Beyond the Dome

The mystery of what, exactly, John McCain is going to do to help the financial bailout deal continues.

He’s back on Capitol Hill today, getting ready for a 4:00 meeting at the White House with President Bush, Barack Obama, and congressional leaders to discuss how everyone can find a bipartisan agreement on a bailout package. Some Republicans say they think McCain can help build support for the package among reluctant House Republicans. But from all indications, the talks themselves are going pretty well already.

“I’m glad that we’ll be able to go and tell them that there’s not much of a deadlock to break. But I’m always glad to get to go to the White House,” House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank told reporters after the latest round of bipartisan talks.

So a few minutes ago, I ran into House Minority Leader John A. Boehner of Ohio — one of McCain’s key allies on the Hill — and asked him how McCain was going to help the bailout package.

The answer came in the form of the “Boehner shrug.” It’s a longstanding tradition on Capitol Hill. Whenever Boehner doesn’t like the question or has nothing to say, he gives you an unquotable shrug.

“All hands on deck?” Boehner offered.

No, seriously, I asked, trying again. Is McCain going to rally support among Republicans? If not, what else is he going to do?

Shrug.

And Boehner kept walking.