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.

"Now is our chance to come together to prove that Washington is once again capable of leading this country," McCain said.

While the tactic might help him in the polls, it could risk accusations of politicizing the financial crisis and even arouse suspicions that McCain is avoiding a debate with the younger Obama about the economy.

A Washington Post-ABC News national poll released Wednesday gave Obama a widening lead of 52 per cent to 43 per cent over McCain, with voters expressing more trust in Obama on the economy. The dire financial situation in the United States has become the top issue as the November 4 presidential elections nears.

Obama, 47, appeared hours after McCain's announcement to take credit for reaching out to the 72-year-old senator and proposed their campaigns issue a joint statement to pressure the White House and Congress to come to terms on President George W Bush's 700-billion- dollar proposal to rescue Wall Street.

But Obama said he had no intention of suspending his campaign or withdrawing from the debate, set to take place Friday evening at the University of Mississippi.

"It's my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess," Obama said.

Obama said that the two campaigns were working on a statement and seemed surprised that McCain proceeded with his announcement shortly after the two men hung up the telephone.

Obama said he's in constant communication with congressional leaders and Bush administration officials about the negotiations on emergency legislation to buy up risky mortgages held by financial firms, as the crisis paralyses credit markets.

Obama said he is ready to be in Washington as soon as needed to help in the negotiations with the White House and congressional Republicans. He noted that he and McCain have planes that could quickly get them to the debate in Oxford, Mississippi.

"It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once," Obama said.

McCain said after discussions with the White House and congressional leaders that he did not believe Bush's bailout will gain congressional approval as proposed, and called on both parties to work closely to reach a deal.

"It has become clear that no consensus has developed to support the administration's proposal," McCain said in brief remarks to reporters.

Bush administration officials have been in discussions with Congress about the emergency proposal since last week, but face growing criticism from conservative Republicans who believe the proposal violates free-market principles. Majority Democrats argue it lacks adequate protections for taxpayers footing the bailout cost and homeowners with failing mortgages.

Obama backs the Democratic view in Congress, while McCain and Obama both want salary limitations on the executives running the firms accepting the administration's buyout package. (dpa)