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 a