Darn good question. But what is even more interesting, and revealing, is: Did anyone miss him? And, who gives a darn!

I hadn't even noticed that character's absence. And, I am sure, most Americans didn't notice either.

That should tell us something about that man's incredibly shrinking so-called “gravitas.” He is now–even before his term is over–a sad asterisk at the very bottom of the American history pages.

He got a great photo op- sitting with Bush and Boehner and looking deep in thought. No one could tell from that photo that he hadn't contributed jack. Plus the political stunt got the attention of worried Americans and convinced them (presumably) that McCain was so concerned about the Wall Street mess and the economy that he was willing to put politics aside.

If he had gone out the front door and held a press conference, he would have had to explain his position and the alternative bill proposed by Republicans. According to CNN he didn't know any of the details.

And I'm not quoting Bill Clinton favorably, just enjoying the sideshow.

You ignored the fact that we voters have a sixth sense that can sniff out “chicken” when we smell it.

And McCain went to DC at Paulson's request because House Republicans are refusing to roll over for this abomination, and Pelosi and Reid won't put it to a vote until they get enough Republicans on board to prevent the appearance that the Dems are siding with Bush. The Dems want to not only pass this, but to avoid taking responsibility for it if it turns out to be a disaster. What a profile in political courage.

I still say he's got a brand so deep in his soul that Jesus Christ himself couldn't cut it out to fool anyone.

He and his buddies will go to the big deep and firey BBQ pit eventually when all is said and done.

But I'm confused, with McCain trying to duck out of the debate (yes, we all know that's what it was about). How the heck do you brand a chicken? All my chickens are mavericks by the original definition..

Actually, you are correct. According to my “dictionary,”:

[S.A. Maverick, Texas engineer and rancher, d.1870, who did not brand his cattle]

But, also (according to my “dictionary”), maverick/mávrik/ n. 1. an unbranded calf or yearling

I wonder if the original Maverick was just too lazy to brand his cattle…just as the present maverick apperas to have been too lazy (or lacking the intellectual curiosity) to read the two-and-a-half-page Presidential brief on the bailout plan?

He's got a brand all right, seared deep in his brain. That brand is registered as “GOP/BigOil”.

We know what corral he came from and which one he'll be going back into. He wants us to follow him into the slaughterhouse (bombing Iran, Iraq war extension, mandatory draft, engagement with Iran's aliles: China and Russia).

Just say no.

Since the coming Obama Administration is going to have to implement whatever the Democrats in Congress pass, SEnator Obama should be in the lead on the issue and would be if Senator Obama had any level of leadership skills.

It is beginning to look at SEnator Obama is going to fit the old Marion Barry joke, “The only thing that Senator Obama knows how to run is his mouth.”