I can't believe the press' credulity on this BS. Is this really hard to figure out?
Wednesday: McCain, desperate to avoid being crushed in a debate at the end of a very bad week for him, "suspends" his campaign, ostensibly to hammer out a bailout deal, despite the fact that no one needed him to go. Then he cancels on David Letterman to do an interview with Katie Couric. He doesn't actually go to DC till the next day.
Thursday 1pm: After two hours of negotiations, Democratic and Republican senators emerge from talks saying an agreement has been reached in principle. The Dow Jones responds by moving to 302.02 points up on the day. Things seem to be working out, and a bill seems imminent, possibly on Thursday, making McCain look clueless and giving him no excuse to skip the debate.
At about the same time, McCain leaves his Senate office and
meets with Boehner to "rally support" in the House.
2pm:
Boehner announces there is no deal, and cantankerous House Republicans begin to make a big show of their resistance.
So what went on in this meeting? Was McCain really trying to rally House support, or asking Boehner to drag his feet?
Now here are my predictions:
Tonight: McCain skips debate.
Tomorrow (or at least by Monday): House Republicans have a sudden change of heart, which they credit to the bold leadership of John McCain, and the bailout bill is passed.
Forever: The press swallows this bullshit greedily and begs for more.