HELL FREEZES OVER

Who is this Obama staffer and what has happened to his nose?

Developing...

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Top of the Ticket: New LA Times/Bloomberg poll to be released Tuesday will “drive home the degree to which public confidence in the economy has been shaken.”

Full results — including which candidate is better prepped to take on the economic turmoil — coming out at 5 pm ET. Permalink

The Senate Banking Committee hearing on the bailout plan going on NOW. Watch live here.

The Fed Chair urge Congress to act quickly on the bailout bill during Tuesday’s testimony, warns that continued problems would have dire economic consequences.

Says he never meant to imply he didn’t think the program needed oversight in his first summary of the plan, assures they’ll work together to implement some. “I want it. We all want it.”

Bernanke reiterates the sentiment.“If financial conditions fail to improve for a protracted period, the implications for the broader economy could be quite adverse.” Permalink

McCain: Strongsville, Middleburg, OH; Freeland, MI
Palin: New York, NY

Obama: Tampa, FL (no public events)
Biden: Woodbridge, VA; Washington, DC Permalink

Latest TV spot suggests the Land of Lincolner and Congressional Dems aren’t adequately responding to the mess on Wall Street.

“Obama and his liberal allies? Mum on the market crisis. Because no one knows what to do. More taxes. No leadership. A risk your family can’t afford.”

Watch it above. Read script here.

Campaign says ad “will air nationally on cable and broadcast.” Amount and length of buy TBD.

Obama spokesman: “If you believe John McCain, George Bush and the Republicans in Washington have led on reforming Wall Street and restraining CEO pay, I’ve got a bridge in Alaska to sell you.” Read full response. Permalink

The President says Tuesday morning he’s “confident” there will be a bipartisan bill passed on the bailout, urges Congress to move fast.

Remarks come following his New York City meeting with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari.

Read transcript here. Permalink

The Alaska Governor sits down with the Afghan president in a New York hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations opening session.

The two make small talk about Karzai’s child before the press is escorted out.

She’s also expected to meet with Colombian president Uribe and Dr. Henry Kissinger.

First in a string of meetings with international leaders as the UN convenes in New York. Wednesday she will be joined in the meetings with McCain. Permalink

The Arizonan vows he’ll fight to boost the Buckeye State’s economy despite the current focus on fixing Wall Street during morning statement in Strongsville.

“But I want the people here in Ohio to know that I have not forgotten the economy on Main Street. I am going to put in place the priorities and policies that will create jobs in Ohio.”

Adds one way he’ll create work in the state is to develop additional nuclear plants, invest in clean coal technology. Suggests Obama camp is against such methods.

Full remarks here.

Obama camp responds: “This is yet another false attack from a dishonorable campaign.” Statement here. Permalink

The President touts the accomplishments in Iraq over the last 20 months — particularly because of the surge — as he speaks to the UN General Assembly for the last time during his White House tenure.

“Whatever disagreements our nations have had on Iraq, we should all welcome this progress toward stability and peace and stand united in helping this democracy succeed.”

Also urges foreign governments to maintain open markets and avoid isolationism. “Our economies are more closely connected than ever before.”

Says he’s confident his administration, Congress will “act in the urgent timeframe required” to pass the bailout bill.

Full remarks here. Permalink

30-second spot says McCain owns three foreign-made cars, despite once claiming he has “always bought American.”

“Don’t believe John McCain when he says he’ll help Michigan.”

Click above to watch.

Buy size, timing unknown. Permalink

Latest TV spot from the Land of Lincolner accuses McCain of pledging to protect tax breaks for American corporations that hide their profits offshore while traveling in Bermuda.

“John McCain. He took a vacation, and so much more. And we get more of the same.”

Watch it above. Read script here.

Campaign says ad “will air on national cable” beginning Tuesday. Amount and length of buy TBD.

McCain camp responds here. Permalink

From Quinnipiac University/washingtonpost.com/Wall Street Journal polls:

COLORADO: Obama 49 – McCain 45
MICHIGAN: Obama 48 - McCain 44
MINNESOTA: Obama 47 - McCain 45
WISCONSIN: Obama 49 - McCain 42

Dates conducted: September 14-21; Error margin: Ranges from 2.6-2.7 points.

Read more — including breakdown by gender, race, age and issue for each state — here. Permalink