McCain Suspends Campaign

Republican presidential nominee John McCain said Wednesday that he would suspend campaigning to focus on a "historic crisis" for the U.S. economy, reports Reuters. By suspending his campaign, McCain also seeks a delay in Friday's planned presidential debate.

"I am calling on the president to convene a meeting with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senator Obama and myself," he said in New York on Wednesday afternoon. "It is time for both parties to come together to solve this problem."

McCain said he called Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama before making the public statement, asking for a "political free zone" until a deal is reached on the legislation for a $700 billion bailout of the financial industry, according to MSNBC.

Senator Obama proposed a joint statement be made in support of a package to help fix the economy, while Senator McCain proposed pulling all political television advertisements from airing.

Obama also rejected McCain's suggestion that the debate be postponed. "In my mind, it's more important than ever that we present ourselves to the American people and describe where we want to take the country and where we want to take the economy," Obama said.

The economy has not been McCain's strongest suit, and his move is seen as an attempt by some to turn it into an opportunity to show he's the candidate of bipartisanship and action. Recent polls show Obama has an advantage with voters regarding the economy. (Kandice Day, The Advocate)