Suspending the Campaign

John McCain's decision to suspend the campaign is a risky move by a candidate who is fumbling badly as the nation focuses on the economy. The move allows McCain to seem like he is putting "country first" and he hopes that this move will overshadow weeks of bad coverage on Palin's media restrictions, Rick Davis' ties with Fannie and Freddie, and most importantly, McCain's own stumbles on the economy.

Ben Smith on McCain's move:

McCain suspends his campaign, and asks to postpone Friday's debate, to address the financial crisis.

Both candidates have been marginal players; McCain, though, seems to have the potential to make himself a major one, and his move is a mark, most of all, that he doesn't like the way this campaign is going.

But in terms of the timing of this move: The only thing that's changed in the last 48 hours is the public polling. (emphasis added)