Washington - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama are scheduled hold their first presidential debate late Friday, but now the two campaigns can't agree on whether they should proceed or stay in Washington to address the nation's financial crisis.

McCain kicked off the uncertainty Wednesday when he announced he was suspending his campaign to return to Washington to work on emergency legislation that the White House wants from Congress to rescue financial markets.

London, Sept. 25 : The Democratic Party has been quietly deploying the full machinery of electioneering here, ranging from telephone canvassing to on-the-street campaigning by volunteers around the UK.

According to The Independent, dozens of wealthy ex-pat Americans are paying 10,000 dollars a head to attend an Obama fundraising lunch in Whitehall today.

Among those breaking bread will be actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson, the former US presidential candidate Al Gore, the River Cafe chef Ruth Rogers and Joshua Berger, president of Warner Brothers UK.

Washington, Sept. 25 : An Internet rumor is surging through inboxes and discussion boards that Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden will drop out as Barack Obama’s running mate after his October 2 debate with Republican rival Sarah Palin.

The rumour further goes on to say that Hillary Clinton will replace Biden on the Democratic presidential ticket.

New York, Sept. 25 : Barack Obama has recaptured the lead — 45 percent to 39 percent — over John McCain in the presidential race, according to a FOX News poll released Wednesday.

In this latest poll independents give a slight edge to Obama, though many have moved back into the undecided column.

In addition, the poll shows Obama has improved his position on the most important issue to voters this year — the economy. He is seen as the best candidate to handle the nation’s economy, and more voters also say he would be better at handling the current financial crisis facing the country.

Washington - US President George W Bush plans to meet Thursday in Washington with presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain as well as congressional leaders to discuss the ongoing US financial crisis and a proposed 700-billion-dollar rescue.

Congress turned increasingly skeptical in hearings Wednesday toward the Bush administration's bailout plan. The president was scheduled to give a television address to the nation late Wednesday.

Washington - Republican candidate John McCain upstaged Democratic opponent Barack Obama by suspending his campaign to deal with the nation's financial crisis, an attempt to overcome the Arizona senator's perceived disadvantage on economic issues.

In taking the extraordinary step away from the campaign trail and heading to Washington, McCain hopes to show that he can set aside politics for the good of he country. He called on Obama to agree to a delay of the first presidential debate scheduled for Friday, so the two candidates can return to the US Senate.