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As Republicans wrap up their storm-shortened convention Thursday, presidential nominee Sen. John McCain is expected to underscore his plans to revive the slumping economy.
But while polls show the economy is still the biggest issue on the minds of American voters, it’s not clear how much impact either candidate's policies would have in boosting growth.
With inflation and unemployment rising in the final weeks of the presidential campaign, American voters are understandably nervous about economic security. In a recent Gallup poll, 43 percent identified the economy as the most important issue in the election.
On issues such as fighting terrorism or dealing with a newly energized Russian adversary, McCain holds a commanding lead in polls over his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama. But by a sizable margin — 52 percent to 40 percent — likely voters said Obama is better able to handle the economy.
Obama also is seen as the better candidate to deal with issues such as health care and energy, according to Gallup. (Poll respondents gave Obama a statistically insignificant edge over McCain on tax policy.)
Republicans are hoping to tip those numbers this week in their candidate's favor. Meg Whitman, McCain campaign adviser and former eBay CEO, says the Arizona senator's speech will focus on "reform, prosperity and peace," including economic policies that are “first and foremost focused on small business."
“What he understands is that creating jobs is the most important thing as we go forward," she said. "And as you know, 70 percent of new jobs in America are created by small business. So his tax policy and regulatory policy is focused around small business.”
The McCain campaign faces a tough set of challenges addressing economic issues. The Obama camp has made strides linking the current sluggish economy and stagnating wages to the policies of the Bush White House. That means key issues — like the weak job market — may upstage some of the “bump” the McCain camp might otherwise expect this week.
“On Friday morning we have an unemployment report, and it's probably going to be a pretty soft one,” said Greg Valliere, a political analyst at Stanford Financial Group. “That's the one issue that will come back and come back, I think, to Obama's favor.”
While both campaigns are going to great lengths to highlight differences in their economic proposals, neither side so far has advanced ideas that will have much immediate impact. Both advocate increasing offshore drilling and developing alternative energy sources to blunt the impact of rising energy prices, but those efforts will take years.
Rising inflation is being fueled by increased global demand for a variety of commodities from corn to steel. The mortgage meltdown and the resulting credit crunch are proving stubbornly resistant to the Federal Reserve’s efforts to push large quantities of money into the financial system. Job cuts lost to globalization will not be easily restored.
Neither candidate has outlined detailed plans to head off the huge financial strains faced by Social Security and Medicare as baby boomers begin to retire in greater numbers. Both candidates' proposals would increase the national debt, according to independent analysis.
McCain also faces a difficult task in striking the right balance between advancing solutions to economic issues such as home foreclosures and stagnant wages without overstating the economy’s weakness. Though economists are divided on whether the United States has entered a recession, the economy continues to show surprising strength — particularly in farming and manufacturing industries critical to several important swing states.
McCain’s personal wealth makes him vulnerable to voter fears that he’s out of touch with the problems faced by budget-stretched, middle-income voters.
"If the Republicans go down the road they went down in 1992 and said, 'Gee, things are actually getting better, this economy is pretty good,' they are going to run into the same kind of hostility and disdain," said Democratic strategist Robert Shrum. "And they’re going to make a bad situation politically even worse."
While both candidates have a laundry list of proposals to spur the economy, the biggest differences in their platforms center on tax policy.
McCain wants to make permanent the Bush administration tax cuts that are due to expire at the end of 2010 and cut corporate taxes.
Obama wants to expand child tax credits and increase top tax rates. He would also expand tax credits to low-income workers and eliminate taxes on seniors making less than $50,000 per year. Obama wants to raise payroll taxes for those earning more than $250,000 a year.
On health care reform, McCain’s plan is more modest; he wants to turn employer-paid health insurance benefits into taxable income and then enact a health care tax credit up to $5,000 for families.
Obama wants to target tax subsidies to low-income people, expand Medicaid to cover all adults up to the poverty line and all children in families with income up to three times the poverty level. Obama’s plan would also charge employers a 6 percent payroll tax penalty if they don't provide health insurance for employees. Obama’s critics say his health care proposals would be more costly than he has estimated.
“He has massive tax increases with figures that show his health plan (will cost) zero,” said Republican strategist Jack Burkman. “Can you imagine how big the tax increases will have to be when he's finally honest about how much his health plan will cost?"
Both candidates are vowing to pay for any proposed new programs by closing tax loopholes, though they differ on which ones. But both fail the math test in balancing the budget, according to the Tax Policy Center.
Including interest costs, the tax research group says Obama’s tax plan would boost the national debt by $3.5 trillion by 2018; McCain’s plan would increase the debt by $5 trillion. Obama’s tax plan would cut taxes by $2.9 trillion from 2009-2018, while McCain would cut taxes by nearly $4.2 trillion, according to the center.
On energy issues, both candidates support increased spending on research and development of alternative energy sources. They also both support measures to limit greenhouse gases, and they support limited drilling offshore to help ease tight supplies of crude oil.
Both have opposed drilling for more oil in the Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, although McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for his running mate may signal a shift in that position. Palin told CNBC shortly before she was chosen that “we need to drill, drill, drill."
"Otherwise, I cannot believe that a domestic solution is any part of a national energy policy if they're not going to let Alaskans drill on our own lands and on federal lands within our own state,” Palin said. “And if a domestic solution isn't part of the national energy plan, then our nation is in a world of hurt."
That message is polling well with voters, especially in states where higher energy prices are hitting hardest: cold-weather states facing high heating bills this winter and sparsely populated states where drivers log the most mileage.
“On the other hand, a lot of the battleground states aren't those states," said Kevin Book, an energy analyst at FBR Capital Markets. "Some of those states are actually doing a little bit better on disposable income, driving less, more temperate climate. So that may not be the message that pulls it across for Republicans."
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Published to:
- John Schoen's Column, All of Newsvine
- Groups: Liberal Campaign
- Regions: none
 | Obama and McCain have big economic differences | Associated Press | Mon Sep 8 | 91 |
| Obama: Recession could delay rescinding tax cuts | Associated Press | Sun Sep 7 | 359 |
 | Bleak jobs data highlights voters' concern | Associated Press | Sat Sep 6 | 5 |
| Businesswomen praise McCain on economics | Associated Press | Wed Sep 3 | 0 |
- Public Discussion (126)
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{"commentId":2759775,"authorDomain":"zoe-985"}
It is a fact that the economy is always better under democrats.. it is easy, google it!!!
Now you better read this!
THIS IS VERY DISTURBING… DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE BUSH WILL INVITE YOU TO HIS 100 000 ACRE RANCH IN PARAGUAY WHEN THIS COUNTRY COLLAPES??
personal, individual, independent life begins at birth. Until that event, the fetus is not an independent person. It is physically attached to an independent, self-viable human being in order to sustain it. The independent and viable human being, the mother, with all her rights as a citizen in a free society, has the right to make decisions regarding her own body and its processes, including pregnancy. Until the fetus is viable and able to sustain independent life as an individual, the decision on its termination rests with the mother. That is just.
That is the wisdom of the law of this land, The United States of America, in Roe v. Wade.The misrepresentations and theological quotes do not belong in the forum of society based on reason and not on falsehoods or ancient and foreign superstitious doctrine.
As in all other issues, the Republicans and conservative intend on destroying America with foreign influences, be they financial, as in the alliances with non American plutocrats from communist China to the princes of the saoudi royal family. The American economy can shrivel and die as far as they're concerned, especially the labor unions whom the Republican party has persecuted for over a century, as long as the global economy and every person with anything less than unshakably stalwart and self-perpetuating independent wealth has been enslaved. That is the elitism they the Republicans embrace and solely represent.
They don't care a thing about this country, except that it can be sucked dry. As the fascists did in the Republics of Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan. These antiAmerican movements are the model for this "neo"conservative Republican party. Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan were worse for America than Lenin or Stalin, because they were able to do effect their corruption of this country from the inside. bush is a continuation of this effort for moral, economic, political, governmental decay.
Fred Thompson, the professional liar, the professional fraud, the mal-actor. Accused others of feeling the need to apologize for America. That is a lie. The liberals ad progressives feel no need to apologize for America.The conservatives and Republicans are not America. They are liars and traitors and desire to destroy America. It is the conservatives and Republicans and Fred Thompson, if they have any shred of decency or shame left in them, to apologize and answer for being the enemies of a free and prosperous America. Rev. Jeremiah Wright's damnation was misplaced. Every freedom-loving patriotic American should condemn the conservatives and their insurrectionist party, the Republican party. to the hottest, darkest and foulest corner of any hell that might exist.
{"commentId":2759775,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"zoe-985"}
- 5 votes
#1 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:44 PM EDT{"commentId":2761122,"authorDomain":"surfratt5"}
What does a topic on the economy have to do with abortion rights? More wars have been started by Democrats too. Look it up. If you want to talk about abortion, I believe it should only be used in cases of rape, incest or if the health of the mother is at risk. Not because the mother couldn't keep her legs closed. It's called pre-planning, wrap it before you tap it. If I killed someone while driving drunk, I wasn't aware of what I was doing at the time, that is why you have arrangements made before you go out drinking, or you face the repercussions of your actions. If the woman was so worried about her body, then preventative maintenance should be taken. That is not based on theology as you state it, but if theology makes sense a liberal will run from it fast. Lord forbid you think first. As far as the rest of the issues you are lost without a clue. Obama has not stood for anything his whole career as a Senator. Nothing at all. He is nothing more than a hype for the Dems to get votes, because I haven't heard anything from him with a solid base.
There is a place you may feel comfortable, they call it Fantisy land.
{"commentId":2761122,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"surfratt5"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2762356,"authorDomain":"dcash5"}
Of course the economy does better under Democrats, because the only time a Democrat ever gets elected is after a natural down cycle in the economy. That's the only time when people are looking for a hand out from the government.
{"commentId":2762356,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"dcash5"}
{"commentId":2765211,"authorDomain":"bartman10"}
But isn't it funny how those "natural down cycles" of yours always seem to coincide with republican administrations? The party that preaches taking responsibility for your actions always seem to have excuses?
{"commentId":2765211,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bartman10"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":2948279,"authorDomain":"dallo"}
Whala
I guess you think the economy is strong like Mccain does. Are you kidding me. Pee on my leg and tell me it is raining. Seriously Mccain has some nerve.
{"commentId":2948279,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"dallo"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3053313,"authorDomain":"tobyhanna"}
Proudliberal, you make many crucial points. Thanks for the comment on labor unions.
For any wondering what the economy has to do with health care to include so much, birth control to prevent pregnancy - to include the option of a surgical intervention (tubal ligation or vasectomy), health care insurance means everything. Nearly 50 million have no health care. There is a Bush threat to women on Medicaid that they may well loose access to birth control methods-let alone to the Morning After, emergency contraception pill- NOT an abortion medication. Allegedly, if one health care provider objects, the Medicaid patient may be denied access to any of the above. Yes, this is a real proposal. (Health Care providers have the right to refuse to participate in an abortion procedure.)
Palin says she does not support abortion in any case-to include incest and rape.
This is the same Palin who made women who alleged rape, buy their own Rape Kit.
The Legislature overturned her ruling a year later, and the city had to pay for the Rape Kit.
This is the Sarah Palin who refused to allow Sex Education to be taught in the Alaskan
Schools! Powerful, isn't she? Pregnancy, ever more virulent STDs-to include HIV and HIV AIDS, Hepatitis B, C, neither B or C, and more, are just a few of the compelling reasons
for sex education.
I look for Roe vs Wade to be overturned if McCain-Palin are elected. The Bush hand picked members of the Supreme Court are conservatives. I wish there were no need for abortion, but that is not the case. I read this is at the top of McCain's agenda.
{"commentId":3053313,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"tobyhanna"}
{"commentId":2759898,"authorDomain":"agambitta"}
How can we trust McCANE with our foreign policy when he doesn't even know Czechoslovakia was dissolved years ago?
How can we trust McInSane with our economy when he has not once mentioned what he intends to do about the crisis we face?
How can we trust MclAME with our children when he abandoned his own, after he met sexy Cindy?
How can we, how can we, etc?
{"commentId":2759898,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"agambitta"}
- 2 votes
#2 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:50 PM EDT{"commentId":3127260,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
Learn to spell!
Maybe school choice would have helped you! Oh yeah, NO'Bama opposes this!
{"commentId":3127260,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2759908,"authorDomain":"logdump"}
Stock market is tanking down 336 points as I write this Unemployment went up again oil is down about a buck a day but the pump is going down Only about .01 cents a day. Retail sales down wonder how McCain is going to sweep this under the rug. Oh he was a Pow.
{"commentId":2759908,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"logdump"}
- 1 vote
#3 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:51 PM EDT{"commentId":2760620,"authorDomain":"arm6269"}
But the magician Obama will surely know how to fix that nasty stock market and regulate those hideous oil prices....he did it before, during his community organizing days at Acorn !!!
Praise be.
{"commentId":2760620,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"arm6269"}
{"commentId":2760826,"authorDomain":"kc9ccj"}
At least Obama makes sense.
Which is something McIdiot doesn't do
{"commentId":2760826,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"kc9ccj"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3053356,"authorDomain":"tobyhanna"}
Amen and Amen! Thanks, KC-350730.
Obama is a brillant and able man who will make a great President. He will surround himself with intelligent and ethical advisors. His Cabinet will have honorable and able members, I feel sure. I was/am a Hillary supporter, but I believe Obama will do an excellent job-as would Hillary. I believe Biden is a great choice, as Hillary would be.
I am so thankful that Obama taught Constitutional Law. I do not believe Obama will shred our Constitution and Bill of Rights. He will understand what they the intent and the application.
Bush, the decider, decided to ignore the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Rules of the Geneva Convention. Torture, denying a right to a lawful trial, illegal wire tapping, lying, secrecy, making outrageous appointments- often based on friendship or special interest are hallmarks of Bush. Then there is this horrendous and never ending war Bush/Cheney started based on lies.
Yes, Obama makes sense. That means so much, especially in contrast to the past 8 years.
I believe McCain is Bush all over again. I just say,"No" to a vote for McCain.
{"commentId":3053356,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"tobyhanna"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3127446,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
Once again, the economy started tanking 2 years ago when the Liberals took over control of the House and Senate and demanded people who could not afford a home be given mortgages. McCain warned of the future problems in 2005, this is on record in Senate documents, but oh the poor could have their own homes how special.
{"commentId":3127446,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2759928,"authorDomain":"arthurvigil"}
One of my biggest fear of a McCaine presidency outside of his warmongering, is that when it would come to the economy we as a nation would really be put at risk! He doesn't have a clue, when he referred to younger americans working to pay for social security for the older americans, he had no clue that is how it was set-up by FDR. His financial advisor Phil Graham called us whiners, they have no idea. It's bad enouh the GOP conveniently uses formulas to keep saying we are not in a recession, tell that to the millions who are jobless and homeless. Does he not think the billions we borrow from China to give to Iraq will ever come due? Wars have started for less, but hell probably enjoy that. I fear his poor understanding will put us at risk with China, and from that we will enter into a depression!
{"commentId":2759928,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"arthurvigil"}
- 5 votes
#4 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:51 PM EDT{"commentId":2792244,"authorDomain":"stephanm64"}
American's are Whiners! He hit the nail right on the head! They @!$%#, moan and complain! American's can't figure out things on their own! American's need to grow up! No doubt about it!
{"commentId":2792244,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"stephanm64"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2809021,"authorDomain":"ssekaqua"}
You mean the same Phil Graham who help do away with safeguards on trading that lead to the Oil future trading speculation and financial debacle known as Fannie May and Freddie Mack. God help us if voters are fooled once again by the GOP. They screwed up the last eight years and now they are using every trick in the book to hold onto power. Even when they do not have a clue on how to govern. I hope Barack is right and that most are not stupid enough to fall for this again.
{"commentId":2809021,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"ssekaqua"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2811196,"authorDomain":"stephanm64"}
But it was your buddy Slick Willy that deregulated the stock market leading to the speculation of oil! Just like it was Slick Willy that propped up China's currency in 1993 and he also signed the ban on offshore drilling in 1996! He also signed NAFTA. Nafta led to the off shoring of American jobs! Bill (Slick Willy) Clinton wasn't as great as people think! It was him working with a Republican Congress that led to a balanced budget!
{"commentId":2811196,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"stephanm64"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3053377,"authorDomain":"tobyhanna"}
Thanks, and you jogged my memory about Phil Graham is. I well remember Graham's cold, hateful, outrageous comment about whinners. What a difference a few weeks can make; we are allegedly on the edge of a financial collapse-depression. Of course, we can be saved by handing over $700 billion to Paulson, without questions or answers, Bush style....
{"commentId":3053377,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"tobyhanna"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3127579,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
Excuse me! Bush warned of this in 2003, McCain in 2005. The Democrats demanded mortgages given to those who did not qualify! All this is in public records,
Also, what's with the Amen Amen! You obviously are not a Christian. Leave the Amen's for us believers!
{"commentId":3127579,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2760058,"authorDomain":"zoe-985"}
You all better think twice before voting... these war mongers will eventually collapes this country because nothing is free and each american will have to pay back the chinese!!
MC Cain will restore the draft and send your kids, parents, sisters and brothers fight wars that they plan on starting. the religious right is dangerous for the whole world!!
Also, they attack people who offer solutions to huge problems, but are unable to bring solutions to these problems.
The fact is right wing war mongers are mentally unstable and not fit to govern this country.
{"commentId":2760058,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"zoe-985"}
- 4 votes
#5 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:57 PM EDT{"commentId":2760397,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
proudliberal....I'm an Independent, but I agree with you.The religious right has a problem with abortion, something that should be between a woman, her doctor, and her God. The government has REAL problems to deal with and should not get involved in a woman's personnal decisions. On the other hand, the religious right has no problem supporting an administration that sent over four thousand of our young people to DIE in Bush's phoney war, along with hundreds of Iraqi citizens who were killed during American bombing runs over Iraq. Seems to me they are more than a little confused. It's just a damn shame that they have so much political influence.
{"commentId":2760397,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":2767761,"authorDomain":"mbarfels"}
You don't have to be worried about abortion because there is a democratic congress and they will not pass anything that is for the religious right. So, quit basing your vote on something that is NOT going to happen! Also, any supreme court vote has to go through congress, too. Since your aren't going to agree with everything on any of the candidates, forget the ones that won't matter or that will be voted out, and think about the ones that matter!
{"commentId":2767761,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"mbarfels"}
{"commentId":2770587,"authorDomain":"homeworker57"}
That is true ,also why complain about the pro abortion people.They are Liberals who will be aborting future Liberals.Let it continue.
{"commentId":2770587,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"homeworker57"}
{"commentId":2809067,"authorDomain":"ssekaqua"}
The MSM should ask McJoke how he will pay for his wars and if he will institute a draft to prosecute them. Tax cuts and more wars? Sure path to bankrupt America. The rich don't fight Wars and don't like paying their taxes but the keep putting in Neocons who are bad for the economy and waste tax money on unnecessary wars.
{"commentId":2809067,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"ssekaqua"}
{"commentId":2760186,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
McCain recently made the statement that the economy is "basically sound". If I owned 7 houses and was married to a beer millionaire heiress, I would probably think the economy was "basically sound" too. If I didn't have any children or grandchildren of draft age, I would figure it was OK to continue with an undeclared war or two in the mid-east too, and a third one in the making. If I had voted with Bush/Cheney 90% of the time, I would not try to tell gullible people that I was going to set a DIFFERENT course. Obama is an unknown when it comes to running a country, but we KNOW what to expect with McCain. I'll take my chances with the unknown.
{"commentId":2760186,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
- 2 votes
#6 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:03 PM EDT{"commentId":2760292,"authorDomain":"bhatgirl"}
No. He said the fundamentals of the economy are sound. And he is right. The economy is working the way market economies are meant to work.
Sadly, both candidates are uneducated when it comes to understanding economics. How the voters (many of whom themselves are uneducated on economics) can evaluate the candidates' economic plans is beyond me.
The US economy is diverse and complex It does not need anyone to "fix" it (assuming a person could even do so).
{"commentId":2760292,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bhatgirl"}
{"commentId":2760390,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
I may be wrong but I believe that both McCain and Palin have children in the military who have been or are going to Iraq or Afgahanistan. So your attempted point about draft age kids and wars is not valid. Also to be fair Biden also has a kid going. Only Obama has no family member in the military.
{"commentId":2760390,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760667,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
phantom...I think you missed my point. I realize that some of the candidates have children in the military and I commend them for their service to country. My point was that I wouldn't want my children being sent to fight a war that I, along with the majority of Americans, and a lot of the troops ,don't believe in.
{"commentId":2760667,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760773,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
ok so what about something like world war 2. There were Americans (granted a small percentage) who didn't support or believe in it. Would you be fine sending your kids to war if you did believe in it? How about a scenario where Congress actually did its job and actually did declare war? Would you support sending your kids then?
{"commentId":2760773,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760949,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
phantom ....
Now you are comparing apples and oranges. We went into world war 2 against an enemy who attcked us and we knew who we were fighting. Of course I would fight, and expect my children to fight. I had several relatives in that war and, had I been older, I would have been in it too. This mess was started under false pretenses and there is no way of "winning" or losing it. The man who supposedly caused the attack on us is still out there after 4000plus American lives and Billions of American dollars, and we are no closer to resolving it than we were going in.
{"commentId":2760949,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
{"commentId":2760302,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
Until the fetus is viable and able to sustain independent life as an individual, the decision on its termination rests with the mother.
Since a fetus has survived being born as early as 5 months do you support stopping all abortions after 5 months? Or do you allow the mother to decide, for whatever reason even in the 8th month?
{"commentId":2760302,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
#7 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:09 PM EDT{"commentId":2760547,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
phantom....I am not a woman so I will never have to make such a decision. I am a man and I don't feel it is my place to judge ANY person's decision in this matter, nor is it the function of the US government.
{"commentId":2760547,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760677,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
crossfire,
if you can't judge about abortion because you are a man then do you think that porn and prostitution should be legal since it is their body. How about making all drugs legal? Just curious.
{"commentId":2760677,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760789,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
phantom
Now you are stretching it. As a man,I can judge what I think about porn and drugs. Of course, my judgment is just my opinion and I don't expect others to live by my rules. Porn and prostitution have been around forever and if ANY government could have stopped it , don't you think they would have? Do you think our government will?
{"commentId":2760789,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760882,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
I am just trying to figure out where the line is when people say it is a women's body and she can do what she wants. I don't know where the line is. But to many apparently it is only for abortion which I find a little curious.
{"commentId":2760882,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2761054,"authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
phantom...
I guess we agree on one thing. I "don't know where the line is" either, and I know the government doesn't know either.
{"commentId":2761054,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"diplomat55"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":2760330,"authorDomain":"dorajg"}
Hopefully the media will not let the Republican bullies stop them from asking the IMPORTANT questions we all need to know. The economy issue needs remain at the top, not hidden by attacks to Obama. To say that the American people are not stupid is great, the question is will they vote with their eyes wide open or be distracted as they were before with LIES, LIES, LIES, and even more LIES.
{"commentId":2760330,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"dorajg"}
- 1 vote
#8 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:10 PM EDT{"commentId":2760345,"authorDomain":"dhopfe"}
The job growth that republicans are calling for are low paying dirty jobs they would not want to handle because they are rich. Not the type of paying jobs that will keep a person afloat, but one that will keep them in the low rent district and constantly buying Macaroni and cheeze dinners.
{"commentId":2760345,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"dhopfe"}
#9 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:11 PM EDT{"commentId":2760380,"authorDomain":"marcyfaiman"}
It's a fact that under Democrats our ecomony has flourished and under Republicans we are at war. It's your choice. Choose wisely. Choose Obama.
{"commentId":2760380,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"marcyfaiman"}
- 1 vote
#10 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:12 PM EDT{"commentId":2760868,"authorDomain":"adirondack-1"}
Thats because under democrats this country is reduced to a groveling herd of beggars and corporations uproot and take industrial jobs overseas to escape tax burdens and harsh regulations. Clinton cooked the books and taxed every major corporation off the continent. The result was the dot com bubble and Enron type failures caused by execs trying to make money in a hostile environment. The fact is that this happens in every nation where government picks the pockets of capitolist success stories to fund social welfare programs. There is no utopia if you have to fake it. You work for a better life you don't vote for one.
{"commentId":2760868,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"adirondack-1"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2770673,"authorDomain":"homeworker57"}
Very true look at Socialist Europes no growth economy.
Also remember Jimmy Carters economy and compare it with Ronald Reagans. Looks like the Dems left that one out.
{"commentId":2770673,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"homeworker57"}
{"commentId":3127740,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
Open your eyes people! The party of the president is not important when determining the economy. It is which party controls the House and Senate!
Goodness, I feel like I am dealing with my two year old!!!
{"commentId":3127740,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2760719,"authorDomain":"rcsjr2"}
Sure, the market and housing is down in the past 12 months or so - but most Americans have thrived in the last 8 years (home values still UP overall), so it's only you LOSERS who think the economy is basically broke and needs fixing. Obamas HUGE increase in taxes (yup, got that right - taxes are not just federal income taxes) and increasing the size of the economy would do a lot more HARM then the pro-growth strategies that McCain and Palen would implement.
{"commentId":2760719,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"rcsjr2"}
#11 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:28 PM EDT{"commentId":2760736,"authorDomain":"HRDawg"}
During Mega Church minister Rick Warren's Evangelical "Forum", Warren asked McCain, "Define rich".
McCain answered, "Five million dollars".
Millions of people heard it.
Please, give me a million dollars and call me poor.
{"commentId":2760736,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"HRDawg"}
- 1 vote
#12 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:29 PM EDT{"commentId":2761020,"authorDomain":"adirondack-1"}
Thats the problem, GIVE ME.
if you work from 22 to 62 and earn an average 25 thousand/yr you will have your million but trying to vote a thief in to get your hands on it won't work. That just ends with the wealth distribution becoming further apart as those with capitol will not invest it where the tax men can grab it and that goes for all job markets.
{"commentId":2761020,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"adirondack-1"}
{"commentId":2762703,"authorDomain":"dcash5"}
HRDawg, of course the fact that he said it as a joke before giving his actual response means nothing. Way to spin.
{"commentId":2762703,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"dcash5"}
{"commentId":2760767,"authorDomain":"NEI"}
Did anyone else notice last night that Palin never mentioned healthcare or our jobs going overseas? Maybe she doesn't know what goes on in the lower 48. Certainly her running mate doesn't have a clue.
{"commentId":2760767,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"NEI"}
#13 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:31 PM EDT{"commentId":2760965,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
I agree. Maybe she should talk to Obama to see about all 57 states in the Union.
{"commentId":2760965,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2761124,"authorDomain":"adirondack-1"}
You didn't watch then. There was extensive intro speaking that was entirely about the issues of energy, healthcare, jobs, bipartisanship legislation, etc that outlined the McCain/ Palin tickets plan to revitalize this nation.
{"commentId":2761124,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"adirondack-1"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2765550,"authorDomain":"bartman10"}
republicans have to revitalize the nation after 8 years of a republican? what's wrong with this picture????
{"commentId":2765550,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bartman10"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3127193,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
As one of the 47 million unisured Americans, I can tell you why Sarah did not mention healthcare! It is not the job of the Federal government to give me free health care! Most if not all states have a health care plan for the lower income people.
{"commentId":3127193,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2760847,"authorDomain":"rcsjr2"}
Hey hugelib: "they attack people who offer solutions to huge problems" . What SPECIFIC solutions have they offered ? That which they have proposed are simply wrong. So, I suppose you mean solutions like cutting & running vs. a successful surge and increasing taxes to spur/grow the economy. And please don't give me the "cut takes for 95%" BS. 50% of citizens don't pay any income tax, so how can you cut for that many? Overall, their burden will only increase under Obama. It's not all about Federal Income Tax - Obama's cap gains, inheritance, corporate taxes, ets. will cripple the economy. Sure, we're in a down market period, but U.S. GDP is better growth than socialist Europe (which is where the Obama camp would like to take us).
{"commentId":2760847,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"rcsjr2"}
- 1 vote
#14 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:35 PM EDT{"commentId":2760887,"authorDomain":"rcsjr2"}
HR Dawg: I won't call you a LIAR, because you're just echoing Obama's ad. The FACT is that he said it in jest (all you need to do is look at the tape) and immediately said, Now watch them take this one out of context".
{"commentId":2760887,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"rcsjr2"}
- 1 vote
#15 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:37 PM EDT{"commentId":2761094,"authorDomain":"rdoudna"}
Bob,
I watch it, I'm not so sure it was said in jest. Watch it again, he sounded like he didn't know what answer to give. He blurted out $5 million and then everyone in the audience laughed -- he had to be joking. The problem is, he had to think about it for few seconds, then he said I don't know, I was joking, seriously folks, seriously folks. In the end he did not even answer the question. So at best you could say he was joking but you had to wait for the punch line that was delivered very awkwardly. This is an example, in my opinion, were you hear what you want to hear. If you are a Obama supporter you didn't catch the joke, if you support McCain he had to be joking. If you are an Independent sitting on the fence, you might still be scratching your head. Watch it again, see how long it takes him to realize what he just said. He wasn't laughing before the audience.
{"commentId":2761094,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"rdoudna"}
{"commentId":2761464,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
OK, lets take a poll. How much is rich? Anyone care to answer that? Obama says $250,000. Let's see some answers here people since we are trying to figure out who to tax when people keep saying tax the rich. I want specifics and not just repeats of either Obama or McCain. Try thinking for yourself.
{"commentId":2761464,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2760917,"authorDomain":"creel28"}
I LOVE LIBERAL RHETORIC!!! Very entertaining. And liberals say concervatives are full of hate speech! When was the last time a liberal had a positive thought? Isn't it ironic or moronic that the liberal so called anti-war protestors always get violent? How does that thought process work? Has anyone ever seen a state that actually thrives under liberal control?
{"commentId":2760917,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"creel28"}
- 1 vote
#16 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:38 PM EDT{"commentId":2761193,"authorDomain":"rdoudna"}
Jason,
Kind of like the rhetoric like you are throwing around right now. Here's a novel idea, try to come up with a thought and then make an argument that shows that you are being objective. You may want to look that word "objective" up first.
{"commentId":2761193,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"rdoudna"}
{"commentId":2765514,"authorDomain":"bartman10"}
More people, I would wager, than have ever seen a nation thrive under republican control!! You republicans do have a facination with that word "control", don't you? is that the goal, not to govern, but control?????
{"commentId":2765514,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bartman10"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3128030,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
The Democrats have been proven time and time again to take the low road during election time! Once again im my county McCain sighn are being stolen. Wonder whose supporters are doing that?
{"commentId":3128030,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2760954,"authorDomain":"gradyjamesj"}
The same.........relentless.....The same.....relentless.....The same.......
Axelrod/Plouffe...Chuck Todd....
My head is going to explode. Please come up with ANYTHING else.
{"commentId":2760954,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"gradyjamesj"}
- 1 vote
#17 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:41 PM EDT{"commentId":2761137,"authorDomain":"tabhi2004"}
MC Cain AND PALIN ARE WAY OUT THERE, MCCAIN SAYS IF YOU HAVE 5 MILLION THAN YOU ARE NOT RICH AND PALIN SAYS THAT SHE DID NOT SUPPORT THE BRIDGE TO NO WHERE AND THAT WAS ONLY BECAUSE SHE FOUND OUT THAT THE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT INSTEAD OF THE EAR MARK ACCOUNTS THAT SHE HAS BEEN DRAWING ON, AND NOW THEY SAY SHE NOT AN INDEPENDENT THAT WANTED TO ACCESSED FROM THE UNION IN 1986 I THINK THAT ONLY HER HUSBAND WAS A MEMBER OF THAT GROUP.
THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH, I WONDER WHAT ELSE THERE IS SOMEONE LOOK HER UP OR BETTER YET TELL ME WERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER.
{"commentId":2761137,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"tabhi2004"}
#18 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:49 PM EDT{"commentId":2761258,"authorDomain":"Hootathought"}
Meg Whitman gave the same crap for information on taxes for small business owners last week on CNBC. This isn't new. If relief does not come the way of the middle class, you can forget the small business owner; they'll become the bankrupt small business owner. Where does Ms. Whitman think the money comes from to support and grow small busineses?
{"commentId":2761258,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"Hootathought"}
- 1 vote
#19 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:28 PM EDT{"commentId":2761276,"authorDomain":"gradyjamesj"}
Obama has said he would FIRE anyone in his campaign that brought up Sarah Palin's family.
Why Has not one single person in the campaign been fired yet?
He says that we can trust him. He has EXECUTIVE experience running his campiagn.
Why should we believe him?
Why did he lie? I personally thought Obama was being blunt and sincere when I heard him. He really seemed like a DECENT man. I still want to believe he is a decent man. I want to believe that he really cares about family.
Axelrod and Plouffe ought to do the right thing. RESIGN for failure to execute an executive decree.
Do it now.
{"commentId":2761276,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"gradyjamesj"}
- 1 vote
#20 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:30 PM EDT{"commentId":2761320,"authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
Why did you bring up her family ??? You must still exploiting her family,, Obama would fire you for sure
Actually, you aren't alone --- The entire "Angry Righty Media" is still exploiting her family
{"commentId":2761320,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
{"commentId":2761298,"authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
Republicans have been stretching their claims that Palin is qualified to be a heartbeat away from running the world's most powerful military. Indeed, Palin's lack of stature in national and international circles is sure to be a recurring crisis
Alaska National Guard has the most severe manning problems in the nation.
{"commentId":2761298,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
#21 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:32 PM EDT{"commentId":2761398,"authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
Every one of the repbulicans speaking at their convention & in the media are still flat out lying.... Especially McCain & Palin
Obama has & still is working across party lines -- As he's done with McCain & Lieberman, Lugar, & every one of the republicans in the Senate
Another example of the dishonor of the GOP & their old party Karl Rove politics ---- Exploiting the stupidity of all the republicans
{"commentId":2761398,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
#22 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:39 PM EDT{"commentId":2761558,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
Ok, there has been McCain-Kennedy, McCain-Feingold among others. Please tell me if there has been an Obama-anybody or Anybody-Obama legislation. I'm not talking about being one of 45 co-sponsors. I mean name on legislation that is significant. NOt something like declaring May 16th happy Blueberry pie day or some other useless act.
{"commentId":2761558,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2765419,"authorDomain":"bartman10"}
Yes, mccain USED to do good work, before he caved to the radical right wing
{"commentId":2765419,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bartman10"}
{"commentId":3127793,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
McCain is as far left as a Republican can be! Look at his voting record in the Senate!
{"commentId":3127793,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2761468,"authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
Palin totally neglected to tell you dummies, playing every one of you as ignorant ----
Obama was more than a public servant,,, He was a State Senator before getting elected to the US Senate ----- He was elected to State office in 96,,,
- Palin lied to her own people Just More of the Same
{"commentId":2761468,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"j-whitman"}
#23 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:45 PM EDT{"commentId":2761518,"authorDomain":"bgbbdk"}
If you want to become POOR, vote for Obama. He is NOT going to help the country's economy. With his horrendous tax proposals, this country will go dwon the tubes, big time!
{"commentId":2761518,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bgbbdk"}
- 1 vote
#24 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:48 PM EDT{"commentId":2761897,"authorDomain":"christopherhynes"}
Right, keep accepting the status quo. This economy is in the dumper. We are ALL becoming pooer under the current economy.
{"commentId":2761897,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"christopherhynes"}
{"commentId":2765396,"authorDomain":"bartman10"}
As if you have any idea at all about what Obama's proposals really are! I suppose you learned all about them from fox "news", rush limbaugh, and talk radio. LOL
{"commentId":2765396,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"bartman10"}
{"commentId":3127890,"authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
What do you recommend for truthful news?
I feel every responsible American should watch a few different news outlets and decide for themselves.
I learned NObamas proposals from listening to him, reading his website, and researching on my own. And guess what? Marilee is correct!
{"commentId":3127890,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"krisroy1"}
{"commentId":2761646,"authorDomain":"phantomww"}
Let's talk taxes. A family of 4 (2 parents and 2 kids under 17) will pay no federal income tax until they make around $40,000. So how do they get a tax cut? A single parent with 2 kids will pay no federal income tax until he or she makes around $34,000.
How about capital gains? How much tax does a married couple (with 2 kids under 17) making $60,000 pay on capital gains in 2008? ZERO! Of course they are rich so we need to raise the cap gain rate.
{"commentId":2761646,"threadId":"349259","contentId":"1827238","authorDomain":"phantomww"}
- 1 vote
#25 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:57 PM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"349259","isPrivate":false}
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