Bush spoke with McCain and Obama on bailout

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush spoke with Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday about the financial crisis and the calls with the presidential candidates were "very constructive," the White House said.

McCain and Obama called Bush in the morning, a day after a $700 billion financial rescue plan was defeated in the House of Representatives.

"Both calls were very constructive, and the president appreciated hearing from them," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said. "The senators offered ideas and reaffirmed what they have said publicly -- that this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed." (Reporting by Tabassum Zakaria; Editing by Philip Barbara)