The collaborative relationship between the opposing candidates is off to a very shaky start. Both have stated they want to work together in response to the US financial crisis, but as The Nation reports, it has already been tainted by attempts to acquire political advantage.

Reporting for The Nation, John Nichols examines John McCain’s latest ploy to gain advantage over Barack Obama:

“Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama initiated the sequence of events that led to Republican candidate John McCain’s stunning announcement this afternoon that he would suspend his campaign and propose delaying Friday’s first debate between the contenders.

While it was Obama who took the lead, McCain pulled a bait and switch stunt in order to try and grab headlines — and the leadership mantle in a race that is all about who can best guide the country — for himself.”

Read the full story here.