Who's playing politics with the bailout again?

Harry Reid, yesterday morning (pre-McCain announcement): "We need the Republican nominee for president to let us know where he stands and what we should do."

Harry Reid, pre-McCain announcement II: "Fearing a political backlash against Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has told the White House that it must serve up support from Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) if it hopes to ensure bipartisan backing for a massive economic bailout package by week's end."

Harry Reid, yesterday afternoon (post-McCain announcement): “It would not be helpful at this time to have them come back during these negotiations and risk injecting presidential politics into this process or distract important talks about the future of our nation’s economy. … We need leadership; not a campaign photo op."

By the way, add President Clinton to the list of those giving McCain's decision a thumbs-up.

I understand that one's view of McCain's decision to go to Washington is colored by ideology. I certainly admit that this is at least partly a political move, but Sen. Obama would never take such an extraordinary step for several reasons -- 1) he's not a leader; 2) he's a liberal Democrat whose record shows that he's usually not interested in compromise; and 3) he's never attempted to broker a bipartisan deal on an issue of any substance.

To the people saying that this decision is another instance of McCain's poor judgment: What? Are you kidding me? He is going to Washington to help broker the most significant piece of legislation in a generation. He's a member of the effing Senate! This is his job! Arrrrrgh!

Again, vintage McCain.