Obama to Reid in 2008: "Harry, What's John (McCain) Up to? It Sounds Crazy" [McCain's bailout stunt]

ABC News - Political Punch ^ | 2009-04-27

[rabscuttle385]

On Wednesday, September 24, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., phoned Reid and told him, “Harry, I am suspending my campaign to come back and help negotiate a deal.” McCain explained that he was also calling upon Obama to suspend his campaign, and together they could convene a meeting at the Bush White House to help come to a deal on a bailout for Wall Street.

Reid didn't think it was such a great idea...

"They were on the verge of an agreement, and any such McCain stunt would cost us valuable time," writes Reid, also noting that McCain "had no standing to do any such negotiating. He was neither a member of the pertinent committees, nor did he have any particular expertise, nor was he of influence with rebellious Republicans who were openly opposing the plan."

“John, please don’t come," Reid says he told the GOP presidential nominee. . . . . . "We need leadership; not a campaign photo op."

“That’s how I feel, John," Reid said.

“I hope you’ll reconsider, Harry,” McCain responded.

Almost immediately, Reid writes, he got another call, this time from then-Sen. Obama.

"Harry, what’s John up to?" Obama said. "It sounds crazy."

. . . . .

"And then, as the meeting that he had called disintegrated into acrimony and disunion, John McCain remained silent," Reid writes.

[MaggieCarta]

I honestly believe if McCain had come out strongly against the initial $400 billion stimulus, the race would’ve gone to McCain, or at minimum been far, far closer than it was. As it was, with both sides agreeing on what was the biggest issue of the day, people saw no reason to vote for old, staid McCain vs. young, fresh Obama.

Yep. That is exactly where he lost me.