McCain and Obama optimistic about solving financial crisis
As they head to Washington to vote for the Senate's rescue package, Barack Obama and John McCain say Americans can handle the challenge. Obama is bolstered by rising poll numbers.
LA CROSSE, Wisc. -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, saying they are upbeat about the ability of Americans to bounce back from the current financial crisis, campaigned this morning before returning to Washington to vote on an emergency rescue package for Wall Street.
Buoyed by polls showing he had built up a lead over his GOP opponent, Sen. Obama told supporters at a rally here that they can overcome the current financial woes that include tightening credit, a gyrating stock market and political questions about the proposed $700-billion bailout.
"I know that many of you are feeling anxiety right now - about your jobs, about your homes, about your life savings. But I also know this - I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis because that's who we are," Obama said.
"This is a nation that has faced down war and depression, great challenges and great threats. And at each and every moment, we have risen to meet these challenges -- not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans with resolve with confidence. With that fundamental belief that here in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us. That's who we are, and that's the country we need to be right now," the Illinois senator said.
Arizona Sen. McCain sounded a similarly optimistic tone in a visit to the Harry Truman Library Institute in Independence, Mo.
"This is a moment of great testing," McCain said. "At such moments, there are those on both sides of this debate who will act on principle. Of course, there are always some who think first of their own interests, who calculate their own advantage instead of rushing to the aid of their country.
"But in the case of this bill, I am confident there are enough people of good will in both parties to help see America through this crisis. And when the last vote is cast, we can be grateful to all of them -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- for helping to solve the crisis instead of merely exploiting it," he said.
Both men praised the Senate version of the rescue bill that will be voted on today. The House rejected a version of the bill on Monday, but leaders have been working to sweeten the measure so that it will pass when it comes up again in the lower house.
While the candidates outlined their economic policies, political insiders were trying to digest the latest polls showing that Obama had raised his standing since the pair debated last week.
