Blame It On The Rain

Dear Pres. Obama or McCain, welcome to your future.

Yesterday's meltdown on Capitol Hill was a likely preview of what you can expect in your first few months on the job. No matter how "post-partisan" or "maverick" you make yourself out to be on the trail, the fact remains: the House is a very partisan place. And they don't have an appetite for risky votes.

-- So, now what? There's no obvious scapegoat in this mess. McCain's decision to insert himself into the process - and claim premature credit - means he's inextricably linked to its failure. Yet, do we really think his poll numbers would be looking better today if he'd stayed on the sidelines? Doubtful. Anytime Pres. Bush and the economy are on the front page, McCain - and GOPers in general - suffer. In a poll taken 9/29 by ABC/WaPo poll, voters were pretty clear who they thought deserved the blame - by 2-1 margin they chose cong. GOPers.

-- Meanwhile, for those hoping yesterday's market slide would spook members into changing their tune, the fact that the Dow has jumped over 200 pts. this a.m is likely to make that argument much tougher.