is to fix the problem . '' Obama also warned that the crisis could turn into a `` catastrophe '' without swift action from Congress . The Illinois senator and Democratic nominee said he has been reaching out to leaders of both parties to help pass the plan . See bailout tracker Â '' `` To the Democrats and Republicans who have opposed this plan , I say this : Step up to the plate and do what 's right for the country , even if it 's not popular , because the time to act is now , '' he said in La Crosse , Wisconsin . Watch Obama speak out about the bailout Â '' As part of his lobbying efforts , Obama has called members of the Congressional Black Caucus to support the bailout . When the bailout came up for a vote on Monday , caucus members split 21 against and 18 for the bill , CBC spokeswoman Keiana Barrett said . Obama campaign Co-chairman Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. , D-Illinois , was one of the CBC members who voted against the bailout but said he would consider switching if more protections for homeowners are added
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sen. John McCain said Wednesday that if the financial rescue bill fails in Congress again , `` the present crisis will turn into a disaster , '' and Sen. Barack Obama told lawmakers it 's time to `` step up to the plate . '' Both presidential candidates stressed bipartisanship as they called for Congress to act before heading to Washington to vote on the $ 700 billion financial rescue plan . `` We are square in the greatest financial crisis of our lifetimes . And I am pleased to report that today , I will be returning to the floor of the Senate to vote on a bill that marks a decisive step in the right direction , '' McCain said at a campaign event in Kansas City , Missouri . `` Today , with the unity that this crisis demands , Congress will once again work to restore confidence and stability to the American economy , '' McCain said . Watch what McCain says about the bailout Â '' The Arizona senator and Republican nominee said there will be time later to assign blame for the situation , `` but our duty right now