The first of three presidential debates is scheduled for September 26, but in an election year that has already had more than its share of surprises, John McCain announced September 24 that he would like the debate postponed.

During the week, Congress has been trying to pass what’s viewed by many as an urgently needed financial bailout bill, but members have been unable to reach agreement on a bill. Both McCain and Barack Obama, who are senators, have stressed the importance of passing such a bill and have issued a joint statement calling on Democrats and Republicans to work together during the financial crisis.

On September 24, McCain decided he would head back to Washington to help negotiate a deal among legislators. He called for postponement of the debate, suspended his campaign, and urged Obama to halt campaigning as well. Obama said he believed the debate should go on, arguing that this is an important opportunity to let Americans know where they stand on issues such as the financial crisis. He also said it is important for an American president to be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Obama will be returning to Washington at the request of President Bush, who has asked to meet with both candidates and the congressional leadership at the White House today. Meanwhile, preparations are under way at the University of Mississippi, site of the first debate, in hopes that a deal on the bill will be reached and McCain will decide to participate in the debate after all.

For more on debates, see “Large Audiences Expected for Televised Presidential Debates.”