The Economy: Red Said, Blue Said

Dear Red Said, Blue Said,

The economy is polling as a top concern—if not the top concern—of American voters. How should the candidates convince hard-working voters (both Democrat and Republican) of their ability and desire to improve their plight?

The Blue Perspective: Erin Egan
My husband and I have a running joke about one of us being secretly wealthy. “Sweetie, we’ve been together for ten years—don’t you think it’s time to tell me about that trust fund of yours?” Unfortunately, as far as I know, neither of us has a valuable nest egg tucked away. No, we are still working hard, and, like a majority of Americans, we don’t believe that our economic situation improved in the last five years.

I am no economist, but I can run a household. Each month we review our priorities (bills, food, millions of diapers), save as much as possible, and see what’s left over for us to enjoy. When times get tighter, we remind ourselves not to live beyond our means, look at ways to cut expenses, and try to save more.

Pretty simple, right?
 
Not for John McCain. America has been living beyond its means for the better part of seven years. Tax cuts for those who actually have trust funds and the ongoing war in Iraq wiped out our nation’s savings and then some. We’ve essentially taken out a second (or third) mortgage on the country, which is largely held as debt by foreign countries like China. Republican policies have left the country wanting for options and facing tough choices to regain our financial footing.

What would you do if this was your household? Let’s take a look at John McCain’s solution.
 
After declaring that he “has never really understood” economics (love that straight talk!), Senator McCain nevertheless insists that we’re “overall better off” now than we were eight years ago and “there’s been great progress economically.” I guess then it’s no surprise that he intends to extend Bush’s tax cuts (after voting against them twice) and spend billions indefinitely in Iraq. To complete the perfect storm, the only way to make up the difference is to cut Social Security, Medicare, and ignore our own infrastructure.
 
You don’t have to be an economist to understand that we cannot continue down this path, yet that’s where McCain is heading. Without a healthy American household, we can’t meet the challenges of hard-working Americans who are facing job cuts, foreclosures, and dwindling spending power.
 
Okay, Senator, we’ve been together a while now. Isn’t it time to unveil that secret trust fund that will make your math work?