Anything But Presidential

E.J. Dionne's article in the Washington Post, titled "The Photo McCain Wanted,"was right on in it's description of how Sen. McCain manipulated the events that led up to the bailout meeting at the White House. All things considered, it turned out to be nothing but a staged photo op. Mr. Dionne contends in his article that Sen. McCain's agenda and that of the Congressional members already at work on the problem were not one and the same.
Mr. Dionne, Op-Ed contributor to the Washington Post, is a current Georgetown U. Professor, author of several books, including, "Stand Up Fight Back: Republican Toughs, Democratic Wimps, and the Politics of Revenge." He is also the recipient of numerous Awards for Excellence in the fields of politics and journalism. His politically viewed as slightly right of liberal.
In essence it all started when last week on Wednesday the 24th of September, President Bush addressed an extremely concerned nation and pointed out quite bluntly that the nation was indeed in a the "midst of a serious financial crisis, and the the federal government is responding." How was it then that earlier that day, John McCain had already talked of suspending his campaign, and postponing the debate? McCain was practicing the traditional art of posturing. He was setting himself up to come riding into town on his white steed and save the day. Some may even call him a Maverick.
According to Mr. Dionne's article, Senator McCain's people had been contacted during the day on Wednesday about the Thursday meeting. Senator Obama did not receive his invite from President Bush until 7:30 p.m. On Thursday Senator McCain met with Congressional House leaders. The same leaders who had earlier agreed to support the bill in it's current bi-partisan form. The final outcome of the House vote was nays- 228, yays- 205, Ayes- Dem- 140 Rep-65
Nays Dem-95 Rep 133. Didn't Sen.McCain hear Pres. Bush's speech about urgency and bi-partisanship?
Some would ask why would a Democratic House vote in favor of a bill to save the hide, possibly, of a Republican President whom in their eyes, and in the eyes of most of the nation according to the latest polls, is responsible for the current crisis to begin with? One possible answer. Out of a sense of responsibility, or duty? Another possibility? Political posturing? I think not of the latter.
Sen. McCain was supposed to win last week's debate against Sen. Obama easily according to most experts. Anyone who watched the debate hopefully saw that there are many more things that go into making someone "Presidential"than the substance of a speech. Although Sen. Obama at times seemed to defer to Sen. McCain and concede that he was right, he also showed me something that Sen. McCain failed to do. He showed me that he was considerate enough to admit his shortcomings, and to respect his opponent for his many years of knowledge and experience. What did he get in return for his doting affection. Not so much as even one glance, just sneers, smiles, and smirks. Please not let it go unnoticed that it was the results of the first debate that precipitated the events leading to Mr. Dionne's article. Senator John McCain was feeling the pressure and reacted poorly. Not very good qualities for a president if you ask me.
"The times, they are a changin." Bob Dylan.
Peace to all.
Thorton Mellon.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/09/26/ST2008092601327.html

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/09/29/the-bailout-bill-fails-should-we-blame-mccain.aspx



http://cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign