McCain ignores bailout questions

Posted: Monday, September 29, 2008 3:31 PM by Carrie Dann

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy
When McCain boarded his campaign plane with Rob Portman in preparation for his flight to Des Moines, just as the bailout legislation was defeated on the House floor, he ignored questions shouted by reporters from under the wing about the fate of the bill.

It's unclear if he could hear the questions, but when he heard reporters shouting his name he turned and waved.

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Comments

John "Campaign First" McCain just doesn't know how to own his failures, does he? Well, he and the rest of his party can start doing so on November 5.

PAMama4Obama (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:38 PM)

I think McCain is losing his mind, and he CLEARLY is unpreparred to take care of our nation's problems. This country can NOT afford another republican administration -- now or ever. John McCain and his ridiculous choice of a running mate should withdraw from the Presidential race.

How sad this is for America.

Joe, MN (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:39 PM)

Ignoring everything seems to be the new M.O.
Has to have the vote explained or read to him first.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:40 PM)

Is McCain gonna SUSPEND HIS CAMPAIGN ?

Maybe hs should fire Rick Davis
His campaign Manager Rick Davis is 'On the Take' for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Davis has received $2 MILLION form both !!

FIRE RICK DAVIS, John !
Show us ypu put 'Country First' !!

Then, go persuade Republicans to vote for this bill
Isn't THAT your PRIORITY ?

John McCain, Too Little, Too LATE

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:42 PM)

Couldn't hear the questions? Well, he hasn't heard the American people for awhile now, so that is possible. Or, you do loose your hearing as you get older. One of those possibilities is probably the answer.

Mike McMahon (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:42 PM)

OBAMA was either on the 'SIDELINES' in this crisis
or he and Spkr. PELOSI were the two who were so important and caused the vote to go down.
Huh? The McCain campaign wants it their way 12 ways to Sunday.
Well, SuperJohn didn't get it done. That's for sure.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:43 PM)

Of course he does. Oh wait....It was the POW days he was remembering. Come on. He doesn't want to answer the questions. He is lost.

Lisa (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:43 PM)

McCain would rather blame Pelosi for the bailout bill failure than accept any responsibility himself. But had it passed, I'm sure he would take all the credit.

Doug, Renton, WA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:44 PM)

I like the idea of McCain suspending his campaign--forever!

Zoe, Arkansas (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:44 PM)

Now what to do, when your latest two political stunts blow up in your face.

Palin? Um, how many columnists have now called for her removal from the ticket, seeing how Saturday Night Live didn't even bother to rewrite Palin's words (the original was funny enough) for their latest parody?

Campaign suspension to go get this deal made on the bailout? Yes, McCain, you showed fine leadership.

Actually, this one is a little harsh, because the only time McCain crossed the river from his Alexandria headquarters, he basically sat like a lump through a meeting with the president. So I'm not sure we can really blame the vote on McCain - but we still can point out how he tried to gain political advantage by grandstanding an actual crisis.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:45 PM)

"Campaign First" McCain doesn't want to suffer from more foot in mouth disease by saying another petty partisan comment. He has shown a total failure of leadership being in Washington where he never bothered to do anything to get the repugnant ones behind the bailout bill. It was all self serving political drama from the political drama queen.

We need Obama's wise and calm leadership now more than ever. He has shown the real leadership in this crisis by keeping presidential politics out of the process and working constructively behind the scenes to get his party in line.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:45 PM)

Way to stand up and lead, McCain. What kind of sissy are you? Your response is to ignore questions before jetting off to your ranch in AZ.

Guess what? My retirement fund took a huge hit today and it worries me and it angers me and I don't have the luxury of avoiding the issue. I have to make some hard financial decisions right now. I'm not able to just close my eyes and pretend this mess doesn't exist and I sure as hell can't jet off to one of my dozen homes and hope the smoke clears when I disembark.

John McCain, I wouldn't vote for you to run a hot dog cart let alone this country.

country first, my butt (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:45 PM)

Nobody asks Obama. This bailout deal is above his paygrade.

Sanders Vans (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:46 PM)

The Country has been under the rule of the Repugs for the 8 years (We begged you 8 years ago not to vote for Bush...no you had to vote for him... 4 years ago you knew how he was and yet you voted for him again....now look like you got slipped a sucker....Don't get MAD, just don't vote for his twin this time!!!!

The Real Truth!!! (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:47 PM)

Big surprise that McFossil "ignored" the question. He doesn't understand the economy anyhow, so he'll have to have someone explain this latest failure to him before he can comment. Good luck trying to get Palin to understand it.....oh, wait, tell her it might fly over Alaskan airspace....that should do it.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:47 PM)

Joe, MN (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:39 PM)

Joe:

John McCain is not losing his mind, he has already lost his mind. The guy is so erratic and condescending towards everyone it is unbelievable. His lies get bigger and bolder. You saw his performance a tthe debate. Angry, frustrated old man who has respect for no one. Obama should have called him out during the debate by saying:

"You know John, I am a little tired of your condescending and disrespectful attitude and behavior. If you want to behave that way towards me fine, but by your actions and behavior you are also be condescending and disrectfull towards the American people, and frankly, I know they are tired of it too".

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:47 PM)

But but but...didn't the hero crash land his campaign plane in DC last week to 'save' the nation from imminent financial armegeddon?

It's a short fast trip from hero to zero eh John?

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:47 PM)

Senator McCain is showing his true colors. He is not a leader. He has no answers. He is out of touch. Instead of showing leadership, he instead puts country dead last and plays the blame game. That isn't leadership.

John Swanagon, Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:48 PM)

Pelosi finally had a chance to step up and show us what she's got, and unfortunately, she did. She's got nothing.

Quit now Nancy, before you embarrass yourself again.

Jennie Lu, NY NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:48 PM)

This is all John McCain fault!!! Maverick of calamity he is, the superhero that makes a mess all the time!!! What Hail Mary can we see next McCain, Palin will not debate Biden, because you need her to hold your maverick calamity cape??

Edison (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:49 PM)

McCain is completely confused. First the fundamentals of the economy are sound. Then we have a serious crisis. Then he "suspends" his campaign without really suspending it. Then he lands in Wash.DC. just before the leaders announce an agreement. He torpedoes the agreement by throwing his support to House Republicans who want to kill it. Then he encourages passage. McCain claimed to be above politics when his moves were all about politics. His politics helped kill the bailout. Now he gets to reap the results - a plunging stock market. Disingenuous. Self-centered. Unpatriotic. He can at least keep his job as Senator - even if millions lose theirs. Thanks McCain. A real patriot -Me first all the way!

Karl Spokane, Wash. (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:49 PM)

People-
The man was boarding a plane, get real. This was not deliberate. It was a moment where the media reps were trying to anything out they could and when it doesn't work there are reports that he 'couldn't hear', ignored questions and waved like nothing was going on? Um, reporters - you don't call the shots! You don't set the agenda or the topic/setting of everything that comes out (or doesn't) of either of these candidates. Responsible reporting is so under rated!

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:50 PM)

Democrats, even with a big majority, can't get the people's work done. Pathetic. Adjourn the House Pelosi. Get back to your districts so you can campaign. Tell everyone some more lies so they reelect you.

Joe Cooler (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:50 PM)

John McCain is a coward and an opportunist! I'm ashamed to have supported him for so long. All the Republicans are failures.

Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:50 PM)

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:51 PM)

Hey John...the next time you want to crash land somewhere may I suggest the Bering Sea?

Ralph, Madison (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:51 PM)

Its possible he didn't hear the question. He is getting older, and he hasn't heard the American people with regard to a lot of issues for years now.

Its a good thing he went back to Washington to lead. BTW, could someone in the MSM please ask him for the written proof showing the commercials or t.v. interviews he cancelled or stopped booking, or when he stopped sending out talking points and campaign officials when he "suspended" his campaign. Or is this just another "lie" in the long line of "not-so-straight-talk" he has engaged in this campaign.

Mike McMahon, Manchester, Iowa (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:51 PM)

So much for the GOP's predictions that McChicken would bring "peace in our time"...

"This bill would not have been agreed to had it not been for John McCain... This is a bipartisan accomplishment, a bipartisan success. And if people want to get something done in Washington, they just watch John McCain. He's been the guy whose name is at the top of major pieces of legislation for a long time."
-- Mitt Romney, NBC's Today show, 9/29/08

"What Senator McCain was able to do was to help bring all of the parties to the table, including the House Republicans, whose votes were needed to pass this"
-- Steve Schmidt, NBC's Meet the Press, 9/28/08

"We're optimistic that Senator McCain will bring House Republicans on board without driving other parties away, resulting in a successful deal for the American taxpayer."
-- McCain spokeswoman Kimmie Lipscomb, 9/26/08

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:52 PM)

WTF. How bout the People ignore McShame???

He is an ABSOLUTE BABY. IMMATURE as can be.
He and his Babe Palin are a disgrace

Nj (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:54 PM)

Looks like Pelosi ignored the bailout questions too. Wasn't she telling us yesterday she had a deal? Being wrong by a vote or two happens. Nancy though was off by 23 votes! How does she screw it up that bad? I guess from being arrogent and not listening. Pelsoi can't blame this one on Republicans. She's the leader, and she called the vote. She takes the heat for this one.

Janet Clouquet, Denver CO (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:55 PM)

McCain cannot seem to pick a side... Obama is either dangerously inexperienced or a Washington insider... Obama is either on the sidelines of the crisis or responsible for it... sorry Mr. Mcain but you can't keep claiming both sides and expect the public to put up with it. You're all smoke and mirrors and once the dust settles there is little for you to stand on.

Gina, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:55 PM)

Well, the good thing about this is that McCain, if his word is any good, will suspend his campaign.

Gerri of PA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:55 PM)

I truly feel McCain cares nothing about the people in this country. All he cares about it winning. He is a liar. Coming from a "red" state there are plenty of republicans around. I am happy to see that many of my republican friends are finally starting to see what kind of man he is. Keep it up McCain and GA may be blue this year.

Gene, Atlanta (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:55 PM)

Prediction: John will again suspend his campaign and withdraw Palin from the VP debate. They were afraid to have her debate, now they think they have a reason. Watch John and Sarah drop another 7 points in the polls. If John did not deliever the votes, so he is partically responsible for its failure.

Where is the leadership here? Obama will bring the parties together and a new bill will be presented that will pass. McCain...well, he is just in the way.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:56 PM)

Nobody has told him yet what to say !

Frank, MO (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:56 PM)

Obama is the leader we need because unlike McCain, who jumps in head first, Obama is thoughtful and deliberate in his actions

Ralph, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:56 PM)

McCain is a moron just like Bush. We do not need 4 more years.

CJ Colorado (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:57 PM)

The bailout didn't pass!
Not to be crass,
but after I say what a shame,
I must ask, where was McCain?
Was he leading his party,
Or hanging out with Ms. Smarty?
If he puts America first he would be trying,
But as always he is just lieing!

L Wood, USA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:58 PM)

It is truly sad the political wrangling of those in power and their pitiful attempt to play 'hot potatoe' with a situation the the runaway spending and abject cronyism has wrought to this American economy. McCain is even more pitiable: hires Tina Faye to be his running mate who is about as deep is a tea cup, and is Bush's clone. Its just pitiful
1

Pastor Carl (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:59 PM)

Never fear he is near and if anything passes ever he will come back to take the credit even if he lives to be 90 because he is sooooooooooooooo proud of his record. What did your republicans do John or don't you know yet, you can blame Obama and Pelosi but the republicans voted it down what are you and wondergirl gonna do now. You should fire your entire campaign team, give up, shut up, and sit down!!!!!! No McBush ever eight long years are enough!!!!

Brenda (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:59 PM)

McCain--lobbyist lover, dishonest to the point of ridicule, VP on a short lease man, and now a do nothing knot head.

I guess his trip to Washington did only one thing--

He got the Repubs to not vote for the bail-out.

Can anybody say Anarchy in the Streets

andress (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 3:59 PM)

McCain said he rushed in to show leadership on this bill and said he'd leave it to the American people to decide whether he was responsible for the outcome. Well McCain, we've decided. You're responsible.

Ruth, Miami Shores, FL (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:00 PM)

Because he doesn't know much about the environment!

Pat Huntington NY - nowaynohownoMcCain/Palin! (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:01 PM)

I think McCain should suspend his campaign and vow to stand in the middle of congress, nude or nearly nude, until they all agree on something.

Sara, Ca (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:01 PM)

If republicans can't take a little tongue lashing, maybe take a lump or two over what this administration and its supporters have done to the American people then on their heads be it!!!!!!! Great depression Part II here we come!

Kelly, Naugatuck, CT (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:01 PM)

Did I just hear Chuck Todd say that BOTH the Republicans and Nancy Pelosi were to blame for this???

So let me get this straight. The Republicans got their feelings hurt over something Pelosi said and now SHE is to blame for the bill failing????

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Chuck, I'm loosing my respect for you man!

Tina from NC (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:02 PM)

Oh yeah, and that's because this is going to screw the middle class big time and we all know how much McCain could care less about the middle class! Probably heading back to one his 13 houses, trying to figure out which of his 30 cars to take!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:02 PM)

Revolutions begin when the people feel they have nothing left to loose. We at the point were things can slowly get better or rapidly get worse. And it's all in the hands of congress...

I'll in my bomb shelter.

DV, CA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:02 PM)

HAs Osama tried to do anything ???? NO McCain tried but was pulled away to satify obamas need to have that debate. Now look, McCain knew what would happen and was prepared to stay and push it through but whinny ass obama need his ass beaten on tv. Well that is done and now our future Pres McCain get now work on the crisis as before, he was rudly interruppted.

McCain Palin 08- Hill12 (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:03 PM)

Just what we need. A President who runs from the tough issues.

GT, Austin, Tx (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 4:07 PM)

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