Schumer: McCain is 'not helping'

Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 10:30 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Congress, Mike Viqueira

From NBC's Ken Strickland and Mike Viqueira
During a speech on the Senate floor this morning, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D) urged President Bush to "respectfully tell Sen. McCain to get out of town. He's not helping."

Schumer also requested that Bush get the his House Republicans in line. "We need President Bush to take leadership. We need President Bush, first and foremost, to get the Republican House members to support his plan or modify it in some way to bring them on board," he said.

He added, "When you inject presidential politics into some of the most difficult negotiations under normal circumstances, it is fraught with difficulty. Before McCain made his announcement, we were making great progress. Now after his announcement, we are behind the 8 ball. We have to put things back together again."

"So this is a plea to President Bush, for the sake of America, please get your party in line. Get the House Republicans to be more constructive; get Sen. McCain to leave town and not throw fire on these flames. And maybe we can get something done."

Meanwhile, per a GOP congressional source, McCain has told House Republicans leaders this morning that it was time to get someone to the negotiating table and work towards a deal.

House Minority Leader Boehner has now designated the whip, Roy Blunt, to be that person.

*** UPDATE *** RNC spokesman Danny Diaz issues this statement responding to Schumer: “Chuck Schumer is now attacking the person working to solve the mess he helped create. While Schumer was against reform in the housing industry, Sen. McCain was calling for it. And now that we have reached an economic crisis, Sen. McCain is focused on finding a solution and Schumer is focused on leveling political attacks.”

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Comments

I'm a lifelong Dem, but agree with the conservative Repugs on this one - I'm not convinced we should bail out Wall Street. But please tell McBush to take a nap until this issue is resolved, even if it means he oversleeps and misses the debate.

Phred, Philadelphia (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

This is ABSURD. McCain is really going to run against Bush to gain political advantage during a national crisis so he can blame the house Democrats for passing the REPUBLICAN President's legislation?????? And somehow try to blame the Dems for this mess???

PLEASE!!! Senator McCain - everyone sees what you're doing and it's NOT country first as you claim. Americans deserve better.

MAKES ME SICK.

FED UP, Central FL (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

OK, so are the Democrats now going to scuttle a bill they were all for just 24hrs ago, just because McCain showed up??

Who's playing presidental politics now?

And to SOLDIER from a previous post:

WE WILL NEVER LET ANY MEMBER CONGRESS, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, ALLOW YOU TO FACE DISGRACE IN WAR OR DISGRACE AT HOME!

NEVER!

McCain/Palin '08

Kyd70SC (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

Is anyone thinking besides me that we are watching the break-up of the republican party into the "corporatists" and the 'liberal-libertarians?"
This article begs the question, 'Is anyone in charge over there in Republican-ville?'

Diana Bellevue, Wa (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

Kudos to Chuck Shummer for restating the obvious in clear terms. John McCain has already openly admitted that he doesn't understand ecomonics, and has followed that up by convincinlgy demonstrating his lack of knowledge over the past two weeks.

Let the adults handle this.

Robert from Germantown, MD (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:46 AM)

Well if McCain's antics yesterday and Sarah Palin's performance with Katie Couric does not convince Americans that these two people are not fit to be a president and a potential president, the world is in for some serious problems

GW, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:46 AM)

TELL THE DEMOCRATS TO KEEP OUT IN MANAGING WHAT McCAIN SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT DO. I AM TIRED OF HEARING FROM OBAMA OR THE DEMOCRATS THAT ARE NOT SERVING THE PEOPLE.

JACOB LIEBMAN (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:47 AM)

Funniest thing I've read all morning...silly Republicans....

The Drew, Dallas, TX (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:47 AM)

Blackmail, plain and simple. There will be no agreement unless McCain gets the credit. It's up to the democrats and the media to expose this for what it is. If McCain was not slipping in the polls or enjoying a comfortable lead in the polls, he would not even be in Washington. It is a political stunt that will either make or break his campaign. He should still be behind bars as a member of the Keating Five. The media is giving him a free pass on that. Now is the time to give the S & L debacle some fresh air.

Elmer, Seattle (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

Yes,McCain why don't you leave? You are hurting not helping and Bush should be the one there to help-NOT YOU! This was a political ploy that back fired so do the right thing and LEAVE!!

Maria Kirchner,Federal Way,Washington (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

LMAO - Magoo has just sunk his own battleship.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

I knew this would happen. And so did McCain, that's the thing. Why did he go down there knowing he would cause such a disaster? What did he hope to achieve? I have just never seen anything like it. http://enough2008.blogspot.com/2008/09/with-soft-touch-of-bull-in-china-shop.html

Levi, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

"Can't we all just get along" -- Rodney King

Who's Sane (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

Yet another example of how the Republican Party has destroyed our nation. The insertion of more tax cuts and other items into the Republican Conservative Bail out plan is just politics as usual. McCain is foundering and is afraid to debate Senator Obama. He is grasping at straws to avoid the debate. I am glad that Senator Schumer has called him on this!

D. Sisco, Carrollton, TX (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

What were House Republicans doing if they weren't at the negotiating table?

Clearly, they have been trying to make McCain look like the savior. It's time for McCain to stop politicizing this. If he truly puts country first, wouldn't he trust his supporters to do the right thing.

Juanita, TX (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

Right, It's time to stop with the partisan politics. If the democrats in congress believe that this is the right thing to do, then settle it and vote on it. They wanted their chance to be in charge and they have it. They are in the majority. I'm tired of hearing that the republicans "need to be on board". If it is the right thing to do then do it. If the democrats don't want to be blamed alone when it all falls through, then maybe it's the wrong move in the first place and they should just drop it. Let wall street fall flat on it's face and get back up on their own two feet. Enough of the political posturing and worrying about how they'll look in the long run or about getting re-elected and get down to the business of doing what is right for the american people. Besides, if it all works out, more positive bullet points to be made to the american people on how the democrats should have been in control sooner.

James C. Rickett, Tampa, Fl (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

McCain's shoot from the hit style is showing how bad a President he would be if elected.

He needs to take the gun out of the holster before pulling the trigger!

And did I mention how incoherent and dazed Palin was during her Couric interview? Even Prof. Irwin Corey makes more sense!

Tom Kaye (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

If this kind of "leadership" is any example of what to expect from McCain, then it is even more paramount that Obama be elected. Add to that the disastrous answers from Sarah Palin in her interview with Katie Couric and the fact that she would be a heartbeat away from the presidency, I do not see any way anyone could reasonably elect he McPalin ticket.

Mary, Pittsburgh (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

Forget it, the Republican party is imploding. Congressional Republicans have their own careers to worry about, so they're not going to follow Bush. As for McCain, he's put himself at the center of an ideological war within the party. Either way, I seriously doubt there will be a bailout plan today. I think the Dow will drop a few hundred points, and McCain will be a no show at the debate.

Jared, Tallahassee, Fl (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

This grand standing for McCain...to look like he acutally KNOWS something about what's going on...he want to take the credit and make Obama look like he out ot touch....believe me, I really do understand what is happening. He also got you talking about the debate...will he, won't he...McCain has the press right where he wants you! You all fell for it. I believe the Press corp has finally cowered into a corner and afraid to report anything negative about McCain and his horrible tactics....he won. We the people are the one who will pay the price for your cowardly stance!

Jacie, NY (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:51 AM)

Hey wait a second...I thought Mccain was dive bombing into DC to save the day for his nation and moms apple pie...

Even the honest republicans are saying having mccain involved is making this painful..

Rick, NC (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:51 AM)

Bush did take the leadership role Schumer you twit. He sent a proposal to you nearly a week ago. Since then you and your fellow Dems have talked about packing up going home and not doing anything, hoped someone else would figure it out, and made political speeches. Schumer, I know this hard for you to understand, but people elected you to do a job, and not to pose like you do in front of the cameras. So save your stupid little comments for some other time, and get your work done.

Mary Marples, Sacramento, CA (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:52 AM)

Congress is hoping to clean up amess it stood by and watched developed. It's high time they call into Washington people who know how to solve these sort of gigantic problems, people like Bill Gates, Rubin, yes Trump and well respected CEO's to discuss and resolve these problems.

Roy Ferro (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:52 AM)

Are the republicans to dumb to realize the urgency of the situation? What does McCain mean it is "now" time? It has been the time to get a deal. He is basically confirming that he was useless before, during, and after his arrival to Washington (since his last vote in...April). The man hadn't even read the bailout proposal. Anyone who says this ignoramus is "ready on day one" has significantly decreased brain function. His timing stinks. I am with Lettermen, this doesn't smell right.

For those voting for McCain, do you have a problem with a smart president, who actually does the homework and can multitask?

Don't vote4stupid, TN (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:52 AM)

Yes of course Shumer wants Mccain out of town. The Dems and The President are trying to force through this ridiculous plan. Spending 800 billion dollars to bailout private industry. This is absurd! People, the economy runs in cycles...has anyone noticed that? It goes up for 6 years and goes down for 2....it goes up for 6 years and goes down for 2. Butt out GWB and Dems.

Randy (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:52 AM)

Oh the Culture of Corruption http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5tZc8oH--o

Friends of Angelo get new invitations — to a federal grand jury

Now sing along.
Fannie Crack Fannie Crack
They're in a Fannie Crack
Fannie Crack Fannie Crack
They're in a Fannie Crack
Oh Fa Fa Fa .... Fannie Crack !!!

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:53 AM)

Thanks for the leadership, John. We'd never have found this ditch without you.

Just A Guy, Cincy, OH (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:53 AM)

Good for Schumer! He isn't fooled by that old fool. McCain is not any more prepared to "help" resolve the financial crisis than he is to debate Obama tonight. It is all smoke, all deception, all a sign that his campaign is in a downward spiral and gaining momentum fast!

A.Brocco, Albuquerque,NM (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:54 AM)

While I can appreciate the importance of "being there", there is also a little thing called technology that allows us to communicate from afar--while multi-tasking as Obama has so concisely stated.

There are also experts these mere figureheads can call upon. But when it comes right down to it--no matter what your party--it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the people within the industry have already filled their pockets and do not need to continue doing so at the country's expense in regards to stability, finances, and rapid demise of what was at one time a reasonable reputation of "One nation under God with good will for all".

Ingrid Elena Pavia, Bonners Ferry, Idaho (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:54 AM)

I THINK THAT THE DEMOCRATS AND OBAMA OUGHT TO STAY AWAY FROM McCAIN OR THE REPUBLICANS. HE'S DOING OUR (THE PEOPLES)WORK. THE PEOPLE WANT McCAIN..

JACOB LIEBMAN,DALLAS,TEXAS (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:55 AM)

Well Said Senator. This is just another instance where Sen is correct. He has been saying for days that injecting Presidential politics into these negotiations was not helpful. Seriously - in the age of information technology McCain did not need to be in D.C. This was and is, political posturing and it's a disgrace. The American people deserve more.

Let's elect Sen Obama/Biden and get no drama Obama working to get our country on track.

swallace (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:55 AM)

John McCain understands that the economy is going to be fine just like it was 2 weeks ago and again now that he's turned his spotlighted attention to it. Vote for him and maybe he'll invite you to a bar b que...*donation amount tbd.

Charles Keating (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:55 AM)

Note to sen Schumer-
Sen McCain is still a senator and should be there, sorry you want to make this a political hot potato but what else do you know?

Biased (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:55 AM)

Schumer wants Bush to tell McCain to leave?!? Right. Man up and do it yourself Chuckles. McCain would probably punch you sillier the you already are.

Timbolt, Newark NJ (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:56 AM)

I see this whole thing backfiring on John McCain. In yesterday's meeting at the white house, leaders said that McCain only spoke for 2 minutes and his comments were not substinent at all. He had better show up at the debates or most of America will turn on him. The democrates are not fools and will not allow John McCain to complete this stunt!

o (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:59 AM)

<<<Meanwhile, per a GOP congressional source, McCain has told House Republicans leaders this morning that it was time to get someone to the negotiating table and work towards a deal.>>>

Because he's incapable of doing this himself--and he caused the talks and the deal to go off track by just showing up. How's that for inspired leadership?

Puh-leeze....

Applause to Sen. Schumer for calling this situation as it is!

PAMama4Obama (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:59 AM)

From what I heard McCain didn't contribute much to this meeting that he urged Bush to convene. What was the purpose??? I thought he was going to roll up his sleeves and get to work. Doesn't appear that that happened.

McCain is a manipulator and just plain pitiful!!!! Sounds like Bush/Cheyney, doesn't it.

Gerri of PA (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 10:59 AM)

This is a charade!! C'mon McCain, "WHERE'S COUNTRY FIRST."

MickeyD, Tampa FL (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:00 AM)

Sen Shumer is part of the problem. Imagine the reaction if a Republican called for Sen Obama to leave Washington. Sen Shumer isn't being truthful leading people to believe that everything was going well before McCain showed up. It wasn't and he knows it. Talk about playing politics with the security of the nation. Sen Shumer should be ashamed of himself.

Jim, Daytona Beach (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:00 AM)

McCain is afraid to debate....he will lose votes each time they discuss the economy. He was correct....he does not understand economic issues. We do not need more lousy leadership.

patti B / Atlantic, VA (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:01 AM)

McCain should stop smirking at the American people and stop playing games and get his butt to Mississippi.

Country Last & Republicans First (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:01 AM)

McCain needs to keep shakin his magic 8-ball...

JC, STL, MO (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:02 AM)

This was exactly my point yesterday. There was nothing to be gained by bringing presidential candidates into these discussions.

If McCain really wanted to put the country first, he wouldn't have tried to overlay his campaign upon these bailout discussions.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:03 AM)

"Meanwhile, per a GOP congressional source, McCain has told House Republicans leaders this morning that it was time to get someone to the negotiating table and work towards a deal."

No its WAY PAST TIME! They had someone negotiating on the Republican side and they were on board with a plan. Cantor and Boehner are idiots. This can't be about political hay. It has to be completely bipartisan. Its obvious to everyone but McCain. Zero respect for John McCain from me now after all these completely stupid messes he's made!

Suz in KS (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:03 AM)

Nobody likes this bailout but if the economy really does tank b/c nothing is worked out--John McCain owns that. Not that that helps with my dwindling 401K.

McCain is NO LEADER! (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:03 AM)

See Johnny Run, Yes Mr McCain please leave DC before you Bankrupt the entire US

Anne/Ohio (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:03 AM)

McCain is a buffoom - a perfect pairing for the clueless Sarah Palin. Anyone who thinks logically sees this pair for what they are. Country First? Ya, ok, then explain the Palin pick over all the truly qualified Repubs who actually would be ready on Day One.

D Iowan, Marion, IA (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:05 AM)

It'd be sad if the republicans are stalling this to get McCain out of the debate. So McCain has to TELL House Repubs to send someone in to negotiate? Shouldn't they do that on their own?

Chris, Dallas, Tx (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:05 AM)

McCain is insane in the Membrane. Palin is just like Karl Rove and Dick Cheney, except for the lipstick of course.

San Antonio, Texas (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:06 AM)

That's my state sentor!....McCain came out saying that he did not read a 3 page preposal before the dems redid it. Now he is saying he does not want it without looking over and reviewing it. WAKE UP AMERICAN! McCain is not putting country first, he is putting wall street first. This was called a crisis last week, so why try to stop now? why not stop a week ago. I'll tell you why, because the debate will be about the issues, not the smoke and mirrors that McCain is use to. Obama has displayed the kind of leadership and mentality that we as a nation need in our leader right now! Please American, for our future vote for someone who wants what is best for you and not what is best for their party. Please I ask you to vote for Obama, not McCain, not for someone that can afford to put gas in their car and can lost a house and still have six more to live in. This bailout is just McCain trying to stall!

Shera, Port Chester, NY (Sent Friday, September 26, 2008 11:07 AM)

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