Does the Fed NEED to raise rates?

Does the Federal Reserve actually WANT to raise rates regardless of whether they NEED to right now? Is it more than just holding off inflation?  Or do they see some larger crisis looming over the horizon which they feel REQUIRES them to raise rates (regardless of its short term effects on the election or the economy) so they can cut them back again in response to some unforeseen stock market correction, China meltdown or Eurozone explosion? That's the question our hosts Hamid and Fay Hamadanchy debate today (along with yours truly, the "everyman" on the show).  For if (as some speculate) there is surely a stock market correction coming or some Euro/China storm just over the horizon, then what could the Fed do if rates are already at or near zero?  Go into negative territory as some banks in Europe have already done? And how would banks continue to make money if interest rates were BELOW zero? It's a fascinating look at "macro-economics" today on our OC HOUSING CONNECTION show as we argue over not just IF or WHEN the Feds will raise rates but do they feel COMPELLED to do so (regardless of the short term effect on the economy or election) to give them ammunition for some future economic crisis?  You'll want to hear this one!