Feinstein: McCain interfered with talks

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Supporters for the two major presidential nominees Sunday fought over the role their candidate played in passing the financial industry bailout bill.

In an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation" program, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said Democratic nominee Barack Obama showed true leadership by stating his principles clearly, while John McCain, the Republican senator from Arizona, was erratic.

"Senator McCain kind of parachuted in. He said he was halting the campaign. He was not going to do the debate," she said. "He plunged in at a time of very sensitive negotiations. The negotiations fell apart at that moment, and they had to begin again."

Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., said she thought McCain was able to galvanize Republicans around the plan, which Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pushed for, and the president signed last week.

"Secretary Paulson was not doing well. He was not getting the support he needed and presenting this plan very well," she said. "But Senator McCain saying, OK, this is important. We need to get engaged on this. And he has influence particularly with House Republicans."