The Debate Debate

[silverscreenselect]

Based on everything I've been able to read, the "agreement in principle" about the bailout means that both sides are willing to sign an agreement IF they get what they want added to the current bill, which really means no agreement, same as yesterday. The only difference is that now Pelosi, Reid and company are anxious to make it appear as if John McCain's presence is completely unnecessary to the process.

Sadly, this whole thing has become a political hot potato, with both sides trying to exploit it for gain. There's also the problem that each Congressman and 1/3 of the Senators will have to explain their eventual vote on the issue to their constituents in the very near future.

McCain's presence isn't all show either, as Bob Schieffer of CBS News has pointed out.

http://tinyurl.com/46ameh


My feel about the debate is that if there is a package that passes by whatever time midafternoon tomorrow is the latest to reasonably expect McCain to fly to Mississippi, he will attend the debate. If not, you will see him put in an appearance by television (they aren't going to tell John McCain he can't participate in the debate if he's willing to sit in a Washington TV studio for a couple of hours).

Both McCain and Obama are using this for political gain but the affair does point out one major difference between them. McCain once again is impulsive, perhaps even reckless, and willing to roll up his sleeves and get in the middle. Obama demonstrates a tendency to remain aloof and pontificate until a clear consensus of opinion emerges which he can then bless when it's politically expedient to do so. The question is which style voters want in this election and what happens in the next 24-72 hours may have a big impact on voters' views of the candidates.