At least one concern I raised in my Culture11 piece this morning doesn't seem to have
panned out: John McCain's decision to try and play a leadership
role in getting the bailout passed doesn't appear to have stalled
negotiations. If the early reports are to be believed, and one
never knows about such things, it may have even made an agreement
more likely. If so, I suspect this is true for two reasons: First,
many Democratic leaders were hurrying to hammer out a deal before
McCain could arrive as the conquering hero. Second, most of my
analysis was contingent on Barack Obama's non-cooperation. Obama
joining in the negotiations gives the Democrats cover and allows
the two presidential candidates to share credit/blame for whatever
comes next. I'd feel better about this if I were actually for the
bailout, but it may be a victory of sorts for McCain.
UPDATE: Perhaps I spoke too soon.
topics:
John McCain, Barack Obama
