Jack,

Keep up the great work!

Well McCain claimed on TV to have rallied his party and got the deal together. That kind of backfired so he just needs to hide awhile like Palin is doing.

Is McCain and Palin secretly wanting Obama to win by handing him all these gifts. I hope so, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I am ready for a new administration

Now that we find out that John McCain has a gambling addiction to “craps” I don’t want him anywhere near the countries economic bailout. This man is scary. His erratic behavior over the past week is scary. His selection of Palin is scary. His temper tantrums are scary.

McCain’s gambling history really should be investigated further. As Daily Kos asks “Why has McCain never filed IRS Form W-2G?” Does McCain think he’s above the law? We don’t need another president who thinks he is above the law.

Jack,

Obama and McCain should do everything they can to help calm the public, explain the need for the bailout package, support congressional efforts to get the package passed, and explain why their economic policies will preclude any repeat of this mess.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

A thumbs up or a thumbs down, that is all that is needed form the candidates. All this bail out plan does is give the candidates something new to argue about. This way each campaign has newer talking points, rather than using left over Bush and Clinton Statements

Both Obama and McCain should stay OUT of this!!! Injecting partisan politics into this crisis does not help at all!

The Presidential candidates need to lead on this issue by discussing the philosophical underpinnings of the bailout scheme and why it is a good or bad idea. We don’t need more vague platitudes about how the end is near if something isn’t done immediately. The problem with political discourse in this nation is that everyone reaches positions with no supporting fact or logic and then demands hasty thoughtless action based on their unsupported premises.

Pliny,
St. Louis

Not much really. They seem as confused as the rest.

Jack, One of them, anyone of them, needs to come to the forefront, take the Bull by the horns and prove that they really are able to be President. What they both currently are doing is just what politicians do best. NOTHING

1. Exhibit leadership. In the case of McCain fire off a left-right combination to the non-believing scum of the Republican house in Congress.
2. Do some arm twisting. Barney Frank should be target one even if he’s on your side and not a republican.
3. Get Barack Obama in the ring. Do a leap off of the top rope and slam him into the canvas. Hold him down for a three count. When your arm is raised in victory yell down at him, “If you can’t contribute, stay home!” Look at your wife and give her the Al Gore kiss of endearment.
4. Find Dick Cheney, Slap him repeatedly. This may not accomplish much but those of us who can’t stand the sight of Darth Cheney will immortalize you.
What was the question?

The political hacks may make decisions that they think will help their candidate get more votes…They forget they work for us…the people.

Both canidates should go on with their campaigns and let the house and senate figure it out. Then when the voting needs to be done; that is the time for Obama and McCain to vote on the issue. They really need to stay clear of the process for right now.

McCain came in on his white charger trying to save the day and it blew up in his face.Too many incumbents are worried about their own survival to listen either to McCain or Bush. Obama ,unfortunately for the middle class, has supported this fiasco. At least he was smart enough to stay out of Washington. We need some one who will come with a plan that will work, that will help those with mortgages in foreclosure,open up sensible credit lines and put some tight reins on Wall Street. Sadly neither seems to be up to the task.

None. They are not part of the finance committee.

The senators should put their ‘regular job duties’ first and then get back to the campaigning. By the way, are these two receiving pay while taking absence from their regular duties? I’ll bet 5 cents (which is all that I dare to lose during this crisis) they are.

Do ya think middle class workers would receive pay? Company guidelines would probably say no and they’d lose their jobs…. must be nice to get pay while hunting for another job.

Tina\TX
PS I didn’t vote for Bush, so place no blame here!

no more money for CEO’s & BUSH &CHANEY they are all crooks. boise id

Jack,

Well, McCain has already screwed it up enough! Obama has given his ideas. Now it is time to wait for a new bill, and maybe indulge in some subtle arm twisting. Other than that, they aren’t Underdog, riding in to save the day, so MYOB until it’s time for the Senate to vote.

Who’s fault is it, really?

While there is some blame to be shared by members on both sides of the aisle, history reveals the following:

Under such catch phrases as “affordable housing”, the “Community Reinvestmet Act” of 1977 (President Jimmy Carter) was enacted. It’s stated purpose was to expand the opportunity of high-risk individuals to invest in homes by forcing mortgage lenders to help subprime borrowers get better loans. Industry lending procedures were further opened during the Clinton administration, a period during which Franklin Raines (then CEO of Freddie Mac) garnered in excess of $90 million over a four-year tour while serving the quasi-governmental

lending institution. Today, Raines serves as financial adviser to Barack Hussein Obama during his campaign. Over a 20 year period, only four of which Obama has been a Senator – and, he’s been campaigning for two of those years, now – only Senate veteran Chris Dodd has taken more lobbyist monies from Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac than has Obama (he’s #2, having accepted over $126,000). Earlier this year, Dodd extended his praise to these financial giants, describing them as “riding to the rescue” as other mortgage lenders were reducing loans.

Barney Frank, senator from Massachusetts and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, only five years ago asserted as to the “soundness” of these companies. “I do not see”, he said, any “possibility of serious financial losses to the treasury.” Furthermore, he stated that the government has “probably done too
little rather than too much to push them to meet the goals of affordable housing.”

These are a few of the major players whom have created the financial “crisis”, and now these same people are presumably working in earnest to resolve the matter? Yeah, right.

President Bush, in 2004, sought to increase regulatory pressures on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and his chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors warned about the economic disincentives of these companies relying on a bailout should trends turn. In 2005, John McCain supported a measure to reform the lending industry, but it was rejected by Congress (including a vote against it by Obama – no surprise, there).

Alan Greenspan, head of the Federal Reserve, has been outspoken for years about an implied reliance on our government that these lending giants greedily base business practices upon, so as to “multiply the profitability of subsidized debt.”

Now, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi is playing to the cameras with sound bytes and pointing at the republicans as the root of all evil…what? As the majority, democrats could have passed this bill on their own without a single republican vote, but they didn’t want to go it alone – thereafter, highlighting the roles
of participation that Frank, Dodd and Obama (among others, including some republicans) have played in sustaining the unfettered operations of failed lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And here we are, today.

Facts are facts. See My Site for more.

Jack,

they play two roles as follows:
1. To take a position which best serves the American taxpayers and then to get enough votes within the House and the Senate to ensure that the Bill is passed as law.

2. To ensure that point 1) is carried out in as Statesmanlike a manner as possible to convince the electorate that this person has the political and personal gravitas to deal with a crisis confidently, efficiently and effectively as possible to its rightful conclusion..

Proper role? Their recomendations should be considered as they will have to deal with this mess come January.
But really, isn’t this all a function of the Congress? It doesn’t matter if we are looking at George W., McSame, or Osama, the Legislative Branch is the group that will ultimately make the decision. I just want to know what percentage rate we are going to use in this loan to these corporations, I think they are risky and the rate should reflect their lack of credit worthiness.

it’s a shame jack, they actually have more politcal influence than the current sitting president does. Poor president bush he cant wait to pass it on and get out of town.

Well Jack,

As we can see by John McCain’s pathetic attempt to make himself look like the ‘Savior of the World Financial Crisis’, I would have to say they don’t play ANY ROLE.

They should be there to reasure the public that this will NEVER happen again, and what they would do to prevent it.

I think Barack Obama has done a FABULOUS job of not getting all ‘hot and bothered’ buy this crisis.

THIS administration has been the cause of this and THEY should be the ones to fix it.

The ONLY thing THIS president HAS done, is to leave a legacy of death, destruction and the fall of the American Empire.

God help US if the Republicans steal the election AGAIN!

At this point I think it would be best for them to stay out of the way. McCain’s showing up last week only hurt the process.

This is by far the strangest election I’ve ever seen. I just hope that some integrity and stability are brought back to our country with the election of OBAMA/BIDEN.

Honestly Jack, Sen. McCain has not help matters with his ever changing positions in this crisis period. His first response was “Fundamentals are strong” then “fire SEC chairman” then “suspend campaign” while not really suspending anything, then saying he was not phoning-in while he was actually phoning-in. I think these kind of actions create nothing but panic in the polity. Yes Obama was not totally right though in sitting on the sideline, he needed to come out more and show that let us know that he was working with necessary people to people to put the situation under control.

Getting in the way! They should keep their little campaigns going and stop trying to bring partisanship to the bill!

Both candidates are still Senators. However, neither of them are leaders in the Senate, i.e. whips, nor do they chair any committees, therefore, what can they actually contribute if their specialty is not finance? They should make themselves available, if needed, and they should cast their vote. Other than that, stick to campaigning instead of grandstanding.

They should state, clearly and specifically, what they recommend so far as a plan goes. Neither did that on Friday, although Obama, as expected, is being given credit for winning the debate.

I would like to see all four persons on the tickets be interviewed separately by Lou Dobbs or Bill O’Reilly on this subject, with the provision that the interview can’t end until each gives a definitive, no BS answer!

Since three of the four will have to vote on a bailout, that will be part of their proper roles, and none can vote ‘present’, either. The other part is to recommend what they prefer.

Multi-task……Act for your constituents while running for a better job. Work over the Jewish Holiday…what are these guys smoking? Tell the truth and forget the politics of it all. Think and act independently of the “Party”. Be a Boy Scout and Do your Best. America is about to fail its ideals and completely change the world’s economy. Forget the politics and fight to save the citizens of the engine of commerce.
Then smarten up and stop living in the past. There is a new world order in economics, China and India rule manufacturing and will drag America down without “Balanced Trade” forget “free trade”.

Both Obama, and McCain should have very important roles in this bill. No matter which 1 gets elected our next president will have to deal with this problem.
I also think this bill should be passed before the next president is elected to keep the other party that wasn’t elected from throwing the monkey wrench into the plan to make the others job complicated…or worse fail.

Obama needs to explain how he is going to increase taxes on small business owners who employ a huge number of Americans, after this government bailout goes through which is going to increase our debt even further. And please Jack, do not let him get away with his talking point about decreasing taxes for 90% of americans. The truth is that the majority of these people don’t pay taxes because they earn less than 45,000 a year. Obama will give them checks from the government and he is calling that a tax cut.

Jack apperently neither one played the right role! McCain could not muster the votes from his own party to pass this. It also seems that neither McCain or Obama fought to include the right safeguards of the taxpayers money or an impartial oversight board. Makes you wonder if either one would make a good President in these times! Where is our Indepent Candidate? Mr. Independent Lou Dobbs has only given the Independents running about 5 minutes of air time each! Don Ohio

” Those who excercise strong disciplines in life, qualify for the positions requiring resourceful and dependable people”

The Position of the President of the united states of America requires more than ever at this point in history, resourceful and dependable people.

This Financial crisis has proven that John McCain is Neither Resourceful Nor Dependable so as his other judgments incuding the selection of Sarah Palin as running mate.

Because of their being candidates they both get a lot of free air time — They BOTH need to use these times to explain how the Wall-Street mess affects the average worker

Act Presidential and calm the electorate, like Obama, and don’t get partisan. He made a good contribution today about raising the FDIC limit to 250K. l Don’t shoot off your mouth about something you know nothing about, like McCain continues to do. The hole he is digging for himself is getting to be a giant crater.

I think what they are doing now is enormously informative. McCain swings wildly from position to position and calls erratic behavior decisive leadership. Obama calmly researches, negotiates, and puts solutions on the table that all sides can live with. Remind me again why McCain is the better military leader?

Considering the confusion among the American taxpayers as to what this bailout/rescue entails, and how important it is to our country’s economy it would be nice for one of the candidates to explain in a non-partisian way this bill in it’s entirety to the people. Maybe if the people understood it, they wouldn’t have as much opposition and our congressional leaders could actually get their work done. I think this would be an excellent opportunity for the next president to show his leadership abilities.

Jack, looks like neither candidate is playing a real leadership role. Obama stays out on the campaign trail and McCain rushes to Washington to no avail. Obama is fortunate in that the House failed to pass the proposal — were we surprised? The democrats want to make Obama look good and it wouldn’t have looked good if the proposal had passed. Now both candidates are coming up with a proposal to raise the level insured by the FDIC . . . a proposal made previously by the republicans. What’s more neither the news media nor the candidates did a good job of explaining that Wall Street and Main Street are practically one. Politics as usual!

They should BOTH not just McCain Jack shut the hell up!

They should quietly work to put resolutions in that their peers in congress can agree with.

How about reinstating strict regulation? De-regulation seems to have made the wealthy wealthier ……..

This is more like a bailout experiment, but I am for it. Not much of a role in my opinion, just keep Palin out of it. Thanks.

Both of the candidates are Senators. The food fight is in the House.
I am sure they will both come to Washington when it is their turn to vote.

McCain and Obama are best served and can best serve their country by presenting a cohesive front- presenting a plan that both political parties can agree upon. But, politics have always been a part of this rescue effort and it is probably unrealistic to think it will be otherwise.

They should persuade the public that this is the route we need to be taking. A presidents most potent power is his/her ability to shift public and congressional opinions and get people to work as together as fellow Americans, rather than as Democrats and Republicans.

Continue with their campaigns.

They need to carry on, submit their ideas, read the plan when commplete and vote. They need to stay out of the way as they are not members of the committee in charge

Jack,
It depends on the candidate. If you serve on a committee PERTINATE to the crisis, then by all means haul it back to D.C. If you are asked/summoned by the current President to a meeting about the situation, attend the meeting. If there is something you can do besides stand around and create more problems by all means go.
If you are a membeer of the House or Senate, keep informed as to progress and return for the vote. Hence I suppose the reason why Obama came to D.C. for the meeting he was summoned to and LEFT. Too bad McCain did not do the same.

This so called “bailout” is such uncharted territory it is hard to say what a candidate should or should not do. I say the approach Obama has so far demonstrated is much better as he stays on message. He is not erratic and all over the board like McCain. Obama is not in panic mode and that has a calming effect on the public in my opinion. Obama also has the best economic team you could hope for. The ship is a lot steadier with him at the helm. If he were president then yes, I feel that the most proactive approach and involvement would be warranted and I’m sure he would do the best job for us with his calm, level headed approach.

I expect the presidential candidates to be intelligent and with good judgement. They also must show strength in leadership, during crisis.

Obama’s has demonstrated calm, but lack of sense of urgency. He could shown better leadership by working with house democrats to help pass the bill.

McCain behaved like a 72 year old nut with ADD. He is to impulsive. Not a good presidential trait. He needs to calm down. He should not allow to be anywhere near that “Red” button.

Neither can cope with the public outcry.

One of them should have been smart enough to fight against it because there was so little public support.

I don’t think they realize how rebellious Americans are feeling about their government.

These two hacks–are just towing the same old company line–no change, nothing new, no hope, no fairness.

McCain play’s the role of “wait a minute, stop the campaigning, let’s all sit at the table with LAME-DUCK BUSH, and stare at each other until the election is over”!!!!

McCain has the answer, ignore the American People, Ignore Congress, and ignore the Senate, just do it anyways. Sounds like 4 more years of the same.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain is urging the Treasury Department to intervene aggressively to limit damage from the financial meltdown, action that McCain says President Bush can take with the stroke of a pen.

Opening a business round-table Tuesday in Des Moines, Iowa, McCain said he has urged the Treasury to use its exchange stabilization fund “as creatively as possible” to backstop the market crisis. He says officials also should use the authority granted in a housing bill to purchase up to a trillion dollars in mortgages.

McCain decried the defeat of the financial bailout measure in the House, and he warned that the nation’s political leaders will have to take risks even though solutions to the crisis may be unpopular.

They shoud tell the voters how they really feel about this plan and SELL their position to their constituients. This plan failed because Paulson didn’t know how to sell it and neither did the President. McCain raked 894 out of a class of 899 at the navel Academy. Perhaps he just doesn’t get it but there is no excuse for Obama who graduated from Harvard Law School Magma Cum Laude. he has the smarts – lets see him use them.

Take a look at the role Obama has played. That’s the role both candidates should follow.

Be part of negotiations, have creative solutions and specific criteria (like Obama’s 4 points) but try to be non-partisan. Obama’s efforts to start out with a joint statement were dead on. Too bad McCain needed to jump in with both feet and then make a mess of things.

We could have been so proud of our leadership during this crisis. Instead, we have “the maverick” bouncing around in a desperate effort to save the election. Someone give the guy some Ritalin so he can process rational thought.

Boise

Since neither candidate sits on a committee that deals with this issue, they should offer their opinions as to how this problem should be resolved since one of them is likely to end up taking it over.

One thing that they both should be doing (which Obama is actually doing) is to reassure the American people that we will get through this and that their personal finances will remain intact.

A consistent message of better days is important at this point from the candidates, but McCain seems to be all over the board on this topic.

I think they should be knowledgeable of the components of the plan but I don’t believe either can be that influencial with the ultimate outcome. Present their stance then work with congress.

In approximately 30 days I went from thinking John McCain would do no harm if he were elected President in November to being horrified at this prospect.

The first tremor in faith over candidacy was his choice for his vice president – Sara Palin the former mayor of a town not city of 5500 people and currently the governor of state with lust under 700,000 people. My first reaction was who is Sara Palin?

The second tremor was September 15th when he said that our economy is still basically sound while the stock market is crashing.

The third tremor is 3 days later says he would fire SEC chairman Chris Cox for what not enforcing regulations that John McCain as well as just about any republican say we shouldn’t exist. Must I remind John McCain of the “Keating 5”.

The fourth tremor turns into an earthquake magnitude 10. John McCain suspends his campaign, marches off to Washington and proceeds to submarine a bipartisan solution, not sure if it was a good deal or not, but I am fairly confident that it is close to being a fair to good solution.

John McCain has admitted that he knows nothing about economics, I don’t understand what he intends on accomplishing, except maybe logjam progress to a solution.

I totally agree with George Will I no longer believe John McCain does not have the temperament to be our next president and I am absolutely horrified that Sara Palin would be a heartbeat from the presidency.

John McCain seems to be unraveling

I feel the only reason for them to be in DC was to vote on the bailout not a photo op with Bush

Jack, I get down on my knees everyday and thank God that this happened now, because without it…we would be looking at four more years of extremeism in government and free wheeling dealing in credit. Without Palin, we would have considered the Maverick…has anybody checked to see if He has gone off his medication? Maybe they mixed medications?
We all backed ourselves into this corner, my daughter was the victim of those “predator credit companies”, she’s paying for it now. She learned the hard way that being approved for a loan without a co-signer was just a trick…she doesn’t laugh at Saturday Night Live, she sits in abject terror.

Jack,

For the White House spot, someone needs to show that they can take on the role of a Multi-Taskmasters. Whoever, will win, will have the weight of the World on their shoulders. For this financial mess to be resolved efficiently there is NO time for placing blame or pointing fingers. As long as either party plays the blame game neither are playing any role serving any purpose for anyone. We should have had a plan A,B,C and D for all that is occurring currently.

They should not get involved. They have no authority on the matter. One of them will be President at a future time, the other will not.

I want to see guts. I want to see Obama step up, listen to middle America, and support us. I want him to listen to the experts in middle America and learn what is best for us. Quit listening so much to the Wall Street experts. I want to see and hear him support a bailout policy that might actually start with the middle class and trickle up as Ben Stein pointed out the other night. Thanks for asking.

Jack,
I think that it is each Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates responsibility in the bailout or “rescue” effort to continue spreading the word out on the campaign trail explain exactly what this means to the American people and to reassure them that they have our best interests at heart. So far, I believe that Barack Obama has done exactly that. McCain just seems to want to play “blame the opponent” and turn it around to be his fault game.

The role Obama should be playing is to tell congress to come up with a plan that will put money straight into smaller banks and small business, so it can get directly into the economy and let it trickle up to wall street for a change and maybe we might get this country back in shape. let wall street feel what we have for the past 8 yrs.

Word is McCain is going to suspend his campaign again as he sinks in the polls. The fact is a select group do the negotiating the rest have input on what they would like included then they all have one vote.

McCain and Obama should simply have some input and then vote then explain how they voted and why.

By McCain trying to fool the people into thinking he is actually doing something by saying he is suspending his campaign although he didn’t has cost him dearly. The same held true when him and Sara kept repeating their lies after the press had debunked them.

At this point I am convinced McCain is in dire need of adult supervision.

They should stay away from giving the Bush administration a blank check for anything…The “Maverick” brought nothing to the table and Obama is going to inherit this mess, so let Congress earn their paychecks.

how about being right in the middle of it. it will not be bush, pelosi, or anyone else who will have to implement whatever bill gets passed; one of these two men will. they need to be part of the discussions and be pushing for something that all americans can get behind. enough with all the talking from afar, both these men need to get back to washington and start being more involved in the solution. talk is nice, but action speak with a louder voice.

here’s how the pres should bail out AIG
Lets assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide u.s. citezens, aged 18+
now divide 200 million 18+ adults into 85billion
that equals$425,000.00 each
yup thats my plan the “we deserve it fund”
figure 30% for taxes Uncle Sam would get back 25.5 billion
that means every adult would get $297,500.00 each
me and my wife $595,000.00
now what would you do with it
1. pay off mortage and home equity loans problem solved
2. pay off credit cards hmm problem solved
3. put away money for college at least it will be there
see where Im going.
have a good day.

They each get one vote. They are senators not president. We may never know that was done or why behind the scenes.. Perhaps the democrats withheld those 13 needed votes to pass this bill in an attempt to make McCain look foolish. This is politics as usual Jack. It isn’t about the American people at all. It is about the politicians. If the democrats thought that the plan they pit forward was that good then they should have been able to get the votes needed without the republicans.
The flip side of that coin is that if the bail out plan fails and only a few republicans voted for it there will be no one to blame but the democrats. This is an election year and not just for the presidency. A whole lot of these congress members are up for re-election too.

I beleive the question should be: What role has the Bailout played for the MCCain????

Jack,
To be honest. Just like we would expect them to be if they were in the presidents chair. McCain is just playing politics. He thought this would put him in that chair. He is so obvious and pathetic.
Judy K. in Boise, Idaho

If I was Obama, I would head to Washington, speak to his party and see if he can get more votes for this bailout, if he truly believes this is the best thing for our country, which sounds like it is. Then I would have him go talk to the republicans and find out what he can do to get them to help pass the bill. Show the public that he is taking the bull by the horns and being a leader of both parties.

Jack -

where is Cheney ? hunting ?

they should do what they are doing, support it, but not go to washington, to try to be the one to save the day, and end up
being the one to be ‘erratic’

I hope we don’t get someone in there like McCain, so he can change his mind for everytime there is a decision to make.

Larry C.
Houston, Texas

The candidates should put their egos and ideology to the side, assemble the brightest economists in the country, and propose specific plans to solve the problem. Oh wait, Obama already did that, while ‘Maverick’ suspended his campaign as a campaign tactic. Never mind.

They should stay out of it. Politicizing the process will not help, unless Mrs. McCain would agree to bailout the country.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

They are both senators and one of them will inherit this mess, I would think they would want to be involved in helping solve the problem which both parties created.

At least they should give the impression that they care for us, the taxpayers, and do as much as possible to keep us from paying( At least most of it) for wealthy people’s mistakes. The people that caused this crisis should pay the most, although we know they should pay everything but, that’s not going to happen.

The proper roll for any presidential or vice presidential candidate should be to know and understand economics. Without that I can’t see how he can play an independent thinking role in the bailout.

Jack–
Their role should be to calm the American people and encourage Congress to take some kind of action.

Troy, Ohio

The World Health Organization will tell you that it is important for people to have homes. People should be assisted in remaining in their homes.

Obama is trying to calm everyone. McCain is pulling Palins shoes out of his mouth .

Jack
These two canidates shouldnt have any role, this whole bailout issue is becoming a joke, way too much media coverage no wonder they cant get anything accomplished. And oh by the way why are we paying so much attention to what that rocket scientist Nancy Pelosi says ?

They should stay out of the way but, they won’t of course. McCain made yet another rash, just plain stupid, move to be a hero. It ended just like his “war hero” label. Crashed and burned.

How about TAKE A STAND one way or the other, clearly so we all understand where they stand on the issue. They both should be ashamed of themselves, especially McCain, of how they handled this last few days. Their role now is to clearly define where they stand, what they intend to do, and stop pointing fingers.

I’d like to see the candidates sit down with some economists and propose an alternative plan, one that will work and not require a huge taxpayer handout. That’s what I would call leadership.

Ed
Durham, NC

Senator Obama seems to be correct in making his principal requirements known and then letting the negotiaters work it out. Now he is telling the public why it necessary and getting public support for a bitter, but necessary medicine . I don’t want this bailout, but doing nothing will have a much worse impact on my neighbors and friends than this bitter pill. When things stabalize I would like to see the CEOs, Board of directors etc of the companies that got us here in a civil suit that will regain some of the tax money that we are bailing them out with. (CEO “x” vs THe Tax Payers of The United States )

Politics strickly politics. McCain has the panic attitude and Obama is trying to calm us. McCain says if we do bail out and soon we ALL will be broke and in turn should be in fear of the unknow. Obama on the other hand seems to try to calm us all down with we will get this worked out but it may take time to do it right. When both of them have no real power to do anything except give their vote on it when their turn comes.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas

Having done crisis mgmt for financial systems for many years, I can say that the two most destructive behaviors to successful resolution are hysteria and finger pointing. Leaders need to calm the situation down, cut-off any pointy fingers they see and keep their own fingers out of sight.

If they don’t like the plan, they should draft their own and present it to congress as an alternative. Their job right now is to run for office.

The proper thing to do is exactly what Obama did. You go to washington ONLY if you are NEEDED and don’t swoop in like a super hero to save the day when noone even wants you there. Are you listening McCain? His ego is so huge that I don’t know how he even gets through doorways! McCain was only in the way last week and caused more harm than good.

How about a little direction? How about not using political theatrics and pretend you know what you’re talking about?

Both of them better start talking specifics real quick!

Jack,

How about this? They do what your network seems to demonize the House Representatives for doing when the majority voted no, listen to the American People and see what they want!! Are things so backwards in this country that when the American People are represented in a Congressional vote, FINALLY, that people think its a mistake and want a revote?

Their role is to show understanding and selfless principles at this time. We’ve gotten nothing like that from the White House for seven long years now, and are starving for leadership with some sense of morality.

I can’t think of a better test for the presidential candidates. They will inherit these problems come January. The last thing these two should do is be out of the spotlight during this crisis.

Hi Jack;
I feel now is the time to stand firm with the American People who have been gouged with high healthcare, insurance, fuel prices, rent increases, 70% utility hikes, unaffordable education cost, low wage income jobs, that are inadequate to pay for the massive ripoff of Wall Street over the last 25 years. The Answer to all the American financial problems today are the same as back then. GREED AND DEREGULATION PROTECTIONS OF INVESTORS.

It is time for America, as Barack would say. Unfortunately the same Status Quo that passed ALL this mess and is responsible for the harm done, just don’t get it. I have no doubt that once Barack is in office he WILL go over it all in a equal and compromising way for All involved, but he has a high fence to leap, while securing the Presidency to make this happen.
The American People are who he answers to, and he will come through, but will the status quo?
Congress in both houses, need to listen carefully to the constituents who vote for them, they are the ones under the foot of the greedy Wall Street deregulators and banker investment firms, who want the bailout. Therefore the American people know the cure for the future.

Tinkle down, my behind.

Jack, his role should be to designate Presidents and women first to bailout of the sinking ship. However, it should be our role to ensure the ship is in the freezing waters of Alaska before they jump (Austin, TX).

They realy have no role in this prossess. Didn’t we see that last week when McCain tried to take over the prossess. Then he took credit when he thought the deal was done. Then he tried to run and make it the Dem’s fault when it didn’t pass. McCain has no more creditabilty then LIttle Bush has.

Obama seems more calm during this bailout crisis because he hasn’t a clue of what to do. If you notice, Obama never has a comment regarding anything important until a few days later. Could it be because he has to consult with his advisors before he speaks?

to do just what obama has done. bring everyone together to move forward. not let everything collapse around us just because we’re pissed off at wall street and our current government. things must change for real!

Since one is old and the other is black the Veeps need to be knowledgeable because anything can happen and we don’t need some one up there who thinks beauty will win the cause. As Judge Judy says “Beauty fades but dumb is forever”

Jack,

Given that they are currently senators, they should do exactly what good senators do and contribute to the process in a manner that does not put Presidential politics first.

Given that they are Presidential nominees, encourage bipartisan cooperation and push for what’s best for the average American, not for Wall Street.

By the way, why hasn’t McCain resuspended his campaign?

Because he has just learned that it is just as effective to participate by phone and attend Congress when required!!!

Whether they’re aware of it or not they need to be there and vote according to their constituents wishes. Nothing more, nothing less. Neither of them are President yet, they need to do their present job. Period!
Dixon, Illinois

They should both stay out of it. McCain needs to stay on the campaign and quit inventing situations in which he becomes a hero, that is not going to happen. The best thing is for them to concentrate on what is in front of them right this minute. They are going to inherit this mess eventually having to deal with every minute of the day. For now stay out of it and hope the right choice is made.

Barack Obama is correct, Stay out of the fray, and limit politics as this is massive crisis, however McCain cant help falling all over himself. Obama needs to do exactly what he is doing. McCain needs to take some blood pressure medicine and focus on his floundering campaign and let the congress work it out, without him making things any worse than he has already done

Jack , my answer to all of this is um well McCain. He went to Wershington as he calls it and fell flat on his face. The only reason he went was to help his lobbyist buddies out. McCain knew if this bill was passed there would be no money coming from his wall street buddies.I just do not understand why a man would back brokers before the american people. As they say McCain don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

The candidate should blame each other when it fails and take credit when things are successful. Don’t you know anything?

It seems that both candidates for president and both candidates for vice-president were for the bail-out plan. Three of them are senators, and their role in deciding is obvious. The fourth should have no role at all and should keep her mouth shut on the subject lest she contaminate some feeble mind somewhere in television land.

Since both McSame and O’Bama (not Irish) consider themselves president-elect they have both tried to influence congress and have stated their view (views in the case of McKeating), feeling that they somehow would have to deal with the aftermath next year. But this is an error: neither are president-elect, merely candidates. Their role shoud be as senators, and each should represent their respective states in the matter.

By the way, Jack, whatever happened to good ol’ leadership?

I believe they should study the situation, research history and what previous economic systems have done, finally evaluate the information in context to our current situation. After they have completed their research, formulate a plan, and communicate their solution to the economic problem. This I believe is the most mature/ responsible method and people will appreciate being treated like adults…. A more informed voter base can better decisions, and will reciprocate. Who wants to be treated like an 8 year old and wait for $700billion dollar Santa Claus.

Obama seems to correctly be taking a wait and see approach. McCain apparently thinks jumping in (like little girls playing jump rope) to save the day and claim the glory will eventually work. So far they’ve just been practice jumps.

Jack,
The roles they play as senators should be to vote for the constituants that they are elected to represent you know the voters. As presidential candidates they should state how they feel and what their proposals are to help this country out of this mess. Other than that they each have one vote same as the rest of us, they should use that vote wisely same as the rest of us shopuld do when we vote for the next president.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

To just do their job as Senators and leave the presidents job to the president. Only when one of them is elected and sworn in does what they do and say matter.

McCain made a big thing of coming back to DC to improve th Bail-out and get it passed. He succeded in proving that he does not lead the REpublican Party. This is a hugh minus, how can anyone expect that his prmises would be carried oput by the REpublicans?

Obama is in a better position. He needs to work on getting some reaonabl plan passed. Those who want to get the bker sink, simply have not ollowed whr investment in bad mortgages lead – especially retirement plans & annuties.

They both can mess it up. They have really played no part in the negotiations and now they want to get into the action. They should both try to rally votes in their case for a yeah and expedite the bailout. From my view point-I’m still not sure yeah or Nay….either way I get the short end of the stick. My inexperienced Women’s intuition tells me the Rebublicans are more 2 blame. I did not appreciate their comments about Nancy Pelosi. I did not appreciate her comments but they were warranted and if the Republicans voted Nay because of her comments they are self centered, self rightous and just plain wrong.
Independent, NC

Acting like adults would be a huge boon to the process. Obama 1 – McCain 0

As usual, McCain is involved. Obama is present.

Obama is doing what needs to be done and McSame is copying hm. When McSame tried to step out and be a “leader” he looked liked the idiot he is. I just watched Obama speech in NV and he did a good job of explaining to the public what is going on. He knows this because he has been in touch with what is going on my making phone calls. Unlike McSame, Obama can do more then one thing at a time. What I find interesting is that McSame made phone calls also, after he suspended his campaign and went to his office in Washington, then had the never to mocked Obama on making calls. Can’t McSame use a cell phone, especially since he helped create the blackberry? He is so out of touch that it is scary!!

Rachel, Atlanta

What role should the players on the bench have when the first-string is mucking up the game?

They should astutely watch and learn what NOT TO DO when they actually get in the game! All the rest is either bravado or tears.

They shouldn’t be in the middle of it trying to play clildish games. Let the people on the committee handling this do what they are supposed to do. Then McCain and Obama can give their opinions.

Senato McCain went in last week as if he thought he was a super hero on a white steed. He talked about his involvement in the middle of the situation and how Obama “called it in”. Considering the end result, I would ask Senator McCain to please learn from this and “call it in” .

John McCain is confused about bailout and rescue of the economy. McCain is so busy rescuing Palin until he doesn’t know the difference.

I think our leaders need to run toward the fire. The political message these days tends to make politicians implore a wait and see mentality. Washington, Adams, Jefferson etc would never have stood for this. Leadership cannot be turned on and off with a switch.

Jack, for the Democrats to stop blaming everybody but themselves. For both candidates to ask for Pelosi and Reid to step down as the leaders in Congress. Congress has 9% approval ratings, I wonder why? With new leadership we should be able to get a bipartisan bailout bill.

Jack,

I think that both of them should let the people know how they would handle this mess. I realize that it takes passage by both the House and Senate but it would go a long way in helping us undecided voters which is more on the bail. Also these two need to realize that when you point a finger there are three pointed at yourself.

Dennis
Ama., TX

Yes Jack the interviews are helping her out, (out of the election). Shes so unqualified for the presidential race til its not funny. The more she is interviewed the more her ignorance shines through. She is helping Obama a ind Biden win this election. Keep up the good work Palin. I must also thank McCain for bringing Palin into this election and insuring Obama and Bidens victory. McCain did say on the job training does not qualify one for the White house……….Is’nt debate camp on the job training? McCain stepping on his tongue again

Nothing, I think people are forgetting neither one of these candidates will be President until next year. Unfortunately, Bush is still the president and it is he and the leadership in Congress and Senate, who should be taking the lead on this issue. Just their mere presence of the presidential candidates creates more trouble then what it is worth. Obama was right when he said it (the bail out talks) becomes more about blame and taken credit when presidential candidates were there!

Detroit, MI

As the leaders of their respective party they should have taken an active role in getting their respective parties to vote the way each of them would.By all accounts,McCain tried and Obama didn’t.McCain got some Republicans to support the bill but Obama never even tried,because he didn’t want the outcome to hurt his image.And you want this type of person to be president?

Jack

The predidential canidates should be a major part of the stabilization plan. The reason is that their administration will have to live with what ever the Congress ends up with. If thay are not part of the solution it would be like asking you to make commments on politics without any information about what is going on. It could be done but would likely not be pretty or even make sense.

Dan from Alliance, OH

One of these two unlucky individuals will inherit this wonderful mess created by the Bush Administration. Bush’s legacy is set in stone, the blarney stone, so it remains to be seen whether one of these candidates has the moxie to become the “New Deal” creator of the 21st Century. Will he be a Hoover or a Roosevelt? Hard to tell.

But they should definitely let Congress do what is best for America and not inject further political posturing into the process.

By the way, what is best for America is to let those risk-taking Wall Street companies and over-leveraged Banks go through what Main Street, the middle class, has been going through for years. Go ahead and go broke. It’ll make a man outta ya!

The calm steady hand of Barack Obama has been helpful. The flailing hand of John McCain has been worthless. John doesn’t realize we don’t need the theater of a maverick. What we need is a leader not another maverick to replace the maverick we already have as president. Vote wisely!

Senator Obama was very calming, analytical, non-impetuous. He used our super-advanced technology to participate in the solution and named
vital conditions which should be integrated into the bill. He showed wisdom and statesmanship.

John McCain panicked, thought his actions and his power would compel Obama to not appear at the debate and would make him look very powerful and god-like. He claimed to be the author of the conditions Obama emphasized for the bill. McCain was and is clueless that effective leaders do not need to grandstand.

The Presidential candidates do have a role to play as one of them will inherit this mess in January. McCain wants to be involved but is shut out because the Democrats control Congress. Barack Obama’s policy is that he’s not George Bush which is no policy at all. I want to hear exactly what each candidate’s views are on what needs to be done to fix the problem. Come February the nation won’t care who the previous President was!

In McCain’s case, it’s embarrassingly obtrusive comedy relief,

The two candidates have an obligation to the electorate to truthfully explain their policies and programs as that will be America’s future. Let the people responsible for the present face the music they wrote the lyrics to as the mess they leave is the mess either candidate will have to mop up. Right now it looks like America has to decide if they would like to have insanity or sanity dictate their futures.

Obama is doing the right thing at the moment . He is not in panic mode like McCain.

Jack,

Both the candidates should redirect their attention to try to get the country out of the economic quagmire in which it faces itself now. They ought to assure the American voters that they will try and get them out of the economic crisis and keep them from falling into a deep economic quagmire.

They are Senators and one of them will be our next president so they should take a leadership role and strongly state what they think should be done. In 4 months one of them will be president so this is a great time to take a stand. It would give us a good indication as to what kind of president they would be.

Hello Jack.
Well thank God McSane stop his campain to step in and help with all this mess in DC. Just jocking. McSane camping is a joke. Obama had it right stay away but keep an eye on things. The only thing McSane did is put more lumber in the fire.

The definition of a good manager is one who trains his people well and then gets out of the way and let them do their jobs. McKane injected himself into the talks and caused a bigger mess. Obama stood back and let his people do their jobs (the Democrats) and they did just that. It is time we place in the White House a person of intelligence and clear-thinking and that, sir, is Obama.

Only McNonesense try to play and score political points. Bush summoned the two candidates to the White House.

Jack my answer, very little.

Does it mean that we can put McCain/Palin in a bail and send them home? Bail out the country from these two “_______”?

If you’re on the GOP side then you send McCain in with the GOP’s play book., you know, the one page plan that clearly shows Mr. Obama is to be blame for this epic mess. The Dem’s put forth a team that has clear vision for what this great country needs, a future that includes long term planning. We really need candidates that are not so mean- spirited too. The McCain ticket is so deeply rooted with nasty tactics that alarm bells should ring loudly, the same tactics that George Bush used. Look at the epic mess we’re in now!!

The candidates should continue their role as Senators and cast their votes accordingly; however, they should use their influence or power as the presidential candidate to work toward a bipartisan agreement. The Democrats did their job by getting a majority of Democratic Reps. to vote for the Republican proposed bailout plan. However, McCain failed to rally the Republicans to pass their own bill. Lastly, they should refrain from using the bailout plan for campaign leverage. They should do what is best for the country and set aside politics until they reach an agreement.

David
Kingston, PA

They don’t need to do anything except their jobs as Senators. That means to vote according to the voice of the people they reporesent. There is no greater honor for them than to take credit for that.

Jack, I think they should be doing the job they are CURRENTLY getting paid to do as Senators. This stuff is too complicated for the American people to try to figure out. My question is does ANYONE REALLY know WHAT to do to get us out of this mess?

Play the theme to the “Lone Ranger” and watch McCain ride in on his white horse to save the nation as he suspends his campaign. Oh, nevermind. Actually I don’t expect either candidate to have “the answer”, what is needed is to have sound judgment on the plan. It’s better to have a well thought out plan rather and anything they could put together for the sake of saying “We got it done”.

Obama said that things go a lot better in situations like this when you’re not worried about taking credit or assigning blame. John McCain claimed to have done a John Wayne and saved us all by rallying the Republicans, while claiming that Obama watched from the sidelines. John McCain and the Republicans have egg all over their faces now that their stunt to have McCain put on his tights and cape and fly in screaming “HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY” has backfired. I think that McCain and Obama should work as hard, and QUIETLY as possible to help resolve the situation and not tell anyone what they did. We don’t need another HERO, we need a solution that works for everyone, especially the American Taxpayer.

John McCain must suspend his campaign immediately! This is no time for partisanship! We must convene a meeting at the White House with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senators Obama and McCain! Thursday night’s vice-presidential debate must be postponed! McCain should not return to the campaign trail until a deal is reached! Or at least until an agreement for a deal is reached! Or at least significant progress toward an agreement for a deal is reached!

Hey, no one likes this bill, not the public, not the house…we all know that.

Obama and McCain need to do this:
1. Give their absolute ‘must haves’ for the bill to the committee.
2. Ensure that these ‘musts haves’ are in the bill and that it does not have extras in it that will push it off track.
3. Make sure they live up to their part by ensuring the votes from their party are secured: Democratic votes from Obama, and republican votes from McCain.
4. AND NO MORE grandstanding, Mr. McCain! Stop taking credit for something you had little to do with on the positive side!

As far as the financial specifics: I do not believe that either candidate can offer the kinds of calculations and algorithms to contribute here; Real experts that can calculate the probabilities, risks, future ROI, etc. I think Barney Frank is probably utilizing his industry experts for that.

i believe the proper role would be to hire someone who knows about money and economics… do you really believe the clowns in congress know how to handle finances and can get us out of this mess… call suzie orman or warren buffet… they’re the experts… i wouldn’t want a haircut by someone who just thinks they’re a barber…
mac ray
juno beach, florida

Hi Jack,

Both candidates are Senators and should vote when the bailout comes up for a vote. American citizens should watch this vote and the candidate’s explanations of why they voted like they did. The next President will be responsible for economic progress and their actions and explanations will reflect their actions as President.

Thats easy Jack. Canidates should be seen and not heard. The last thing we need is another John MaCain jumping onto his horse and riding into Washington to rescue the government from all those bad guys on Wall Street. But if McCiin does go riding off again to Washington hopefully he will keep his pledge to stay there and quit campaigning until the job is done.

They should stop cramming this bill down the American peoples throats. The same goes for the media that is trying to influence the people into believeing this is a good thing when it isnt. Why should we bailout the banks when they raise your interest rate to 30% when you miss a credit card payment..

They are BOTH US Senators, when it is THIS important of an issue. It should be business first and campaign second.

Points scored – McCain
Points lost – Obama

send John Mccain to the crap tables in Las Vegas, maybe he can win some of the money needed.

They should both say no to the bailout.

Jack,

I think the first thing that anyone needs to do is determine exactly where we are in terms of our economic status. I keep hearing people refer to “we’re headed for a recession”. At what point are people going to realize we’ve already crossed the threshold? I mean, the U.S. government is already working towards spending nearly a trillion dollars to fix the credit market. The stock market is up and down like a see-saw, and with the price of energy, people are barely able to get by anymore.

As far as the candidates go–I think McCain had it right when he suspended his campaign to work on this problem. Obama and McCain, as far as I’m concerned, are U.S. Senators being paid by our tax dollars. Their role of Senator should be first and foremost; presidential candidate second.

But overall, I think that everyone in Washington needs to call this what it is–a recession that is dangerously close to a depression. I’m only 27, but based on what I know about the depression of 29, this has the potential to become alot worse because we are involved in more of a global economy than ever before.

Jim
Pittsburgh PA

Their job right now is to campaign. That’s their job. And everybody knows it. When McCain comes back to town and sticks his nose into it, he damages the process and looks like the train wreck is his fault. Go do their job. if they are needed, its just for a vote. Because they are senators. Other than that, they need to stay out of it.

Anybody see Rachel Maddow’s video “No GOP Leadership?” Its funny, in that Bush can’t move the GOPs to vote, McCain can’t get them to vote, Boehner can’t. So Cantor says that’s why they aren’t voting? So who’s running the store?

Leadership as a presidential candidate means assessing carefully when and how your public words, actions, and personal involvement will help or hurt. What’s the right role for the candidates going forward? Calm the citizens, exhort congressional colleagues toward a solution, and remain a determined part of the process privately without allowing presidential politics to overwhelm everything publicly. In other words, the opposite of everything that McCain has done so far — and probably the opposite of whatever he does next. His deference to his “gut instincts,” impetuosity, and self-certainty render him even more dangerous than Bush.

Obama has played a significant role in concert with his economic advisors adding necessary oversight and limits to the plan.

McCain delayed the negotiations, then deferred to his comments to others as he took credit for Obama’s work. The actions of a real snake.

To support and encourage the people, but McCain and Palin couldn’t bail me ut of a sinking ship, Jack. Although, she is sinking her own party’s ship. Who’s will bailout the republican Jack.

I think Bush should call a very private meeting just between himself, and Obama and McCain, because one of those two men will be the next President very soon, and because Bush is President now, in case you forgot. The three of them should come up with a plan that makes sense, and then together present it to Congress and the American people. Then Congress should endorse it.

Jack,

Obama should let McChange own this one – obviously that “maverick” touch is out of whack. Everything he touches turns to a horribly visible political stunt. Obama should stay with his plan, get elected and then clean this mess up!

The proper roll of the presidential candidate’s should be to tell both the house and the senate to listen to the people of the state’s in which they represent and act accordinly. I guarantee you, that the majority vote in every state would be against this! Let some other big corporation take control of this company or let it fall! The fear tactic for passing legislation for big corporate gain is ridiculous. “hello….Uncle Sam? We’re on to you! Every one know’s that the stock market will be back, strong as ever. I mean really, “Is this the end of America”? ” Can this one company really unbalance the entire nation”? “Oh no, Mr. Bill”!n Give us a break. Try believing in the American people on this one. If I remember right, we run the show or supposed to anyway!

Senatorial vote. Yes or No. Obama will try and honestly explain the importance of the action and McShame will blame anything and everything that goes on bad in the Universe on Obama.

from waycross, ga

they should simply explain the current government steps to the plan and tell America about their plan.

They each have one vote, other than that keep on task with your campaign.

Jack,

The role of the candidates at this point is to communicate to the american people and the members of congress why it is so very important that some type of rescue bill gets passed ASAP! Then they need to make sure they are on the hill to add 2 mores “Yay” votes for the bill.

Until January 20, their role, first and foremost, should be that of United States Senators. As the anointed leaders of their respective parties, they should endeavor to assume a leadership role. Only one of them will be President, and since both believe it will be them, they have added incentive to build consensus in the Senate…

Lou

Las Vegas

The role of the presidential canditdates on the bailout plan should be one of support for it..Right now the republicans are using the bailout plan to look for a way to get back into the presidential race.
Mike
Canada

Hi Jack,

Both have to work at explaining and I think Obama has done so very well because people need to get in their mind the domino affect that can be devastating to many more people!

The President and the candidates has to reduce fear, frustration and anger and learn from history.

Time to learn that a policy implemented in the 80 has gone nuts period! People need to stop thinking that socialism is coming to America…sound like an old broken record of the same old fear and judgment of government’s role when WE the PEOPLE vote for our govenrment and pay our government to provide services to protect our rights and freedoms and our rights and our freedoms do have limits when it affects our neighbors and our country! Regulations is not the end of the world it is a beginning of being responsible for your world!

Diane Dagenais Turbide

I was glad to see McCain try to look like he was so very important and then see his own party make a complete fool out of him.
The whole bunch are fools if they expect the middle class to bail the country out. They have no jobs and no money. Why does anyone think they could not pay for their homes in the first place. Then these damn fools want to push a trillion dollars to the wealthy scum suckers that caused it all in the first place.

They’re running for President, not leader of congress! I think they would have been better off sending the V.P. nominee’s to the hill.
Afterall that will be part of the Vice President’s job, to push legislation through on behalf of the President!

Obama said that things go a lot better in situations like this when you’re not worried about taking credit or assigning blame. John McCain claimed to have done a John Wayne and saved us all by rallying the Republicans, while claiming that Obama watched from the sidelines. John McCain and the Republicans have egg all over their faces now that their stunt to have McCain put on his tights and cape and fly in screaming “HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY” has backfired. I think that McCain and Obama should work as hard, and QUIETLY as possible to help resolve the situation and not tell anyone what they did. We don’t need another HERO, we need a solution that works for everyone, especially the American Taxpayer. I did not already submit this either. Just another example of THE MAN supressing the peoples voice.

Jack I think the candidates owe the voters their ideas on how to address this financial crisis and their opinion on the bailout plan, whether it is for or against it and why. I also think it would be helpful if they could spell out what this bailout means for the average guy in the short and long run. In other words, how might this affect the price of groceries and fuel, what will it do to the interest rate on our credit card, etc.

Like everyone else in Washington, the roll of the Presidential candidates should be to shut their mouths and open their ears to what the American public is saying!! All I hear is “… the American public doesn’t understand ….” or in other words “we know better than you peasants out their on Main Street so shut up and leave it to us”.
Just look where leaving it to them got us!

PS. Is there anyway you could still get on the ballot Jack?

Jack,
I have an idea, McCain should suspend his campaign and rush to Washington, it should only take twenty-two hours. He can sit in on some meetings and impress them with his vast knowledge. Promise the American he will stick at it till it’s done, because America comes first. Ya, ya that’s the ticket, oh wait that’s been done and the crisis is over. Bingo bango

How about this for a “Bail Out Plan”. The US census is less than 400 million. Give each American taxpayer 1 million dollars (tax free) and mandate that any mortgage debt be paid up front. This saves both the government and taxpayers billions of dollars. Finally, the taxpayers win!

I think John McCain should suspend his campaign until he gets every single Republican House Member from Arizona to vote “yes” on the bail out bill. (Not one of them voted yes.)

None whatsoever, Jack!

Look what a bang-up job McCain did “suspending” his campaign and making his slow-motion race back to “Worshington” to fix the economy.

Yeah, he fixed us all real good, didn’t he? We don’t need politics at a time like this. We need leadership and someone cool and rational enough to focus on these problems and work across the aisle, instead of engaging in hysterical theatrics, finger-pointing, and McGimmicks.

Perhaps nothing more than get the votes needed to pass the resolution. I don’t think Obama and McCain sit on any of the relevant committees, and everyone was already deep in negotiations.

Barack calls McCain to suggest a bipartisan, joint statement with some protections like accountability and oversight and no golden parachutes for execs earlier in the day. McCain then one-upped him and went public.

McCain suspends presidential campaign—no events, no ads, and no debate Friday—so that he and Barack Obama can head to Washington to forge a bipartisan solution. McCain doesn’t even read 2 ½ page bailout plan under consideration even though it was available on Monday. McCain continues with part of his campaign as he arrives in Washington. McCain then says no bailout – no debate. He leaves Washington Friday morning with no bailout plan to attend debate. Bailout plan does not pass on Monday and I loose 12,000 in my 401K. McCain couldn’t get 12 senators from his own party to vote YEA. Thanks for nothing!

He’s playing on Obama’s turf in his effort to sell himself both as a change agent and as a steward of the economy. He’s a free swinging strikeout artist and nothing more.

The trouble with With McCain is, if one ploy doesn’t work, that’s OK—in due time he can try another razzle-dazzle play.

Hi Jack,
They both need to work behind the scenes to insure the members of their respective parties pass an economic rescue bill that will avert this coming catastrophe. In my opinion, the media is not blameless in this game. From the start, every major news organization both network and cable have been referring to this measure as a Wall Street Bailout, rather than what it was, an economic rescue of a looming credit crisis. Even after it had been explained numerous times that the severity of the consequences of inaction would be catastrophic, the American people were still fed a constant stream of Bailout rather than Rescue both from the mainstream media as well as talk radio which kept espousing the dreaded “S” word as well as the end of Capitalism as we know it.. This headline grabbing ploy only fanned the flames and exacerbated an already tense situation. Had the American public actually been explained the nature of the Bill and what it would avert, I believe the outcome of yesterday’s political circus would have been avoided, and just maybe we wouldn’t have lost 1.2 Trillion dollars of our hard earned money .

McCain is so out of touch with reality, that he actually thought he could convince the American public that he could walk on water. All that happened was he screwed up the deal, and now is trying to say he tried to convince his buddies in the house they should take it. He not only has bad judgment, but he seems to grapple with the truth far too often.

They should both go back to the job we are paying them for. At least McCain tried, maybe if Obama had done the same he could have convinced those Dem No voters to do the right thing. On the other hand I am almost glad it did not pass, I want it done right the first time, it is apparent there were too many issues that were not right and after all it is what the American people want. Good for the members that listened to the people for a change, How refreshing.

Rose
AZ

The appropriate role for a presidential candidate–it is not being an erratic hothead trying to gain a political advantage in such a dire situation. McCain just does not have the temperment or personality to lead. The more I see and hear McCain, the more obvious it becomes.

Just one more little thing. A “maverick” is an unbranded cow. A person that is known as a “maverick” is one that goes their own way. McCain and Palin have no right to call thenselves “mavericks” as they go along with all the really dumb policies of Bush and those idiots on the far right. As far as I’m concerned the only real Maverick was James Garner. To use an old line. I’ve known Maverick, and sir, and madam, you are no Maverick.

Both Mccain and Obama should stay out of this they are presidential nomoniees and yes they are senators but until they are expected to be in senate to vote on this bill if there is one THEY BOTH NEED TO KEEP OUT OF IT!

Had our elected officials spent there time on hearings to in prison those responsible for this financial mess, it would have fixed itself by now.

McConman needs to feed his white horse that he rode in on last week and clean up the mess that he left in Washington. Then he needs to take a crash course in economy, they offer them on the internet, oops he doesn’t know how to us a PC.

Well, Jack. I’m still waiting for McCain’s letter of resignation for failing to resolve the crisis–you know, like that moment in the debate when he implied he was like Eisenhower on D-Day ready to take responsibility for failure.

He failed. Now he should suspend his campaign–permanently.

Let Obama and his economic experts get an early start in digging us out from under the Republican’s “legacy” of economic and foreign policy disaster..

Hey, Jack, can I come out of moderation and play?

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Deb, Allentown, PA
September 30th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

If they weren’t on the committee developing this bailout plan, they, like all the other Senators should have stayed out of it until it was ready to come to a vote.

What McCain did was reckless, counterproductive and I hope it’s the final nail in his presidential campaign’s coffin. The man, along with his ill-prepared running mate, will only bring our country to ruin.

The president role? Are you sure the president ????

Jack,

I think they need to stay out of it completely. Neither of them are on any of the committees dealing with this crisis. As presidential candidates, they should just keep getting updated on the situation, because ultimately one of them will have to deal with this come January. But nothing more. At the end of this, they should both go back to Washington and vote. But that’s it!

David
St. Charles, Illinois

They’re ALL in on the biggest scam in world history!

The top 3 Goldman Sachs donation recipients are:
Chris Dodd
Obama
McCain

And when that corrupt, evil fool who calls himself our president opens his ignorant mouth, we should do the exact opposite to what he wants to do. Period.

He’s at 19%, for God’s sake!! He’s irrevalent!

Presidential Politics is playing one big role – DISTRACTION!!

I knew this would turn into a 3 ring circus when McCain said he was “suspending his campaign” to “focus on the economy”. If the economy was not John’s strong suit why did he have to get his hands in it?

Now John, what do you say about the Stockmarket, care to give that a try?

Jack,
They need to stay out of it and let the American people dictate what should happen. This would be a chance for someone to look Presidential. The debt is issue # 1 and no one is addressing it. Time for the revolution! Thanks to Senator McCain the problem is solved, sorry I guess I am wrong on that one. We are still in trouble financially even after his pronouncement to solve the issue. Nice job bozo!

Dan Radcliff
Palmyra, VA

They are both senators. Their only role is to vote for or against any bill that is presented. I can only hope they both vote against the biggest scam in American history.

Mark from Ashville, NC…..now why would you want O’Reilly and Dobbs, two of the most egotistical non-journalists in America to interview the candidates? As most journalists have sauntered down the yellow journalist’s road, I’d rather have John Q. Public do the interview or Jack Cafferty. Jack doesn’t suffer fools very well.

I expect both candidates are conferring with party members and if the bill is ever passed and it gets to the Senate, they will both cast their vote.

Nothing! Who are they? We the people. we should be deciding this, its our money. But my question is, How is it gonna work? Are my income taxes gonna go up?For instance, I have four kids. And I pay about $900.00 a month in income tax. Bout 140 a week .Is it gonna go up now. Will my income tax be like 1500 a month now .What is wrong with us these people making these decisions these criminals robing us blind and we do nothing we expect obama or mcain to do something are you kidding me .We need to change this. No more power over our afairs to these criminals.and furthermore, I wanna see some arrests now.

I’m satisfied with the way Obama let us know that he understands the situation, and is helping us to also understand it. He’s let us know that he’s on top of the situation without letting politics hinder the rescue work being done in Washington. He’s assured us that he’s keeping our best interests at heart while at the same time, understands our outrage at Wall Street. Most of all, he has a sensible plan to see us through and BEYOND this situation. He’s explained what he intends to do to ensure that this never happens again. Barrack Obama has kept a calm, cool head in the face of crisis, which in turn is beginning calm our fears.

their role is like those of all senators involved in this process. i completely agree that presidential politics cannot be inserted into this process. it is too important an issue to be messing with it. this is not a time for politics it is a time to resolve one of the biggest issues facing the USA. regardless of which way it goes, presidential and partisan politics need to stay out of it. for god’s sake, republicans blamed pollosi for their nay votes, because they were upset at her partisan statement. what are we, in first grade- i am not going to play with you because you hurt my feelings? leadership and maturity do go hand in hand, and knowing when to get into something and when not to is important here.

Obama and McCain should steer clear of this rescue plan … As someone affected by the Enron screw up, I think every member of Congress and the Senate should be put on a bus to the nearest facility servicing the homeless. Once they enter, lock the doors and make them spend the night! I bet they’ll be able to come with some visuals that will inspire them to write a plan acceptable to most Americans.

The candidates need to calm people down, instead of running around like the sky is falling. The last thing we need is a badly setup plan making this whole situation worse.

The bailout plan as proposed followed the same trickle down economics approach that has seen the middle class all, but eliminated.

What we need is a plan that rewards banks for renegotiating bad loans and keeping people in their houses. Make the market work for the money by helping people in trouble.

Since the next President will be the one really dealing with this, I think they both needed to rexpress their view points. Neither one needed to parachute into Washington and declare himself the Hero. McCain has said voters should judge how much help he was and his leadership on this crisis, I agree. If they do, they will vote Obama.

I think that the candidates should offer a stimulus package to the American Public of 700 Billion Dollars which was the same amount the Criminals,I mean that Wall street and the Feds are asking for.As for the companies let them fall and live by the philosophy that they played by.As for housing let the prices fall and the market correct itself because these homes were never worth these values to begin with.If the banks want to stay afloat, refinance at the current market value.When I see what is going on with America today,I am reminded of the cartoon “The Grasshopper and the Ants” where the grasshopper(America) played all summer and the Ants(China and India) prepared for the winter and worked.Every Amerian should watch this cartoon based on an old Chinese philosophy.What doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.I think that we should learn the lesson from this mess.

With the “government bailout for Wall Street” image this “bailout” has, if Obama can avoid voting for that, then that’s good! Let Congress take care of it! Obama just needs to concentrate on middle class workers, poor, and small business-what he’ll do for us!

It’s not Democrats that should be selling this “bailout” to Americans, it’s the Republicans & the mess they created! Even when Obama becomes president the Republcians will just blame Democrats for the economic mess Obama will inherit for not passing bailout so we don’t win either way so just let Bush go down in history as the worst POTUS who bankrupt the USA! Don’t help him out! How many times has he said he’ll not sign a bill if it doesn’t meet his demand! This is the last power-money grab of Republican elites of our Treasury! Look if it passes, won’t it shackel next president, a Democrat, in what he will be able to do? Obama, don’t put those shackels on yourself! Let’s all sing freedom song of no debt on our backs!

I’m not sure either one of the Senators were ment to play much of a roll in this part of the bail out in the first place. I also agree with Obama that the politics of this election should be kept out of capital hill at this time. There interviewing for a job with the american people and the first one that can explain whats going on in a clear and meaningful way will win the whitehouse. So far Obama is trying bless his heart and McCain is sputtering some nonsense about this being Obama’s fault!

They should stay out of this. Everything they do now has political ramifications. Let those on the finance committees solve the problem. It should be solved by the President and his cabinet experts(?), but George can’t lead so let Congress solve the problem.

They should not be paying anything!!!

They are US Senators and should act accordingly.

Only one of them seems to be doing his job as US Senator and trying to work out this problem and his name is John McCain.

I only want the future president to have a hand in this bail out plan. So that means no to both McCain and Obama for the time being. We saw last week how much McCain hurt the process. Everything is a mess, so lets just wait for the day Obama is president and then he can put a fresh, new spin on a plan.

Bailout plan, What bailout plan? Oh, you must mean the new and improved “financial rescue plan”.

In the case of John McCain, he can arrive late after the serious discussions have begun, run and fetch the coffee during the deliberations and swoop in to clain the credit at the end.

None!! They can provide suggestions to the majority and minority “whips” but they she stay out of it until it is time to vote in the Senate.

Neither of them is in a position to drive the train, so they should do what we all do, provide feedback on visions when needed and get off the tracks otherwise. If the train derails, one of them will have the opportunity to put it back together in the very near future.

To stay out of it. They are not doing the people of this country any favors at all. Both have said “we will punish those responsible later”. Later never comes for us, the people of this country. The only words I need to hear are “we will punish those responsible NOW!” There will be no bailout as long as there is a breath of air in my lungs.

LEAD.

Gary D Rhodes
Spokane

The role of the candidates ??? Stay out of the mix. Leave it to the folks who have been on Capital Hill for the past two years. Mary Sara, FL

Jack:

The problem is that you can’t trust any of these bums in DC or on Wall Street. It would seem to my simple mind that if banks don’t loan money they can’t make money. If they don’t loan money that could create a domino affect that would destroy them.

The only place you can hear about the real part McCain played is to listen to all Channels.. Obama is keeping his mouth shut because of all his involvment with Acorn. Freddie and Fanny. McCain warned us about them. The American people are not stupid…Let’s get real Jack..

Well John McCain pretty much proved how effective he can be in any process with his childish antics.

The very least McCain should include in this package if free lessons in the Mandrin language so people won’t feel out of place with their new owners.

They should play the role of SENATOR from their respective states and vote their opinion.

Dear Jack: Their roles should be to simply vote as the Senators they are. They unfortunately, do not have the bully pulpit of the Office of the President, George the Simple does and he doesn’t know how to use it for something truthful.

People know Senator Graham called McCain after Henry Poulson called him and told him to call McCain to get him down there. The only thing McCain got wrong was he thought Obama could do something to help get the parties to work together. The democrat party couldn’t even get their own party to vote this bill, maybe if Obama got off his phone for awhile he could of done something to rally his own party, they had enough people to pass it. In the long run if Congress can work together and someone can shut Nancy Pelosi mouth or if she could at least act like an adult, which is what voters really want, a better plan will come out of all of this mess. McCain owned what he didn’t get done and Obama spins it and said it was because of him the bill will pass, oops but it didn’t. I want a president who will own the truth not spin himself out of his mistakes.

McCain should suspend his campaign again and fly to Washington like the cartoon Underdog, (There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here.) And Obama should act like the Roadrunner and keep on running.

The very least McCain should include in this package if free lessons in the Mandrin language so people won’t feel out of place with their new owners. That would seem to be the extent of his expertise and about all he could add to the talks.

They should show their support for the bail out and keep the hell out of Dodge, until the vote. Then they should show their support by voting for the bailout. Presidential politics rarely help in passing needed legislation.

Jack,

Neither one of these guys are going to say anything because they don’t want to hurt their chances on any voters, I think they feel like this is so close that if they make some voters mad they will lose the election, So don’t expect either one of them to have a solid stands on this mess

I mean after all Jack. Both candidates are just senators, neither is on any of the commitees that have control. What can try do except vote on it when it comes up for a vote.

Nothing! The ball is in another court, not theirs! This is George W. Bush’s problem because he doesn’t want to have this financial problem on his watch, even though he allowed all of this! This problem was supposed to fall to the next president and this time George must and will be held accountable, witness his own party the GOP from cooperating with House democrats on this matter. George doesn’t swagger like he used to!

Jack,

We sure don’t want the guy that made Palin into a ‘Post Turtle’. You know, when you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top. That’s a ‘Post Turtle’.

Come on…you know she didn’t get up there by herself, she knows that she doesn’t belong up there, and she doesn’t know what to do while she’s up there.

You just wonder what kind of dummy put her up there to begin in the first place.

We don’t need that dummy doing anything with the Bailout, Rescue or anyother soup du jour!

They should stay away from DC and let our direct representatives do what we sent them there to do.

It would be nice of they each took a shot at explaining the crisis in terms that everyday people can understand. If they can make the bailout make sense to us, maybe there would be more support of it and we could end this sad display our Congress has been putting on.

Jack, the job of the candidates is to restore calm while the situation gets worked out. McCain has been jumping all over the place, sarcastic, pointing fingers, and just acting plain stupid. I think he’s loosing it.. Obama is the voice of reason and calm. The era of scare tactics needs to end

They should stay out of the bailout package. they could feed their ideas to their leaders in congress but keep politics out of the bill process which they are not part of the committee. They should vote in the senate on the bill because that is their job they were voted into office.

Jack, there you go again,always putting down McCain,both of them agreed to bail out wall street, but you only mentioned Obama. So in your eyes who was more right? I guess you think Obama was, but the funny thing is both are senators and couldn’t vote, so I guess McCain lost again, maybe he needs to put some heavy make up on.

They can offer ideas I suppose, but the BEST thing they can do right now is to do what Obama is doing…educate the American people and make sure the rest of Congress works TOGETHER! Who cares about blame? We can show that with our votes in November.

Jack,

I saw to candiates reaction to this crisis and this is what I saw McCain making judgements in the heat of the moment while Obama try to keep the people calm and not to panic. Obama has handle this more better than McCain has period.

Jack,
Simply put:
This is a great chance for them to display their leadership qualities.

The presidential candidate’s should play a lead roll in their parties, to show that they can lead this nation and have control if their elected. McCain was for passing this bailout, and he couldn’t even get his own party to agree with him and pass it. He’s showing that he has no leadership skill’s and is not qualified to be president.

I think McCain was a hinderance while Senator Obama tried to assure the public and called on Congress to act as one. He certainly did not “cancel his campaign” as a supposedly wiser and more experienced candidate did. Therefore I will take foresight and good judgement over an experienced maverick any day of the week!

Well, considering the FDIC submitted a request to increase their “cap” to $250Kk within hours of Senator Obama suggesting it, I’d say that at least he is playing the role of what a true leader would, whereas McCain simply “suspends” his campaign to rush to Washington, then stops off at CBS enroute to do an interview with Katie Couric and arrives in DC after the meetings have completed. So I guess McCain’s role is to provide drama and pessimism.

The candidates role in the bail out is to speak their true feelings, and not a script that someone hands them

I just finished reading a book on the history of London. Apparently, in 1825, the banks were going under due to abuse of the financial system. Kinda like today. The government didn’t bail them out. The wealthy were the ones who put the money up to keep everything going. Where are the billionaires and millionaires in this great country? Is the market not where they make/keep their money? Why is there no help from that sector? I would think it would be in their best interests to see this crisis come to an end!

The candidates need to get out of the way because there’s not way political postering can be kept out of this. They can monitor the plan from the campaign trail and talk with the leaders to keep up with whats going on.

McCain ‘tried’ to use it for a campaign stunt. It didn’t work. NONE of his campaign stunts have worked… just in case he isn’t sure. It backfired, just like all the rest of his political posturing. (Including Palin)

The SENATORS should only map negotiations as they have and support those actually negotiating in the HOUSE.

Hm, let’s see–you want to know what role do they play?
Who the hell knows anymore?
–Lesa
Salem, Va.

I don’t think any member of Congress could add 2+2
without a calculator. I mean if I want to use the computer
I have to ask one of my grandchildren how to turn it on!
Maybe they should ask their kids for some help too.

Both prez candidates are hypocrites! They were part and parcel of the whole mess with both having benefited from Fannie and Freddie.

Does that give incentive for large voter turnout? Well, I guess someone has to lead the country out of this mess? Good luck to either of them.

They have no role in it unless it is to be a Senator which is their job, trying to use to to make themselves look as if they are a leader is only self serving. The race and their jobs are completely separate and should not benefit either one of them. So just do your jobs and campaign when you are not doing your job!

I think Obama should spend his time formulating a recovery plan and call it that. He is being left a disaster, and what I think would be productive is hearing what will be done come 2009. Both candidates need to focus on that. There should be plans in place for whatever happens in Congress.

Tony Long Island

They should voice their opinions of a potential plan, just so the voters know where they stand. But the candidates should stay out of negotiations because politics only complicates the issue.

Their role is to represent their constituents, Jack. Until they are elected to another office or appointed to a cabinet position or officially change their job in any other way, then their job is the one they have been elected to, not the job they aspire to. While their intentions may be good or political, it serves no purpose to compound an already complex situation.

Scott D., Phila, PA

Reassuring the public and supporting a bi-partisan solution. Leave the rest to the other 533 legislators. They are not the smartest guys in the room when it comes to this problem and to think that the other 533 cannot function without them is silly.

I don’t think either one of them should play a role in the negotiations, just the vote. I doubt that either one of them, like the rest of the country, really know what a yea or nay will mean in the end. However, Democats are definitely on the higher ground in this mess.

They shouldn’t have any role. McCain please stay back your interference is not helping America Cause.

Jack,

the best thing for the presidential candidates to do is to stay out of Washington. The more they’re around, the more partisan politics come into play and keep things from getting done. If the bill ever gets through the House, then going back to Washington for a vote seems reasonable.

I also suggest neither attempt to take credit for whatever bill passes, especially if it’s not a guarantee. One candidate tried to do so, and we all saw how well that worked out.

I think that the proper role would be to voice their view points on the campaign trail and encourage the Amreican people with the facts and the truth but to stay out of Washington.

Funny how any criticism of Obama always disappears. Obviously, ‘telling Jack exactly how you feel’ really doesn’t count.

There is a process to follow. The Senate is not involved at this time. Senators McCain and Obama may state their opinions as is their right as citizens, but they should not be actively involved in negotiations. They should know their place. Interference may be perceived as a lack of confidence in the House.

McCain’s efforts through the last two weeks have shown how out of touch and how much his campaign is entirely all that is of importance to him. No How ! No Way! No McShame / Paling

Behind the scenes as senators, and as quietly as possible.

I think that the presidential candidates don’t really have a place in deciding what happens in the bailout. They’re not the presidents, and you don’t see every senator flocking to D.C. to solve this problem.

The proper role for McCain is to go home to Phoenix, keep his big mouth shut and let Obama get the work done to get the bill though.

John McCain is the reason for the failure because he used the crisis to try to help his disasterous campaign. The deal was done before he went to Washington. He arrived and the bill went south, just like the economy.

It’s time for the media to start exposing McCain’s tirades for exactly what they are. Stunts.

The presidential candidate should be involved in finding solutions for the current crisis. After all he/she is going to be taking over the problem since it will be years before we recover. For that matter – Any of our political “leaders” should on some level be involved in finding solutions for this crisis.
I also think this is a perfect opportunity to test the mettle of the future president as well test the potential team the candidate has selected and oust some non-performers.

They shouldn’t play any role except input like any other Senator.

I have decided to not watch or listen to Mr. Cafferty again as he has no ability to critique women and yet remain polite.

THERE is a difference.

Jack
As the leaders of their Party, they do have a roll in any decision process that will effect their Presidency. And, this will effect their Presidency by eliminating programs that they are currently proposing. What scares me is the spending still going on in Congress and talk of more before they leave on recess. This year’s budget a 409Billion dollar deficit and next years higher and this does not take into account today’s bailout or any additional Defese spending. All this on top of the 2,300 EARMARKS put into the Spending bill just passed.
But, what had happened in Congress before John McCain showed up, was a “blame game” meant to discredit any input he had before he even got there. The unfortunate part about it was that these same members of Congress (Dodd and Frank) are a MAJOR part of the problem and they are STILL legislating this bill. We need REFORM! No one is without blame here!

Should have absolutely no role as Presidential Candidates. Their role should be that of the Senators they are.

I hope nothing and let the Market take care of the Market. And most banks are sound too. It is the greedy ones who want to get the help. Why should we buy bad loans. I think some of the ideas they came up with like raising the 100,000 dollar limit are good things but they should just be senators right now and keep politics out of it.

Should help behind the scene constructively and not use this as a Photo event, as McCain tried to do.

The pain on the Hill was brought on by McCain
Marjorie
NY

stay out of it because neither one of them know how to deal with this..let wallstreet bail themselves out..this is their fault..bush is a habitual liar and has cried wolf too many times..
arlene in iowa

Yes they should stop the bailout and let the market fix it self with capitolism.

Jack,

Senator Obama and McCain’s roles cant be that heavily influenced since they haven’t made it into the oval office yet. Right now the lead foot has to come from Bush not Obama or McCain. The most they can do in this mess is to explain what the package is to the public, what it means to the public, what components each have fought to place on the package for the people, and as president how they will see to it that the package isn’t carried out in vain.

Regardless of who becomes the president, i don’t think that we need to do anything about wall street until there is a new president. It is not fair to either to have to deal with this situation without having any say so. Then declare a state of emerg., have the new pres. start working the day after the election has been decided and let him make the case under his admin. to bail out or not.

Martha

I think Obama is playing it about right. He can serve an educational role to inform the public about it. McCain is shamefully trying to take credit for everything to include trying to blame Obama for it. He’s just not honest enough to be president. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.

Cast their vote just like everybody else in Congress.

Mike

Dear Mr. Cafferty;

It is the duty of the presidential candidates to evaluate this serious situation and actually have some knowledge to what is going on; this is acomplished by taking the time to read the proposals and giving his views on what is needed to be done. Senator Obama has done this while Senator McCain has not; this reminds me of a scene from the movie the American President-Senator McCain shouts about the problem and who is to blame for it. What we need is someone that actually thinks before he speaks-Senator Obama thinks, Senator McCain does not.

Los Angeles, CA

Once you set a trend, like a bailout how many times will they go back to the trough? Before we bailout the banks first make all those who made millions give it back, including the bonuses. then give them a salary like most of us working class. some were between 40 and 50 thousand dollars a year. with no bonuses. This means no 50 thousand dollar plus cars or 250 thousand dollar plus homes, or any of the other loop holes to hide their money. Then and put the guilty in prison like you would the average person in this country. Not a fancy country club prison but a real prison. Once this is dun then and only then think about a bailout!!

I really think both have been doing what they can but McCain kept trying to make it political and this isn’t the time. I think the house needs to try and explain it to their people that is isn’t about Wall Street now and it is about Main Street. I don’t think the ones voting “no” are doing this.

One would hope that this “crisis” can be sorted out without the benefit of these two senators. Leadership is not necesarily a function of physical presence; take a quick look at Mr. Bush – I rest my case. I have no use for a candidate interested only in today’s “buzz word”; we have a country to run; hopefully, someone can see that besides those of us paying for it.

Neither Obama or McCain can do anything to help. They can only do something stupid to derail it. While McCain is putting both feet in his mouth and claiming credit for a plan that wasn’t even passed, Obama layed in the weeds and waited to see which way the wind was blowing. Who would rather see as president, a hotheat ready to shoot first and ask questions later, or someone that takes time to evaluate the situation and then takes action?

Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.

They should make their feelings known and tell the people in specific terms how this would affect the people’s lives. They dont sit on the committees that negotiate or are they President….yet, so they should keep in touch with their parties’ leaders, President , and Secy Treasury to keep informed, but dont interfere or go to Washington. McCain made a fool of himself and a mess in DC when he tried to play the savior.

None. Neither are on the committees.

None. If McCain hadn’t butted in and turned the negotiations into a political circus something might have gotten done. Both party’s asked him to stay out, but using his usual bad judgement he barged right in.

The role of the presidential candidates is to have their VP candidates go on interviews and explain the bailout and why it needs to happen. (I listened to the canditate that is different than a bull dog because she wears lipstick) explain it. It was amazing…….. the bailout was going to fix all issues healthcare, national securtiy, energy, immigration etc. Now that was leadership!!!!!!!!

Rick
West Palm Beach FL

Well, the longer this lasts, the better for Obama. McCain should work to get his boyz and galz on board.

Well since neither is president regardless of what McCain thinks(his statement”that all americans are Georgians” talk about elitist) but each senator has one vote and can have as many ideas as he wants but like him or not Bush is still president

L.M.,AZ

I for one am not for the bailout or Wall Street Entitlement if you will. Giveaway cash to the very scoundrels who started the mess, yes that includes Greenspan and a certain Democratic president who deregulated the banking industry in 98, I don’t think so. Besides. once they tap into that jackpot Wall Street will be hitting that source on a regular basis. The little guy sucks on it while they get a free handout? Where is the logic in that? As for the Pres. Candidates role who really cares. Apparently they don’t have much sway in the matter. The whole system is a corrupt mess. Best to let it wither on the vine. And one more thing Quite a few of you financial industry theives are going to prison soon. Wanna lay odds on it?

Well Jack, I guess it depends on how much campaign money the candidates are getting from the bailout bullies! How dare the lawmakers demand we the taxpayers bail out these arrogant thieves. They’re blackmailing us, plain and simple.. I say, let em burn.

Get the Hell out of the way! Bush, as President, needs to address Congress in person and televised to sell his plan! McCain saying he is helping is the biggest joke of the century! He has made a mockery of the word Country!

This is Jim in Illinois

I think the presidential candidates should stay on the campaign trail and encourage their party to vote for the rescue plan. Going to D.C. only complicates things.

Both candidates should expose the truth of the bailout package. Today the Fed pumped in over 600 billion dollars of credit into the markets without Congressional approval! The truth is bailouts are happening whether Congress lets it or not. This bailout will only hurt the dollar and Obama or McCain need to tell the public what this “Bailout” plan really is.

When congress can get away from the ideas of George “Caesar” Bush and his cronies, consult real experts, and write a meaningful bill, all the candidates have to do is cast one vote each. The vote, by the way, that their constituants recommend.

That question is irrelevant, because we all know what they will do… approach the situation as cautiously as possible, with the intent of getting the most votes out of their, often unassertive, judgements.

Both candidates are hijacking the bill for political gain. The bill in its present form will lead to hyperinflation by artificially supporting the price of devalued assets in support of both banking and real-estate industries. Ordinary people will not see a corresponding increase in wages and the rift between the rich and poor will grow. The market correction is needed to end this gilded age.

Pres. candidates need to butt out. They shouldnt even land their plane in D.C. McCain has proved to us that it will only hurt the situation.

Obama needs to keep calming down the American people and look very presidential, where as Mccain should keep doing outrages political stunts like saying he will fire the American people who took in the bad loans or have him sky dive somewhere.

Your blogs seem to only allow comments speaking out against the Republicans. I happen to be a proud supporter of McCain-Palin. I object to all the bias I hear on your segment and other news shows. What happened to reporting the news, and letting me dicide for myself who I want to send to the Whitehouse? Republicans deserve a fair chance to be heard.

Hi Jack, the role that the two candidates should play is senator. As senators they should review the bill that is presented, voice their opinion of the bill, and vote their conscience on the issue. Obama is right not to involve himself in the nuts and bolts while maintaining a dialogue with the people and his peers about the situation. But after McCain’s last financial debacle in ruining the nation with his involvement with the savings and loan scandals, and his unchanged attitude on regulation I would rather he not be there to vote. Better he miss the roll call than assure his friends at the heads of business get away with the tax payers money. Never forget the Keating loan scandal, and the subsequent S&L bailouts that definately helped his wife’s realestate partner, but cost america billions.

Jack, you assume McCain failed because the bailout failed. I contend that he succeeded because it failed. While the “conservatives” may indeed be a small percentage of the US, people who think, are apparently a large enough group to write our representatives and tell them, “No Bailout”. As a staunch democratic liberal, you apparenlty believe that we taxpayers should somehow change our minds based upon Obama’s political nonsense, which ignores reality. It seems clear, based upon the opinion of people much smarter than I that there’s no consensus that one, the bailout will not cost a great deal more than this figure they’re floating, and two, that it has any chance of working. Based upon what I consider to be sufficient “reasonable doubt” as to the bailout being a reasonable response to this problem, I think that the Democrats (your democrats), and the Republicans that voted against it, are the heroes of the day.

why dont they sit down with economists, and business leaders, learn how we got here, what the consequences of doing nothing would be, and how the plan would most likely work. Then do something really unique, tell us the truth regarding what we should expect in each scenario. No talk about dire consequences, give us numbers. 20% unemployment, depression, give it to us straight. We’re big boys and girls.

Oh, I also have a question; Is it true that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will publish the actual names of those who voted on this bill??

McCain’s an angry child who wants to steal all the credit, avoid any responsibility and blame everyone but himself. Obama is a calming, adult, thoughtful presence, a man who takes a step back and doesn’t dive into battle. A man who doesn’t blindly disagree with every single thing his opponent says or does. A man who isn’t afraid to look his opponent in the eye, and maybe, just maybe, find some common ground. I think we all know who the real leader is here.

Jack,

What they sould do, and what they will do, are 2 very different things as they are both connected to Wall Street.
Both camps are passing this opportunity to seize “the bull by the horns”, Wall Street, for the good of the American people, and emerge as Commander in Chief.
Neither camp “gets it” that Americans need accountability, facts, understanding of how they got here, how Wall Street will pay, and where they go from here. In layman language everybody can understand. Not speaking in tongues.

McCain was the proverbial fool who marched in where angels fear to tread. Obama remained presidential and above the fray.

In other words, both remained true to their nature:
McCain rushing in like the hotheaded cowboy who shoots first and asks questions later.
Obama considering the situation, making strategic phone calls to the leadership.

The presidential candidates need to take the same role as every other lawmaker, executive, etc. by listening to the people of the United States. The people have said NO to buying rotten securities with NO value, with the slight chance of these very securities gaining any value. The people want alternatives, nothing to do with the failed bailout proposal. Everyone is talking politics, and everyone is ignoring the alternatives that are right in front of us. The presidential candidates need to accept the alternatives as the best option for our free market system. I have heard very few promoting: Lowering/eliminating capital gains taxes, reducing mortgage principals for suffering mortgage holders, government loans to banks, taking distressed securities as collateral or government buying preferred stock in failing banks. God help us if our elected representatives don’t listen to the people they represent.
.

Whoever wins the election is going to inherit the final bail-out product. Since Obama and McCain are both on the verge of becoming their party’s potential leader, they should most definitely become involved with the Congressional negotiations. However, something strange is happening to me, personally, because of the recent developments: the more McCain is attacked for what he at least tried to do, the more I am inclined to think more positively of him. Talk is meaningless if it can’t translate into action.

The President should be a leader, not a panicked, uninformed, devious candidate who would sell us out in a minute to get the power he is seeking. Oh yes, this is John Mc Cain. His lack of judgement is so clear in choosing Palin, jumping into the middle of the negotiations and killing them, and his adopting of Obama’s ideas and platform. What do we need him for? I haven’t a clue.

Obama listens, watches, and studies an issue before jumping in. He offers his opinions to those in the negotiations, he does not hinder them trying to grab the spotlight like Mc cain does.

I am an independent and can easily see that Mc Cain and Palin are a disaster waiting to happen. He may not be like Bush, he is far worse!

I’ve been following this run for president for a while now and I feel that both candidates need to remain in the background and let congress work this out. What’s currently happening has alot to do with the Republican party and the paths they have taken over the last decade. This is not a new problem, but the lack of regulations while the Republicans have been power has finally caught up with them.If the good citizens of the United States are blind and gullible enough to elect the Replicans again, the one congressman said yesterday “God help us all”

Jack,

If the media and these politicians just let the market fix itself it will! All the markets had significant gains today, the reason it crashed yesterday was because of all the fearmongering and scare tactics by both parties. NO BAILOUT, NO WAY!

Bryan

The candidates should make a stand one way or the other and phone a friend and stand somewhere they can be distinguished. If a suggestion is needed here is one I sent to both candidates. Reform the credit bureaus reporting standards. Rework all adjustable loans to fixed rate mortgages at 6.75%. All loans in arrears to be brought current thru modifications and left on the balance sheets of there owners for 36mo at this level this should give the market time to recover and the money now used to pay mortgages will put liquidity back in the system sparing those who did the right the thing the cost as it spread amongst the borrowers and lenders. Underwater borrowers who are current guarantee them modifications of 10% reduction in priciple balance to split the losses they are incurring and still current. This I thought of in 20min imagine if I had all day…..

There are 532 other egos in congress…some of them very skilled and sensitive to what the country needs. McCain & Obama are only candidates and Senators now. To be a part of the solution, they should avoid odds of being part of the problem; lobby their respective principles behind the scenes, support the leadership, and assist but stay out of the way of oncoming trains!

This dog wouldn’t hunt, Jack, cause there’s nobody in the Bush administration you’d wanna buy a used car from. Come to think of it, seeing how the White House rolled this deal out, obviously nobody there would be any good at selling used cars!

Any attempt they make to interject themselves in the process does nothing more than politicize the effort. The task is difficult enough without interjecting politics. They can offer assistance but should let the House leaders do their thing. McCain looked like an idiot in putting on his cape and flying in to make things right, criticizing O’Bama for his more passive approach and then prematurely taking credit for brokering a compromise bill (which failed to pass). He should stay on the campaign trail and continue answering questions for Sarah Palin.

Fantasize your a Maverick, swoop in making a lot of noise, dump all over everything, call yourself Jonathan Livingston Seagull the next day.

“We all know that they are both Senators, and cannot vote until Congress gets through with the Bill.”

Correction: Until the House gets through with the Bill.

A national leader will (1) anticipate the issue, (2) define and explain the issue so that all Americans understand the scope and impact of the problem at hand, (3) provide a policy framework and a reasonable timeframe to solve the problem, (4) let Congress, through the legislative process, provide the negotiated details to implement the policy, (4) report back to the nation on progress in solving the problem, and (5) anticipates and identifies the general path for the adjustments which are always part of the problem solving process.

Their role as Senators? To go after the idiots that lost the money and toss them in jail. Their role as candidates? Stay out of it.

Obama should continue to let he experts sort it out and stay out of the situation. He can rally support from the public and make calls as needed to get and give information. We all saw what a mess was created when McCain tried to interject his input and improve his poll numbers. Most would agree that it was a distraction at best.

The proper role for the candidates is the same role they would have played as Senators had they not been candidates. However, I’m afraid that no matter what they do it will be spun one way or the other. If they don’t intervene they’ll be accused of sitting on the sidelines and if they do they’ll be accused of bringing presidential politics into a delicate situation and gumming up the works. It’s a no win.

Mc Cain says he admires Teddy Roosevelt. If he were a student of TR he would have learned that unfettered capitalism leads to excesses (railroad monopolies) and that fair regulation provides necessary safeguards for the whole. Mc Cain has made many claims this election season. One we can believe is that he truly doesn’t understand the economy. No question – he is far more dangerous than his running mate.

It’s simple, Jack. They should act “Presidential”. Speak to the American people, calm their fears and explain in concrete terms the reality of the situation and what they believe should be done about it. One of these guys, WILL BE our President shortly so it is imperative that all their actions mirror what is expected from a future leader. Let the little guy know that no matter what happens he/she can depend on you to be a thoughtful leader, calm and measured in your reaction to this and any other crisis or threat to our nation’s security.

The real crisis is our realization that the United States has no public figure with any discernible leadership qualities. They are all playing their individual violins. There simply is no one available to step up and lead us forward. Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio?

Jack it depends on how much cash the candidates are receiving from the supporters of the bailout on Wall Street. If they own them lock stock and barrell they will do their bidding.

They both should stay out of it. McCain was more of a hindrence than a help this past weekend. If Congress is to resolve this mess that Wall Street and the Bush Administration has created, they will need to work together for a change.
Sen. Obama was right to keep in touch with Rep. Pelosi and Sec. Paulson so that he would know the particulars of the bill, but he let Congress try to do their job with interference.

Jack
Obama took the right approach. He indicated the things he thought .
should be in the bill which considers all parties especially Main St
He then said he would be available if and when needed. He did not showboat like McCain who flew , made a complete jerk of himself and was an utter failure. Trigger finger McBush started in his usual hot headed warmongering mode by firingf Chris Cox. The candidates can’t be expected to be an instant expert on this subject. That’s what they pay the experts for . Obama did the right thing by not getting in the way. McCain got in the way as usual and screwed up the whole thing. A true failure of leadership.

JACK !!!!! What news show have you been watching? Barry-O not once said he backed the bill. What he sadi was he would wait and see and when the bill went down in flames he then, AFTER the FACT. lent support. That way he still has no egg on his teflon image. Eventually the teflon will burn off and we’ll se the real man behind the political machine.

Set the koolaid down Jack and go listen to Hannity to cleanse you soul.

Are they still senators? Neither are president, yet! They need to do their job as senators first!!!

Jamie
Kentucky

They need to just stay out of it. They are not president yet and even though our law makers don’t do their jobs often and act like a bunch of kindergartener’s, finger pointing, they all need to stick to what their
choosen mission is at present.
PS I loved your gab towards John and conservatives. Here Here

Both candidates need to explain to the Americans in simple language how it is going to benefit them because one of them will inherite this problem. Present administration has done a very poor job promoting this bail out plan.
To begin with not to call it a bail out plan but recovery plan.
Stop criticizing each other and focus on the goal.

Both candidates need to stay OUT of the mainstream of congressional debating – do their jobs as senators and vote but lay low on the decision making. If this ’sky is falling’ bailout happens, the next president is going to look like a fool if he pushed hard for its passing. The next president is going to have a hard enough job bailing the country out of the Bush mistakes – this bank bailout is another Bush folly.

None, let the market play itself out and let the congress be faithful to its vote. The market of the Republicans is has come to fruition and all those people who rode the ride its time to get off. The candidates should cast thier vote just as the other congress people did and do the will of the voters.
I know people in congress always think they are smarter than the average yahoo, but we saw this coming when they started this all for myself and myself for me attitude, so let them go the way of the dinosaur, die out.

They should state their honest oponions, work to get their objectives met, and allow the american public to decide who is most effective. They shold not hinder the process.

I believe the presidential candidates have no choice but to stay as close to this perilless situation as possible. Can you imagine if they both were just spending their days on the campaign trail?

What I can’t figure out is why we see so little of President Bush these days and furthermore where in the world is Dick Cheney and what is his position on this crisis?

Carol from Edmonton, AB

They can say whatever they want, they aren’t part of the committee that draws up the plan. Having them go back to DC is a waste of their time and it just ends up looking like a political stunt.

i’ll vote for the one that says he is aginst the bailout.

Most people don’t understand the mechanisms of the bailout. At least Obama is out on the road trying to help people understand what is going on. Meanwhile, McCain is trying to do damage control for Palin while she’s off at his luxurious ‘debate camp’ in Arizona. Maybe her voodoo witch doctor/pastor can conjure up some spells to help her speak in complete sentences! While he’s at it, he should also help McCain who today put Hugo Chavez in the mid-East!

Are McCain/Palin speaking in tongues??

When you don’t do your homework, you need to do it over. If it is a national crisis then it has to be done immediately. Congress is ostensibly a group of legislators. That being the case it is okay to vote against an important bill like this ONLY if you have a better idea in the form of a substitute bill. Everyone that voted against the bailout and didn’t have a bill of their own should be voted out of office.

One of the economists suggested we need to start from the bottom up. That is with homeowners whose mortgages are failing, back them up with fixed rate loans they can afford. That stops the bleeding, ends the housing crisis, and helps communities with empty houses that need repair.

As for Paulson, he gets and F, for turning in a 3 page paper asking for him to be king. Fire the guy and get someone who understands congress and economics.

they should stay out of it,

I don’t think either candidate should be front and center on the bailout plan. The legislation is made up of ideas from many people, so neither one of them can take a great amount of credit for it. They’ve both said what they feel needs to be in the package many times and I think that’s all they can do. I think the fact that McCain pretended to suspend his campaign and put a political spotlight on not just him but everyone involved is what caused the failure of the negotiations. He has effectively taken control of what the media is talking about once again. I think the strategy of his campaign is, as absurd as it may be, is any media is good media. Any focus they can take off of Obama and the new ideas he has for the country is good for them because McCain hasn’t come up with anything innovative. McCain truly is just out of touch and more of the same.

McCain was worse than useless when he jumped in last week. I think that was lesson enough that both he and Obama should stay out of it. With the election looming, it’s important to voters that the candidates stay focused on the campaign. Neither should be trying to make political hay out of the bailout.

PiedType
Denver, CO

Dear John McCain — blaming Obama does nothing to get votes for you.

I am a disabled VET. Last year my bank charged me over $1000 in over draft fees, and i was only pennies short, which made me fall behind in my mortgage. and all my other bills. No matter how much i beg for leniency, none was granted. i was almost forclosed on and I had to pay over $3000 in fines late fee between the two. and my credit scroes shot down the toilet.

Now they are short by TRillions of Dollars! and need my help? LET EM BURN IN HELL!

Obama couldn’t even deliver the votes of the Democratic Black Caucus. Not one voted for it. So much for his influence.

I think they should do everything they can but I dont hold them responsible or give them the sole credit for it’s failure or success. I don’t understand the criticism McCain is labeling Obama for with respect to this “bailout” plan. When either of them become President, then we can blame them for any failures and champion their successes but right now I dont see them as having any more say than any other senator out there…

How about casting a vote…. they are still senators, aren’t they?

Unfortunately, one of future centrality but current irrelevance. Although one of them will have to operate under whatever plan goes forward, neither is the current President or his chief advisors, nor regulatory head, nor congressional leader. Further, under our tripartate system of government, i.e.: three independent branches, there is no party discipline under the party leader/chief executive/legislative head, as there is in many parliamentary systems. Absent any institutional powers, each candidate can be most helpful by a relatively light use of moral suasion, best typified by Obama’s approach of acknowledging the more central role of others but also making a few suggests such as significantly raising deposit insurance levels.