Oct 1, 2008 6:54 pm US/Central
Obama Talks To WCCO About Economy, White Sox
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WCCO) ―
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During a campaing stop in La Crosse, Wis., Sen. Barack Obama said the $700 billion bailout plan is not perfect, but it must be passed to prevent a catastrophe.
CBS
During a campaign stop in La Crosse, Wis., Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said he'll vote in favor of the $700 billion bailout plan. He said it's time to act immediately to solve the financial crisis.
The Illinois senator said the $700 billion bailout plan is not perfect, but it must be passed to prevent a catastrophe.
"To the Democrats and Republicans who oppose this plan, I say this: Step up to the plate, do what's right for the country even if it's not popular because the time to act is now," said Obama.
He said he'll vote yes on the bailout package, not because he wants to but because not passing it will be worse, cascading into a deep recession.
"Unfortunately we are now in a situation where there is a risk of a financial meltdown that would affect ordinary people on Main Street," Obama said.
Speaking to a handful of Minnesota reporters after his Wisconsin rally, Obama said he's preparing to ramp up him Minnesota campaign. Public opinion surveys are showing wild swings in support between him and Republican candidate John McCain.
"I would never take Minnesota for granted. In October we'll make sure to get to Minnesota, we'll make sure that we are campaigning actively because I think people in Minnesota want change as desperately as people everywhere else," he said.
Obama joked with Minnesota reporters about his favorite baseball team, the morning after his Chicago White Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins for a playoff berth.
"It was a great game though. Both teams were good," he told reporters.
Obama was much more cautious about questions related to Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. He deflected questions about her extended interview with CBS News and Katie Couric which included remarks about abortion, foreign policy, popular culture and government that some find controversial.
"I think her interviews speak for themselves. And I think people should all take a look at them. They're on YouTube, I believe," he said with a smile.
Obama has now flown back to Washington D.C., to take part in the Senate vote on the bailout.
McCain is also back in Washington, after campaigning and speaking about the financial crisis in Missouri.
"The original proposal was flawed. I urged additions of taxpayer protections, stronger oversight, limitations on executive compensation and more protections for people's bank accounts," he said.
McCain agrees the plan is not perfect, but said it's needed to avert a full-fledged disaster.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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