Obama optimistic for deal on bailout package

OXFORD, Mississippi, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Friday he was optimistic that Republicans and Democrats could reach agreement on a financial market bailout plan.

"I am optimistic about the capacity of us to come together with a plan," Obama said during the first of three scheduled debates with his Republican rival, John McCain.

McCain said he hoped deliberations in Washington would result in a package that he would be able to vote for.

The Bush administration is pushing the U.S. Congress to reach agreement on the $700 billion rescue plan it presented last weekend and says is essential to avoid serious consequences for the financial industry and the wider economy.

(Reporting by Doug Palmer, Editing by Frances Kerry)