WASHINGTON (AP) _ In a move welcome at the White House, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain issued a joint statement urging lawmakers — in dire terms — to act.
"Now is a time to come together Democrats and Republicans in a spirit of cooperation for the sake of the American people," it said. "The plan that has been submitted to Congress by the Bush administration is flawed, but the effort to protect the American economy must not fail."
The two candidates — bitterly fighting each other for the White House but coming together over this issue — said the situation offers a chances for politicians to prove Washington's worth.
"This is a time to rise above politics for the good of the country. We cannot risk an economic catastrophe," they said.