and, indeed, McCain *is* trying to change the conversation - by saying that the economic crisis overrides everything - and as many have pointed out, his dip in the polls could account for the timing of his move. unfortunately, it seems to have raised more questions than it has answered; and I swear it was only five minutes after I thought ‘blimey, he’s taken control! he’s screwing Obama and seeming like the’country first’ saviour kinda guy!’ that it suddenly hit me how transparent this was, and therefore *negative* for McCain. it seems like many Americans reacted in the same way… or even without the initial ‘blimey’ thought.

All that said, a few observations on why McCain has little room to manoeuvre on this topic. As background, McCain brashly challenged Obama to an unprecedented number of debates earlier in the campaign. He pressed this issue intently for a while and eventually had to give ground. Now that we fast forward ahead, any attempts to limit the debates would quite possibly backfire for their obvious motives. As such, McCain can only push this issue so hard as the media will rightly scrutinise the motives for any debate changes. Second, while the extreme gravity of the situation does make an arguable case for postponement, I feel quite confident that most voters will view it in inverse - that the gravity of the situation makes the criticality of the debate even more pronounced. As such, there may well be a public opinion groundswell to go ahead with the debates. If this occurs amongst even a significant amount of independents (assuming the stalwarts on both sides will conveniently line up their opinion with their respective candidate’s positions) push for the debate to move forward than John McCain will see this episode backfire regardless of the decision. Obama may even be able to intensify this issue by arguing (credibly I might add) that it’s essential to hear the detailed positions of each candidate on the way forward during a crisis. Presumably the direct involvement of either one of them in their respective senatorial roles, is light enough to take time out to address the nation in discourse.

The beauty of this issue is time will play it out. There is much speculation of what will happen, but it won’t be long before we know not only the outcome - but whom benefitted the most bythis extraordinary turn of events. Of course here is where it gets quite interesting for McCain. Myopic short term poll-watching aside - the GOP Candidate knows he needs a big knockout to change the dynamics of the race. Whether they like it or not, the insiders know this is Obama’s to lose. Such a big issue, such a big event, gives McCain the opportunity to change the conversation. Can he take advantage? By the looks of things so far this week, I doubt it. And even if he exploits well - there is still the issue of Obama scoring big points for himself in tandem. This does actually create openings for win-win outcomes as regards the polls vs swinging support.

We shall see……..personally I can’t wait!

other news coming in seems to be that the debating body (whatever they’re called) are, like the Obama camp, saying that the debate should not be cancelled.

you are right about concern about the bailout plan - fortunately, though, that seems to be shared by most American people and by politicians across the board. I doubt very much that Bush, Paulson et el will be able to get away with what they’re trying to push through right now.

once again - as with 9/11 and terrorism - it seems the Republicans are trying to use fear-mongering (”it’s another Great Depression!”) to keep the American people from questioning too much. only this time, I’m not sure it’s going to work quite so easily…

Thank you for setting up the blog…

This is realy bad news, not sure if everyone watched McCain’s video but it infers quite clearly ‘postpone until this is resolved’… I swear he was going for the ‘let’s postpone the elections all together!?’ It gave me the shivers.

Also very concerned about the bail out plan to use (borrow) tax payers money… something similar was done in Brazil over a decade ago, literally anyone with an x amount of money on their bank account was deducted the difference and than years later with no interest whatsoever, people received the refund on a blue envelop from the government… it was terrible, the little business went broke overnight… There is even a famous passage of a song about it by Jorge Ben Jor…

I am really praying that this debates either happens or that the voters don;t get persuaded with the idea of postponing the election, because the Wall Street problem is going to take a very long time to solve.