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

[dmw]

This kind of chaotic impulsiveness is exactly what we need in a President. Steady and logical are highly over-rated.

I do pity the man's staff.

[Nita Hancock]

One definition of insanity is to perform an action over and over again but, each time expecting different results. It's time for the Republicans to step down.

[Drak Vlk]

John McCain and Sarah Palin:

Serendipity: def: Searching for something and finding something completely unexpected.

Sara and Dippity: def: Be careful you may get something you didn't expect.

[Danny Ross]

In my opinion, Senator McCain (or his campaign) pulled the political equivalent of an Immelman turn on the Obama campaign with the intent of disrupting Obama's debate preparation. If the Obama-worshipping press can't figure this out, so much the better. McCain hasn't lost a step since he was putting it all on the line "taking it downtown" during the Vietnam War. He's got the guts, and Obama hasn't a clue.

[carl chen]

McCaim clearily demonstrated his chaotic and impulsiive decision making style of a marverick. The question is: Can we afford to have a maverick president? Who, all of a sudden, declares that we are all Georgian now and we are going to war with Russian?

[Nicole]

What about third party candidate beings allowed in the debates? You also hear nothing about them in the news. Lets skip the BS about McCain and get to the real issues. Bring back democracy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5WiE6MnmCM

[writer-prepared zingers!]

Speaking for World Domination Mr. McCain,
I think what you meant was 'biased for McCain'?

[fl_indy]

Why is the media, who by all accounts have been cheerleading Obama, pushing the idea that a debate is more important than working to solve the problem? I mean really, it is against all logical thought. They are interested in their bottom line. They want the ad revenues from the 80+ million viewers. So any person who is even a bit honest with themselves will know that the cards are stacked against McCain. Even if McCain delivers all his views with perfect eloquence, you know they are going to run on the screen and cheer that Obama won. They are going to run on the air and let the facts slip by on what Obama says, and go after John McCain. The very same person who almost gave his life to defend this country and protect their free speech. Pretty pathetic. So the cards have been stacked against McCain. But lucky for this country, he’s not afraid of a challenge. Obama apparently is, he’s run from all the townhall style face-to-face discussions with the American people. After all, it is so important to discuss ideas with the American people right?

[Kathleen]

this is his problem..he is not a good thinker and well informed....he "reacts" and the public thinks that something is getting done.....McCain does not have a clue about what is going on...Thursday he admitted he had not even read the two page document. Shame on McCain for the grandstanding and using the so call " suspension" tactic..he contiunued all ads, all offices, all contributions, Palen on interviews, he before the camera.......come on!!

[John R]

What a load of liberal crap. The shoeshine boy killed the democtaric deal to swipe taxpayers money because Mac turned it upside down with a proposal to simply underwrite the Wall Street insurance companies for a fee. In this way the taxpayers are not on the hook at all. Problem solved ... shoeshine boy looses election. Not a bad days work.

[Paul Stewart]

McCain is playing with your mind and creating chaos because it destroys the ability to hold people to account.

This man is really just trying to change the subject again, since he loses on the truth and the issues. He needs another diversion and he would like to get rid of the debate. He has had to come out from under Sarah's skirt, and he would like to be able to put her back under it. But she has to come out now, she has been there too long already. So, he is looking for a way to take attention away from Palin, who, mark my words will sink like a stone now that she is out of cover.

And, McCain can't understand economics, because he has never had to worry about a penny his whole life. He is so out of touch, he is alien. The debate will show it, so he rather skip. And every day longer for Palin, in theory at least, gives her more time to prepare. I think though that the problem is not what is or is not in her head, its how her head works (or does not). Her lagic is flawed (does she have any logic?).

Anyone who has an ounce of common sense and knowledge of the world, knows that McCain cannot influence the debate. They know this is all a big game and gamble by the Republicans to try to make McCain the economic hero on this economic 911. The problem is, they are playing with fire. They will all get burned if they take too long and if they try to make McCain look like he is the leader when plainly, he has no capacity nor any right to be. He is just a candidate for the Presidency. He is not the acting President.

Now, if his legacy is that he got the Republicans to do something they otherwise would not, that says nothing about him. It says nothing about bi-partisan skills. It would at best say the Republicans at time of crisis can't get their act together. But we know that is not true. We know if Bush wants something, they are going to deliver it to him, McCain or no McCain. So what Bush asked for, was a gift to McCain, and the economic package.

The whole thing, like the rest of bush' doings, has been orchestrated by the man, his underlings, his managers and the Republican Party. They are still, in the heat of the biggest economic crisis since the depression, this one caused by themselves no less, playing politics, with the Nation. And, in the kitty is your vote as the prize... Regardless of the economic consequences for you, the voter and for America.

This is just about Red States and Blue States, your states and my states. It is a fools game and the fools must go....

[andyt]

"Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada suggested the Republican's presence would help." - Harry Reid NEVER suggested that McCain come to Washington, injecting high profile presidential politics into that process would have, as it evidently did, derailed the process and consensus. Reid suggested that McCain help rally his troops..but from a distance.

Also, McCain never suspended his campaign, and actually had a TV ad today declaring victory on the Bailout....right. I don't know why so many people are bent on seeing a showboating, impulsive, and proven liar to be president. John McCain's move yesterday derailed a critically time-sensitive process that threatens our economic security, for his own selfish political gain. it was deplorable, just like his ill informed statements that our economy is strong the week before it crashed, and his appointment of a completely unqualified person for his VP......I guess it's "whatever it takes to win" for you people.

[Travis]

I hope McCain got to Mississippi in time for a nice, long nap. I want to see a good debate, not a drubbing. In fact, that may be part of the McCain plan in taking off so quickly.

[Jim Katzenstein]

John McCain's reactions are those of a warrior fighter pilot. Quick decisions, little consultation, and fly by the seat of your pants. Great qualities for a fighter pilot! These qualities can also be tolerated in a Senator, because the damage he can do is constrained by 99 other senators. When the fighter pilot is leading the parade, however, quick decisions such as his actions this week, and the selection of Sarah Palen as president in waiting appear horrifyingly impulsive. His impulsive decisions during the campaign have little nonpolitical impact, but big decisions have big consequences. This country has had seven years of swagger and bravado, and we are dealing with the consequences today-both here and around the world. I would prefer a more deliberative approach in which potential consequences are evaluated and a variety of options explored.

[C Nelson]

Obviously the Democrats' primary concern, with help from a sympathetic media, is to prevent McCain from receiving any credit for confronting the financial crises. Furthermore, the major media have all but declared McCain the loser in this first debate and have probably already written their critiques to that effect. So, McCain probably has nothing to lose by adoping a "shoot from the hip" campaign strategy.

[kyleb]

You can always count on the LA times for the latest Democrat talking point dressed up like a headline.

[Alec]

McCain went to Washington to keep the coyotes out of the chicken coop.

And succeeded.

The Democrats could have passed that por and ear-marked laden BAILOUT - with our money!

20% was set be be given to ACORN- How good is that?

Pelosi, Reid, Dodd, Frank and Schumers are disgusting.

McCain-Palin 2008

[Bob Jones]

McCain could oppose the $700B taxpayer giveaway to for-profit corporations and become an American economic hero. This overshadows Obama's Iraq war opposition.

[Ed Garnett]

This cowboy rides into Washington at the 11th hour, pulls out his six-shooters and handily derails the work of both parties who had worked for seven days on a deal. His own party is announcing that the deal is almost complete while Cowboy John sits in the White House with his own proposal. After he's stirred the waters, he puts away his six-shooter and leaves town for Mississippi. Honestly, is this the type of President we need in the White House? I think not. He should go to his ranch and hunt with Cheney and Palin.

[catpurrson]

I certainly hope McSame and Failing do not win the WH because if their way of handling the debate issue is indicative of how they would manage while in office, Americans should be very afraid.

[jane]

The future will be better tomorrow!

Reading a speech prepared by a professional writer is different from speaking without prepared notes or a prompter. Listening to Governor Palin answering Katie Couric’s questions last night was like listening to my twelve year old niece, trying to explain a complex subject to me - - the choice of words, the incomplete sentences, muddled thinking, dangling sentences, quality of reasoning and the tangents taken in answering simple questions was awful, especially taking into account of her age and the title that she holds in Alaska. Of the most recent VP picks in the general election, she closely reminds me of Dan Qualye who made a number of self-contradictory and logically redundant statements such as "We don't want to go back to tomorrow, we want to go forward" and "The future will be better tomorrow".

I have not been to Alaska and do not have many Alaskan friends but would like to believe that Sarah Palin represents the middle third of Alaskans and that there is a third out there who are smarter or intelligent than their Governor. Deeds, actions and choices of a man/woman are a reflection of his/ her thinking. Based on the three interviews that Gov. Palin has had, I now understand what has caused her to adopt certain positions on social and political issues. It also sheds some light as to why she had to make five or six transfers in order to finish College.

I fully realize the voters' lack of interest on candidates who are smart, intelligent or appear to be intellectual. Based on the dumber criterion, it appears to me that among the four honorable individuals currently contesting for the highest offices in the land, Sarah is the most favorite. However, I would like to urge that upon putting her into office and presumably stepping in as a President, insurance is to be taken against potential poor policies and decisions that she will likely make. Otherwise, all tax payers regardless of political affiliation are to be ready to bail out the nation. We are to accept responsibility for our choice.

Although Kathleen Parker has written a piece in one of the leading Republican/conservative voices online, National Review Online indicating that Palin can serve John McCain, GOP and the country that she loves by bowing off the ticket, it is my strong opinion that she should stay. Nevertheless, I still believe that the selection of Governor Christie Whitman, Senator Olympia Snow, Senator Elizabeth Dole, Senator Bailey Hutchinson, Secretary Condi Rice or Governor Mitt Romney would have highly suited McCain’s motto of “Country First”.

[jeremiah]

The press and campaign aides are flustered and can't keep up? I'm starting to like McCain!

[Captbilly]

Early on in the crisis both candidates were asked to stay away from Washington to keep from bringing the inevitable presidential politics with them. But McCain could not resist an opportunity to try and show what a leader he is, and how bipartisan he is. The net result is that a deal that was just about ready to sign, instead fell apart.

McCain used to be a really cool guy, but now he is the worst kind of politician. He has signed on to the do anything say anything, no substance kind of politics that Rove mastered in 2000 2004. There were pleanty of reasons not to vote for McCain before his campaign turned evil (his stance on the war and the economy for example), but now I can't even say that I like his character, ethics or morals.

[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"

[Bob, Dallas TX]

Who is John McCain? I don't think anyone knows anymore. I was a McCain supporter in 2000, but this guy is getting scary whoever he's morphed into.

McCain was directly involved in the last $500 Billion dollar Housing/Bank scandal (google "keating five") and Palin can't even hold her own with a lightweight Katie Couric interview!

G-d help us if McCain and Palin get elected. America needs change, and Barack Obama is the only one showing any leadership at this point.