So the consensus seems to be that whenever the news turns sour for John McCain and the Republicans, McCain's campaign makes some bold, if not reckless move, to change the subject.

But I predict that McCain's suspending his campaign and calling off the debates will not receive the Sarah Palin treatment. The hypocrisy here seems particularly thick and at the surface- if he cared about a bipartisan response, he wouldn't have blindsided Obama by announcing his intentions on the news.  And I don't think anyone buys the argument that John McCain, in the midst of a presidential election and with his dearth of leadership on economic issues in the past, is the Messiah that Washington has been missing to get the economic package passed. It is probably too much, and not too little, attention to the presidential candidates as it is, that is holding up the bipartisan negotiation. 

But I predict the real point of critique will come when people realize that he plans on rescheduling the debate for Oct. 2nd, the night of the Vice Presidential debate. People can debate whether this is a ploy because John McCain is unprepared to debate. But the suspension that Sarah Palin may not be ready to debate is on everyone's minds. These delay tactics...should be recognized for what they are.

And as far as presidential leadership goes, McCain's unprecedented decision doesn't project the calm and confidence that we need from our leaders right now. If campaigns continued during the Civil War, the Great Depression and WWII, there doesn't seem to be a reason to suspend the campaigns now. It is clear that McCain is politicizing the economic crisis for political gain and strategic advantages.