McCain seeks to delay debate to focus on economy

cubbieblue82

His job as a senator who isn't on the committees involved is to VOTE on the issue, not be involved directly in the negotiating.

Obama has said that he will cast a vote on the legislation, as I'm sure will McCain. That is all that they need to do to be fulfilling their job description.

Do you think that they just have all 100 senators and 435 representatives in a room screaming at each other over what needs to be done? McCain is just going to enter the room, and all will be right with the world?

Give me a break. This is a political move entirely.

All reports indicate that Congress is making good progress without McCain or Obama's direct help. Other than casting a vote on the issue, I think their presence cannot possibly help.

slightofjeff

sweetpotato wrote:

he's doing the same thing that he's bashed other senators for doing in years past- showing up like some superhero after everyone else has already been there, doing the heavy lifting. all he needs is a cape.

Except, you know, folks in Congress asked him back. They basically sent out a giant bat signal.

I mean, are we really going to bash a senator for wanting to do his job? Really?

I mean, I really am flabbergasted at the reaction from some of you.

If you want to be cynical, and think of this only as a political ploy, that's fine. I understand that response, even if I don't neccesarily agree with it.

It's the pure outrage that I don't understand. As if it completely unreasonable for a Senator to want to be in the Senate for a debate/vote of this magnitude ...

Call me crazy, but I find that desire to be perfectly reasonable.

inmytree

slightofjeff wrote:

Except, you know, folks in Congress asked him back. They basically sent out a giant bat signal.

I mean, are we really going to bash a senator for wanting to do his job? Really?

I mean, I really am flabbergasted at the reaction from some of you.

If you want to be cynical, and think of this only as a political ploy, that's fine. I understand that response, even if I don't neccesarily agree with it.

It's the pure outrage that I don't understand. As if it completely unreasonable for a Senator to want to be in the Senate for a debate/vote of this magnitude ...

Call me crazy, but I find that desire to be perfectly reasonable.

no one is bashing him for not doing his job as a senator...I'm bashing him because he can't focus on two things at once....do you understand...?

and just because you claim the debate is "unnecessary", it may come as a surprise, not everyone feels that way....:eek:

slightofjeff

cubbieblue82 wrote:

His job as a senator who isn't on the committees involved is to VOTE on the issue, not be involved directly in the negotiating.

Obama has said that he will cast a vote on the legislation, as I'm sure will McCain. That is all that they need to do to be fulfilling their job description.

Do you think that they just have all 100 senators and 435 representatives in a room screaming at each other over what needs to be done? McCain is just going to enter the room, and all will be right with the world?

Give me a break. This is a political move entirely.

All reports indicate that Congress is making good progress without McCain or Obama's direct help. Other than casting a vote on the issue, I think their presence cannot possibly help.

I've said this before on this thread ... but McCain, for all the faults you (and probably I) think he has, is one of the most respected voices on both sides of the aisle in the Senate. He would be one of the people most likely to be able to bring people together on a compromise, and to do it quickly.

There's a reason some Senators (and Paulson) are saying this bailout is doomed to failure without McCain.

I didn't want to make this thread too anti-Obama, but fuck it: If nobody is clamoring for Obama to come back and help fix this, as they were for McCain, that should probably tell you something about Obama's standing in the Senate. Nobody gives a fuck about what he has to say. He's apparently completely unneccessary when it comes to resolving the biggest issue of the day.

And he wants to be president?

Solat13

inmytree wrote:

the fucker hasn't shown up the vote in MONTHS....MONTHS....I'll say it again, MONTHS....suddenly, he thinks he's the fucking savior...when in reality, by his own admission, has no clue about the economy...

if he's such a strong leader, he'd be able to cover two things at once...I suppose when my car breaks down, I suspend all of my other duties until I fix it...or I can suck it up, get a ride to work, walk, or take the bus to take care of my responsibilities....this guy wants to be leader of the free world, yet, he can focus on two things at once...

he looks like a big pussy who can't take the heat....

by the way, where did you get that little write-up...which website...? I'm just curious....

Did you read the article written by that noted GOP sympathizer George Stephanopoulos on Tuesday that I posted earlier?

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/stephanopoulo-4.html

McCain's vote is the key vote in this bailout and if my decision were the key vote in it I'd sure as anything want to make sure I know firsthand what I'm voting for and not depend on my subordinates.

slightofjeff

inmytree wrote:

no one is bashing him for not doing his job as a senator...I'm bashing him because he can't focus on two things at once....do you understand...?

I know. And it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Which is certainly saying something. So, congratulations on that.

and just because you claim the debate is "unnecessary", it may come as a surprise, not everyone feels that way....:eek:

Nobody is threatening to CANCEL the debates outright. Just postpone them until next week.

If the potential meltdown of the entire U.S. economy isn't a reason for postponement, what is?

Thecure

Gonzo1977 wrote:

Again.

What can McCain possible offer?
What good is his presence going to do?

His own party cant' stand him. It's not like he's going to get people behind this bill.

Furthermore...where was he all this time? Before last week he was against imposing restrictions on Big Business. Up until last week this tool was out there babbling about how the "Fundementals of the Economy were Strong".

For Christ Sakes... He's already flat out told us that he "Knows very Little about the Economy".

Why not go through with the debate?

How about we change the platform of this debate from Foreign Policy...to talking about the Economy?

Let's get both Obama and McCain up there and talk about what they are going to do to solve this problem.

Let's see who's got the plan.

Instead of this Grand Standing Hail Mary Hoover Manuever that he's trying to pull right now.

Lay it out John
Give it to us
What's your Plan?

He's nothing but a chickenshit and he's running from this debate because he knows he's gonna get destroyed.

have you read any of the post here. Mccain or Obama is going to be the president, don't you think that they should be there for this.

Gonzo1977

slightofjeff wrote:

Except, you know, folks in Congress asked him back. They basically sent out a giant bat signal.

I mean, are we really going to bash a senator for wanting to do his job? Really?

I mean, I really am flabbergasted at the reaction from some of you.

If you want to be cynical, and think of this only as a political ploy, that's fine. I understand that response, even if I don't neccesarily agree with it.

It's the pure outrage that I don't understand. As if it completely unreasonable for a Senator to want to be in the Senate for a debate/vote of this magnitude ...

Call me crazy, but I find that desire to be perfectly reasonable.

Once again...Does McCain have to go to Washington to cast his vote? He's been absent from voting for everything else since he started running for President.

What will his presence do in DC? It's not like McCain holds the key to solving this problem nor the presence to sway the vote in either direction.

The man isn't apart of any commitee. He offers no insight.

This pure political posturing and nothing else.

The point is the debate and the campaign can go on. Neither candidate has to put anything on hold to vote on this fucking bill. It's absurd to think that either Obama or McCain have to put anything on hold for this.

This debate is important. It's not just some prime time bullshit show.

They should change the platform of this debate to reflect the current situation.

Right now America is looking to McCain and Obama to give some answers.

Both men can do best for the country by getting up there and laying it on the line what they are going to do when they are President to solve this economic crisis.

It's time to hear their plans
It's time to hear them debate on the issues that they are going to face.

Do not downgrade this because it is VERY IMPORTANT.

McCain just looks like a chickenshit right now. He's using this vote to further his Political aspirations. It's so obvious and it's an insult to us all.

slightofjeff

Thecure wrote:

have you read any of the post here. Mccain or Obama is going to be the president, don't you think that they should be there for this.

Exactly. If I'm Obama or McCain, I'm going to be in charge of this massive monstrosity of program beginning in January. And, for better or worse, my job performance is going to be judged in part by how it goes.

If you want to have any control over how it goes down, and how the program is shaped and implemented, now is the time. January is too late.

Or, we could all go to Mississippi and spent two hours repeating the same talking points we've been regurgitating for two years.

You make the call.

puremagic

Solat13 wrote:

Did you read the article written by that noted GOP sympathizer George Stephanopoulos on Tuesday that I posted earlier?

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/stephanopoulo-4.html

McCain's vote is the key vote in this bailout and if my decision were the key vote in it I'd sure as anything want to make sure I know firsthand what I'm voting for and not depend on my subordinates.

Someone tell George that this Bailout is going to pass with or without McCain's vote.

Gonzo1977

Thecure wrote:

have you read any of the post here. Mccain or Obama is going to be the president, don't you think that they should be there for this.

To do what?
What does McCain offer besides a vote?
Does he have to go to Washington to Vote?
Has he voted on anything since running for President?

I'm sorry but this is nothing but a political grandstand on McCain's part. It's a front to look like he's coming to the rescue. It's an insult to both his job and his country.

He can do his country good by getting up there on Friday and debate.

Lay out his plan
Tell us what he can offer to solve this crisis.

America is looking to these candidates to explain this.

They are not needed on the Hill

All that is required is their vote and neither Obama or McCain need to suspend their campaigns to do so.

slightofjeff

Gonzo1977 wrote:

Once again...Does McCain have to go to Washington to cast his vote? He's been absent from voting for everything else since he started running for President.

What will his presence do in DC? It's not like McCain holds the key to solving this problem nor the presence to sway the vote in either direction.[/quote]

Actually, several people involved with the bailout have said McCain absolutely holds the key.

I'm too tired to repeat what I've already said ad naseum ... but if you want to see why McCain is vital to the bi-partisan bill -- aside from just showing up to click "yay" or "nay" -- use your little arrow key and read some of my previous posts.

I'm sick of repeating myself over and over.

Solat13

puremagic wrote:

Someone tell George that this Bailout is going to pass with or without McCain's vote.

Then how come there have been no articles written that this bailout vote needs Obama's vote?

Because he's not that important when it comes to bi-partisan legislation.

Even Bubba has no problem with pushing back the debate:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/bill-clinton-do.html

mammasan

slightofjeff wrote:

What will his presence do in DC? It's not like McCain holds the key to solving this problem nor the presence to sway the vote in either direction.

Actually, several people involved with the bailout have said McCain absolutely holds the key.

I'm too tired to repeat what I've already said ad naseum ... but if you want to see why McCain is vital to the bi-partisan bill -- aside from just showing up to click "yay" or "nay" -- use your little arrow key and read some of my previous posts.

I'm sick of repeating myself over and over.[/quote]

Ok Let's say that McCain holds the key to getting this bill passed. Tell me why he can't still debate on Friday night. I can understand if the voting will take place Friday evening then no the debate should be cancelled and both Obama and McCain should be there for the vote. The problem is that there has been no set day to vote. McCain is not on the committee holding the hearings so he can still prepare for a debate while keeping a close eye and in contact with Congressional representatives and senators. As I have mentioned already from the opinions floating around the air waves many voters see this in a negative light. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be involved to get the bill passed or wanting to be in washington but, in my opinion, calling off the debate so prematurely looks like a ploy. Whether it is or not I can't say with any degree of certainty but that is the signal it gives off.

Gonzo1977

slightofjeff wrote:

What will his presence do in DC? It's not like McCain holds the key to solving this problem nor the presence to sway the vote in either direction.

Actually, several people involved with the bailout have said McCain absolutely holds the key.

I'm too tired to repeat what I've already said ad naseum ... but if you want to see why McCain is vital to the bi-partisan bill -- aside from just showing up to click "yay" or "nay" -- use your little arrow key and read some of my previous posts.

I'm sick of repeating myself over and over.[/quote]


I've read your posts.
McCain will not decide this vote. He's a bigger fucking ego-maniac than I originally thought if he thinks his vote or presence is gonna sway this thing in either direction.

Niether McCain or Obama have to be there. They can lend their support, vote, opinion without having to go to DC and put the campaign and debates on hold.

McCain doesn't know fuck all about this issue or the economy...he's said it himself.

I'm sorry but I just don't buy it.

JSBE

why does the bailout need to be rushed through right this very second? will our economy be any more fucked up than it is now if the bailout is approved on monday? how about tuesday? is there a point of no return here where the $700b won't do the trick? something this ginormous seems like it should be very well thought out and not just done to get it done. it should be done right with lots and lots of provisions put in place.

and does no one else think that gop people saying that mccain holds an important vote is just a ploy to get mccain's name out so that it is used in connection when it goes through. i can see the headline now "mccain's "maverick" vote approves bailout."

Smartypants

Republicans are trying to turn this into a conversation about whether or not John McCain should go back to DC during the crisis. Because that's the only angle from which they can view this as a positive move. But that's not even the issue! Of course he should go back to DC if he feels he needs to be involved in person. The real issue is:

- Does he need to suspend his campaign in order to be focused on the economy in DC? No, he should be able to multi-task from DC and Palin should be able to shoulder most of the campaign responsibility for a few days.

- Does he need to cancel a debate on Friday evening which even Republicans say shouldn't be all that difficult for him since it's in his "specialty", foreign policy? No, he could be in DC yesterday, today and tomorrow, sit in on all the meetings and learn enough about the economic proposal to cast his vote and and still fly down to the debate Friday evening. Supposedly, he doesn't need a lot of prep on the debate subject and he's probably completed most of the prep he does need.

- So then why do it??

Simple. They needed to find a way to cancel the VP debate. They thought the easiest way to do that would be if the Presidential debate somehow needed to be rescheduled - they would suggest taking the VP time slot. When you walk around with a singular focus like that in your mind for several days in a row, you end up jumping at the first perceived opportunity to implement your plan. I don't think McCain was afraid of debating Obama on foreign policy, nor does he believe he's needed in DC Friday evening, he just didn't realize how terribly this lame attempt at rescheduling would be perceived.

Gonzo1977

C'MON!!

Let's get to the root of this thing.

This bill is nothing more than another ploy to bail out the rich...add provisons, grants, earmarks to this thing to further big business and wipe up the blood, hide the body, and fuck the tax payer in the ass even more.

This bill will NOT save the economy. It's a quick fix and an even quicker hustle.

Don't believe the hype.

We need some answers.

Get McCain on TV and let him explain to us his plans.

It's almost laughable because McCain has no plan.

He's trying to look pro-active, like a Leader

He's masking the fact that he's actually inept and without any solution.

jimed14

Again ... I'll ask, as I did about 10 pages ago ... why now?

About 10 days ago ... the fundamentials of the economy were strong ... now, we're on the verge of a depression and he needs to suspend his campaign.

(Not to mention he didn't support AIG's bail out, then he did support AIG's bailout, he stated if he were President, he'd Christopher Cox head of the SEC, but, you canot FIRE the head of the SEC as president)

If it were that important, why wasn't McCain back in Washington LAST week?

That's my biggest beef. That's why I feel it's a political ploy, and not some grand gesture which puts country first.

JSBE

well, he was on the rachael ray show on monday. apparently everything was ok then...like it was the monday before, you know, the fundaments of the economy are strong?

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/john-and-cindy-mccain/