became hard strapped to refinance those who could secure loans. This has hit the middle income arena hard. People who have been hit by economic downturns or industry loss, with loads of equity in their homes had no avenue to refinance. These are the real victims. The people who invested retirement savings or education savings into funds that were not disclosed as containing unsecured loans are the victims. These are the people who have too much to loose to walk away from their contractual agreement.

Now Obama may not be bothered by this but, it is to his credit that this mess is happening. It is to Chris Dodd that this mess is happening and it is to the partisan (both sides) grandstanding that this is happening. I would like to see something more that dismissing this particular problem as an annoyance by a Presidential candidate. There is nothing Presidential about skirting or avoiding his job as a Senator (Legislator). He knew what to vote for to exacerbate this problem but will pass on being involved in the meetings to solidify a solution. If he could have done it gracefully he would have probably declined the current Presidents invitation to actually engage.

My opinion, in deference to the paid columnist is: I would like the Presidential Candidates to at least feign concern for the considerable savings we have invested in our kids "529's". I would like to see his concern for my grandmother to continue to live the comfortable lifestyle her life time of investment should afford her. I would prefer a President who chooses to act to protect the funds that my darling dear one and I have cut corners to save toward retirement. We already have my MIL on our budget I really don't want to add my dad. We will if we need but there again he has put away bits over a lifetime to be independent. He deserves his dignity for doing the right thing. I would like to see Obama champion those who wish to maintain their independence rather than need to rely upon the government for subsistence. But that would hardly foster his social utopia.

He doesn't want to have his name anywhere on the bill. He doesn't have enough NADS!

The truth is neither McCain more Obama are on the committee debating this bail-out. They don't get a say until the vote. If they go to Washington they will just be waiting until they can vote. As far as talking and swaying people on the committee they can't do that they same way they would in Washington from anywhere, use a phone.

This GOP proposed bill is socialism by the way. Get used to it. It's corporate socialism, but no matter how you paint it, it's still socalism. Both parties to it, so pick a better arguement.

Stick with one line. He always votes with Bush to cause all are aches and pains or he never voted. It can't be both.
The guy has been involved in every important issue. He even stated (it's a record) that Fannie and Freddie were problems. Democrats wanted to get mortgages to their constituents.
Sorry I was talking to a liberal. Sen. Obama is a fraud. He called Sen. McCain to discuss the severity of the situation. Sen. McCain had already been called by Tom Coburn the night before along with Sen. Obama. And Sen. McCain discussed his belief that postponing the debates and Sen. Obama didn't say no don't do it. I mean it was simple for Sen. Obama YES or NO. Not I was PRESENT when he suggested it. Sen. McCain took action while Sen. Obama by his own words said I thought Sen. McCain was just mulling it over. What the hell is he talking about? You just agreed to a joint statement that the crisis has never been seen since the great depression.
Sen. McCain has to get the Republicans who actually care about tax payers money to vote for this rescue which will be almost impossible with out Sen. McCain message of dire straits ( I don't even know if he can when they want to get re-elected) while Sen. Obama knows that Sen. Pelosi and Sen. Reid's constituents in Cali and Nevada would be happy if they can get some bankruptcy loopholes in there. As the media has said in a tribute to the Messiah. It was he who said get that bankruptcy reform out of there and you will get your wish for more govt. control.
The fundamentals of the economy are strong if we let free trade prevail. People still want to do business in the US because of our laws and the working class desire to succeed and belief its in their hands to do so.
Democrats are getting off scott free on this Fannie and Freddie thing and we will soon have govt. healthcare, govt. prohibitive regulations on energy policy, one party supported media and the same horrible public schools. Until like the Soviet Union we break down. Cool right?

Never more prevalent that the last 24 hours. The Today Show really disappointed me this morning and I'm not even sure I'm voting for McCain, but they were sure one-sided in bashing him!

OKTONOTKNOW: Please define who you are talking about. A reference to "mainstream media" is too nondescript and sounds an awful lot like conservative wonkspeak. Cite examples. Name names.

The arguments about "MSM" that I've seen seem to contradict themselves. On one hand, conservative talk radio dominates the airwaves by, in one cited analysis, 91% to 9%. At the same time it is argued that is the case because that is what the public wants. By definition, then, conservative talk radio is mainstream media.

Please think and speak for yourself, OKNOTTOKNOW, because it will have the appeal of sincerity rather than the overripe stench of recycled rhetoric.

You're joking right? How many times did I see Rev. Wright on tv. The same loop over and over..
I have yet to see the one of Palin being prayed over by a witch hunter on msm. Just youtube, and type in "muthee". Absolutely frightening.

you really know the party line. This is a republican mess and bush had to come begging to the demo's to get this fixed.

Colorado!

They weren't bashing him, they were merely telling the truth and you could not handle it. And it is not just the Today Show, it is all the media telling it like it is, including McCain's lovable Fox Network. Even Fox thinks McCain has gone to far with his distractions his distortion and his outright lies and now this!!

Biggest distraction now is McCain canceling his campaign and I believe only for political gain. Just like he did when his RNC Convention was interrupted by a hurricane. He rushed to he site to call for Americans to help with aide to the victims. Something that already was in progress by the people already there on the ground, who knew more about the crisis than he did. Again for political gain. Just like he is now doing with Congress, who already had the the situation well in hand and did not want or need his input in the matter and have stated so, especially by his own party members. He has no standing or is he on any committees that have the ability and knowledge to put the issue in perspective. All he can do is vote up or down. So the only thing left for him being there is for political gain. McCain is wrong in canceling his campaign and the First Presidential Debate. But then again he had to do something because he is slipping in the polls. So please ref let me take a time out until they stop talking about the economy,because I don't really know anything about it. Country first, Americans first,no way, got to bail out my buddies who are funding my campaign, who I help cause this disaster, ("I AM KNOWN AS THE DEREGULATOR"). Now wanting to regulate, another change in postion.Have to get there and try to change my parties minds so they can follow more of GWB's failed policies. Follow me and get more of the same that GWB gave you for the last 8 years. Hurry now, before America wakes up and stops us from spending their money and giving nothing in return to them. But will make our rich friend even richer. AMERICA - GIVE US YOUR MONEY!! WE KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT. Yeah right!!

Obama on the other hand is showing more of Commander in Chief mettle by keeping in touch with the main party members on both side of the aisle and keeping appraised of what and how the debate in Congress is going on the Bailing out of Wall Street. And who at being informed that his input would be needed, could be there when needed for a vote. In the mean time, still be available for the scheduled First Presidential Debate. It shows he is not a one issue candidate and that is what a President should be able to do. MULTITASK!! Which is what a President has to be able to do. And two (2) issues at a time is just a small portion. The President is expected to be able to handled much more than that. There is the wars, full economy, foreign affairs, and domestic affairs, negotiating with Heads of State, etc. etc. Obama is right in insisting on not canceling the First Presidential Debate. He is showing he is ready for being Commander in Chief, and being able to handle more than one (1) issue at a time.

I SAY NOT TO MCCAIN AND NO TO THE BAIL OUT OF WALL STREET, without giving some of the profits to the American People, as it is their money being used for the bail out, not the rich people's money, who scammed us and are now wanting to exercise large Golden Parachute Earnings. I say no to the continuing of GWB's Tax Cuts ! I say NO to all of it!!
What say you America?????????????????

By MSM - I mean the NY times, Washington Post and CNN and places where you expect real news. Not Hannity, Rush, Olberman and that air america Rachel Maddow. Umm... I really don't think there is anyone in doubt that most see journalist usually lean toward being liberals. Sightseer if you don't notice it well I wanted to know what kind of person doesn't and now I know. I try to be honest. I am a Republican but did you really believe that Sen. Clinton was not given a raw deal. I mean they were demanding her to drop out to protect their parties. I like Brit Hume and Tim Russert before he died. I even liked Chris Matthews before he got all gushy over a Democratic Primary candidate.

The Rev. Wright deal was certainly news worthy. And it didn't go away because he wouldn't shut up. That's why Sen. Obama said enough. In fact I was one of the first to say Sen. Obama had to join that church if he wanted to win an election in that district. I mean you heard what he said it wasn't even reasonable but you have never heard me say anything about Rev. Wright because I didn't care.

I saw the witchdoctor nonsense. But I think a lot of religion are messed up including catholic which I was born and raised. Get over it. I didn't get any context but if that witchdoctor or whatever was saying that the govt. gave black people aids I would demand that Sarah Palin be off the ticket. Actually. That is not religion. There is no religion that teaches that. However I take Sen. Obama at his word that he never heard Rev. Wright say those things. And I believe the reason he belonged to that church was for an identity in that community.

By the way one of the first questions Sarah Palin was asked about was God. In fact it was very important to Charlie. So I am assuming that this is a huge issue to the MSM - Sorry Oversightseer - CBS Charlie Gibson ok? Do I sound more sincere.

Jim - I don't know where you stand. Do you think having banking community involved in the speculation business is good. I am not making a point, I am just trying to figure out where you stand on this issue. I mean besides the Democrats have no part in this.

BTW I voted for Clinton against Bush 1. And I voted for McCain in 2000 primary but we had no chance. Democrats gave me Gore and he basically distance himself from Clinton so I thought that was poor judgment and Kerry never had a chance with me. I also voted as delaware county Pa resident for Gov. Ed Rendell and State Rep. Sestack so I don't vote always party lines but I do believe seriously in principles. McCain is getting my vote until I hear something that changes my mind.

I apologize I didn't vote for Clinton over Bush1 because I was too young. I voted for Clinton over Dole. Because Dole said cigarettes weren't addictive right to the camera and you can not lie to me like that unless it is a family matter. I can understand protecting a love one but that is it. I am sorry but that was disgraceful.

Ralph, Well stated. Having moved from Fla last year I couldn't help notice that Charlie Crist has emerged from the back end of McCain. How did he keep that tan? How's the weather? I hope that I4 coridor can be counted on this year, we need to be able to be eligible for health care due to one of those pre-existing conditions that I haven't even heard the Republicans talk about. Making health care accessable and affordable is the "Real Christian" thing to do.

OKETCETC:I will give you one out of three. To me, mainstream means what the majority of ordinary people are exposed to either by choice or osmosis. Therefore, I have to throw out the Times and the Post, for the simple reason that nobody other than talking heads ever read it or tell anyone else to read it. It may be a sad truth, but it is the truth.

It is, indeed, regrettable, but the extremist freak shows are today's MSM. You know its true. And the only time these "insider" journals are part of the conversation is when their presentations dovetail with extremist noise.

Sightseer I appreciate you not calling me names. Your ok. I get it wrong a lot of the time. I think I got really ticked off when people would send me on these while goose chase for information about a candidate that would make it a no brainer and then I find out it's all nonsense. I go off on this Congress especially Democrats because we got ticked off with the Republicans and then we see what the Democratic congress does and were like we can't win. Sen. Reid really gets me. Do dems really like him? I don't no why but he ticks me off the most.

We get the NY times at work and CNN is always on. So that is why I consider them MSM. But it ticks me off when I say Sarah Palin can't be VP she is not even a Republican to another Republican and then I am told I am an idiot. I go grab the article and watch the TV and say see, see. Then I find out it's nonsense and it makes me say what the hell is going on. And even after it is reported, they keep saying it. How the hell am I to know what's true. It's like the Muslim thing for Sen. Obama. I had democrats at work say you know he is a Muslim during the primary. I showed them proof he wasn't and they came up with their own proof he was. I was like the guy just said he wasn't a Muslim and everybody says he isn't a Muslim but you know what if you watched during those primaries you could see how everyone would believe he was. I kept trying but at some point I realize I was making being a Muslim bad. Which I don't think it is at all. I don't like religion but I think people are blessed who have that strength to rely on.

OKTONOTKNOW: You started the name calling with "oversightseer". My daddy always told me to never pick a fight, but if I found myself to be in one, be sure to finish it. Otherwise, I think you are at least trying to be, to coin a phrase, "fair and balanced". Can't ask for more than that of anyone in these troubled and highly polarized times.

this has become a socialist Gov.

Let's keep the same capitalist government until the country looks like Iran under the Shah. Let's all pay no tax and let 100 people have 99% of the wealth. Will that be enough for you?

very well put

Bill Clinton is not Obama's biggest fan, not hard to see that. I'd love to see his vote, wouldn't be surprised if both Clinton's vote for McCain, after all, if Hillary is running in 2012, they would want Obama to lose.

Bill never put us through the ringer like this joker Bush has

I don't think Hillary wants Obama to suceed. The Clintons are not doing all that they could. Hillary's campaign fundraiser manager jumped ship and is supporting McCain. My guess is that Hillary asked her to as a not so subtle message from Hillary!

If that's true GOD BLESS Hillary!

I am sure that Obama has been in touch with Dodd. They have colluded on much of the legislation that has been passed to promote the misuse of unsecured borrowed money. Maybe it is best that Obama stand clear of this as his votes regarding legislation has been disastrous. God only knows how much damage he could do if actually involved in developing the bill. I can see that he would forgive all debt to the deadbeats who signed contracts they had no capacity to understand or means to honor.

LU-404506...I did vote for Bush for President as well as for Governor of my State. He was a great Governor. He was able to deal with bipartisan legislation to the betterment of my fellow Texans. For those things that are not tied to natural disaster we still have a sound economy.

I am proud of many things our President has done or tried to do.

I am proud that he actually attempted to address the Undocumented Immigrant problem in our country, although I did not agree with his solution.

I am proud that he worked hard to improve the death tax issue.

I am proud that he addressed education, although I did not care for the No Child Left Behind program.

I am proud that he sucked up the ineptitude of Katrina even though it was not his to accept. But he stood up as the Final authority and covered the exposed backsides of the State Leadership stupidity.

I am proud that he did not obliterate States Rights by invading Louisiana when the Governor was holding that state for ransom.

I am proud that he has stood strong and firm in the face of Nations that would obliterate our country, her citizens and her allies. Gore didn't have the backbone to stand firm.

I am proud that protects America's interest and laws in the face of the World Court, NATO and World Opinion.

I am proud that he continues to do the Job of the President given his short tenure and low popularity.

I am proud that he has put aside some partisan interests for the betterment of our Country.

I am proud that he looks at America as one nation and not a multitude of interest groups.

The only place I am on the fence about is Iraq. I do not personally believe you can wrap Democracy and present it as a gift. Freedom is messy and it comes at a personal price.

I can't imagine what a mess this world, or more over our country, would have been in if Al Gore had been elected in 2000. If the Democratic Party had not been such poor losers, beginning with the trashing of the working White House upon Clinton's departure, much good could have actually happened in the past 8 years. The Democratic Party won back Congress in 2004 and have done nothing promising with the victory.

As far as Obama's legislative record...It really isn't very long. Not much to know. If he were truly proud of it wouldn't he personally promote or reference it more. He certainly did nothing to improve the economic, social or educational systems of Illinois while in State Government. Sadly I think he really had a vision of hope when he began this campaign a very long two years ago. Unfortunately, to get the nomination he seems to have become the puppet of the Nanci Pelosi and the fat old white men in charge of the Democratic party. Is that really change we can embrace?

I'm guessing that you don't know much about his record either as you have sited no legislation he participated in that staved off this debacle for so long. Your posts seem to be scripted from the DNC/Obama websites as well as parroting what the Democratic Legislators are saying in unison.

Much like either candidate...They have to state their position, prove their position and then be willing to act upon their position. Obama can't seem to stray from the script.

And all of 20% of America agrees with you. Bush is still criminally incompetent, do you want my list?

Taxmom: You're in the minority. Isn't that a right to work, don't take my gun away state, with 4 million people without healthcare?

Taxmom...you are soo wrong that it is laughable. But your biggest sin in your list is you make a list of your opinions and then state them as fact. Just one example: "I am proud that he has put aside partisan interests for the betterment of the country". That got me rolling on the floor in laughter. Thanks for the laugh.

But the fact is, after 9/11, this country was the most united ever internally and with the rest of the world. 2 years later and to this day, this country is the most divided ever and to the rest of the world. I know you Republicans like to blame every one else for your msfortunes (Democrats, the weather, the media, the critics, Muslims, Blacks, Islam, Norwegians, Swedes, etc etc etc). But at the end of the day, your guy Bush has presided over the most divided nation in the country's modern history. And that is 100% thanks to the actions and policies of your man Bush and Dick Cheney, Karl Rove etc etc etc. But of course, you are proud of that so be proud! 80% of the country disagrees with you, so there.

Why go to Washington to 'fix' things at this late stage? The President of this great country needs to be able to multi-task; crises/problems will not be queuing up and waiting patiently to be addressed one-at-a-time. One of these candidates will be elected in less than two months and debates are usually how most people decide to cast their votes if they are on the fence.

My husband and I are seriously concerned about what will happen to the little that we have managed to save despite the fact that we are supposedly insured by the FDIC. We are worried about our children's future (college education will be meaningless if there are no companies/industries left for them to work for); it seems that the only legacy we are leaving for them is a horrendous fiscal debt.

I want to know where the candidates stand on:
- the economy, first and foremost
- health care
- foreign policy, etc.

The only way to accomplish that is for them to debate without assistance from their respective spokespersons/aides/consultants/spin-doctors, etc. We need to know what is at their core and if they can handle the responsibilities that come with the office of the President in the 21st century. There are not many days left until election day and as far as I know, it is not being postponed until further notice.

Let's keep up the attacks on txmom32!!!! We forgot to tell her that Bush was golfing and refused to make the decision to take out Osama bin Laden when we had him in the cross hairs in the mid/late '90s. We forgot to tell her that Bush deregulated the banking industry in 1999. We forgot to tell her that Bush is responsible for the Q400 recession. We forgot to tell her that GWB personally flew the two plans in to the WTT on 9/11. We forgot to tell her that Bush turned his head the other way when Saddam Hussein violated the peace treaty and shot at American and NATO aircraft legally flying in the north and south sectors of Iraq for 8 years. What an idiot--he should be impeached! Opps. It was Clinton and he was impeached. Nevermind.

Toby--If Texas has 4M people without healthcare, that is a problem. So, tell me again why that's the governments problem to solve? Aside from conducting combat operations and maybe getting your mail to you on time, why do we want the Government to solve problems that were never intended for governments to solve.

BHO has been on the sidelines waiting like a towel boy with the varsity on the field. This is a crisis and he would have rather been listening to Barbra than being dragged by McCain to Washington. You have to know yourself.....BHO knows that this is above his pay grade!

McCain is like having a husband who in the middle of foreplay decides to get up and go for a photo opp just before he screws the country.

Toby, Tx is also one of the few states that is maintaining economic growth, steady population growth, state treasury surplus w/ no state income tax.There is a reason it stays red, and most of the states between the coast and a few on the coast have majorities that would agree for the most part with her. You lefties live in your own very small world.

Bush might have been a great Governor.

But he is proven to be the worst President. Check his overall approval ratings.

Palin might have been a great Governor- for a couple years.

The repubs are so similar I can only guess she'd have the same fate as GW- they all act and think the same.

You righties need to get your head's outta your a55s and realize the world hasn't been good since the democrats lived in the white house.

and dont give me that BS about the dems controlling the senate the last 2 years. Who was in contol the previous 6 if not more, when BUSH bragged about the new levels of home ownership.

Mavrick Mcshame is like an out of control missile- one that is totally out of control with no true direction.

The bubble sure has burst, for a lot of things. And we're sinking.

With McShame in charge, he'll buy us the farm for sure.. He's that dangerous.

"He was a great Governor" He left the state with it's largest deficit in history of Texas

"I am proud of many things our President has done " You're proud that he started a war based on lies (fact) Are you proud that he has broken most every part of the geneva convention?

"I am proud that he has stood strong and firm in the face of Nations that would obliterate our country, her citizens and her allies. I've raveled through most of these countries, they hate us because of him.

"I am proud that protects America's interest and laws in the face of the World "Court By making us immune and unansweravle to the world court? He and Cheney do not want to answer for their atrocities Internationally. If you actually have seen the things we have done outside these borders you would want him charged!

God bless us if Obama is elected. You have no idea what you're wishing for do you?

I am sure God will bless us if Obama is the winner

Lu, You think Obama is using a thought process? I think he is just trying to remember what he said yesterday. He changes his mind so much he can't keep things straight.

Nothing between those big ears.

Are you kidding, he looks like Opie from Mayberry RFD

In the PBS reports on both candidates' decision-making style, everyone interviewed about McCain called him "impulsive." That hasn't changed since his days at the naval academy. Maybe that's the trait that took a few of the Navy's planes down. We've seen it demonstrated in this campaign.

It just seems to me that the personal characteristics that got him into trouble at the naval academy - hotheadedness and poor impulse control - haven't changed since he was a very young man. It's possible that he hasn't matured emotionally. He appears to everyone to be an elderly man, and we equate that with wisdom and maturity. But that could be a very costly mistake for our country.