Obama May Not Return to D.C. for Bailout Vote

CBS ^ | 9/23/2008 | Maria Gavrilovic

[markomalley]

Although Barack Obama argues that the financial meltdown is an “emergency situation”, he said today that he may remain on the campaign trail, rather than returning to the Capitol, to vote on the $700 billion plan.

“Look if we get a consensus and everybody is popping champagne – then I will probably be going back to campaign with folks who are having a tough time in places like Ohio, and Michigan and Pennsylvania,” Obama said adding, “If this ends up being a close vote or a vote where the outcome is an open question then obviously this is a top priority.”

Shortly after landing at the St. Petersburg airport, the campaign organized an impromptu press conference on the bailout plan. Obama laid out a set of provisions that he believes should be included, but he was unclear whether he would support a bailout without them. While arguing that there are a number of ways of accomplishing the principles that he has outlined, Obama said he is not trying to “dictate” a particular plan.

Whatever the plan, Obama insisted, “I need to be convinced that taxpayers are going to get an upside on this thing and can be made whole when the economy recovers.” He later added that he will ask Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to “go back to the drawing board” if he the principles that he laid out are not addressed.

Obama also had very harsh criticism of President Bush – calling him stubborn and inflexible when it comes to negotiating the economic plan. “This is not the time for my-way-or-the-highway intransigence from anyone involved.”

[markomalley]

Good. I'm glad that the Messiah is keeping consistent with his voting record.

[TheWasteLand]

He can’t even vote present.

[GOP Poet]

Well he can vote ‘present’ from anywhere right?

[Clintonfatigued]

He’s missed a lot more votes than this, if I’m not mistaken.

[Harry Wurzbach]

Lame. Take a stand for once you wuss.

[norraad]

I just hope he doesn’t return period, I hope the FBI can tie this mess to him and his cronies.

[llevrok]

I'd like to see McCain get back to DC "stat" and make all sorts of "I toldja so" comments while Obama is out on the stump.

Basic One Upsmanship. (courtesy Prof. Stephan Potter).

[Harry Wurzbach]

I’m sure the moment McCain indicates he’s going back for a vote Barack will drop everything and head to DC.

[stockpirate]

Of course he waon’t vote, it would reveal his position which even he doesn’t know becasue he has none.

There are no teleprompters in the senate chambers.

[SERKIT]

Great example of leadership. If he were at the Capitol, maybe someone could touch the hem of his garment and come up with an even more brilliant alternate bailout plan, but alas, the master wants to wander with the great unwashed and drum up a few more votes. The “me” generation....

[parisa]

Oh how I despise this imposter and fraud. Why can’t Americans see him for what he is???

[sofaman]

He can’t be that stupid? Can he?

[yongin]

So much for standing for Change - We Need.

Obama is just more the same.

[LiberConservative]

Absent again, huh? If we could only get Juan McCain to hammer a point like this home ... (sigh)

[macamadamia]

“Look if we get a consensus and everybody is popping champagne – then I will probably be going back to campaign with folks who are having a tough time in places like Ohio, and Michigan and Pennsylvania,” Obama said adding, “If this ends up being a close vote or a vote where the outcome is an open question then obviously this is a top priority.”



I can't believe how spineless he is here. Isn't he supposed to be the leader of his party now? Has he no power of persuasion. I don't get it.

[counterpunch]

Obama May Not Return to D.C. for Bailout Vote

Let's hop he runs back to Indonesia.
 

[tpanther]

I just hope he doesn’t return period, I hope the FBI can tie this mess to him and his cronies.,

The best case scenario, but right now since all he's good for is marking present, let him stay home and save America the gas.

[counterpunch]

Obama May Not Return to D.C. for Bailout Vote

Let's hope he runs back to Indonesia.
 

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

I hope McCain is planning on being there for the vote, it would go a long way to helping this thread...

[what's up]

Of course he won't vote.

That way he can take the side of whatever's most popular in 2-3 weeks.