The Joint Statement

When Obama called McCain yesterday morning, he wanted he and McCain to put out a joint statement about the economy crisis.

Here is that statement:


Today, U.S. Senators John McCain and Barack Obama issued the following statement:

"The American people are facing a moment of economic crisis. No matter how this began, we all have a responsibility to work through it and restore confidence in our economy. The jobs, savings, and prosperity of the American people are at stake.

"Now is a time to come together — Democrats and Republicans — in a spirit of cooperation for the sake of the American people. The plan that has been submitted to Congress by the Bush Administration is flawed, but the effort to protect the American economy must not fail.

"This is a time to rise above politics for the good of the country. We cannot risk an economic catastrophe. Now is our chance to come together to prove that Washington is once again capable of leading this country."

That's it. In Obama's mind his job is done. He told McCain he would come to Washington "if it would be helpful." Well, Obama did go to Washington, along with McCain, to meet with the President. So I'm guessing they told Obama it might be "helpful" if he were there. But I can see why Obama would think that statement was all the candidates/Senators needed to do.

I mean, just reading it made me feel better, didn't it you?

Right.

McCain realized that some feel good statement wasn't going to get this job done. This is what leaders do.

Like many Americans, I don't understand the details of this crisis or the best way to solve it. You might say it's above my paygrade. This is why we elect leaders who we feel can understand and deal with these things.

I don't think Americans want a "statement." They want action and that is exactly what McCain is giving us.