photo courtesy of news.com.auAnalysis of the Candidates' Positions on the Economic Downturn
In the aftermath of the economic crisis, both candidates Tuesday night were asked to respond to how they would approach a solution. The “maverick” McCain answered by emphasizing that the key to stabilizing the economy is “home values” and urging the Treasury Secretary to buy the mortgages of all homes in foreclosure.
Obama opened the debate with a string of resolutions, citing the fall of Wall Street as the “worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.” Obama called for strong oversight, treating taxpayers like investors, ensuring that CEOs are not receiving bonuses from the package, and tax cuts for the middle class.
McCain responded by emphasizing his push for less government spending and said that Americans would have to sacrifice some programs. In order for spending to be cut, there needs to be a “spending freeze,” McCain said.
But Obama struck the spending freeze idea down, saying it would be like taking a “hatchet” to the cuts. Instead, leaders need a scalpel to help those who need help, get help.
Sen. McCain said Americans need to consider both candidates' records and proposals for the economy. Here are some resources:
Voting Records
McCain
Obama
Economic Proposals & News Commentaries
McCain
Commentary: NY Times
Obama
Commentary: LA Times
Comparison: International Herald Tribune
Media Critique: Tom Brokaw as a national journalist facilitating the discussion.
Several times Brokaw interrupted the flow of the debate to remind each candidate of the time constraints. Keeping this in mind, was Tom Brokaw an effective debate facilitator? Did he ask appropriate questions and conduct the debate well?
"What was that?!" Quotes & Paraphrases
"Pinning down Obama's policies is like nailing jello down to the wall."
- McCain
"I've got some news, Sen. Obama, and news is baaad."
- McCain
"And McCain, the straight-talk express lost a wheel."
- Obama
"I have to correct McCain's history, not surprisingly."
- Obama
"I'm just hired help here."
- Brokaw
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