By Ned Shell

Due to the current financial crisis, which vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has said could lead to “another Great Depression,” John McCain recently announced to the public that his wisdom and talent was needed in the Capitol more than in Mississippi tonight at the first of three presidential debates.

Not only is this pathetically egotistical, but it is illogical. Yes, there is a severe crisis that needs to be resolved quickly. Our economy is in dire straits and every day Congress does not take action, the risks only increase. Yet what is probably just as important as putting investors’ minds to ease, is deciding who will actually be at the helm of this troubled economy for the next four years. McCain seems to think he will be perceived as a valiant, selfless, show-up-at-the-last-minute-to-save-the-day hero by suspending his campaign and rushing into Washington D.C. Unfortunately for him, he has already proved through his choice of running mate that he cares more about his campaign than his country. This little fiasco is made only more transparent by the fact that at the very last minute, he decided to graciously attend the debate–but only because he has seen sufficient progress in Congress to conclude the economy will be stabilized soon.

Whatever his motive, be it pure, devious, or simply naive, the debate tonight should be interesting.