Republicans set an elaborate trap

[G4Hillary]

They did it to Mondale, they did to Dukakis, they failed with Clinton, then came back to do it again to Gore, and finally they finished off Kerry.

As the saying goes, Democrats play checkers while Republicans play chess.

Some people are scratching their heads, attempting to rationalize the suspended campaign.
Was it a presidential stance, a statesmanlike approach, a knee jerk reaction, a maverick response, a red herring, a sincere concern or was it something else?

McCain's move is nothing less than a well thought out multidimensional strategy and a calculated plan that presents itself to the observer as an intricate puzzle. It is a dichotomy, being as noble as it is shrewd.

No one can dispute that John McCain won the media day.

Obama would have been damned if he had concurred with McCain, almost immediately being awarded another second place silver medal (note: Georgia-Russia Crisis) along with losing valuable campaign time and damned if he didn't due to some undecided voters viewing this as a snub to economic issues.

What do you think will be the repercussions for Obama?

[hillaryhoosier]

Honestly none. The MSM has already repainted the days events to favor Obama.

[xj550]

Democrats play checkers while Republicans play chess.

Reagan played poker, Russia though it was chess.

[cynthia2]

I say wait until the fat lady sings. John McCain is wiley. Bush backed him up by making the call to Obama. Somehow McCain will come out ahead in this. I think McCain is a strategist while Obama is just an arrogant empty suit.

[writerchick]

Honestly none. The MSM has already repainted the days events to favor Obama.

Exactly. Chess moves are only effective if the public knows about them. They've scrubbed McCain's suspension announcement completely. Now the story is: "Bush personally begs Obama to come to Washington to fix the financial crisis (and McCain is invited too but he doesn't want to do the debate on Friday like brave Obama)"

[Wyoming Dem]

I really think it was a caluclated move, just like waiting for Obama to commit to a VP and then whacking him with Palin. McCain is going to look presidential and Obama is going to look like "Barry".

[lynfreedom]

Hopefully McCain will have someone that will put the truth out there. Maybe after Bush spoke tonight, they will realize the extreme crisis at hand and ealize that McCain is diong the right thing.

[Jill4Hillary]

Exactly. Chess moves are only effective if the public knows about them. They've scrubbed McCain's suspension announcement completely. Now the story is: "Bush personally begs Obama to come to Washington to fix the financial crisis (and McCain is invited too but he doesn't want to do the debate on Friday like brave Obama)"

Yes, I concur. Unfortunate, huh. I am still hopeful that McCain has another trick in the bag and that he somehow manages to attend the debate on Friday.

[xj550]

Yes, I concur. Unfortunate, huh. I am still hopeful that McCain has another trick in the bag and that he somehow manages to attend the debate on Friday.


Obama supports will see it that way. Normal people already made up there minds.

[ssmith]

the repubs have always had to work agn a dem. media...

a trap works best when the media can't see it..


considering over 50K people (90% of those who voted)on Greta;s poll think Mccain did put "country first", I wouldn't worry how the media potrays it..


people don't trust the media anyways now.. close to 69%

[G4Hillary]

McCain, in one stroke, changed the dynamics of the discussion about the economy. He took the lead in this matter instead of allowing it to drive his campaign destiny. Here are some of the headlines:

CNN Headline:
"Did McCain announcement blindside Obama?"

MSNBC Headline:
"Crisis engulfs debate politics"

I call this a victory. We get away from Sarah Palin's media access story and the previous framing of the economy talk.

McCain has taken more control of the economy debate.

[samkm]

G4Hillary, your comment is very well written.
but I dont think the day was won by McCain yet.
Honestly none. The MSM has already repainted the days events to favor Obama.

The proof is in getting a bipartisan something completed this week, by Sunday. Then, we will have a better sense of the impact. The winner is decided by the rear-view mirror this time.

[Charlie Brown]

all's I know is I like that mccain toned down the RNC convention because of the Hurricane and now the economy...and people thought he couldnt handle the economy...Looks like he just did....;)

[xj550]

McCain will get a number of opinions and listen to them. He listened on the drilling issue.

I heard they wanted to stick earmarks in this thing. He will not let that happen. If they are in there, I want him to go public with who is wants them, what they are for.

[mjoynaples]

Exactly. Chess moves are only effective if the public knows about them. They've scrubbed McCain's suspension announcement completely. Now the story is: "Bush personally begs Obama to come to Washington to fix the financial crisis (and McCain is invited too but he doesn't want to do the debate on Friday like brave Obama)"

I hate these tv stations, CNN, Msnbc, and how they are now sticking it to JmcC... and as usual making BHO look like the brave one the annointed one... sickening... GO AWAY BHO NOBAMA!

[Kbentleyis]

Still the 10:00 PM news is putting McCain down and making him look foolish. Some part of me would be thrilled if these people couldn't buy a newspaper in the morning, or fill their cars, or their cell phones wouldn't work. Nothing on the shelves at the grocery stores or pharmacy? IF you were lucky to have money to pay for it?

What would it take to wake up the people of this USA? Have we all had it so good that when something this drastic happens, it can be looked upon as lightly as being done? Only those group of idiots in the house and senate know how serious this is. And, I'm sure as not to cause a panic, they aren't letting us know too much.

I'm a nobody when it comes to economics. But 2 years ago when retirement funds and unions were disbanding, it was a wake up call for me. Trouble usually starts from the bottom up. One of my children asked me last fall what she should do regarding a retirement fund. I said, get a safety deposit box and what money you can put away, put it in that box! The same with buying a home, I told her to put that on the back burner as well. I had watched wall street since the primaries and like I said I'm not educated in finances, but I'm not stupid.

[Lealy]

Defiantly a change up. Most will see it as a Senator doing his job if not a leader others he showed he is the leader. Many get peod that they are getting paid to be Senators while they are out running for Potus and he went back to do his job. Dirty Harry looks stupid telling a senator to not come back and vote. Others will hear people talking if not the media that BO said give me a call if you need me? This was not Potus material again like the pay grade remark. And just like with Palin Fox will continue to play and the others will have to or lose viewers.

McCain, in one stroke, changed the dynamics of the discussion about the economy. He took the lead in this matter instead of allowing it to drive his campaign destiny. Here are some of the headlines:

CNN Headline:
"Did McCain announcement blindside Obama?"

MSNBC Headline:
"Crisis engulfs debate politics"

I call this a victory. We get away from Sarah Palin's media access story and the previous framing of the economy talk.

McCain has taken more control of the economy debate.

[ggreen]

I do think McCain has some more moves up his sleeve. The fact is that the McCain supporters will see the move in his favor and the Obama supporters will see it as a negative toward McCain. What will be very important is how the undecided voters see this move. Hopefully, McCain has a plan to deal with that.

____

[freethinker]

Here is what I think is happening and what I think is going to happen. McCain is losing points to Obama on the economy because people are tying him to the Bush Administration. (whether Bush is responsible for the mess is not the point, the fact that people blame the current Administration is) Anyway, Obama is ahead because the Dems are perceived to be stronger on the economy this year.

OK

So, McCain does the smart thing today for several reasons: first, by breaking the momentum of the slide in the polls and changing the narrative. He also uses the opportunity to show that he is willing to take a leadership position, suspend his own self interest and work in a bi-partisan way. Obama looks small if he doesn't do it. BUT he calls McCain's "bluff", if you will, and says, I can multi-task, this is "political" and gets his henchmen in Congress and the MSM to trash Mac. (no advantage Mac, right? keep reading)


OK

Bush steps in and counter moves with a bi-partisan invitation to both Mac and Obama. Obama must accept and gladly does so because it is actually a reprieve from Bush by being able to come to Washington to be part of the solution....but not at Mac's behest (which would be very emasculating)

OK

Now, this is what I predict will happen:

There will be a bi-partisan agenda agreed upon. The crisis, while not entirely solved, will be averted. Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and MacCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

[CGP]

F/T - I trust your analysis. It's far better than any TV pundit's.

[hillaryhoosier]

AP just released a statement from the Dems that they have reached a breakthrough on the bailout. The Dems will not give advantage to McCain. McCain comes out looking really bad in this- and Obama and the Dems come out looking like the Saviors of the economy.

[xj550]

AP just released a statement from the Dems that they have reached a breakthrough on the bailout. The Dems will not give advantage to McCain. McCain comes out looking really bad in this- and Obama and the Dems come out looking like the Saviors of the economy.


I want to hear what McCain thinks of it.

[CountryFirst]

Here is what I think is happening and what I think is going to happen. McCain is losing points to Obama on the economy because people are tying him to the Bush Administration. (whether Bush is responsible for the mess is not the point, the fact that people blame the current Administration is) Anyway, Obama is ahead because the Dems are perceived to be stronger on the economy this year.

OK

So, McCain does the smart thing today for several reasons: first, by breaking the momentum of the slide in the polls and changing the narrative. He also uses the opportunity to show that he is willing to take a leadership position, suspend his own self interest and work in a bi-partisan way. Obama looks small if he doesn't do it. BUT he calls McCain's "bluff", if you will, and says, I can multi-task, this is "political" and gets his henchmen in Congress and the MSM to trash Mac. (no advantage Mac, right? keep reading)


OK

Bush steps in and counter moves with a bi-partisan invitation to both Mac and Obama. Obama must accept and gladly does so because it is actually a reprieve from Bush by being able to come to Washington to be part of the solution....but not at Mac's behest (which would be very emasculating)

OK

Now, this is what I predict will happen:

There will be a bi-partisan agenda agreed upon. The crisis, while not entirely solved, will be averted. Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and MacCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

Excellent analysis. I completely agree. Because of the bad economy, Obama has backtracked on rescinding the Bush tax cuts, so that means that he's actually on the SAME PAGE as the Republicans there, too.

Obama will be indistinguishable from many of the Republican positions. The major difference is that McCain has a record of opposing wasteful government spending (earmarks), and reforming government. That is EXACTLY what Americans want right now.

Advantage McCain!

Btw, Dick Morris said that this move today by McCain was on par with the Palin pick and will be a game changer.

McCain seized the momentum back.

[cynthia2]

F/T - I trust your analysis. It's far better than any TV pundit's.


I second that!

[ModerateRepublican]

AP just released a statement from the Dems that they have reached a breakthrough on the bailout. The Dems will not give advantage to McCain. McCain comes out looking really bad in this- and Obama and the Dems come out looking like the Saviors of the economy.

Dems don't have the votes. To force the bill to a vote requires 60 votes. GOP in Senate will not just laydown. McCain just needs to have some prominent GOP members in the "negotiations" w/ Obama, Bush, Dems.

Then they can say thanks to this Bipartisan negotiations STARTED BY McCAIN we now have enough votes to bring this to the floor. The GOP better stand up for McCain. If they don't then F**K them. This GOP member won't give them a dime in 2010.

[Wyoming Dem]

Excellent analysis. I completely agree. Because of the bad economy, Obama has backtracked on rescinding the Bush tax cuts, so that means that he's actually on the SAME PAGE as the Republicans there, too.

Obama will be indistinguishable from many of the Republican positions. The major difference is that McCain has a record of opposing wasteful government spending (earmarks), and reforming government. That is EXACTLY what Americans want right now.

Advantage McCain!

Btw, Dick Morris said that this move today by McCain was on par with the Palin pick and will be a game changer.

McCain seized the momentum back.
Dick Morris said that this move today by McCain was on par with the Palin pick and will be a game changer

God...I just hate it that "toe sucking Dicky Boy" and I think so much alike.

[Suzan]

AP has been known to jump the gun before. Remember the primaries?

Freethinker, I like your analysis. A lot.

[freethinker]

AP just released a statement from the Dems that they have reached a breakthrough on the bailout. The Dems will not give advantage to McCain. McCain comes out looking really bad in this- and Obama and the Dems come out looking like the Saviors of the economy.


This is a really good point and the Dems are smart to jump on it. They will make it their Job #1 to claim credit, as they should in this jostle for advantage.

However, the breakthrough must be passed in a bi-partisan way, so it will be a joint victory.

Further, President Bush, will be claiming victory for all Americans on this issue and be complimenting both Democrats and Republicans for coming together to do it. He may even give credit to both Obama and McCain, who will be in Washington.

Thus the "official" narrative is that it belongs to both parties and all Americans. It also changes the economic plan going forward.

But, yea, the Dems are rightly fighting for the real estate of the economy because that's where their advantage has been because Obammer is a lost cause without it.

[abigailadams]

Dems don't have the votes. To force the bill to a vote requires 60 votes. GOP in Senate will not just laydown. McCain just needs to have some prominent GOP members in the "negotiations" w/ Obama, Bush, Dems.

Then they can say thanks to this Bipartisan negotiations STARTED BY McCAIN we now have enough votes to bring this to the floor. The GOP better stand up for McCain. If they don't then F**K them. This GOP member won't give them a dime in 2010.

I would think that McCain had this (GOP Senators WITH him on this) in the bag BEFORE he suspended. THey are running a smart campaign in a tough time for republicans.

[SoCal4Hillary]

Exactly. Chess moves are only effective if the public knows about them. They've scrubbed McCain's suspension announcement completely. Now the story is: "Bush personally begs Obama to come to Washington to fix the financial crisis (and McCain is invited too but he doesn't want to do the debate on Friday like brave Obama)"Ain't that the truth! That's EXACTLY what's happened. :mad:

[xfiles]

With a fair media coverage, I'd say this would be great for McCain. I suppose time will tell. But I don't trust the media coverage at all!:mad:

[Michelle M]

I hope Mac has a good plan. Because the press is crucifying him. It's scalding out there. I'd like to see him oversee the financial patch-up and then go spank Obama badly in a debate, which he can do anyway. Without missing a beat.

[G4Hillary]

Here is what I think is happening and what I think is going to happen. McCain is losing points to Obama on the economy because people are tying him to the Bush Administration. (whether Bush is responsible for the mess is not the point, the fact that people blame the current Administration is) Anyway, Obama is ahead because the Dems are perceived to be stronger on the economy this year.

OK

So, McCain does the smart thing today for several reasons: first, by breaking the momentum of the slide in the polls and changing the narrative. He also uses the opportunity to show that he is willing to take a leadership position, suspend his own self interest and work in a bi-partisan way. Obama looks small if he doesn't do it. BUT he calls McCain's "bluff", if you will, and says, I can multi-task, this is "political" and gets his henchmen in Congress and the MSM to trash Mac. (no advantage Mac, right? keep reading)


OK

Bush steps in and counter moves with a bi-partisan invitation to both Mac and Obama. Obama must accept and gladly does so because it is actually a reprieve from Bush by being able to come to Washington to be part of the solution....but not at Mac's behest (which would be very emasculating)

OK

Now, this is what I predict will happen:

There will be a bi-partisan agenda agreed upon. The crisis, while not entirely solved, will be averted. Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and MacCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?
Great stuff FT! You need to think several steps ahead to figure this thing out but I think you nailed some of it down superbly.

[G4Hillary]

AP just released a statement from the Dems that they have reached a breakthrough on the bailout. The Dems will not give advantage to McCain. McCain comes out looking really bad in this- and Obama and the Dems come out looking like the Saviors of the economy.

Doesn't it take two to tango in DC? The Dems are disabled without Republican support. I don't know how the Dems can go around claiming they have some sort of break through. Have they forgotten Joe Lieberman is sitting there in the Senate backing his friend McCain. I don't know whether they need a 2/3 majority vote for this or a plurality but they will get neither.

[Christines]

I believe it was Dick Morris today that said Mccain had to go to Washington DC to talk to the Republicans. He is the only one to get the Republicans to do what they have to do. He will be a hero if he gets the job done.

[Jen the Michigander]

Even if it does turn out that the Dems saved the day, Obama did not play any part in it. So the credit would go to the people who did the actual work. (I'm sure Hillary is among them.)

[Frances]

freethinker those are very good calculations! To me this is the gool old boys allright.
What happens if the crisis collaspes? Having bipartiship etc. might not save the crisis.
What would the next move be? Does this all mean we're gonna win, I sure the hell hope so!

[Kathy1980]

Here is what I think is happening and what I think is going to happen. McCain is losing points to Obama on the economy because people are tying him to the Bush Administration. (whether Bush is responsible for the mess is not the point, the fact that people blame the current Administration is) Anyway, Obama is ahead because the Dems are perceived to be stronger on the economy this year.

OK

So, McCain does the smart thing today for several reasons: first, by breaking the momentum of the slide in the polls and changing the narrative. He also uses the opportunity to show that he is willing to take a leadership position, suspend his own self interest and work in a bi-partisan way. Obama looks small if he doesn't do it. BUT he calls McCain's "bluff", if you will, and says, I can multi-task, this is "political" and gets his henchmen in Congress and the MSM to trash Mac. (no advantage Mac, right? keep reading)


OK

Bush steps in and counter moves with a bi-partisan invitation to both Mac and Obama. Obama must accept and gladly does so because it is actually a reprieve from Bush by being able to come to Washington to be part of the solution....but not at Mac's behest (which would be very emasculating)

OK

Now, this is what I predict will happen:

There will be a bi-partisan agenda agreed upon. The crisis, while not entirely solved, will be averted. Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and MacCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

Awesome analysis!!!:D

[marcelmarcel]

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

I think that you are brilliant!

And McCain is a fine chess player. The media crucified him after he chose Palin. And now they are crucifying him again. They do it every time he comes up with a great move.

[samkm]

FT, Great analysis.

Yes, whatever the breakthrough.. nothing would have come out tonight if McCain did not say he is coming tomorrow. It is leadership stimulated.
In any case, it will take McCain to sell the DEM solution to the Republican side for it to get the Republican vote.

So, Dems are already said yes to it. McCain has to convince the Republican side and work ont he finer details of the puts and takes.

MEGA advantage McCain!

[Strongwomenrock]

Sorry, but I don't think the media is Democrats - that's an insult to Democrats everywhere! These people are Socialists or hard line communists, pure and simple.

[Rainsford]

Doesn't it take two to tango in DC? The Dems are disabled without Republican support. I don't know how the Dems can go around claiming they have some sort of break through. Have they forgotten Joe Lieberman is sitting there in the Senate backing his friend McCain. I don't know whether they need a 2/3 majority vote for this or a plurality but they will get neither.

Exactly right. There's incredibly small GOP support for this bill, and the Dems are trying to push in tons of extra programs that just make it even worse. The current bill won't fly, because the GOP will want the cost cut, and the Dems won't support it until that stuff is in.

But at the end of the day, this let's McCain say "I may have hurt myself, but I'd rather save the economy then lose an election."

[adventures7]

AP just released a statement from the Dems that they have reached a breakthrough on the bailout. The Dems will not give advantage to McCain. McCain comes out looking really bad in this- and Obama and the Dems come out looking like the Saviors of the economy.

Newt was on Hannity last night saying the current deal they have now is HORRENDOUS and to me, that means McCain would be foolish to sign it as is.

FT, excellent analysis!

[HumbleDave]

Needless to say, yet another national crisis is laid at our feet and yet again the Dems in congress insist on laying on a ton of extra pork, regardless of the horrendous cost of the original bare bones bill. They just can't resist trying to feed at the trough.

[mjoynaples]

... "Freethinker..."Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?



I think this is great and what I was hoping is happening and then listening (I know my mistake) to the foolish biased media "no brains, no bias no bull.... now I add to CB and Rachel M one doing a sudden analysis on "sexism" and the other on Media bias ... as if anything they say is other than sexist and biased... " what a joke they are... GO McCain pull this out!!!!

anyone have link to McCain's manager?

[Laura Cereta]

Here is what I think is happening and what I think is going to happen. McCain is losing points to Obama on the economy because people are tying him to the Bush Administration. (whether Bush is responsible for the mess is not the point, the fact that people blame the current Administration is) Anyway, Obama is ahead because the Dems are perceived to be stronger on the economy this year.

OK

So, McCain does the smart thing today for several reasons: first, by breaking the momentum of the slide in the polls and changing the narrative. He also uses the opportunity to show that he is willing to take a leadership position, suspend his own self interest and work in a bi-partisan way. Obama looks small if he doesn't do it. BUT he calls McCain's "bluff", if you will, and says, I can multi-task, this is "political" and gets his henchmen in Congress and the MSM to trash Mac. (no advantage Mac, right? keep reading)


OK

Bush steps in and counter moves with a bi-partisan invitation to both Mac and Obama. Obama must accept and gladly does so because it is actually a reprieve from Bush by being able to come to Washington to be part of the solution....but not at Mac's behest (which would be very emasculating)

OK

Now, this is what I predict will happen:

There will be a bi-partisan agenda agreed upon. The crisis, while not entirely solved, will be averted. Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and MacCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

I think I like the way you think! ;)

[Perry Logan]

When you start taking about how brilliant Republicans are, it's time to take a break. :)

Get away from your computer. Go outside. Get some fresh air.

If Republicans were geniuses, they wouldn't have lost both houses of Congress in 2006, right? They wouldn't have given us The Worst President Ever™, the Worst Congress Ever (the fabulous 109th--the Congress that let our wounded vets lie around in their own urine). They wouldn't have let Al Qaeda hit us on 9/11, lost a major city, let the financial markets go to pot, cause world terrorisam to triple, let the infant mortality rate in America to go up for the first time in 40 years, and made torture national policy--to name just a few of their recent accomplishments.

[SantaCruzen]

As the saying goes, Democrats play checkers while Republicans play chess.

Some people are scratching their heads, attempting to rationalize the suspended campaign.
Was it a presidential stance, a statesmanlike approach, a knee jerk reaction, a maverick response, a red herring, a sincere concern or was it something else?

McCain's move is nothing less than a well thought out multidimensional strategy and a calculated plan that presents itself to the observer as an intricate puzzle. It is a dichotomy, being as noble as it is shrewd.

No one can dispute that John McCain won the media day.

Obama would have been damned if he had concurred with McCain, almost immediately being awarded another second place silver medal (note: Georgia-Russia Crisis) along with losing valuable campaign time and damned if he didn't due to some undecided voters viewing this as a snub to economic issues.

What do you think will be the repercussions for Obama?

The world is a bit more like chess but cubed squared.

Calling off the Debate this time has actually given All the Candidates opporuntity to go to the Clinton Global Initiative and meet with World Leaders. That should say enough about the whole issue. The world leaders are gathering. That is more important than a debate.

[Linda C]

When you start taking about how brilliant Republicans are, it's time to take a break. :)

Get away from your computer. Go outside. Get some fresh air.

If Republicans were geniuses, they wouldn't have lost both houses of Congress in 2006, right? They wouldn't have given us The Worst President Ever™, the Worst Congress Ever (the fabulous 109th--the Congress that let our wounded vets lie around in their own urine). They wouldn't have let Al Qaeda hit us on 9/11, lost a major city, let the financial markets go to pot, cause world terrorisam to triple, let the infant mortality rate in America to go up for the first time in 40 years, and made torture national policy--to name just a few of their recent accomplishments.


Perry

Brilliant doesn't necessarily mean a positive outcome for everyone, just oneself.

[Joe from WI]

I do think McCain has some more moves up his sleeve. The fact is that the McCain supporters will see the move in his favor and the Obama supporters will see it as a negative toward McCain. What will be very important is how the undecided voters see this move. Hopefully, McCain has a plan to deal with that.

____

I agree with your point.

Secondly, wont Mccain figure out his sudden suspension of campaign and debate when its just 2 days away will draw criticisms and snubs? Of course he did, but since he decided to proceed to Washington i believe the benefits outweighs the costs of not going to Washington. Hopefully the undecideds and average folks on the streets sees it.

[adventures7]

McCain has been begging Obama to debate all summer. Begging him to meet in a town hall format. Wanted Saddleback to be a debate. Even offered to fly him in for a debate!

To say that McCain is afraid of a debate is hilarious.

[Carolyn]

The current story line is that Paulson begged Graham to get McCain involved to convince uncertain Republicans to accept the bail-out ("we need McCain's leadership"), i.e. it's a brilliant move by the McCain team. He suspends his campaign to go to Washington WITHOUT letting on that he's been invited by Paulson, let's Obama and his minions and surrogates and Democrats in Congress make fools of themselves for 24 hours, calling him a coward and worse. THEN, this morning he springs the news that the Secretary of the Treasury wants HIM personally to intercede. Game, set, match! The Dems look pretty foolish now, don't they? So what do they do? Suddenly, miraculously, they decide a solution is close at hand, because what could possibly be worse for Obama than for McCain to go to Washington and appear to break the deadlock in Congress by bringing around the Republican hold-outs? We're not fooled, Barney Frank -- you guys were dragging your heels just as long as you possibly could to squeeze the maximum possible benefit out of our national crisis. SHAME ON YOU!

[kathleen]

I was at the doctors today waiting to be seen as were several others. Two seniors were discussing McCain attending to business. They were Obama supporters. I heard the one lasy say that she doesn't have confidence in Obama anymore. The other lady was saying Obama must have something going for him as Hillary was supporting him. Soooo.....I but in the conversation.

I told the one lady who doubted BO that she was right to doubt him. So much for BO's multi-tasking...because he couldn't multi-task enough to make it to Washington without Bush telling him to include the economy in his multi-tasking. She said..."yeah, that's what me and my husband were thinking."

Then I addressed the other lady and explained Hillary was only doing what she had to do for the sake of the party. She got real defensive and accused me of calling Hillary insincere and just about political expediency. Then she said Hillary would only do what she thought was best for the country. Hillary believes in Obama, she argued. Hillary has too much integrity to support anyone she thought was incapable or dangerous. I told her Hillary is going through a lot of stress and is being pressured by the party leaders to support Obama. She ignored me. The other senior lady winked at me and smiled.

So BO's refusal to suspend his campaign and even with the trashing of Mccain by the MSM, at least one person changed their vote from BO to McCain.

[ModerateRepublican]

Good work.

1 down, 60 million or so to go. :D

People already have to be open to the idea before you can change them.
The first lady was already doubting Obama you just helped her over the edge (which is good so she won't be able to "re-convince" herself he is the one).

The second lady was convinced Obama is the one. There was likely nothing you could say, do, or show to change her mind.

[G4Hillary]

I was at the doctors today waiting to be seen as were several others. Two seniors were discussing McCain attending to business. They were Obama supporters. I heard the one lasy say that she doesn't have confidence in Obama anymore. The other lady was saying Obama must have something going for him as Hillary was supporting him. Soooo.....I but in the conversation.

I told the one lady who doubted BO that she was right to doubt him. So much for BO's multi-tasking...because he couldn't multi-task enough to make it to Washington without Bush telling him to include the economy in his multi-tasking. She said..."yeah, that's what me and my husband were thinking."

Then I addressed the other lady and explained Hillary was only doing what she had to do for the sake of the party. She got real defensive and accused me of calling Hillary insincere and just about political expediency. Then she said Hillary would only do what she thought was best for the country. Hillary believes in Obama, she argued. Hillary has too much integrity to support anyone she thought was incapable or dangerous. I told her Hillary is going through a lot of stress and is being pressured by the party leaders to support Obama. She ignored me. The other senior lady winked at me and smiled.

So BO's refusal to suspend his campaign and even with the trashing of Mccain by the MSM, at least one person changed their vote from BO to McCain.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Those two senior ladies seemed cute.

[foxyladi]

I believe it was Dick Morris today that said Mccain had to go to Washington DC to talk to the Republicans. He is the only one to get the Republicans to do what they have to do. He will be a hero if he gets the job done.

he is already a hero!!:):) he will be a bigger hero...

[pagirl4sarah&hillary]

I think that to some degree this will help McCain with undecided voters. Obviously the Obots will spin it their way. However, the people who are truly unaffiliated will probably see this as a sign of who will really try to address the problems of our nation in the correct manner. Even if the deal isn't perfect, McCain is trying to get something done. Obama staying out on the campaign trsil and using his multi-tasking line doesn't wash. How is he helping the financial crisis by having campaign rallies? He is not. Non Obots are smart enough to see this on their own. This is what I have always liked about McCain. He at least tries to get something done and he does work with both parties. Obama on the other hand, is not helping himself with undecideds. This shows his priorities and how he handles the nation's problems. Not good.

[Ray_of_Hope]

Here is what I think is happening and what I think is going to happen. McCain is losing points to Obama on the economy because people are tying him to the Bush Administration. (whether Bush is responsible for the mess is not the point, the fact that people blame the current Administration is) Anyway, Obama is ahead because the Dems are perceived to be stronger on the economy this year.

OK

So, McCain does the smart thing today for several reasons: first, by breaking the momentum of the slide in the polls and changing the narrative. He also uses the opportunity to show that he is willing to take a leadership position, suspend his own self interest and work in a bi-partisan way. Obama looks small if he doesn't do it. BUT he calls McCain's "bluff", if you will, and says, I can multi-task, this is "political" and gets his henchmen in Congress and the MSM to trash Mac. (no advantage Mac, right? keep reading)


OK

Bush steps in and counter moves with a bi-partisan invitation to both Mac and Obama. Obama must accept and gladly does so because it is actually a reprieve from Bush by being able to come to Washington to be part of the solution....but not at Mac's behest (which would be very emasculating)

OK

Now, this is what I predict will happen:

There will be a bi-partisan agenda agreed upon. The crisis, while not entirely solved, will be averted. Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and MacCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Read that last sentence again:

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

I think you've made a good analysis with several interesting points. I completely agree with you. This was a brilliant strategic move on McCain's part :).

[DeLana]

The Reps have always played the game better, therefore getting some seriously flawed and/or unqualified candidates (latest example: W) elected. I used to hate this about them - this year, however, I love it :D

All right, let's not worry about McCain - he's crazy like a fox (and he's got the Rep election machine on his side).

DeLana

[ModerateRepublican]

The Reps have always played the game better, therefore getting some seriously flawed and/or unqualified candidates (latest example: W) elected. I used to hate this about them - this year, however, I love it :D

The bad thing is the same country who voted for W twice is now leaning towards Obama.

If Obama wins moderates in both parties are done for next 3-4 presidential cycles.

It was a perfect storm that allowed McCain to get nomination and many GOP hardliners are not happy w/ the choice the country made. If he wins it shows a moderate can win. If he loses expect the party to swing further to the right.

Obama will push DNC further to the left and moderate (80% of the country) will have nobody to represent them.

[Got Angelou]

.

FreeThinker... like many others on this forum, I really like your analysis!


I would add one VERY important strategic angle:

Everyone was complaining earlier that the foreign policy debate held on a Friday evening would produce a low viewer turnout which would benefit Camp BO. Now with the 'on-again, off-again' debate being flung about on the airwaves, the Friday night debate has just been elevated to a must-see TV event!

I say brilliant, as Obama has already been distracted by the drag-back to D.C. which interrupted his desperately needed study time.

Go McCain!

[DeLana]

ModerateRepublican,

I think that the great majority of voters are moderates/centrists, and I believe the election result will prove it. McCain will win.

If the major parties insist on catering to the extreme right or left, respectively, they will get their reward in the voting booth.

DeLana :D

P.S. The DNC will get its just reward for going against the majority of Dem voters' wishes by selecting BHO.

[Jill4Hillary]

Bush, Obama, the Dem Congress and McCain will all be on the same page re: the economic crisis, mutually taking responsibility and credit for the solution.

Advantage: McCain.

Why? Because he just moved the Dems and Obama solidly into not only his camp on the economy but into Bush's as well. He just took wind out of the Dem. argument sails per entirely blaming the economy on the Republicans and thus McCain, because they are now accepting and solving the problem in a bi-partisan way...that agrees with the Republicans.

Further, because the bail out package is so enormous, many of the massive healthcare, entitlements and other plans on the Dem agenda are simply not affordable. Neither are massive tax cuts because we will all have to share the burden. But Mac's idea for the economy, which is primarily based on cutting spending and pork barrel, becomes increasingly appealing.

And yes, Mac will do the debate as scheduled, barring unforeseen disaster on the economic situation. Meanwhile, Obama cramming on foreign policy for the debate and his prep time is being jammed up quite a bit by all the furor.

Anyway, looking several moves ahead, I see this as advantage Mac on the economy and the Dem perceived advantage and arguments.

what do you think?

Nice job, FT. I certainly hope your analysis bears some fruit. Additionally, I fervently hope that McCain attends the debate on Friday (unless BO changes his spots and decides to postpone).
True to his MO, Obama did his usual and attempted to side-step any up or down vote on the economic crisis. I am heartened by the fact that Bush invited BO (and BO, consequently, felt compelled to accept) to participate today. Now, if there is taxpayer outrage over the proposed economic package, BO will enjoy some of the blame. Conversely, BO will enjoy some of the credit if the proposed package is viewed favorably by the taxpayer.

Originally Posted by ggreen
What will be very important is how the undecided voters see this move.
This is really the crux of the matter.

[DC_Mark]

Let us hope that the current rally on Wall Street holds. If it does, middle class voters will look at their own portfolio and attribute the slight recovery to McCain's leadership.

[ModerateRepublican]

Let us hope that the current rally on Wall Street holds. If it does, middle class voters will look at their own portfolio and attribute the slight recovery to McCain's leadership.

The rally will hold IF progress is made on the bill.

When bill is signed or likely to be signed we will see a snap back rally. Will make good headlines.

Now fundamentally nothing has changed but the market is based a lot of outlook and mindset. Anything that changes mindset to possible better future will cause indexes to snap upwards.

[emmyCA]

The Republican always step ahead of the Democrat.