In a story just breaking over the wires Senator John McCain has announced he is suspending his campaign in order to return to Washington to focus on the bailout legislation. He has also called for Friday’s debate to be postponed.
So far the Obama campaign has not responded although unofficial word is they may reject the call, at least with regard to the debate. A statement from Obama is expected soon. (A possible hint to Obama’s response just came from Rep James Clyburn (D-SC) who said McCain’s staff could do the work w/o him so he doesn’t need to come to DC).
According to MSNBC it appears that the two campaigns are working on a joint statement on the bailout bill. Word is that Obama called McCain to ask about issuing such a statement and that McCain agreed. No word on when McCain notified Obama of his plan to suspend the campaign but I assume he did give Obama advance notice.
I am sure that some will consider this cynical political games and I am not going to try to deny that McCain could use a diversion right now. However I honestly don’t think he is the type to play such games. Supporting the surge was hardly helpful to his campaign but he did it because he thought it the right thing to do.
And what is wrong with that ?
Its about time we had political leaders who actually put principle before party. I applaud McCain for it and, if Obama joins him, I will applaud just as loudly.
Heaven knows we need to make a better bill than the current one.