Ko0K on 25/9/2008 at 04:11
You wouldn't know from opinion polls, but Obama's lead opened up significantly in the future prediction markets, apparently in response to this silly business about McCain suspending his campaign. I see that his campaign is going for this as part of the "Country First" BS, along the same line as turning the GOP convention into a charity event when they found out that hurricane Gustav was about to rain on their parade. I can't believe this race isn't over yet. Who are these 'good people' who actually buy these shenanigans? I can certainly understand getting behind the candidate of their choice, but surely even they must be smacking their foreheads by now, right?
Scots Taffer on 25/9/2008 at 04:16
Surely even if they dislike McCain and his antics, he's still a lesser evil over Obama to the Republican dullards?
demagogue on 25/9/2008 at 04:50
I'm trying to think from their perspective... The only logic I can figure: McCain suspends, putting Obama on the spot for not suspending. Maybe it's supposed to leave the impression that Obama, as a half-term freshman Senator, frankly doesn't have that much to do with the bail-out legislation as McCain, a senior Senator, who's supposed to have some central role in getting it passed, or whatever. That role might otherwise get buried, so McC pushes Obama's hand to make a soundbite that highlights that he doesn't have as big a role ... or whatever.
Putting totally aside how true that is, I think that's the impression it's supposed to leave.
I'm not sure how that logic will fly because I'm not sure the target audience (indies) have a clear idea that the crash was really of disaster proportions, how important the legislation is, or what McCain's actual role is in the Senate dealing with it and how it contrasts to what Obama's role might be (because they're still not clear on what "it" is). And it's also a big gamble because it looks so ad hoc, which makes it look reactionary, AND on top of all of that he's out of the limelight for a week. It's a big gamble on how the bail-out process will be perceived, and McCain's role vs Obama's (who's campaigning in the meantime), not a bet I'd take.
elkston on 25/9/2008 at 06:24
McCain tried to punk Obama into postponing the debates and he wasn't having it.
Similar to McCain's offer of the joint town halls at the outset of campaign, he is attempting to control the agenda with the illusion that he is leading things and Obama won't take the bait.
It was Obama who first called McCain suggesting they make a joint statement about the bail-out seeing as how their principles for it were very similar (read: McCain just copied Obama's ideas). McCain agreed, then suggested they go to Washington together and postpone the debates. Obama did not agree to that part and said they should release the statement first, then "discuss" the other concerns.
Their communication ended and the next thing you know, there is no release of a joint statement, but instead McCain on national TV saying he is suspending his campaign and going to Washington to "help" in the bail out. Oh, and that the debates should be put off as well!!
His intentions were to appear above the politics and about finding a solution. He wanted to create the contrast of his taking the "high road" to Obama just playing politics. (Which is sooo ironic when you consider how McCain's campaign has been operating prior to this). He tried to put Obama on the spot and get him to capitulate for the "good of the country".
Nope. Obama called his bluff and did it brilliantly.
Folks, you cannot pull a fast one on Obama. He will not be deceived. He is tough as nails and steady as a rock. While McCain flails wildly trying to find any angle that will work, Obama looks like a confident leader who can see us through this crisis.
That is what you want in the White House.
Rogue Keeper on 25/9/2008 at 09:54
Quote Posted by Scots Taffer
Obama: "It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once."
Like, er, get into fighter plane to personally kick asses of invading aliens!
Scots Taffer on 25/9/2008 at 09:59
I can picture Obama chomping on a cigar and saying WELCOME TA EARF.
Matthew on 25/9/2008 at 10:02
There was a suggestion in the morning news over here that part of the thinking was that if the two candidates' debate were to be pushed back, the vice-presidential debate would do likewise, or perhaps even be scrapped altogether for lack of time.
Starrfall on 25/9/2008 at 13:59
Obama's not having any trouble with funds.
But McCain and Palin are still useless cowards!
heywood on 25/9/2008 at 14:03
I don't see any logic in it. The wheels have fallen off the McCain campaign over the last week or two. This latest stunt, along with the Palin pick, just shows that McCain likes to gamble when he's desperate.
But who cares anymore. Barring any massive revelations, the election's over. Obama won. I'm taking Starrfall's advice and voting for Barr in protest. I wouldn't want him to be President, but I can't vote for anybody who supports this bailout.
