Obama, McCain on Hill add momentum to bailout vote
WASHINGTON -- Leaving behind a campaign trail lined with cheering voters, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain returned to a somber capital Wednesday to help sell an economic recovery plan to Congress.
Both men arrived in the Senate chamber two days after the House rejected the $700 billion bailout proposal in a historic vote that sent markets tumbling around the world and prompted renewed calls for action.
Congressional leaders, touting a sense of momentum buoyed by McCain and Obama, said they hope a revised bill approved by the Senate will receive House support in a vote expected Friday, but some rank-and-file members remained skeptical.
Obama returned to the sedate Senate chamber early Wednesday evening. Senators began to fill their seats as the junior senator from Illinois started speaking.
"All of us have the responsibility to solve this crisis because it affects the financial well-being of every American," Obama said. "We're in a very dangerous situation. … Millions of jobs could be lost."
McCain arrived in Washington about an hour later, and he entered the Senate chamber as members gathered to vote on an unrelated bill.
Minutes after McCain entered, Obama walked over to where the Republican was chatting with Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn. Obama extended his hand to McCain, who shook it, uttered a quick greeting and returned his attention to Lieberman.
Since Monday's vote, McCain had by telephone lobbied House Republicans who voted against the measure.
One of those members, Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., said he is now leaning in favor of the bill.
"We are square in the greatest financial crisis of our lifetimes," McCain said at an earlier campaign stop in Missouri. "With the unity that this crisis demands, Congress will once again work to restore confidence and stability to the American economy."
In contrast with last week, when lawmakers recounted the deluge of calls from constituents opposed to the bill, senators Wednesday told stories of business owners who were unable to borrow money.
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