It is no secret that the number one issue for most Americans is the economy. We are in troubling times as energy, food, foreclosures, and unemployment rise, and stocks fall even more drastically. Some call for a “bailout” plan to improve the current economic state, a move that would cost tax payers $700 billion. Others claim Wall Street greed is the root of all economic evil. Whichever path led America to this crumbling stage, Representatives are calling for swift, decisive action to reach a passed bill as early as Friday.
John McCain made headlines as he publicly announced, “I will suspend my campaign and return to Washington after speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative. I have spoken to Senator Obama and informed him of my decision and have asked him to join me.” McCain also pushed to postpone the first Presidential Debate that was to be held on Friday. However, debate or no debate, now is the time to be informed on where these candidates stand on economic issues.
Barack Obama made a campaign stop in Las Vegas last week, and discussed these issues in detail. Here are some highlights from his speech:
“We Are in the Midst of the Most Serious Financial Crisis”
John McCain differs on economic views from Barack Obama. The following are from John McCain’s campaign website (www.johnmccain.com)
John McCain will balance the budget by the end of his first term. The near-term path to balance is built on three principles:
- Reasonable economic growth. Growth is an imperative - historically the greatest success in reducing deficits (late 1980s; late 1990s) took place in the context of economic growth.
- Comprehensive spending controls. Bringing the budget to balance will require across-the-board scrutiny of spending and making tough choices on new spending proposals.
- Bi-partisanship in budget efforts. Much as the late 1990s witnessed bipartisan efforts to put the fiscal house in order, bi-partisan efforts will be the key to undoing the recent spending binge.
In the end, it is up to you, the voter, to decide where this country will head. Both candidates have different ideas of how to fix the economic crisis today that will affect our world tomorrow.