Obama May Not Return to D.C. for Bailout Vote

By: Maria Gavrilovic
Topics: Barack Obama

(CBS)

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.) - Although Barack Obama argues that the financial meltdown is an "emergency situation", he said today that he may remain on the campaign trail, rather than returning to the Capitol, to vote on the $700 billion plan.

"Look if we get a consensus and everybody is popping champagne – then I will probably be going back to campaign with folks who are having a tough time in places like Ohio, and Michigan and Pennsylvania," Obama said adding, "If this ends up being a close vote or a vote where the outcome is an open question then obviously this is a top priority."

Shortly after landing at the St. Petersburg airport, the campaign organized an impromptu press conference on the bailout plan. Obama laid out a set of provisions that he believes should be included, but he was unclear whether he would support a bailout without them. While arguing that there are a number of ways of accomplishing the principles that he has outlined, Obama said he is not trying to "dictate" a particular plan.

Whatever the plan, Obama insisted, "I need to be convinced that taxpayers are going to get an upside on this thing and can be made whole when the economy recovers." He later added that he will ask Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to "go back to the drawing board" if he the principles that he laid out are not addressed.

Obama also had very harsh criticism of President Bush – calling him stubborn and inflexible when it comes to negotiating the economic plan. "This is not the time for my-way-or-the-highway intransigence from anyone involved."

At a diner stop earlier in the day, he told a voter that Bush is a "lame duck president" and "can't really rally the public."

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by ipotter9 September 25, 2008 3:34 PM EDT: This is just one more example of Obama putting self before all else. No, he won''t go off the campaign trail for this emergency facing the country... shows his priority is not the job he is being paid to do, or his country for that matter. He has avoided debates and townhalls for about 6 months. But recently took debate lessons so now insists the long-awaited debate cannot be cancelled. Guess he''s afraid he will forget what he learned in "debate school". Obama simply does not have the stuff presidents are made of, and that''s not something you can learn in "president school".; Reply to this comment


by ipotter9 September 25, 2008 3:33 PM EDT: This is just one more example of Obama putting self before all else. No, he won''t go off the campaign trail for this emergency facing the country... shows his priority is not the job he is being paid to do, or his country for that matter. He has avoided debates and townhalls for about 6 months. But recently took debate lessons so now insists the long-awaited debate cannot be cancelled. Guess he''s afraid he will forget what he learned in "debate school". Obama simply does not have the stuff presidents are made of, and that''s not something you can learn in "president school".; Reply to this comment


by howji September 25, 2008 1:55 AM EDT: Wow - a lot of Obama bashing! I guess you''re right - we don''t need anyone in the White House that''s intelligent, educated, has good judgement and is skilled at consensus building -- we should just vote for McCain and continue with the same idiocy.; Reply to this comment


by puppiesc2 September 24, 2008 1:56 AM EDT: Obama offers a lot of criticism on many people and subjects.. BUT Mr. Present but not accountable, non commital and not even near the drawing board has a lot of nerve asking Paulson or anybody to rethink a plan. What an Ego. He is even worse than Bush! Americans please wake up. Get past the favorable rehtric and promises, the man is a con artist and a good one. But can he really run this country? In your dreams.; Reply to this comment


by wolfie2z September 24, 2008 1:32 AM EDT: Does Mr. I''m present think we will love him more for avoiding the issue? What shape will we be in if he ever has to decide on something without his speech writers? The masses that seem to fall at his feet are just the desperate reaching for any semblance of help even if it is a lot of wishful thinking. I hope these fools sober up by election day. Want to change Washington... Start with the senate and congress.; Reply to this comment


by wolfie2z September 24, 2008 1:24 AM EDT: I hope Ob shows more of his real self before the election. Maybe then his ignorant followers "the sheep" will wake from their fantasy.; Reply to this comment


by wdh3007 September 24, 2008 1:04 AM EDT: A vote for present again from Obama guess he had money in Fannie & Freddie not Goldman, JP, AIG and Stearns that the FBI will investigate.; Reply to this comment


by philm123 September 24, 2008 12:59 AM EDT: Don''t you just LOVE the way Maria Gavrilovic gives you HALF a headline that is negative towards Barack? It should read "Obama May or May Not Return to D.C. for Bail Out Vote". He explains why in the article. The head line is misleading - and unprofessional.; Reply to this comment


by philm123 September 24, 2008 12:58 AM EDT: Don''t you just LOVE the way Maria Gavrilovic gives you HALF a headline that is negative towards Barack? It should read "Obama May or May Not Return to D.C. for Bail Out Vote". He explains why in the article. The head line is misleading - and unprofessional.; Reply to this comment


by philm123 September 24, 2008 12:57 AM EDT: Don''t you just LOVE the way Maria Gavrilovic gives you HALF a headline that is negative towards Barack? It should read "Obama May or May Not Return to D.C. for Bail Out Vote". He explains why in the article. The head line is misleading - and unprofessional.; Reply to this comment