Candidates Return to Capital to Back Bailout

Both might be stumping in key states

(NEWSER) - Despite the heated campaign debate about the US financial crisis—and John McCain's emergency "suspension" of his campaign until a deal on the rescue package was struck last week—both John McCain and Barack Obama may skip the vote on the bailout, reports Politico. Neither camp has committed to attend, citing campaign events, though both say they are inclined to support the package. Obama is in Colorado today, and McCain in Ohio. More»

GOP nominee rewards Dem's advance with cursory handshake

(NEWSER) - Last night's bailout vote featured a moment of campaign drama on the Senate floor, the New York Times notes. Barack Obama, who arrived in the chamber at 5pm, crossed the aisle to greet John McCain when he arrived about three hours later. Their handshake lasted barely a second, as McCain offered a cold stare and a turn of his head. More»

Partisan bickering shelved for crucial Senate vote

(NEWSER) - The partisan rancor of earlier this week was put on hold as John McCain and Barack Obama went back to their day jobs to vote in favor of the bailout bill, reports the Washington Post. The senators struck remarkably similar tones on the campaign trail earlier in the day, calling for America to unite at a time of national crisis. More»

(NEWSER) - The Senate version of the bailout bill has ballooned to more than 400 pages as legislators flesh out details in hopes of gaining passage as soon as tonight, Politico reports. The marquee measure boosts FDIC coverage of individual accounts from $100,000 to $250,000, with numerous lower-profile provisions intended to speed passage and increase pressure on the House to get moving. More»

Obama strategist calls claim "little bit of fiction"

(NEWSER) - Both Barack Obama and John McCain claimed credit on the Sunday talk shows for ushering through the bipartisan bailout plan, Politico reports. The highlights:

• “What Senator McCain was able to do was to help bring all the parties to the table, including the House Republicans,” GOP strategist Steve Schmidt said on Meet the Press.