oh well I am glad democrats didn't pass this alone.

This bill would not have solved the problem, it was just a handout, and could've led to worse problems like runaway inflation.

There are much smarter ways of spending money, many of which would help the problems we're seeing (to the extent those problems aren't as manufactured as the California energy crisis).  If they come up with a plan that has certain protections for the American public (HOLC, meaningful equity stakes for the Government), is priced right (not paying the leveraged prices), and will actually help the problem, then I'll support it.  But this was nothing but a giveaway that would not solve the problem, IMO, and I have yet to hear from anyone who knows the markets and Wall Street who thinks it would other than those with their hand out (either for bail out money or campaign cash).  If anyone can point me to someone who wouldn't benefit from this plan saying the plan would solve the problem, I'd love to read the counter argument.  

both in safe seats.

They telegraphed their votes in an article in the local paper.

The offices of Reps. Lynn Woolsey and Mike Thompson reported getting nearly 4,000 constituent phone calls, letters and e-mails about the crisis, virtually all opposing the proposal to prop up the staggering financial markets.

Of 1,800 e-mails her office received overnight Wednesday, just 10 supported the plan, said Woolsey, D-Petaluma.

I talked to Dems there in recent days, and Kagen   Kagen didn't even have enough signatures to file for re-election, until out-of-town unions swooped in to get them.  And McCain is planning more work there to push the GOP candidate last time, running again.

The Dems had a stronger candidate there last time, too, a woman.  But they went with Kagen for his money.  It may have been a precursor of sorts.  And it could matter, if he brings down Obama there.  Dems need more than Milwaukee and Madison to win the state, the closest last time.

Oregon is generally thought to be a lock for Obama. Would the Obama supporting congressfolks have persuaded by a forceful support of the bill by Obama? I do not know. What I do know is that  calls to my representative by constituents were very opposed to the bailout. And my representative (Blumenauer) was a very vocal leader in the Obama movement here.

If passage of this bill is as critical as many, including commenters on TL, have claimed, then someone needs to clearly and forcefully explain to voters why it must be passed. I am pretty well-informed and have been reading everything I can find about this. Yet, I still do not really understand how this bill would save us and from what.