This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7634455.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
US rivals at odds on debate delay US rivals at odds on debate delay
(about 7 hours later)
Sharp disagreement has emerged between the US presidential candidates over whether to postpone a TV debate in light of the country's economic crisis. The two US presidential candidates are in sharp disagreement over whether to postpone a TV debate in light of the country's economic crisis.
Republican John McCain said he was suspending his campaign to return to Washington to deal with the crisis.Republican John McCain said he was suspending his campaign to return to Washington to deal with the crisis.
But Democratic rival Barack Obama said it was "more important than ever" for US citizens to hear from the person who would soon be "dealing with this mess".But Democratic rival Barack Obama said it was "more important than ever" for US citizens to hear from the person who would soon be "dealing with this mess".
It comes as President George W Bush is to make a televised address. The two men are due to go head-to-head in their first debate on Friday.
Mr McCain, who was speaking from New York, called on the president "to convene a meeting with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senator Obama and myself". On Thursday, they will meet US President George W Bush to discuss the proposed $700bn (£378bn) bail-out of the financial markets, which is set to go before Congress.
"We must meet until this crisis is resolved," he said. Mr Bush said in a televised debate on Wednesday that the entire economy was in danger and failure to act now would cost more later.
Shortly before his address, the two presidential hopefuls issued a joint statement, saying: "Now is time to come together - Democrats and Republicans - in a spirit of cooperation for the sake of the American people."
Preparations continue
Mr McCain, on Wednesday, said he was suspending his campaign and called for the candidates' first debate - due to be held in Mississippi - to be delayed so they could focus on the financial crisis.
Mr McCain announces the temporary suspension of his campaignMr McCain announces the temporary suspension of his campaign
He said the $700bn bail-out plan was in danger of being defeated in Congress.
The BBC's Kevin Connolly in Washington says Mr McCain billed his dramatic move as a gesture above party politics at a moment of national crisis.The BBC's Kevin Connolly in Washington says Mr McCain billed his dramatic move as a gesture above party politics at a moment of national crisis.
But, our correspondent says, it was smart tactics too because it conveyed a sense that Mr McCain was taking the lead on an issue where so far voters appear to have been finding Barack Obama more convincing.But, our correspondent says, it was smart tactics too because it conveyed a sense that Mr McCain was taking the lead on an issue where so far voters appear to have been finding Barack Obama more convincing.
Meanwhile, in Florida, the Democratic nominee said he was still planning to debate on Friday.
"In my mind it's more important then ever that we present ourselves to the American people and try to describe where we want to take the country and where we want to take the economy," he said.
Mr Obama said Mr McCain had agreed to his suggestion of a joint statement - which is still being worked on - in a "cordial" telephone call between the two men.
HAVE YOUR SAYMcCain is wrong on this one. The debate should go on. Scott, Seattle, USA Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYMcCain is wrong on this one. The debate should go on. Scott, Seattle, USA Send us your comments
However, a spokesman for Sen McCain said the Republican candidate had asked Sen Obama to join him in returning to Washington "to lead a bipartisan effort to solve this problem". However, in Florida, the Democratic nominee said he was still planning to debate on Friday.
The US Commission on Presidential Debates issued a statement saying that the first debate would be held as planned on Friday at the University of Mississippi. "In my mind it's more important then ever that we present ourselves to the American people and try to describe where we want to take the country and where we want to take the economy," Mr Obama said.
Bush broadcast The US Commission on Presidential Debates issued a statement saying that the first of the three planned debates would be held as planned on Friday at the University of Mississippi.
President Bush's address - expected at 2101 EDT (0101 GMT) - will be covered live by the main television networks in the US.
Mr Bush is likely to seek to persuade US citizens to back his treasury secretary's $700bn (£378bn) bail-out of the financial markets.
Earlier, US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke urged politicians to "act quickly" to support the proposed package.
He added the US economy risked "serious consequences" if action was not taken.
Lawmakers from both parties have cast doubt on Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's proposal, which was triggered by the collapse of a number of high-profile US banks.
Mr Paulson wants to use the money to purchase banks' "troubled assets" in order to reassure lenders and restart the flow of credit on Wall Street.
Democratic and Republican congressmen have asked for assurances that the plan would benefit ordinary American home-owners as well as Wall Street.
The White House has indicated that it would accept a Democratic Party proposal to cap executive pay as part of the bail-out.