McCain asks Obama to postpone debate in order to work on the economy

My first reaction is that this sounds like a truly bizarre publicity stunt.

My second reaction is that this is a sign of desperation and Obama should refuse.

Update: This is absolutely nuts: McCain is calling on the Obama campaign to suspend all advertising! The worst thing a political leader can do in this kind of economic climate is to start screaming hysterically about how if we don’t suspend all normal business and do something radical right this instant we’ll all be in the street (or McCain’s version, which I suppose is something like losing your seventh home and being down to nine cars).

Seriously this is crazy, and a lot of GOP leaders must be wondering if their man is actually flipping out.

Update II: Rumor all over DC is that the McCain campaign is seriously considering sending Palin to the debate in McCain’s stead. Two hours ago I would have laughed.

Update III: New Time/CNN poll from last three days shows Obama with leads outside the margin of error in Colorado and Michigan, and a big lead in PA. More evidence if any were needed that this is just panic from the McCain camp.

Update IV: McCain spokesperson on Hardball refused to rule out possibility that McCain would simply not show up. My guess is that when the Obama people privately contacted the McCain people about a joint statement regarding the bailout negotiations (which strikes me as a dumb thing to do FWIW), McCain jumped at the possibility of using this as an opening for getting out of Friday’s debate. Maybe he’s exhausted, maybe he’s having a health crisis, maybe he hasn’t done his homework — but whatever, it’s pretty clear his people are winging this now.

Update V: Letterman gets blown off by St. John of the Perpetually Convenient Crisis for Katie Couric and doesn’t take it well. Ouch!