Now I've maxxed out to Obama and am raising money. There is absolutely no way that a man who professes not to understand the economy, and gets his advice from Phil Effing Gramm, can possibly be trusted on the economy.  McCain's always been for de-regulating financial institutions -- ever since before the S&L crisis.

McCAIN JUST ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE SAYING HE WANTS TO DELAY THE FRIDAY DEBATE SO THAT THEY HAVE TIME TO DEAL WITH THE ECONOMY.

The only way to avoid the new tax is to leave your employer plan and get private, individual insurance. Of course, that will cost more money for less coverage and more exclusions, so the tax credit won't be as valuable to pay for that.

In short, it's just more "let the free market compete and decide." Another way for ordinary taxpayers to get screwed.

Do not come to any blog I write about if you are gonna lie about what I wrote.

Let me be frank, there are now a group, that now seems to include you, that seem to use lying as a debating technique.

That will NEVER EVER be tolerated by me. If that is what you plan to do, you are not welcome to comment in my threads.

And gawd knows the Obamabots hate me with a passion. Now the Obama haters hate me too. I wear the hatred of both as a badge of honor.

But to claim McCain is better than Obama on the economy while at the same time claiming to have been a Hillary Clinton supporter is sheer idiocy.

Cool, huh?

I wish Obama had jumped on this before McCain.

The whole "suspension of the campaign, canceling debate" part may be a bit overwrought.  

Obama on now. Serious financial crisis. Jobs, savings, at risk. Have to act swiftly, but we have to get it right. Solution that protects taxpayers without rewarding people who caused mess. In this spirit BO called McCain, recognizing that McCain had adopted many of BO's proposals, Sen. Colburn also told BO that he thought a joint statement would be helpful. At 2:30 JM called BO back. BO asked JM to join him in issuing joint statement: independent board of Dems and Reps monitoring how money is spent; if taxpayers are financing, they should be treated like investors, get equity and any profits; can't bail out Wall Street without helping homeowners; can't spend one dime to reward Wall Street execs.

JM and BO agreed this was a critical time, bipartisanship. BO talks to Paulson every day, spoke 2x to Paulson today. BO pledged to be helpful to get bill passed that had the principles above. Italics are my comments.)BO looking very presidential; calm, clear. Takes questions.

Q: What about debate? Is JM playing politics?
A: At 2:30 JM agreed to joint statement, but then JM said we needed to meet in DC with President and Congressional leaders. BO said, why not issue statment first? JM then went on TV to make his announcement.  JM doesn't want to commit himself until he knows which way the wind is blowing. It's more important than ever to present our ideas directly to American people.

Q: When JM called back at 2:30, did JM tell you that he was not going to participate in the debate?
A: He said he wanted to fly to DC, but he oly said he was "considering" whether the debate should go forward. Then he made his statement, he apparently finished mulling it over. Sounds like he is saying that JM blindsided him. BO says he understands that bankruptcy reform and stimulus package may not be able to be in this bill, can't do everything, critical to get protection for taxpayers, ensure they get money back.

Q: Are you going to stay in FLA to prepare to debate?
A: I've told congressional leaders that if I can be helpful, I will be anywhere any time. If you need us, if we can be helpful, I will be there. I talk to congressional leaders, Paulson, all the time. Presidents have to do more than one thing all the time. But negotiations should be bogged down in presidential politics.

Q: Do you think it might be helpful to be there?
A: It's possible, because bill is controversial, we may need to be seen on the floor to show this is important, but any bill has to have the principles I outlined. I continue to think we should have the debate. Present ourselves to Anerican people. What are the challenges we face, how it relates to our standing in the world, war in Iraq.  

Q: inaudible
A: Its very important that the American people see the people who could be in charge of this problem within the next couple of months.  We need to focused on solving the problem, as I have been over the last few days, its possible for us to do both.

Q: inaudible
A: I am preparing to debate on Friday. My general view is that the American people need to know what we intend to do to move economy forward.

Q: Will a joint statement now do any good? Didn't have you some miscommunication with McCain?
A: (laughs) I have directed my staff to work with his, it could still serve an important purpose.