McCain's gambit - From Politico

[EV_Ares]

McCain suspends his campaign, and asks to postpone Friday's debate, to address the financial crisis.

Both candidates have been marginal players; McCain, though, seems to have the potential to make himself a major one, and his move is a mark, most of all, that he doesn't like the way this campaign is going.

But in terms of the timing of this move: The only thing that's changed in the last 48 hours is the public polling.

McCain's statement:

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's 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.

Link: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/McCains_gambit.html?showall

[JuniperLea]

1. Step one in place...

There will be hell to pay if they postpone the election! I have this sinking feeling this is where we're headed!

[EV_Ares]

4. Something is going on; because Politico is right, the only thing that has

changed in the last 48 hours is the public polling showing Obama pulling away.

Obama needs to keep going and he can find a way to do that. He cannot join in with McCain and Bush, that is a losing deal.

McCain keeps trying to find a way to do everything with Obama.

Remember:

Wanted some join campaign type appearances.

Townhall meetings together.

Now asking him to join him and Bush during this crisis, they would shove Obama aside with McCain grandstanding.

[anonymous171]

2. Obama should call him a coward for postponing and agree to postpone.

[democrattotheend]

3. Since Democrats control the Senate, couldn't Reid give Obama a starring role in the negotiations?

Make Obama the point man for Senate Democrats on this legislation. Then Obama could be shown as a leader and pretty much wipe out the talking point that he hasn't accomplished anything.

[unblock]

6. not "point man", we don't want him bogged down in details of a policy debate

but you can certainly make cast obama as the "closer". after all, the next president has a major stake in whatever is passed.

[emulatorloo]

5. Worth repeating - "The only thing that's changed in the last 48 hours is the public polling.

This move seems pretty transparent.