The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from September 24th, 2008
Joint Bailout Statement from McCain and Obama
The two camps collaborate on statement about the need for a financial rescue. "We cannot risk an economic catastrophe. Now is our chance to come together to prove that Washington is once again capable of leading this country." Click here to read more. Much of the statement is attributed to Obama alone. A campaign official says it's "disappointing" McCain did not sign on, as well. Permalink
Bush Warns of "Long and Painful Recession" Without Financial Rescue
President Bush addresses the nation on the financial crisis from the White House. Says $700 billion proposal is "aimed at preserving America’s overall economy.” Says his "natural instinct" is to oppose intervening in the market, but "these are not normal circumstances." His key audience: House Republicans, without whose votes there will be no deal. Obama spokesman says the Senator is "encouraged" and "heartened" by Bush's address-- read statement. Permalink
Obama Team: Let's Stick to the Debate Schedule
An Obama campaign official says the Democrat is "not inclined" to agree to McCain's call to reschedule the first presidential debate. "There is a schedule agreed upon by both campaigns and we are sticking to it." McCain's proposal would move the debate from Friday to Oct. 2, and then move the vice presidential debate to a future date. Washington Post's Balz: "John McCain is a gambler by nature, and the bet he placed Wednesday may be among the biggest of his political life." Permalink
Pelosi, Boehner Do Cryptic Kumbaya
Joint statement from House leaders says they've made progress, agree on key changes that should be made to the administration's proposal. "We are committed to continuing to work cooperatively and on a bipartisan basis to safeguard the interests of American taxpayers." Full statement here. NBC News: McCain will skip Friday’s debate unless there is a bailout deal in place. Permalink
CLOSE AND CLOSER
Latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll: Obama 48, McCain 46 Dates conducted: Sept. 19-22. Error margin: 3 points. Plus: New LA Times/Bloomberg national poll shows Obama 49, McCain 45. Suggests economic woes, independents playing big factors. Permalink
Palin Talks with Katie Couric
Katie Couric sits down with the GOP running mate on Wednesday's "CBS Evening News." Lauds McCain’s record on reform, but can name only one instance when McCain sought tighter economic regulations. "I’ll try to find you some and I’ll bring them to you." Asked if the financial crisis rival the Great Depression if a bailout bill is not passed, says "unfortunately, that is the road that America may find itself on." Read the interview here, and watch video here. Palin interview divided into two nights-- some to air Thursday evening. Permalink
McCain: The "Time is Now to Act"
Speaking on the "CBS Evening News," the Arizonan says a bailout pack must be passed ASAP. "This will affect every family in America. This will have a ripple effect throughout our economy, particularly as far as jobs are concerned, that would be so harmful." Also repeats call for delaying Friday's debate. Click above to watch. Permalink
Letterman Mocks McCain Cancellation
The late night talk show host jokes with his audience during taping of the show about the GOP presidential candidate calling off his interview to rush back to D.C. for the bailout bill. Gets word McCain was down the street doing an interview with CBS, cuts to the live video to say, "Hey Senator, can I give you a ride home?" Also makes some cracks about McCain's decision to suspend his campaign: "I think someone's putting something in his Metamucil." Permalink
Clinton, Bush 41: A Bailout Deal Is Needed
The former presidents chat with ABC News following their joint appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative Wednesday, suggest that something does need to be done by Congress. Also detail their new fundraising effort to help Hurricane Gustav, Ike victims. Watch video above. Permalink
Obama Campaign Plays the History Card
The campaign issues a release pointing out some of the top news stories on past presidential debate days. Highlights: Krushchev says USSR has nuclear subs, Challenger has difficulties in orbit, sudden death of Sen. Mel Carnahan. Read it here. Permalink
Obama: "I Believe We Should Continue to Have the Debate"
Reacts to McCain's proposal in Clearwater, Florida: "This is exactly the time the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess." Click above to watch. Adds he intends to continue campaigning and preparing for the debate. "What I think is important is that we don't suddenly infuse Capitol Hill with presidential politics..." Also takes a swipe at McCain: "Presidents are going to have to deal with more than one thing at a time." McCain aide Holtz-Eakin: "Sen. McCain will continue to work with both Sen. Obama and the commission on the scheduling of the debate." Sen. Reid: Candidates’ return to DC “would not be helpful at this time.” McCain response to Reid: "This is quite a reversal from yesterday..." Read full response. MSNBC: Debate commission says they're going ahead full speed with Friday's face-off. Permalink
Real-Life Deal or No Deal
Sen. Shelby emerges from the bipartisan White House meeting on the bailout, tells the press: "I don't believe we have an agreement. I have voiced my concerns all along." Adds McCain, Obama were "very courteous, very respectful." They sat at opposite ends of the long table with Bush in the middle. The President says before the start of the private session in the Cabinet Room: "My hope is that we can reach an agreement very shortly." Full remarks here. WATCH VIDEO FOOTAGE OF BUSH'S REMARKS AS THE MEETING BEGINS HERE. PHOTOS: See snapshots of the bipartisan group at the table here. Permalink
MCCAIN SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN, WANTS DEBATE POSTPONED
The Arizonan plans to return to D.C. Thursday to deal with the economic crisis, asks Obama to join him. Suspension includes pause on advertising, fundraising. Also says during afternoon remarks in New York he's seeking to delay Friday's opening debate until Congress addresses bailout bill. Calls on President Bush to convene a meeting of congressional leaders, including him and Obama. Read full statement here. Update: CNN reports McCain wants the debate moved to Oct. 2 if there's no bailout deal by Friday. The vice presidential debate scheduled for that date would be rescheduled. Permalink
TIME/CNN BATTLEGROUND NUMBERS
From latest data: Colorado: Obama 51, McCain 47 Michigan: Obama 51, McCain 46 Montana: McCain 54, Obama 43 Pennsylvania: Obama 53, McCain 44 West Virginia: McCain 50, Obama 46 Dates conducted: Sept. 21-23. Error margin: 3.5 points. Permalink
BAILOUT TESTIMONY -- DAY 2
Treasury Secretary Paulson and Fed Chair Bernanke field Representatives' questions before The House Financial Services Committee hearing on the economic crisis Wednesday. Read the latest on the hearing here. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
