Instead of its geographic location, one part of the Mid-West is named after the condition of its economy:  the Rust Belt.  Once the Industrial Mecca for America, the metropolitan giants that line the Great Lakes are now the poster children for the current hurt of the American market. 

      To illustrate the current conditions in Northeast Ohio: “More people left Cleveland last year than any other major city in America, the U.S. Census Bureau will report today [July 10, 2008]. Since 2000, only hurricane-ravaged New Orleans weathered a sharper rate of population loss.”  Ohio also had an 88% percent jump in the amount of foreclosed homes last year behind only Florida and California.  And to add to the economic strain, gas prices recently hit a record high. 

      Governor Ted Strickland recently spoke about the state of the economy and suggested that it’s not as glib as people might think considering the low cost of living and quality of life in Cleveland.  Others point to Cleveland as having a lot of potential to make a comeback for the economy based on low housing prices, strong arts and cultural scene, and a renowned reputation in medical facilities and development.  

      Both McCain and Obama agree that the economy is struggling.  While McCain empathizes with voters he has been a bit more nebulous in terms of providing solutions specific to the slumping Ohio economy.  However, Obama recently gave a few ideas of his own.  Obama’s economic plan has included proposals to raise minimum wage and make the country’s tax plan mirror that of Clinton’s than Bush’s – tax cuts for the middle class and raise taxes for those households with an income above $250,000 annually.   

      Obama also reinforced an idea that Ohio and other Midwestern cities need to provide easier transport between them by suggesting a more efficient and modern train system.  And like Governor Strickland, Obama foresees economic potential in investing into new energy sources.  Both of these ideas also serve a dual purpose of aiding a greener economy.  

      Efforts are also being made locally.  Cleveland Mayor Jackson has been courting foreign investors to build connections with the city.  The Strickland administration also has been courting media production companies to film in the state.  Midwestern towns offer cheaper permits and tax incentives – action sequences from Spiderman 3 were filmed in Cleveland. 

      Others claim that some local politicians aren’t doing enough.  While Congressman Dennis Kucinich, representative of Ohio’s 10th district, has an impressive resume of accomplishments for the area has lately been criticized opponents for not paying more attention to his district and concentrating on trying to get President Bush impeached.  
 

      Due to Ohio’s importance as a swing state the candidates will use cities like Cleveland or Cincinnati or Dayton or Youngstown as a backdrop when they start speaking about the economy this fall when the circus goes into full swing.  

      I think Jon Stewart put Ohio’s situation into perspective when he spoke to Senator Clinton before the Ohio and Texas primaries back in March.  Opening his opinion by stating, “I always feel bad for Ohio,” Stewart goes on to describe Ohio’s “abusive relationship” with politicians by how they fly in to celebrate the blue-collared champions of the country but once the election is over they “disappear”. 

      And he’s right.  Ohio, along with the other downtrodden Midwestern states, needs a President who will be willing to invest into the strengths that this region of the country has and not just use it for a photo-op. 

(Ohio talk about 2:30, Jon Stewart gives his opinion at about 2:50)