Gamble Seals Mac's Presidential Appeal

Nominee gets public support, but private views are scathing

(NEWSER) - Republican leaders are publicly praising John McCain's decision to suspend his campaign and seek a postponement of this Friday's debate because of the economic crisis. But off the record, GOP strategists have been scathing about their nominee's latest surprise move. One Republican told the Washington Post it was "desperate and nuts," while another said, "I don't get it at all." More»

McCain, Obama stress urgent need for financial intervention

(NEWSER) - The presidential candidates took a break from stumping today to visit Washington, DC, and support the Senate's financial bailout plan, the New York Times reports. Barack Obama repeated his pro-bailout argument on the Senate floor, saying that "the worldwide economy could be plunged into a very, very deep hole." He admitted earlier today that the plan was "not perfect," but necessary to "prevent a 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»

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»

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.