Obama Readies For Bailout Bill Vote
(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.