I like the way Obama's responding. He's trying really hard to make this nonpartisan because that's the core of his message - bringing us together. I don't think another jab at McLame directly from Obama would make any difference to anyone right now. However, I do expect Obama's surrogates to keep right on making it clear that McLame did his best to politicize the whole thing.

"I'm not sure it was as productive as it could have been. But I think at this point it is important to move forward."

I find this refreshing, willfully choosing not to get down to the 8th grade level with McLiar. Obama now has David Letterman, and that megaphone has no "off" switch.

The more McCain flails around trying to show "leadership" the more unflappable and wise Obama looks to the American people.

Keep it up McCain. You don't need Palin to make you look like a joke. You do it so well all by yourself.

It is an effective way to highlight blame - "Mom, I'm sorry the vase got broken. Maybe Tommy and I should have been playing outside when Tommy decided to pick up the ball and throw it at me as I did my homework."

The current Republican Party is built on the foundation of 'Reagan era republicanism' free markets, deregulation and dog-eat-dog capitalism. This message has been drilled into us for the last 30 years. Congresman Shelby 'et all' truly believe that painfull lessons are an integral part of the free market. What would a depression (long painfull recession) look like today? The population did not suffer equally during the great depression, the poor and the elderly suffered immensely but I don't think we'll see any wall street executives jumping out of the windows this time around. American culture is very different than it was in the 30's. If you think the middle east has problems with hordes of young unemployed men wait until you see 25% unemployment in this country. Should I take my money out of my 401k? Will a systemic failure overwhelm the FDIC? Make no mistake, Republicans would love to see this bailout (rescue) plan fail but only after it's passed by the Democrats. It's the only way to justify their existence.

Once again Obama responds the way I thought he should. There are plenty of media outlets, including the blogosphere, to get the message out how unhelpful McCain was. He is right not to jump into the blamestorming but instead look forward.

BTW: There are lots of emails going to conservatives, including from the McCain campaign itself, painting a whole different picture of how the meeting in Washington went. The gist is that McCain presented a coherent argument while Obama jumped in and started arguing partisan politics causing a shouting match that broke the meeting up. That's life inside the bubble for you.

The McLiar campaign is imploding. New Rasmussen Virginia poll:

Obama 50 McLiar 45

Do you think the Republicans will embrace regulation without these painfull lessons being applied? Not a chance.

When you're opponent is pouring gasoline on himself, just smile and stay the hell away.

Does McCain think he can stick with his lies when Barack is standing on the same stage and will get a chance to rebut?

Get ready for some smash-mouth politics tonight.

Interesting that the Republicans are the ones suggesting that there is too much money being given to the bailout and are willing to go slow until the Dems/Obama don't give away the store.

Most posters here would seem to favor the Republicans' POV on the bailout.

Strange days indeed.

Wonder how McBonkers' debate prep is going today.

I'm guessing he's a little edgy.

lol.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/images/26Sep_Friday_WSJ.JPG

Not sure exactly what the above is.

I think Obama will do well tonight. He doesn't need to convince the die-hard Republicans--the ones who would vote GOP no matter what.

I sense Obama is connecting with those who have seen John McCain's erratic behavior, particularly in the last few days, and wondered, "Would I trust this person to run a small business or school, let alone the United States government?"

Pundits who are opining, "Why isn't Obama leading by more?" need only remember 1980. People weren't happy with Carter, but Reagan didn't close the deal until people felt comfortable with him--that he wouldn't be reckless or show bad judgment.

In the past few days--and throughout this campaign really--Obama has shown himself to have the temperment, resolve, and judgment to be president, head and shoulders above McCain. In fact, McCain has highlighted this difference by his own hotheaded, drama-queen stunts. Obama has had only to be himself.

I hope Mccy will have to skip nap time before the debate . . .

I think after McLame sees today's poll numbers he'll fucking drop out of the debate again.

I do! LMAO!

The GOP mantra is attack and bully. That has been the Bush foreign policy, the Bush domestic policy and it's reaction to any oversight. It is pure beligerance. McCain is more of the same, surrounded by the same players with the same selfishness, recklessness and politization of absolutely everything. Isn't it time to demand something better from our leaders.

BREAKING NEWS:

McCain being rushed off to proctologist in emergency effort to dislodge his head prior to tonight's debate! Doctors say prognosis is not good.

Stay tuned, we'll bring you more details as we get them.

PEACE

I think that Obama should make the observation that a leader whose first impulse in times of crisis is to open his mouth and act is not demonstrating strength. S/he needs to sit still, keep their own council and listen to all sides of the complicated issues before deciding on a course of action. The days when the warrior king led from the tip of the phalanx are long past.

This is not one of the leadership qualities that the Navy looks for in their admirals and it is not something that we should seek in our civilian leaders either.

John McCain has clearly channeled his inner drama queen.