reposted from NYTimes.com
Day of Chaos Grips Washington; Talks Over Bailout Plan Implode
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN, CARL HULSE and SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Published: September 25, 2008
WASHINGTON — The day began with an agreement that Washington hoped would end the financial crisis that has gripped the nation. It dissolved into a verbal brawl in the Cabinet Room of the White House, urgent warnings from the president and pleas from a Treasury secretary who knelt before the House speaker and appealed for her support.