So, what were they thinking over at McCain HQ?
Rick Davis: Chief, Steve and I have a terrific idea.
Steve Schmidt: We say we're suspending the campaign because of the economic emergency and the need for bipartisanship.
John McCain: So I can take more naps?
Davis: Sure, but that's only a side benefit.
Schmidt: We ask the White House to call an emergency meeting with you and Obama and the House and Senate leadership.
Davis: It showcases you as a leader.
McCain: But what's my position on the bill?
Scmidt: We'll figure that out later.
Davis: Here's the best part. We can postpone Friday's debate, using the emergency as an excuse…
Schmidt: …And reschedule it for October 2nd.
McCain: October 2nd?
Davis: That's the date of the Palin debate. We get to keep her out of prime time.
Schmidt: It's a three-fer, sir.
Davis: Actually, it's a four-way carom shot. You get to look presidential. You upstage Obama. You delay doing the debate during a week when the Dems are up. And we kill the Biden-Palin debate.
Schmidt: What do you think?
McCain: Is there any way that this could backfire?
Schmidt: No way.
McCain: Suppose it just derails the whole plan. Don't I look, uh, opportunist?
Schmidt: No, you look like William Jennings Bryan. It adds to your street cred with voters who hate the plan.
McCain: Street cred...?
Davis: Chief, it's the best idea since adding Palin to the ticket.
McCain: And I get more naps, right?
Schmidt: Absolutely. You can take it to the bank.