McCain suspends campaign to "focus on economy" - delay debates

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Source: Drudgereport.

MCCAIN SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON ECONOMY; WANTS DEBATE DELAY
Wed Sept 24 2008 14:58:02 ET

MCCAIN: America this week faces an historic crisis in our financial system. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees. If we do not act, ever corner of our country will be impacted. We cannot allow this to happen.

Last Friday, I laid out my proposal and I have since discussed my priorities and concerns with the bill the Administration has put forward. Senator Obama has expressed his priorities and concerns.This morning, I met with a group of economic advisers to talk about the proposal on the table and the steps that we should take going forward.I have also spoken with members of Congress to hear their perspective.

It has become clear that no consensus has developed to support the Administration' proposal. I do not believe that the plan on the table will pass as it currently stands, and we are running out of time.

Tomorrow morning, I will suspend my campaign and return to Washington after speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative. I have spoken to Senator Obama and informed him of my decision and have asked him to join me.

I am calling on the President to convene a meeting with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senator Obama and myself. It is time for both parties to come together to solve this problem.

We must meet as Americans, not as Democrats or Republicans, and we must meet until this crisis is resolved.I am directing my campaign to work with the Obama campaign and the commission on presidential debates to delay Friday night's debate until we have taken action to address this crisis.

I am confident that before the markets open on Monday we can achieve consensus on legislation that will stabilize our financial markets, protect taxpayers and homeowners, and earn the confidence of the American people. All we must do to achieve this is temporarily set politics aside, and I am committed to doing so.

Following September 11th, our national leaders came together at a time of crisis. We must show that kind of patriotism now. Americans across our country lament the fact that partisan divisions in Washington have prevented us from addressing our national challenges. Now is our chance to come together to prove that Washington is once again capable of leading this country.

Developing...
 
Huh. Just read that now.

Dunno. A political stunt on both ends, to be sure - all maneuvers at this point by any of the four are.

But it's peculiar that only McCain is the one calling for the debate to be postponed. Will it help him? Will it backfire? Will Obama condemn him or jump on board?

(c'mon, he's a democrat, so he'll pitch a fit and then jump on board! :lol:)
 
Apparently, McCain got ahead of himself on an Obama call from early this morning. They HAVE TO pass thing. We may not like it, but from everything I've heard, if it doesn't happened, the economy is screwed. Not just our economy either, the world economy.
 
Seems like an act of desperation. McCain can say this and suspend his campaign and what-not and if Obama doesn't do the same he can harp on it for the next month. Obviously neither John McCain or Barack Obama are absolutely necessary to the Senate for them to make any decisions about the economy.

The first debate is about foreign policy, correct? I think at this point in time not a whole lot of people are going to care and the one debate that could improve McCain's numbers isn't going to have much of an effect. Delaying it until after some decision has been made about fixing the economy (and the positive rhetoric that follows that decision) of course makes the foreign policy debate more important (which would help McCain), and weakens the impact of the debate on domestic policy (which would hurt Obama, as he's currently seen as better on the economy, etc.).

Or maybe I'm just a cynic.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']Apparently, McCain got ahead of himself on an Obama call from early this morning. They HAVE TO pass thing. We may not like it, but from everything I've heard, if it doesn't happened, the economy is screwed. Not just our economy either, the world economy.[/QUOTE]

Something about Paulson and Bernanke's urgency seems so fuckin' forced that I picture this each time I read about how we need to give away nearly a TRILLION dollars right now:

simpsons%20monorail.gif
 
I don't get it.

McCain and Obama are not directly involved with this bailout plan. Why do they need to suspend everything else to help with this plan? Why can't they just do both? The debate is not that long and I am sure all the prep work has been done for the debate anyway.

I have been waiting for this debate for a long time. They better not postpone it.
 
The same shit that will happen if it does, but without the $1.4 trillion annual deficit marking a damn-near 200% increase over the previous record set by Bush.

Nothin'.
 
He's trying to make it seem like he cares more about the country than his own campaign. If Obama doesn't agree, then suddenly he only cares about his own campaign.

Nothing more than a political stunt.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']So you don't think we're going to go into a depression?[/QUOTE]

Oh no, I do think that. But that's going to happen no matter the case.

This influx of money will go to all the regular suspects, y'know. (i.e., not us)
 
Crafty way to kill to birds with one stone.

1. He's doing badly in the polls and likely would not make up ground in the debate--would probably lose more since he's weak on the economy and you can bet the debates would hammer that topic.

2. He's down in the polls because he's fairs poorly with voters on the economy, so he does this to make it seem like he's doing something about the economy.

Annoying, but definitely a crafty move by him on paper. It could backfire if people catch on, but the average population are sheep and will probably buy it hook, line and sinker.
 
I really hope Obama calls him out on this Bullshit. What can you do Mr. John "The Fundamentals of our Economy are strong" McCain? Think you know more about the economy then the people already in Washington? Go Drink your Ensure.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']Apparently, McCain got ahead of himself on an Obama call from early this morning. They HAVE TO pass thing. We may not like it, but from everything I've heard, if it doesn't happened, the economy is screwed. Not just our economy either, the world economy.[/QUOTE]

There is no reason to make an ill informed decision just because W is running around with underwear on his head telling everyone to panic.
 
[quote name='FloodsAreUponUS']I really hope Obama calls him out on this Bullshit. What can you do Mr. John "The Fundamentals of our Economy are strong" McCain? Think you know more about the economy then the people already in Washington? Go Drink your Ensure.[/QUOTE]

Obama is in kind of a tight spot. If he attacks McCain can paint him as carrying more about politics than the economy which effects normal folks.

He really has no choice but to go along with it.

He can try playing the "I can do both" card and saying what kind of president would McCain be if he can't run a campaign and focus on issues at the same time, but that's pretty risky IMO.
 
[quote name='dmaul1114']Obama is in kind of a tight spot. If he attacks McCain can paint him as carrying more about politics than the economy which effects normal folks.

He really has no choice but to go along with it.

He can try playing the "I can do both" card and saying what kind of president would McCain be if he can't run a campaign and focus on issues at the same time, but that's pretty risky IMO.[/QUOTE]

If it were up to me I would place my bet on the American people starting to smell the Bullshit from the McCain camp.

Does anyone know if there will still be McCain campaign commercials running?
 
[quote name='Msut77']If it were up to me I would place my bet on the American people starting to smell the Bullshit from the McCain camp.
[/QUOTE]

I have no faith in the American people. Electing Bush twice was proof enough.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']The American people want action, and they like hearing about action.[/QUOTE]

The last time people decided to blindly follow Bush and let him do whatever he would like we got Iraq.

Being led blindly off a cliff hardly qualifies as action.
 
Why does the OP's post vary significantly from the one on MSNBC? Particularly where I bolded? Whos idea was this?


NEW YORK - Republican John McCain said Wednesday he is directing his staff to work with Democrat Barack Obama's campaign and the presidential debate commission to delay Friday's debate because of the economic crisis.

Obama's campaign says he is inclined to go ahead with Friday's presidential debate, even though his rival is calling for a delay.

In a statement, McCain said he will stop campaigning after addressing former President Clinton's Global Initiative session on Thursday and return to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.

Meanwhile, the University of Mississippi, which is slated to host Friday's debate, issued a statement saying they are going forward with preparation.

"We expect the debate to occur as planned," university officials said.

The Republican presidential hopeful called Obama before he made the statement and told him he was going to suspend his campaign, according to a McCain senior adviser.

According to the source, McCain wants to create a "political free zone" until a deal is reached on legislation for a $700 billion bailout of the financial industry.

McCain said he wants President Bush to convene a leadership meeting in Washington that would include him and Obama.

"It has become clear that no consensus has developed to support the administration's proposal," McCain said. "I do not believe that the plan on the table will pass as it currently stands, and we are running out of time."

McCain said if Congress does not pass legislation to address the crisis, credit will dry up, people will no longer be able to buy homes, life savings will be at stake and businesses will not have enough money

"If we do not act, every corner of our country will be impacted," McCain said. "We cannot allow this to happen."

McCain also canceled his planned appearance Wednesday on CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman" program.

McCain said he has spoken to Obama about his plans and asked the Democratic presidential nominee to join him.

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

"We must meet as Americans, not as Democrats or Republicans, and we must meet until this crisis is resolved," McCain said. "I am confident that before the markets open on Monday we can achieve consensus on legislation that will stabilize our financial markets, protect taxpayers and homeowners, and earn the confidence of the American people. All we must do to achieve this is temporarily set politics aside, and I am committed to doing so."

McCain advisers said they are also reaching out to the Obama campaign to discuss pulling political television advertisements from airing, as well.

McCain's statement was an effort to show leadership on an issue that has spread economic fears across the country and overshadowed the presidential campaign just six weeks from Election Day.

The economy has not been McCain's strongest suit, and his move was an attempt to turn it into an opportunity to show he's the candidate of bipartisanship and action. Recent polls showed Obama with an advantage with voters in handling the economy.
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[quote name='dmaul1114']I have no faith in the American people. Electing Bush twice was proof enough.[/quote]

Bravo. I concur.

The Poll on CNN.com about this shows that about 70% of people are thinking that its a stunt by McCain.
 
[quote name='FloodsAreUponUS']Bravo. I concur.

The Poll on CNN.com about this shows that about 70% of people are thinking that its a stunt by McCain.[/QUOTE]

It really does have the stench of cowardice.
 
[quote name='Snake2715']Why does the OP's post vary significantly from the one on MSNBC? Particularly where I bolded? Whos idea was this?[/QUOTE]

I just copied what was on drudge, which looked like the statement as it was sent from McCain's people. What you saw on MSNBC is a STORY about it, interlaced with McCain's statement.

[quote name='dmaul1114']I have no faith in the American people. Electing Bush twice was proof enough.[/QUOTE]

I would agree, with one twist: Electing Bush twice is not reason alone for me to lose faith in the American people, it is the inability of the American people to break out of, or even see past, the faux two party system, that leaves me with no faith in them.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']I just copied what was on drudge, which looked like the statement as it was sent from McCain's people. What you saw on MSNBC is a STORY about it, interlaced with McCain's statement.
[/QUOTE]

Thurst I understand that. I guess I read it on MSNBC and was under the impression that McCain runs out after the return call to Obama and wants to act as if the entire idea is his and was initiated by him for obvious reasons. Most people wont realize or care that McCain is not going to have the final say in the isssue at hand, its potentially good press.

I have looked at this vry limited due to me being at work and I was actually wondering whos idea it was and what was the original idea.
 
[quote name='Msut77']The last time people decided to blindly follow Bush and let him do whatever he would like we got Iraq.

Being led blindly off a cliff hardly qualifies as action.[/quote]

This is the same situation. People don't know what's going to happen.

I think, in the end, McCain will show up at the debate, as long as the topic changes to the economy. Even then, he'll probably show up anyway.
 
If I'm keeping score right:

Obama refuses to attend the "Town-Hall Meeting" style debates McCain requested....
McCain increases negative tone of campaign when attacking Obama....

McCain wishes to delay national debates to focus on the economic crisis....
Obama....

Going to be interesting to see where this goes, but I think that an additional senator on each side will not push this along any more efficiently, and their time is better spent debating.

Less than 45 days before election day, we've had speech after speech after speech from Obama/Biden, and soundbyte after soundbyte after soundbyte from McCain/Palin (you know, when they actually let her out of the house), but nothing really of substance.

If they delay or even remove one of these debates, I recommend they condense all 3 into a single, hour-long cage match.

My whole viewpoint on this is as follows: "Let the House & Senate deal with the negotiations, you two jackasses want to take up responsibility for fixing this mess for the next 4 years, and your interview isn't over yet, so sit your ass down and explain how your ideology is effective".

~HotShotX
 
[quote name='KingBroly']This is the same situation. People don't know what's going to happen.[/QUOTE]

I think they have a clue about what will happen if they give dipshits a blank check and dictatorial powers.

Point being that it went do terribly the last time if you needed it pointed out.
 
I just find it funny that McCain, who admittedly said in the past that the economy isn't his strongest point, today called for the delay of this debate to focus on the Bailout Bill... you know, to potentially fix the economy? ;)

Definitely more of a political move. I don't think he would have done this on his own accord if this same financial crisis happened in a non-election year.
 
Obama responded, we'll see how it pans out.

From cnn.com


"It's my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person will be the next president," Obama said. "It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once. It's more important than ever to present ourselves to the American people."

Regarding McCain's call to join him in Washington to help participate in the debate over the economic recovery plan, Obama said, "If I can be helpful then I'm prepared to be anywhere, any time ... don't want to infuse Capitol Hill with presidential politics."
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Hopefully people will not buy McCains schtick here and this will further hurt him in the polls.
 
Interesting that Reid yesterday said he wanted McCain in Washington to help get Republicans on board the plan, but today does a 180 on the subject.
 
Don't take this latest move too lightly folks.

President Bush speaks tonight, don't be surprised if immediately afterwards all the talking heads repeat in unison, "Yes, pass this bill, this IS what the American people want. Let's call it the "Economic Patriot-Freedom Bill!" Barack Obama oughta be ashamed of himself for not joining hands with McCain! *...this just in* There's been a huge shift in the polls! McCain leads!"

create the problem. manipulate the reaction. offer the solution.

it's a great 1-2-3 punch that Americans fall for all the time.... including liberals.

like some have stated in the other threads, it does seem Bush wants to put off the inevitable economic collapse until the next presidency.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']Interesting that Reid yesterday said he wanted McCain in Washington to help get Republicans on board the plan, but today does a 180 on the subject.[/QUOTE]

It is the Democratic Party's fault that McCain is incapable of doing two things at once. Got it.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']Apparently, McCain got ahead of himself on an Obama call from early this morning.[/quote]

That's an interesting way of putting it. I've been watching CNN all day. What happened was Obama called McCain this morning to propose releasing a joint statement on the bailout in the spirit of unity (the idea was first put to him by Tom Coburn, republican senator from Texas). This was confirmed by both campaigns. McCain then waited 6 hours to call him back, apparently agreeing with the idea but also suggesting they might consider delaying the debate, an idea Obama did not agree to. Minutes later, McCain pops up on TV announcing he's suspending his campaign to focus on the bailout and imploring Obama and the debate committee to postpone Friday's debate? Can we say political grandstanding?

Obama's response that presidents have to be able to focus on more than one thing at a time is spot on and really makes McCain look frail.

They HAVE TO pass thing. We may not like it, but from everything I've heard, if it doesn't happened, the economy is screwed. Not just our economy either, the world economy.
Click to expand...
From everything I've heard, there's enriched uranium and chemical weapons in Iraq! Let's go!
 
Time-sensitive panic?

Being asked to trust in our elected officials?

Executive privilege?

No oversight?

No accountability?

Man, I hate reruns.

David Letterman, according to Drudge: "You don't suspend your campaign. This doesn't smell right. This isn't the way a tested hero behaves." And he joked: "I think someone's putting something in his metamucil. He can't run the campaign because the economy is cratering? Fine, put in your second string quarterback, Sara Palin. Where is she? What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!"
 
So if they have the debate, and McCain get's his ass kicked by Obama he can just say he was worried about the econmy and he couldn't think about anything else. He's old and he can only think about 2 things at the same time and one's keeping kids off his lawn.
 
CNN's Dana Bash reports that McCain officials are "trying to negotiate with the Obama campaign and the presidential debate commission. What they are saying, and what he is saying is that they are proposing to instead of having next Thursday the vice presidential debate in St. Louis, to make that the presidential debate and then to delay the VP debate to another time. That is what they are proposing, they understand very well that both the Obama campaign and the debate commission have no intention of delaying Friday's debate, but both he and a senior advisor that if there is no bailout deal by Friday, McCain has no plan to go to
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kind of figured that was coming
 
No kidding. Since I'll be all roller-derbyin' it up in Houston next weekend and won't be able to watch the debate live, bring on the VP debate tomorrow! Awesome! Pop quiz for Sarah Palin!
 
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