McCain's Curveball Not Without Risks

By: Vaughn Ververs
Topics: Debates

John McCain is no stranger to shaking up the campaign landscape. The announcement that he will suspend his campaign activities to return to Washington for the Wall Street crisis (and the suggestion that Friday's debate be postponed if no deal is reached) isn't quite the shocker the Sarah Palin pick was but it's another curve ball from the Republican candidate. Some quick analysis/thoughts/questions on the plusses and minuses:

While both candidates rely heavily on rhetoric about bipartisanship and bringing both parties together to solve problems, this is a rare example of one of them actually taking steps to do that.

But, it may be received as just a campaign stunt from a candidate who appears to be slightly behind in the race. McCain, who has been on the defensive on the economy, certainly could benefit from the move but how will voters see it?

The tea leaves surrounding the administration's Wall Street bailout proposal haven't been looking so bright for its passage, which is one reason why the president is addressing the nation tonight. It's a pretty safe bet that if nothing is done and the instability continues, it wouldn't be helpful to McCain's cause.

Even if McCain gets what he is asking for – a bipartisan solution to the bailout proposal that includes him and Obama – it's not without risk. As signs grow that the current proposal is becoming unpopular, there could be resistance to any sort of a bailout deal. And the next one would have McCain's imprint all over it.

If the debate does go on at this point, can it possibly stick to the assigned topic – foreign policy? And will he get another shot at an all-foreign policy debate?

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by downsteamjim September 25, 2008 9:37 PM EDT: Maybe Obama will shock the world and vote present on the bail out package.; Reply to this comment


by red1952 September 25, 2008 4:50 PM EDT: "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?" McCain, once a maverick...now a joke!; Reply to this comment


by barbaraf4 September 25, 2008 4:23 PM EDT: McCain is taking his example of Presidential multi-tasking from George Bush, who could only read a childrens'' book while the World Trade Center tanked.; Reply to this comment


by lunarella September 25, 2008 4:16 PM EDT: Obama is right. The country needs to hear from the candidates NOW and the candidates have to be able to handle more than one issue at a time.
I also think it is interesting that the McCain camp suggested that they hold the presidential debate next week in place of the vice presidential debate. As we saw with Couric''s interview with Palin, she is not ready for prime time. Keep in mind that McCain''s dad died at age 70 and his grandad at age 61. If you don''t see Palin as ready to take over this mess, vote Obama.; Reply to this comment


by godseyesore-2009 September 25, 2008 3:25 PM EDT: HaHaHa...McCain is scared to debate!
A debate prospect must be worse than torture for him! Likely he will drum up excuses to avoid any other debates as well.; Reply to this comment


by mcwhitey4u September 25, 2008 2:45 PM EDT: McCain-Palin 2008 lead pollster Bill McInturff led a conference call this morning to respond to
AS A MILITARY VET! I feel mcwarmonger ia AWOL! FOR THIS REASON ALONE:

the new Washington Post-ABC News national poll showing Barack Obama leading John McCain 52 percent to 43 percent among likely voters.

MCWARMONGER IS UNFIT TO LEAD!
OBAMA 08!; Reply to this comment


by mcwhitey4u September 25, 2008 2:40 PM EDT: THINK MCCAIN KNEW ABOUT THIS VIDEO WHEN HE PICKED PALIN???? this video hit the web about the same time as the bad GOP polls---might be why he wants the VEEP debate cancelled. ---it is her Kenyan witchdoctor "blessing" her for more political money and power, and driving out witches....not kidding here, this is REAL and GOP has "no comment"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26880901/; Reply to this comment


by pvperson September 25, 2008 2:26 PM EDT: I hope this example of political pandering by McCain gets the scorn it deserves. What kind of arrogant fool thinks he and only he can save America? I believe his great "patriotism" is more motivated by falling poll numbers than any REAL concern he has for the economy. This is political grandstanding, plain and simple.; Reply to this comment


by hwy71so September 25, 2008 2:25 PM EDT: Doesn''t matter why he says he''s doing it. What matters is that He and Obama are STILL ELECTED SENATORS and its their JOB!

They best get their butts to work!!; Reply to this comment


by nishaboston September 25, 2008 1:18 PM EDT: People who think McCain is doing this because he puts America first are blind and dumb. They can''t see through this whole BS.; Reply to this comment