2008 Woodie Awards
US wallets thin, Obama shows he can win
Point-Counterpoint
Mike Gomez
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Opinion
The presidential debate on Friday night didn't produce a clear winner, but it did highlight major differences between the two candidates on economic and foreign policy issues. A careful study of their comments reveals why electing Senator Barrack Obama over Senator John McCain is the best choice voters can make to get our country back on track.
McCain demonstrated his lack of economic expertise - and he's admitted he's no expert - by not mentioning the middle or working classes even once during the debate. McCain continues to call for $300 billion in tax cuts for the wealthy, even suggesting that a spending freeze on all government programs except those for national defense and veterans might be necessary in light of the proposed $700 billion bailout. McCain apparently is willing to let government assistance evaporate for most Americans precisely when they need it the most.
While his efforts to cut wasteful spending in government are admirable, McCain doesn't seem to realize that his tax cuts for the wealthy and the exorbitant cost of maintaining a substantial military force in Iraq indefinably are straight out of the George W. Bush playbook. They would far outweigh any money he'd save taxpayers in earmark reduction and spending cuts.
Obama intends to address the problem of earmarks, but he also recognizes that it's just a small part of the broad change in perspective that, necessary to get America back on its feet. He emphasized the importance of holding Republicans accountable for the deregulation that led to the mortgage collapse. He showed that the deeply flawed Republican economic perspective asserts that markets do best without government intervention.
Although Senator Obama does have a big spending plan, he admitted that because of the bailout he wouldn't be able to pursue all of his priorities. Neither is he willing to sacrifice his most important initiatives, which he views as necessary for the future well-being of the country. These include investing in alternative fuels in order to end dependence on foreign oil and making college education more affordable so that America can remain competitive abroad.
McCain demonstrated his lack of economic expertise - and he's admitted he's no expert - by not mentioning the middle or working classes even once during the debate. McCain continues to call for $300 billion in tax cuts for the wealthy, even suggesting that a spending freeze on all government programs except those for national defense and veterans might be necessary in light of the proposed $700 billion bailout. McCain apparently is willing to let government assistance evaporate for most Americans precisely when they need it the most.
While his efforts to cut wasteful spending in government are admirable, McCain doesn't seem to realize that his tax cuts for the wealthy and the exorbitant cost of maintaining a substantial military force in Iraq indefinably are straight out of the George W. Bush playbook. They would far outweigh any money he'd save taxpayers in earmark reduction and spending cuts.
Obama intends to address the problem of earmarks, but he also recognizes that it's just a small part of the broad change in perspective that, necessary to get America back on its feet. He emphasized the importance of holding Republicans accountable for the deregulation that led to the mortgage collapse. He showed that the deeply flawed Republican economic perspective asserts that markets do best without government intervention.
Although Senator Obama does have a big spending plan, he admitted that because of the bailout he wouldn't be able to pursue all of his priorities. Neither is he willing to sacrifice his most important initiatives, which he views as necessary for the future well-being of the country. These include investing in alternative fuels in order to end dependence on foreign oil and making college education more affordable so that America can remain competitive abroad.
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