From The Road
October 1, 2008 1:05 PM

Obama Readies For Bailout Bill Vote

By
Maria Gavrilovic
Topics
Barack Obama
(CBS)
From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(LA CROSSE, WISC.) - "I'll be flying back to Washington today to cast my vote to safeguard the American economy," Obama said at rally here, without specifically saying whether he would vote for or against the bill.

However, although he has not explicitly supported the plan – often comparing the economic crisis to the Iraq war and saying that there are no good options left – he has called for "swift" approval of it.

UPDATE 1:35pm ET:Obama spokeswoman Linda Douglass confirms to CBS News that Obama will vote Yes on the bill tonight.

"To the Democrats and Republicans who have opposed this plan, I say – step up to the plate and do what's right for the country, because the time to act is now."

Obama emphasized that the passage of the bill will not automatically fix the economy, saying that this is "just the beginning of a long, hard road ahead."

As he did in Reno yesterday, Obama used his speech today to try to better explain the economic recovery plan to voters, saying that it has been "misunderstood and poorly communicated." He omitted any direct jabs at John McCain and instead broke down how the plan could potentially help voters.

"If this is managed correctly, we will hopefully get most or all of our money back, or possibly even turn a profit on the government's investment – every penny of which will go directly back to you."

Yesterday, Obama said that President Bush has adequately explained the recovery plan to voters.

Add a Comment
by marychgo October 1, 2008 8:54 PM EDT
One bill can''t accomplish everything that needs to be done. I''m not crazy about the "rescue" but I think it or something like it is necessary. As Obama has said innumerable times, Step 2 is relief for middle class consumers and those in danger of losing their homes. And Step 3, which will probably take six to 24 months, is prosecuting people who broke the law in creating this mess.

The last thing we need is people giving up on Obama because he can''t get everything done in one bill before he''s even elected President!
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:58 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:56 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:55 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:53 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:52 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by james9573 October 1, 2008 5:51 PM EDT
I was willing to follow Obama because Gore endorsed him, but here he is trying to sell this BAD president''s package without prosecuting the CEO''s who walked away with undeserved millions leaving this mess behind. Listen to the people who''ve voted to start over and find the criminals who created this crisis. McCain who was deliberately absent when environmental votes were called and Palin who is in the pocket of big oil are a nightmare combination. But Obama needs to stand up and fight for the little guy, not be little bush''s stepnfetchit.
Reply to this comment
by jayceer1 October 1, 2008 5:38 PM EDT
www.youtube.com/TheMouthPeace
This is the video youtube keeps trying to shut down. PLEASE PASS IT ON! This puts the whole race in perspective!
Reply to this comment
by mattcat25 October 1, 2008 5:24 PM EDT
I sure hope Speaker Nancy Pelosi didn%u2019t hurt too many feelings of Republicans in the US Senate like she did when she pointed out that this current economic crisis has been caused by the Bush Administration%u2019s Conservative Agenda.

Reply to this comment
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