Economic Revival: Live Blog of the Presidential Debate

The economy seems to be the number the one concern on American's minds. So it made sense the the first topic of the Presidential Debate is the economy. It is already a half-hour into the debate and the candidates are still engaged in a battle over the economy. Both candidates understand they will need to make the economy a priority during their candidacy.

"Americans are angry and upset and a little fearful...it is our job to fix the problem...we have to stop spending." - McCain

So what is McCain's plan? He talks a lot about home values. McCain says he wants to buy up all the unpaid home loans and buy the homes back at the new value. He realizes it will be expensive, but it will "give some trust and confidence back to Americans." McCain says that Obama wants to raise taxes. He says trying to nail Obama on taxes is like trying to nail jell-o to a wall.

But Obama retorts... He says he wants to provide a 95 percent tax cut for middle class families. He wants those who are working two jobs to be able to spend more time with their kids.

Onto the Bailout Package...

McCain wants to stop the greed and excess in Washington and Wall street. He attacks Obama calling him a croonie. And says Obama is the second highest recipient for campaign funds from Fannie May and Freddie Mac in history. Doesn't seem to really answer the question huh?

Will the economy get worse before it gets better?
"I am confident about the American economy but we need much better leadership from Washington...we have an archaic regulation system." - Obama

McCain calls Americans innocent bystanders of the biggest financial crisis of our time.

List your priorities: entitlement programs, health care, energy reform

McCain says we can work on all three at once because they are all very important. He speaks about nuclear power plants and creating new jobs through new energy initiatives.

While Obama says we have to prioritize. "Energy we have to deal with today because you are paying $3.80 here in Nashville and it could go up...it is bad four our national security." Obama plans that in the next ten years America will be free from foreign oil.

My Commentary
I prefer McCain's economic plan. I like that he talked about getting American people back into their homes. However I do agree that America needs to focus on alternative energy plans. It is important that both candidates talked about ending foreign oil dependency and creating "green" jobs. It's good to know that the linkages between the environment and the economy are on their minds.