Who won the White House photo: McCain or Obama?

Democrats are pretty united in their accusation that Republican presidential candidate John McCain threw a monkey wrench into delicate talks on a $700-billion bailout package for Wall Street by pitching himself into the process. After a "contentious" meeting at the White House yesterday featuring McCain, Democrat Barack Obama and a host of congressional leaders, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd of Connecticut put it this way:

I can't quite understand what was going on down there except political theater. I didn't need to be in the White House basically to have a photo opportunity for John McCain.

McCain, who earlier this week said he was suspending his campaign to give a political push to the fiscal negotiations, disputed the Democratic criticism, calling himself "an old Navy guy" who understands when the call comes for all hands to be on deck. He said:

I've got to do what I think is right for the country...If that hurts me politically, I'll gladly take the hit.

If the White House summit was designed as a photo op, it's not clear who won. In the photo used by the White House Morning Update seen above, by White House photographer David Bohrer, McCain is in the foreground, just a few seats from the president in the Cabinet Room.

But in the Washington Post, Obama was the one who was featured, also just a few seats from power, in this photo by Kristoffer Tripplaar of Getty Images.

Of course, at the Los Angeles Times, where we strive for fairness, we used this photo, by Tim Sloan of Getty/AFP, which gave neither side advantage.

-- Johanna Neuman

All the photos feature (left to right) McCain (R-Ariz.), House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-San Francisco), President Bush, Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, (D-Nev.), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Obama (D-Ill.).

Comments

[jefflz]

We now have eye-witness proof of the damage done to the bailout negotiations by McCain's self-serving intervention into the process: House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri in an interview on MSNBC said Republican presidential candidate John McCain's involvement in the discussion yesterday ``stopped a deal from finalizing.'' McCain, in his flailing attempts to regain momentum, is making a mockery of this election. He wanted to be the "Maverick" who came to DC to be the Leader in bailout negotiations. With Bush's help he planned to look like he brought everyone together. The attempt to inject himself into the process and gain headlines was a waste of valuable time. Now it has failed and he must go to Mississippi, tail between the legs, with nothing to show for his arrogance. McCain's new slogan- "Me First"

[joni davis]

Yes We Can, yes we can yes wecanyeswecanyeswecanyeswecanyeswecanyeswecan. Obama won it all. YES WE CAN. nOVEMBER 5TH. YES WE DID!!!!

[tina]

are you serious? you're asking who got the best photo op?

My IRA and 401K just tanked. Knowing which candidate got the best picture does not make me feel any better about all the money I've lost.

Please report about more substantial issues.

[Jen]

Why did Paulson call McCain campaign and request McCain return to Washington?
Why did Paulson's friend call Obama camp and e-mail Obama during his flight to Washington?
The dems turned tthe lead of the white house meeting over to Obama and even with the e-mails he blew it big time he proved to his Dim friends he can't lead squat. Yet today they are squeeling Mccain messed up the deal.
This was a set up against McCain

[John]

Who won the photo contest? Now, LAT, you really are stupid. What a thing to report on. You might as well call yourself The California Tabloid, we offer good gossip and stupid articles.

Who the hell cares!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[TommyF]

INDICT Barney Frank! INDICT Chris Dodd! INDICT Chuck Schumer! INDICT all of the idiots who said we needed to loosen the rules so that people who couldn't afford houses could buy them.

I am not paying for their mistakes!

WE NEED A TAX REVOLUTION! Refuse to pay your taxes. Don't pay for this craziness!

[John the Baptist]

John McCain himself has admitted he's no economist. Does he really think there's anything he can do to help? He's either deluded or grandstanding.

[zuq]

McCain was throwing another long pass, but yet this time nobody was even trying to catch it. The clock ran out before the ball was snapped. In other words, you can't claim to help with the bail-out when you believed that the economy was fundamentally strong 10 days ago. When you said it was strong 10 days ago, you should have suspended your campaign then, hung up your coat, put on your slippers, and took a nap. Go to http://www.BarackForUs.com for more info.

[Stuart]

The rules in order to post a comment:
"If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate."
Strange rule for a story that any sane human over 13 years of age would find sophmoric and meaningless.

[jane]

McCain won 1 and lost 1.

He was able to mask news on his sliding polls, poor interview performance by Palin and association of his Campaign manager with Fredmac/ Fanmae. At the same time he was able to freeze Obama from a public opinion roll. It is like taking time-out before the second free shot by your opponent.

His second strategy of showing that he puts "country first" before himself failed.

[Ted]

What you ought to be asking is what kind of morons does McCain think the American people are? He's pulled this suspension of partisanship trick quite a few times over the years when he had to retool his message, whatever the question of the day. The man is not qualified to be dog catcher but has been using his wifes money to keep himself in office and in the public eye. His association with Charles Keating taught him nothing, or perhaps everything? He went back to the Senate after his narrow escape when John O'Dowd got him off with a reprimand and proceeded to push his deregulation bills through leading directly to the Enron fiasco and todays economic meltdown. It's all about greed and Johnny is one of the greediest, right up there with Ted Stevens, who we all know is Sarah Palin's sponsor and mentor.
Wednesday, he pulls his little stunt again attempting to get out of his debate tonight and also "reschedule" Palin's debate next week claiming again that this was a high minded departure from partisan politics. What a laugh, he then proceeded derail what had looked to be a done deal on the bailout. In Arizona we've known for decades how totally worthless he and his colleague Jon Kyl are as our representatives in the Senate. Both of them showboats who act as if they are Emperors of the state. Now the entire country is getting a refresher on Republican BS Arizona and Alaska style!. Wake up America, do you really want to watch your country and future destroyed by this egomanical man? Haven't we sunk deep enough into the morass after seven and 3/4 years of the Bush/Cheney/Rove continuing criminal conspiracy?

[Jason Bradley]

I'm unsure as to why anybody would want to 'win' the opportunity to sit next to the President in a photocall. I had assumed that the President is now generally considered a disgrace by all parties, just as he is outside the US. Jason from London, UK

[Lynn Shepodd]

The Obama - McCain debate was an embarrassingly loss for Senator McCain.
Stiff, patronizing, and over-prepped, he has no original thoughts left.
Please God, let the Electoral College see this.

[Tangito]

I feel that McCain's attempt to cancel the debate tonight had some merit. He knew economic issues would overshadow foreign affairs and they did. Obama won the debate because he has a better grasp on the economy and he seems to have a sensible approach to resolving the issue of terrorism. If, in fact, we do have our "scope" on them in Pakistan, we must attack and destroy them now. We can't wait for the new government to garner enough political strength to do it for us. In this instance, the political ramifications can be delt with later. McCain should have kept his position quiet. A president must make tough decisions; he should not have gone into such detail supporting the new government...no president would not attack if assured we'd wipe the terrorist out and, at a minimum, seriously disable them.

[Rodney, FL]

America lost, as usual. Country First means no bailout unless the country is assured it's money back plus interest. Country First means the country gets to give a long, hard look at any bailout plan. Not another Iraq War/Patriot Act rush job with no end strategy spelled out and no supervision over the fools running it. Call us a nation of whiners if you wish Mr. McCain but paying for all of this with no say in it hurts.

[peter]

Amen Ted, well said. Can anyone confirm for me? I heard that John McCaine crashed 3 fighters as a pilot in the navy. I don't want a maverick that takes uneccessary chances, crashes planes and gets caught doing stupid things. Not even as a drinking buddy.

[OlderWhiteWoman]

The Choice is Simple:

If you want
EXPERIENCE AT GETTING IT WRONG,
Vote for McCain.

If you want
JUDGEMENT IN GETTING IT RIGHT,
Vote for Obama.

[Chris]

Obama is an idiot. He couldn't fix a flat tire.

[Dan]

And the debate winner is Obama!!!! For very valid reasons from an Independent!!

(1) Obama looked more presidential than McCain. McCain would not have eye-contact with Obama during the debate. This to me is very rude and unprofessional as a world leader and shows no respect to those he disagrees with.

(2) McCain acted like a little kid on stage by attacking Obama with simple words "You just don't understand." He used this phrase too many times!

(3) Obama sounds much more intellectual and sincere during the debate. Obama is willing to have a real dialogue of the important issues based from his
body language as opposed to McCain who has this "devilish smiling look" behind the podium.

(4) McCain during the last few weeks seems to be a "wreak less politician" who is running in the desperation mode to save his race to the White House. He seems unpredictable and wavering from one ocean to the other. To me, he is not ready to be commander and chief with his shoot from the hip attitude and
style. We do NOT need pit-bull-like politician in the White House, after all we as a nation, needs to heal our wounds and reputation around the globe. Obama presents a more relaxed and sincere presentation to the world!!

(5) Everybody talks about the importance of selecting number one, the president who will lead our great nation into the future. But, I also believe that voters MUST CONSIDER the number two position, as to the selection of vice president. McCain's choice for Sarah Palin is a huge mistake for our country; she is not experienced enough in her political career to take over if something should happen to McCain. It is NOT enough to just have a pretty face, a pit-bull-like attitude, and act like a "We're gonna shakem up in DC" to be president of the USA. The last thing we need is a pit-bull like person in the White House!! From all that has been reported in the media so far about Sarah Palin, to me, she has TOO MANY skeletons in her closet, and leaves me with a negative prospective of her wisdom, her integrity, her attitude and her honesty.

Thanks for Listening, Dan, WA. State

[Cheryl]

I'm an independent voter. Obama won hands down. I was initially a Romney supporter, and then my vote leaned towards Hillary. After following the 2 candidates since the campaign came down to them, I have been surprisingly impressed by everything Obama brings to the table. He reminds me a lot of Kennedy.

My take on them during the debate:

McCain - He seemed like a loose cannon, who could lose it at any moment. He does not seem willing to bend and rethink positions (like another President we all know). He turned me off when he kept referring to his years of experience. And really turned me off when he kept saying Mr. Obama doesn't understand. I think Obama IS the one that understands. McCain seemed to think the only answer is WAR, whereas Obama seemed more interested in diplomacy. I think most of us would agree, we are sick of war. It sounded like McCain couldn't wait to get in so he could start meddling in several countries militarily.

Obama - He has such a great handle on what is going on in mainstream America. People are suffering. We are tired of seeing our tax money going to Iraq. We want a responsible withdrawal ASAP from Iraq. We want more attention on domestic issues. McCain and the Republicans have turned a blind eye on domestic issues for 8 years and have solely focused on our position in the Middle East...and how has that worked out for us. Obama is cool, calm, collected...and I think he would become well respected throughout the world. As a white, middle class woman...I sat and watched both men and asked myself...who would I want to represent myself and my beloved country...OBAMA...no question. I would be proud to call him President of the United States...OBAMA. My vote - OBAMA!!!

[Rick]

What a bunch of BS! McCain left Letterman in the lurch to run down to DC and fix the problems except he did not leave for DC until the next day and did an interview with Catie instead! Gimmicks that is all McSame has in his pocket. We need to run people like McCain out of DC he is the reason the economy is in meltdown and he has no shame to lie about his position watch this video to see him lie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMwh2LZA_zo I don't know why the Media does not look at the mess and say well here we go again another massive bailout of wall street and the same player is out there helping the crooks Does anyone remember the Keating Five? And here is another one for you I knew back in July the Silver State Bank of Nevada was going to fail which it did a week or two ago how did I know the VP in charge of Auditing resigned and his name never really made it into the M$Media just like then VP Bush's son Neil Bush was involved in Silverado S&L, $80 Billion for that one, Andrew McCain was involved in the Silver State failure! We need to throw all the bums out of congress that have helped Wall Street perpetrate this fraud on us the taxpayers! This is nothing more than a pyramid scheme and the regulators were taken out of the game by McCain and his Lobbyist friend the former Sen Phil Graham of Texas Haven't we been burned enough by these bums! No more of the same old boys in DC we need New leadership and people that actually don't think they are above the law!

[Pac Norwest interest]

As an interested foreigner from a country that used to partner with the US before the Bush years and has now chosen its own path I am very interested in this election.
It appears only Democrats travel abroad from the US as they were so sure in '04 that Bush would not get back in.We have travelled extensively in Europe and found no support for the Bush position there.
Seeing John McCain stumble on stage with his lack of eye contact, white knuckle grip of the podium and condescending remarks and then reading the rave reviews by Republicans about how he won the debate, the KoolAid they are drinking must be the Republican answer to Medi-Aid. This is an old warrior in the 21st century.His "best before date" has expired and he is being thrown to the wolves.
While Barack could have easily gone for the jugular several times he demonstrated Presidential poise that seems to be missing from the Republican old guard, oh wait, I think I made a pun.

If you think that McCain's kind of poise, essentially a continuation of the buffoonery of Bush, is what your country deserves then your choice is obvious. A real anti-congeniality. Oh yes, and then there is Sarah Palin, who is just trying to make it up as she goes.If McCain's best before date has expired, Sarah hasn't received her 'stamp' yet. She is still a raw product.

The comparison by some that Palin and Obama have the same foreign policy credentials is laughable. He held his own with McCain, actually landed the 'judgement punches' effectively, and hasn't ever stumbled in an interview with Kati Couric. And then he is backed up by Joe Biden.

Good luck America, you'll need it. I wonder whether you are advanced enough to elect a black President, I pray that you are.

[FASSIE]

WHO WON THE WHITE HOUSE PHOTO IS NON ISSUE. TOTAL NON ISSUE AND IRRESPOBSIBLE.

[Robert]

Funniest thing on this article:

"The LA Times strives for fairness."

What a hoot!

You put left-wing editorials or spin on news stories all over your formerly great newspaper, and offer your comments as "Reporting."

You are a disgrace to Journalism and an embarrassment to Los Angeles.

Who won the debate?

McCain if you want strong and true answers to questions and issues.

Obama if you want professorial background on the issues, and no anwers EVER offered. "We will look at this question, assemble the comments and make a decision if it is warranted ... " is NOT an "Answer", Barak.

[SH]

Over 70% of Americans were against the bailout. Both Senators Boxer and Feinstein reported thousands of emails and calls opposing the bailout. Had Senator McCain NOT gone to Washington, the Bush/Paulson plan would have been enacted. As it stands now, there are some alternate proposals which will be less onerous to the American taxpayer under consideration. The more this plan slows down, the less it will resemble the expensive, unmanageable Bush/Paulson plan. McCain can take credit for getting this dialogue into play. That is a mark of leadership.