Behind the scenes on John McCain's wild Friday campaign ride

John McCain's campaign is making it up on the fly today, even on the ground.

And in a few hours we'll see in tonight's presidential debate how it all plays out.

The result has been what appears to be barely-controlled chaos on the tag-along end at least. The candidate's seemingly abrupt decision Friday to take part in the debate after 48 hours of public confusion added a nail-biting, cliffhanger element to a presidential contest already infused with high stakes drama.

It is a seat-of-the-pants, adrenalin-charged style that McCain, once an aircraft carrier pilot, apparently enjoys. Or doesn't mind. But it is a far cry from the carefully scripted, well-planned schedules that most presidential campaigns, not to mention the White House, typically employ and the traveling press corps is accustomed to.

It makes an intriguing behind-the-scenes blog item, however.

Two days ago, McCain unexpectedly announced in New York that he would temporarily suspend his campaign, postpone the debate with Obama, and go to Washington to help the White House, Treasury secretary, head of the Federal Reserve, and the 532 members of Congress who aren't running for president find a solution to the unfolding financial debacle.

The result, so far at least, has been more finger-pointing than comity.

Democrats insisted that McCain's presence helped scuttle a....

...deal that was close to agreement, although earlier in the week Democratic Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada suggested the Republican's presence would help.

Republicans angrily blamed Democrats for putting partisan politics over the nation's interest, a default attack line for both parties in Washington.

McCain aides claimed that a highly contentious meeting at the White House on Thursday turned into what one called "Kabuki theater," in which shouting Democratic leaders sought to goad McCain into losing his temper. He did not, they pointed out, instead sitting silently during most of the high-level meeting that he had helped organize.

Whether McCain's involvement helped or hurt the process, it's clear he has utterly upended his campaign at a critical point in a contest already moving at warp speed. Aides complained that they did not know where he would spend the next hour, never mind the next day, and that Obama's campaign cranked up its attacks during the last two days.

"It's like a bad movie," one aide said privately Friday. "No one knows what we're doing. Everything is minute by minute now."

McCain started early Friday with quick meetings on Capitol Hill with Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate minority leader, and John Boehner (R-Ohio), the House minority leader. He soon returned to his campaign headquarters in Arlington, Va., his motorcade racing down the rain-slicked streets and across the Potomac River shortly before 11.

By then, aides said, McCain had decided to attend the Mississippi debate.

Soon after, the campaign issued a statement announcing his decision, and another statement to McCain's traveling corps of reporters advising them to be prepared to get to the airport within 45 minutes once the departure time was confirmed.

Instead, McCain pulled another surprise. Climbing into his black SUV, his motorcade suddenly took off for nearby Reagan National Airport.

The flight departed so quickly that dutiful Secret Service agents had to inspect one passenger's bags in the aisle as the plane taxied. Except for the dozen or so reporters and camera crews who shadow him as a pool, the McCain campaign left the rest of the traveling press behind and a separate charter flight was arranged.

In case the rest of working America was worried about them.

-- Bob Drogin

Comments

[Speaking for World Domination Mr. McCain]

We know in advance that whoever airs, whoever conducts, whoever participates in presenting the debates is biased against John McCain.
Whatever the outcome of the debates, John will be claimed to be clearly the winner.

Hey everybody, come take a look. You just have got to see the color of their sky here in Republican land, no wonder they act like this.

[Jerry]

Drogin is incorrect. there was no ceasefire from McCain campaign. Just press releases saying there was. Just like there is a difference between a phony maverick image and someone who is really a washington insider.

[Too late for Romney or Huckabee?]

How can McCain say Country First with a straight face at this point? His rudderless campaign is political theater at it's worst and gives people no other choice than to vote for Obama...or a throw away vote on a third party candidate.

[Johnny]

Never underestimate the old man,

He is very smart and knows what he is doing.

Even though its like a bad Lifetime movie, its still pretty entertaining.

[david in WHFD]

There's no business like show business.

[gerald]

McCain also did some three hours of debate prep time last night even though he said he went to Washington to solve the financial crisis.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/26/unsuspended-mccain-aide-c_n_129680.html

[Dave in NYC]

McCain said he will "temporarily" suspend his campaign... and by "temporary" he must have meant 3 seconds, because he used this whole stunt as a campaign gimmick!

Plus, his campaign continued to issue press releases, ads continued to run on battleground states, AND he made political appearances on network TV!

this whole thing was a STUNT by the McCain campaign, he should be ashamed of himself.

thanks.

[tlhwraith]

Is this really the person we want running the country for the next 4 years? He can barely manage a campaign for goodness sakes!

[northpointaiki]

John McCain is a true hero who is doing the correct thing by staying in Washington. It is shameful how the democrats mock him. Obama has shown himself as a racist and a bigot. Obama has pulled the greatest con in American politics.

[Sandra s]

I can visualize McCain at the debates looking at his watch every five minutes, which means everytime he has to answer a question, and saying "Well, I don't have much time because I have to get back to Washington to clean up this mess."; gee, you mean we are supposed to be honored that you took time out of your busy schedule of running in circles and creating chaos like an old fool, to come to this little old debate?

I think John McCain now believes he is a legend in his own mind. It's not a pretty picture when you see through the smoke and mirrors of the photo ops with he and his Blackberry.

[James Beaufore]

Hello all Dems,

Every one is in deep do do tonight. Rove is a genius, and I would like to play chess with him sometime. This is how things are going to play out.

1 The setup..
Palin not being able to think of how Mccain changed washington one time.

2. Bush announces that we are in time of crisis. We need to do something now.

3. Paulson say he wants unfettered power to spend 700 bln of taxpayers money.

4. The dems don't want to look bad by not being bipartisan in a time for crisis but doesn't want to let one person have so much power again after all that has happened in the pass with the patriot act, war ect... The dems think that they have something to go on and start bashing mccain on his economic lack of prowess.

5 Mccain suspends his campaign to go to Washington to do nothing. Spotlight is on him everyone bashing him. Fox news hannity says I'm even believing that mccain is not worth of presidency.. Hannity says the tax payers should not be on the hook what are they doing... Same thing from Mr O'reilly.

6. The people in the US are in an uproar calling their reps and congress folks demanding a no vote on this media sells it.

7. Bush meets with Mccain and Obamma. and some house repubs I think Paul Ryan of MIN(very smart man) He say I think we can do this without putting the taxpayers at risk. Obamma I like to hear more about this.. media is kicked out.

Mccain says nothing.... More drubbing by the media.

8. campaign/Debate must go on. Tonight Mccain is going to bash the dems with saying that He went to Washington and went against the establishment or status quo to change how things were done for you people.. I'm fighting for the american people.. We stalled this thing to make sure legislation wasn't passed to put the tax payer on the hook for rushed legislation by the dems and bush..

I think this is genius by them but we have time to change the strategy.... There should be people that look into the collusion of bush Paulson and the repubs... This thing is way out of hand when they start messing with not only the us economy but the world economy...

I feel like Nostradamus's today... I hope I'm wrong but I don't think I am!!!! James Beaufore... P.S. Send a copy to Mr Rove.. I really would like to play a game of chess with him....

Best Regards: James Beaufore

[cathyd]

Just we need when the world economy is tanking because of reckless deregulation (which McCain supported 26 separate times) . . .the ill-considered, showboating, inconsistent, thoughtless, if-that-doesn't-work-pull-the-parachute theatrics of a has-been fighter pilot. Give me calm, rational, thoughtful and honest Senator Barak Obama over Captain Kangaroo any day.

[James Beaufore]

Hello all Dems,

Every one is in deep do do tonight. Rove is a genius, and I would like to play chess with him sometime. This is how things are going to play out.

1 The setup..
Palin not being able to think of how Mccain changed washington one time.

2. Bush announces that we are in time of crisis. We need to do something now.

3. Paulson say he wants unfettered power to spend 700 bln of taxpayers money.

4. The dems don't want to look bad by not being bipartisan in a time for crisis but doesn't want to let one person have so much power again after all that has happened in the pass with the patriot act, war ect... The dems think that they have something to go on and start bashing mccain on his economic lack of prowess.

5 Mccain suspends his campaign to go to Washington to do nothing. Spotlight is on him everyone bashing him. Fox news hannity says I'm even believing that mccain is not worth of presidency.. Hannity says the tax payers should not be on the hook what are they doing... Same thing from Mr O'reilly.

6. The people in the US are in an uproar calling their reps and congress folks demanding a no vote on this media sells it.

7. Bush meets with Mccain and Obamma. and some house repubs I think Paul Ryan of MIN(very smart man) He say I think we can do this without putting the taxpayers at risk. Obamma I like to hear more about this.. media is kicked out.

Mccain says nothing.... More drubbing by the media.

8. campaign/Debate must go on. Tonight Mccain is going to bash the dems with saying that He went to Washington and went against the establishment or status quo to change how things were done for you people.. I'm fighting for the american people.. We stalled this thing to make sure legislation wasn't passed to put the tax payer on the hook for rushed legislation by the dems and bush..

I think this is genius by them but we have time to change the strategy.... There should be people that look into the collusion of bush Paulson and the repubs... This thing is way out of hand when they start messing with not only the us economy but the world economy...

I feel like Nostradamus's today... I hope I'm wrong but I don't think I am!!!! James Beaufore... P.S. Send a copy to Mr Rove.. I really would like to play a game of chess with him....

Best Regards: James Beaufore

[LVCooperate]

Naval aviators do not fly by the seat of their pants. They are rigorously trained and have well researched and practiced procedures. Thus the saying that there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots. Thank heaven he's not flying the plane anymore....

[blip]

You can say whatever you want...

But McCain comes off as impulsive and reckless. And Palin just seems like a dunce.

For months he's tried to run his campaign on trivial issues. For years he has lived in ignorance of the consequences of the very deregulation he supported (until Tuesday).

No wonder he is getting cagey and erratic. Like Dirk Diggler when he wrecked his car. And Roller Girl can't even help him.

[John TOOLI]

I think McCain aid must keep another plane ready at the debate site, because like my own father (70-years) McCain can also change his mind and leave the debate anything he thinks. Another reminder based on my experience, couple of large man-size diapers also should be made available to Mccain anythime he wants. The third, heavy tools or hammers like things should be kept away from him, because like my dad, he has short tamper and throw things when he is angry. Well, I know, paramedic and emergency crue will always be with McCain , will help lot in an emergency.

[indytucker]

I'm glad to see the American people will get what they have asked for. McShame, with 6 weeks to go, please-- No More Gimmicks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Country First!! McPalin Last!!

Obama/Biden '08...they always want to debate!

[JD]

"It's like a bad movie," one aide said privately Friday. "No one knows what we're doing. Everything is minute by minute now."...

I wouldn't be surprised if this was McCain's SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) in the scant chance he does get elected.

In the debates, I am wondering if he can explain all his "I know how..." statements he routinely spouts out on various topics, but seems never to explain in any detail.

jd

[Andrew L - Des Moines]

I'm looking forward to the fire works tonight, although Jim Lehrer will likely keep them apart. Nice that Sen. McCain decided to join in for the debate. In a way, I would have preferred for Barack Obama to have the hall to himself but this way, at least a few more Republicans may get exposed to what a REAL Statesman has to offer for leadership of our country.

Obama has kept is cool all through this thing. He's very Presidential and I've got my money on the "dark horse" who bested the much more powerful Clinton political machine. Now he'll likely continue his ascent. 341-197, at a minimum, mark my words. We haven't seen this good of a total package for President since JFK, or maybe Ronald Reagan (although I did NOT like where Reagan took the country shortly after he was elected -- down, down, down).

[sandy harp]

John McCain, although running for President is still a
paid Arizona Senator. By heading to DC, he did exactly
what he should have done since he is still being paid to
represent the people of his state. The only reason Obama
went is because he would have looked really bad had
he gone with his first words of "If you need me, call me!"
Of course the Democrats didn't want McCain there, then they could have ruled the roost!

[oregon4obama]

Everyone knows it was a stunt.....When I watched Fox they said it was Genius, he suspends his campaign to show that the economy is more important....Really?????

Actually, Mccain "suspended" his campaign at 2:40 PM on Wednesday in new york....Then Arrives in DC at 11:45 AM on Thursday (the next day) stops by his office in the senate then BOTH McCAin and Obama meet the President after 4:40PM

McCain's presence did nothing.....there are only about 4 or 5 people who have written anything about the bailout....the rest of the people in washington are waiting to vote on it......Its not like everyone helps type it up!!!!

McCain or Obama's presence did nothing....they met with the president for a photo op and thats about it....meanwhile the real people who are writing the bailout, like sen chris dodd, are not getting much thanks for their efforts....

In any case, it was a political stunt that proved mccain made a "panicked" and rash decision to say he was suspending his campaign when acctually he did an interview with katie couric on wed night and spoke at the Clinton global inititive the next morning before "rushing" to DC to lend a hand because it was so important to him...pathetic

All the while Palin is still insisting her foreign policy experience is being able to see russia from Alaska and the trading of goods with them......More of the Same failed policies, but the people who dont care about facts or details..........Palin couldnt name a single piece of legislation that mccain had passed......pathetic

[haybarn]

Obama should have responded to McCain's "postponement" of the Pres. debate with an emphatic "OK, let's swap with the VP debate. My VP is ready." It would have been interesting to see McCain/Palin find a way of getting out of that corner.

[Jason]

My prediction: McCain will reveal that he doesn't approve of the bailout AT ALL in the debate, offer a different proposal, and the Republicans will rally around it. If the Democrats accept the proposal, McCain is a hero. If not, the Repubs ironically accuse the Dems of playing politics with an issue that should be above politics. Dangerous times for Obama. McCain is trying to use this crisis to revive his campaign, and probably encouraged the Repub revolt.

[Truth & Justice]

Republican or Democratic, I find it laughable to display such a silly notion that one candidate can actually jump into a large planning conference at the eleventh hour and consider that his input would waver the opinion or challenge the usurpers into submission. When I was young, we called that a God complex. People with God Complexes can be well meaning but they are dangerous because they can not self evaluate. If the American Psychiatric Association can stop their fellows from contributing to interogative abuse then perhaps they can campaign to get mental health for our veterans.

[tom davis]

Conservatives live in a world of their own.
A year ago, John McCain was the last person you would have chosen to be at the top of the ticket. Disliked actually by the mainstream GOP for not being a true conservative, when he chose Sarah Palin and she was well recieved, all was forgiven and its"let's get the liberals."
McCain has slowly but surely begun to show his age, his desperation and his lack of anything new whatsoever to bring to the table. But this isn't totally his fault!
He's 72 years old and can't keep the pace that he used to, he's under pressure from the GOP to get with the program but still wants to be his own man, and he basically has to carry the campaign himself because Palin cannot speak in front of the camera without sounding stupid!
This is not the same McCain of eight years ago, everyone can see that. The GOP is manipulating McCain and Palin, everyone can see that. The GOP desperately wants to stay in control of the country to keep the money flowing to the right interest groups, drag the war in Iraq out and pad thier own pockets, everyone can see that.
What the GOP doesn't see is everyone is looking at them.

After you lose this election, you conservatives have major damage control waiting for you. The country is changing, the world is changing and you still want to live in the glory years of Ronald Reagan.
Well, sorry to burst your bubble fellas, but he's gone. And he's not coming back. So get with the program.