The McCain camp has just sent word that the senator is suspending his campaign and returning to Washington to deal with the financial crisis.

McCain is also calling for a postponement of Friday night’s debate and for Obama to suspend his campaign as well.

We have McCain’s prepared remarks here.

Oddly, the cable news nets are now playing a recorded — not live — statement given by McCain himself announcing the suspension:

Late Update: The Obama camp initially sent out this statement from spokesperson Bill Burton in reaction to the McCain announcement:

At 8:30 this morning, Senator Obama called Senator McCain to ask him if he would join in issuing a joint statement outlining their shared principles and conditions for the Treasury proposal and urging Congress and the White House to act in a bipartisan manner to pass such a proposal. At 2:30 this afternoon, Senator McCain returned Senator Obama’s call and agreed to join him in issuing such a statement. The two campaigns are currently working together on the details.

Later Update: The White House approves and, as if on cue, issues a statement: