John McCain has announced the suspension of his campaign in order to focus on the financial crisis.  McCain's rationale about encouraging bipartisanship in a time of turmoil is laudable, but unfortunately, this appears to be nothing but a political stunt.  If McCain had only postponed the debate and continued advertising, then I would say he was doing it to spend more time in negotiations.  After all, his staff handles the ads and he handles the debate.  How does cancelling commercials help the current situation?  Unfortunately, this is a purely political gesture to grab headlines and show up Barack Obama.

      What concerns me is the strong possibility of Barack Obama appearing at the debate alone and twisting McCain's rationale for not appearing to benefit himself.  If it works, it could be damaging to the McCain campaign.  Altough, I doubt this would happen.  My guess is that Obama won't flinch, he'll show up, and McCain will too.  He has already began to hedge a bit by saying he will attend if a package that receives the endorsement of President Bush and Congress is on the table.  He will be there, and if he is, he will have explaining to do.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html?section=cnn_latest