Debate Prep

The economy is in a serious crisis. Banks are failing. Mortgages are defaulting. Credit is tight. Wall Street is dangerously unstable.

But have no fear, John McCain is here? The man who has claimed in the past to have very little knowledge of the economy is somehow going to save the country from this impending financial disaster? Puh-lease.

My initial reaction to John McCain "suspending" his campaign to go back to Washington and fix the financial mess was one of shock and amazement. This, ladies and gentleman, is unprecedented. John McCain, apparently putting country first.

But then I started to actually thing about it.

It's nothing more than John McCain trying to change he topic of the debate and use this crisis for his own political gain (which I don't necessarily blame him for, since this is politics). Since the Republican convention, Barack Obama has reclaimed his small lead over the senator from Arizona, and McCain is attempting to put things on his terms. But it's not working.

First of all, it was Barack Obama who contacted John McCain about a bi-partisan joint-statement on the current economic issues. John McCain, having to look like more of a leader, then had to one-up Obama -- hence the "suspension" of his campaign (which Obama found out about on the news) and his leisurely rush back to Washington.

Second, when he got to Washington, what did he do? Nothing. At least nothing that he could not have done over the phone between campaign events. McCain doesn't sit on any of the relevant committees, so he and his staff aren't even in on the meetings. All it really does is bring unneeded additional press to an already stressful situation. In a time of serious congressional negotiations, John McCain and Barack Obama are distractions. Obama acknowledges this. McCain either doesn't know, or doesn't care. And as for that joint meeting at the White House (which reportedly turned into a shouting match), sources are saying that McCain didn't say anything of any importance, and progress on this issue has slowed since it's occurrence. Talk about a show of leadership.

Third, this idea of postponing tonight's debate is one of the most preposterous things that I have ever heard, especially since McCain holds no position of any importance on any of the negotiating committees. Now, more than ever, the American people are watching and listening, and they want to hear where the presidential candidates plan to take this country in the next four years. Now is the most important time to have a debate.

John McCain will show up. And if he doesn't, I don't know what will happen, but I can't imagine that it will be a positive experience for Mr. McCain.