A Debate Idea as the Republicans Try Their Hand at Triangulation

The latest example of the McCain campaign's calculating tactics surfaced today, when Mr. Deregulation himself unilaterally suspended his campaign and declared that the first presidential debate -- scheduled for Friday night -- should be postponed until Congress has come up with a solution to the financial crisis. Blindsided, Barack Obama responded that he was perfectly skilled at multi-tasking, thank you very much -- in fact, as president it's required. Obama also tried to say that presidential politics should not muddy the waters of Congressional work on the bailout (yeah, nice try). However, John McCain has said if Congress has not approved legislation by Friday night, he'll be a no-show at the debate. Hmmm. Is this just more grandstanding or are you perhaps carrying more water for Dubya, Maverick?

Well , I have an idea for both of campaigns: how about we simply change the topic of the debate? Move away from the scheduled issue of international relations to the now paramount issue of the economy. It seems quite apropos and -- dare I say -- even logical. But, it doesn't allow McCain to utilize this transparent gambit and somehow try to paint Obama as indecisive on the issue, so I can't imagine McCain going for it. I do think Obama should throw it out there -- let McCain tap dance his way out of that one. Yeah, I know, we don't want Barack to look like he's avoiding an IR discussion, where he's perceived as less experienced -- but McCain's opened the door, so I think Barack could walk through pretty much unscathed.

Meanwhile, as Congress debates the issue this week, its become clear that they are not even remotely enamored of the Bush Administration's bailout plan -- the blank check and lack of checks and balances on the Treasury Department, the court stripping, not to mention the lack of accountability for Wall Street -- are indeed deplorable. I think Congress and the American people are soooo over giving this Administration any kind of carte blanche -- we've all seen where that has gotten us.

Indeed, Republicans appear to be just as skeptical of the Administration's latest transparent power grab as the Democrats. Perhaps they have decided to follow the advice of a Republican strategist, which goes something like this: triangulate, triangulate, triangulate. Stand up to the unpopular Bushies and their latest rip off for the rich, and blame the Democrats for muscling through this "must pass" bill. Then, publicly pat yourself on the back for being the only ones who care about Main Street. Hmmm. Interesting ploy -- smart, even. Bullshit, of course. Republicans are too tied to Wall Street and this entire mess, and rightly so. Of course, the Republicans are also great at revisionist history, and the McCain camp just simply lies when the truth doesn't suit them.

Or, perhaps Congress' skepticism can be explained by the fact that they, too, also received this email -- which landed in my inbox earlier this week.

Dear American:

I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.

I am Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America. My country has had crisis that has caused the need for large transfer of funds of 800 billion USD. If you would assist me in this transfer, it would be most profitable to you.

I am working with Mr. Phil Gramm, lobbyist for UBS, who (God willing) will be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As a former U.S. congressional leader and the architect of the PALIN / McCain Financial Doctrine, you may know him as the leader of the American banking deregulation movement in the 1990s. As such, you can be assured that this transaction is 100% safe.

This is a matter of great urgency. We need a blank check. We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly transfer these funds in the names of our close friends because we are constantly under surveillance. My family lawyer advised me that I should look for a reliable and trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the funds can be transferred.

Please reply with all of your bank account, IRA and college fund account numbers and those of your children and grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we may transfer your commission for this transaction. After I receive that information, I will respond with detailed information about safeguards that will be used to protect the funds.

Yours Faithfully
Minister of Treasury Paulson

Hmmmm. Is Congress working on a Wall Street Bailout or have they fallen for a SPAM scam. You make the call.

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