So McCain has decided that being seen as not able to walk and chew gum at the same time is a potential political problem, and is flying to Mississippi to participate in the debate.
If Obama is still in DC, this is a HUGE opening for him. It appears that the only thing holding up the bailout deal is that about 100 or so House Republicans won't vote for it. It appears that there is consensus from House Dems, Senate Dems, Senate Repubs and Bush. If that's so, Obama should force Pelosi to hold a vote - who gives a shit about the 100 or so House Repubs? The bill can pass without them.
Assuming the Senate can pass as well, Obama will be seen as brokering the deal as soon as McCain left town - in other words, McCain's strategy of going back to Washington to get a deal done not only failed, but the deal happens as soon as McCain got his ass out of there, AND Obama was the one who got the deal.
Seems like a win-win all around...Obama should catch the late flight to Mississippi!