What can they really say that reassures voters? Detailed policy points are bound to fall on deaf ears.

Republican John McCain has proposed setting up a commission - like the one established to look into the 9/11 attacks - to determine who is to blame for the current mess.
Democrat Barack Obama's campaign has reminded everyone that Mr McCain recently said the economy was fundamentally strong.

Clearly these are words he now regrets.
As far as anyone can benefit from Meltdown Monday, Mr Obama is getting a small boost.
According to one poll, 48% of Americans believe he is better placed to deal with the economy, compared with 45% who prefer Mr McCain.
But do not hold your breath: neither candidate is seen as an economic wizard. For her part, Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has been judicious enough not to claim to have knowledge of the banking sector the way she said she had "knowledge" of Russia - based on eye-contact and proximity.