Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:19:09 GMT

M. Sierra: Absolutely!!

When you have political pundits in this country going on Fox Propaganda, then that’s a clue that they don’t have the best interests of the country in mind. Sean Hannity cannot speak w/o his talking points in front of him. He’s not intelligent enough. Is this America or what?! Fox Propaganda’s advertisers should be swamped with emails in protest.

There is a treasure among us this very moment. He more than anyone, has represented the values we as Americans cherish.

And then along came the neo-cons with their lies and their deceit. And no one defended him. In all these years.

President Bush, isn’t it a shame that you & your neo-con friends in the media had to throw Americans everywhere under the bus. You said at one time that you could look into Putin’s soul. Perhaps it would have been wiser & more patriotic if you & your idiot friends all over the media had bothered looking at some of our own politicians (Americans) who actually HAVE A SOUL. President Carter has been smeared for 30 years. 30 years. He was handed an economic mess because of Ford/Cheney & Rumsfeld. You know, Republicans. I guess President Carter just didn’t know how to BS his way through his presidency. So no one paid attention to him. Afterall, everyone loves a BS’er. Reagan, the actor, was good at it. Real good. And now we have Senator McCain selling out in order to win an election.

From the Newsvine-May 26, 2008:

Growing up in a republican household, and having a grandfather in Reagan's administration, my earliest impressions of President Carter were of the hostage mess, Reagan's quote that Carter would sell his own mother for political advantage, and Billy Beer. I was much too young to come up with an objective opinion of my own. So now, a quarter century and four presidents later, how should Carter be remembered?

To this day there seems to be a media storm of contempt for Carter, and neo-cons hate the guy - comment after comment on blogs and here on the vine refer to him as "the worst president ever."
So what is the story? Carter rode a wave of republican distrust after Nixon/Watergate and Ford's pardon of Nixon. He came to town to clean house and shake things up - he Fired Bush as head of the CIA, gave amnesty to all draft-dodgers on his first day in office, put solar panels on the white house as part of his campaign for energy independence, and cut pork from bills sponsored by fellow Democrats. To some this might sound great, but really it was pretty naive. He removed many neo-cons from office that would later promise weapons to terrorists (Iran-contra affair) in their successful effort to replace Carter with Reagan. He also pissed off his own party by denying them the pork they were allowed before (and have been since). He ended up as a man with few allies and many enemies, with little chance of a second term.

But still he did have amazing accomplishments during his single term including;

-Camp David (Middle East peace) accords - recognized as a huge achievement by historians - both conservative and progressive
-Reduced the number of departments and employees in the federal government
-Cut defense spending by $6 billion.
-SALT treaty
-opening of relations with the USSR
-legalized home brewing
-promoted alternative energy

Since his presidency Carter's work with Habitat for Humanity, his continued efforts towards peace in the Middle East, efforts around the world to fight disease, best-selling books, and many awards have bolstered his image and the image of the United States around the world.

… Strategically he made some political mistakes, yet he was certainly principled, something we have rarely seen in our presidents since.”
_____________
Has President Carter been invited to speak at the Convention or have the self-centered Clintons taken all the spotlight yet again.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

tr — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:20:54 GMT

Can you make sure your TV shows point this out? NO you never do as MSM management wants the OLD war monger in office

McCain is DANGEROUS for this country, seriously DANGEROUS

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

DV, CA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:21:01 GMT

It's amazing people still believe the old man...

But here they come...all the McCain fan one liners..

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

MSierra, SF — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:24:04 GMT

HE was Just TRYING TO DEFEND GEORGIA !!

From Huff Post:

'...McCain Adviser Arrested Once For Gun Violation On Capitol Hill

John McCain's chief foreign policy adviser, Randy Scheunemann, is known for his aggressive posture on foreign policy, having served as an architect of the Iraq war and, more recently, a fierce supporter of and lobbyist for the former Soviet nation of Georgia.

But apparently he takes the notion of cowboy diplomacy to a new level. A Democratic source tipped off the Huffington Post that back in 1997, when he was serving as a top adviser to Sen. Trent Lott, Scheunemann was arrested by Capitol Hill police for a gun violation.

According to a Washington Times article from February 1997, Scheunemann was spotted by a police unit with a shotgun case through the window of his car. They stopped him to ask if the case contained an actual gun. It did. Moreover, Scheunemann had several rounds of ammunition as well.

"The congressional aide was arrested, taken to police headquarters, fingerprinted and charged with possession of an unregistered firearm (an unloaded 12-gauge) and unregistered ammunition (two rounds)," the story went. Scheunemann, who would spend several hours in jail before his release, would eventually plead guilty to a lesser charge and pay a $500 fine.

The McCain campaign declined to comment...'

McCain has assembled a 'crack' advisory team !!

Just another 'red blooded' American 'patriot' !!

Gimme back my bullets

John McCain, Rebpulican 'Mimbo'

TURN THE PAGE

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

justthinkinoutloud — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:24:13 GMT

Lets see if I can cypher this, the young black dude will give a tax cut to those making 19K to 112K (thats where I'm at) and the white haired dude wants to give a tax cut of 269K to those making over 2.9 mil. Since I was the smatest kid in the 6th grade for six years, I choose the black dude. Now that wasn;t hard was it?

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Michigan will again stand BLUE — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:25:01 GMT

You would think that after the last 8 years....there would be some-sort of "Referee" on this types of ads that:

1. Do not allow false statements to be advertised
2. A "committee" that approves all political ads for there truth.

Just a thought...

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Jay, The Batcave — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:25:20 GMT

I'm really digging the "celebrity" thing.

The biggest problem with Barack Obama is that lots of people love him.

Classic.

Oh, and a negative ad is only truly negative when it's packed with lies.

You know, like McCain's ads.

Obama '08

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

A Charles, LA, CA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:25:24 GMT

Magoo's campaign is run like an I Luv Lucy show.

It's shotgun approach is scatter brained at best.

His administration would be the same.

I can't believe there are people still taking him seriously.

Obama needs 1 good debate & this race is toast.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Joe, Twin Falls, ID — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:25:35 GMT

America's just trying to blame the President and candidates for our economy's crisis. If you ask me, I think it's our problem, the President just needs to know what to do.

http://www.votenic.com

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Cheryl, Wi — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:26:04 GMT

McShame is a liar and does not care about the middle class or poor.

I pray that "working class" that is, poor and uneducated, are not going to fall the GOP's lying bull%$%$ this time around!!

Obama '08 - '12

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:26:37 GMT

Note to John McCain: We are already in the midst of an economic disaster at this very moment. It's the direct result of billions of dollars being spent on a 5+ year war in Iraq, with simultaneous Bush tax cuts.

If Senator McCain truly wants to engage Russia, how exactly does he plan to fund this endeavor? I don't know that the Chinese will be so quick to open up the checkbook for us this time.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

JessicaElaine — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:26:44 GMT

THANK YOU FR - Chuck's keeping his word to fact check the lies...I mean "ads"...coming out of McCain's camp.

Obama/Biden 08

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Rich, Pittsburgh PA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:27:25 GMT

An John McCain really knows something about family budgets! He barely had enough to buy a fifth home last year. I mean he and his wife wanted to buy a second private jet to fly around Arizona in, but they may have to wait until next year to do it (after all as Cindy say...private jet is really the only way to travel around Arizona). And if big bad Obama raises taxes on the wealthy...John may only be able to buy 3 pairs of his 500 loafers.

John McCain...he understands what "the little people" need.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Boopme — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:28:14 GMT

The tax man doesn't cometh, he's been here for 7 1/2 years. Where have you been? Time to try something new.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

shan — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:28:17 GMT

Only time will tell too much Garbage from Mac camp throwing everything. I know there is some people belive this garbage and they don't do any good them slef at polling day.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

axt113, Cleveland, Oh — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:29:49 GMT

Yet again McCain uses distrotions and lies, the only people who will be hurt by Obama's tax paln are those who can afford it

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

The Truth — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:29:52 GMT

The President cannot raise or lower taxes.

Congress can.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

P. Anderson, West Palm Beach, FL — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:41 GMT

I'm so sick of these misleading ads. Is this how McCain wants to win with dishonesty. I don't mind attach ads attacking each others policies but please how about the facts. There's too many people out there who don't fact check and just assume and these politians know that. And people wonder why things are so wrong with our government.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

mccain thinks americans are retarded ~ are they? — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:43 GMT

How long will it be before people wake up to the hard cold fact that republicans will tax the poor and middle class while giving tax breaks to the rich? It is obvious and yet the republicans will tell lie after lie and the public eats it up! I certainly do not buy it for one second.
This ad is so far-fetched it isn't even plausible. You would have to have an IQ of 50 to believe this cra*.

Keep on spinning your lies mccain, it is time for you to get caught in your own web.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

karen bourland overland park ks — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:58 GMT

You know when Wal-Mart is spending 100 million dollars against Democrats in general that he is for the rich. The Fat Cats have run this country into the ground. It's time we take back America and vote for Obama because he will fight the Fat CAts. In the book Obamanomics by JOhn Talbott there is an explantion of how bottom up economic prospeity will replace trickle-down economics.

Remember people, our financil markets are in a crisis because of real estate lobby mortgage banking lobb and hedge fund lobbyists. Come on America wake up and realise that unless the poorest can live then the richest will prosper. I am scared to death that the sick JOhn MCCain/Karl Rove/GEorge Bush politcs of lie cheat and steal will steal this election! Please America do not let this happen.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Rick,Ky — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:31:07 GMT

Hey 1st Read, where is the headline asking whether this ad is fair or Not, as you did last week with Barack's ad's?

Give the 26 % of Ignorant American's still buying into GWB & now Mccain's notion that all is well in La-La-Land.

Watch them start posting beginning with richard followed by lauren in New jersey, then kathy(i think).

Deer in the Headlight look as with those 2 crazies from PUMA on Hardball yesterday!

Delusional thinking By Common Sense American's Is Over!!!

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Wilson, Seattle — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:31:17 GMT

Obamas tax plan will break your family's budget*

*If your budget includes $300/month at Starbucks and payments on your hummer and lexus out in the garage.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Anne/Ohio — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:31:36 GMT

I think the networks should fact check all ads before airing! If it is not a fact then don't air it!
Oh sorry I guess that leaves Mr. McCain out of the ad buy!

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

TheC — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:33:04 GMT

The Republican candidate whining about the Democrats and taxes. What's the old saying? There's nothing certain in life except death and Republicans whining about taxes? Voters simply have to ask themselves if the country is better off after 8 years of Republican tax policy.

More importantly, here is another misleading ad from John McCain. When is the media going to take this off the back page blogs and start analyzing it in depth on the front page? This pattern from McCain is disturbing during a time when we really need honest leadership.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

donna — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:33:32 GMT

The Republican ideology that favors looking out for the rich, who will inturn take care of the middle, and poorer classes has no historical precedence, and therefore has no credibility.

It is a ridiculous notion that should be rejected out of hand. Yet, because the electorate are mostly uninformed, and look to blame others, (in other words kick the dog), when they find themselves struggling economically, they are easily manipulated by neocon lies, and fear mongering.

I believe we are about to witness a miracle of Biblical proportions, however. I believe in the Scriptural narrations of David, and Goliath. Let the GOP throw all they have at us. Their defeat will be that much more demoralizing. Our victory will be that much sweeter.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

MK,MO — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:33:47 GMT

These ads work where I am from, hell half the people I talk to think he's a Muslim or blew up the world trade center or something. Obama needs to get his message out around here although I tend to believe it would be ignored by many. Adds like the one just released by mccain are despicable and show the true character of him and the gruesome band of liars that surround him. Obama needs to win this thing or I fear we are all doomed, may need to restock the fallout shelter if mccain gets elected.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

banko — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:34:28 GMT

McLame economic agenda is based on NAFTA. Shipping jobs overseas and tax breaks for foreign companies stealing American jobs
John McCain & Miss Teen SC on Economics
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HcdLO3jKkPo&feature=related

Fact Check: More Tax Deception
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGIqGaWZOo0&eurl

Expose McCain's BS on Taxes
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/8/101916/2364/855/564599

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Must reads, Houston TX — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:35:57 GMT

Must reads:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/drew-westen/catching-the-wrong-john-w_b_118064.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html

http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/devastating-mccain-video/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/14/alan-colmes-goes-off-duri_n_119004.html

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Marcel,Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:36:33 GMT

Nothing new from the republican. Every four years its the same. They have been in power for almost 8yrs and they have done nothing for the middle class American. Bush is an idiot and he isn't even a real Texan he is from Conn. No one moves from some where else as an adult and start talking like the locals unless its fake. Anyway McCain is just offering more of the same next thing you know he will be speaking with a southern accent!

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

sg, michigan — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:40:12 GMT

I'm tired of all these Republicans defending their tax breaks for the rich.

We were told years ago that this sort of tax break would spur the economy and ultimately deliver more surplus revenue to our government. The Bush administration promised this would be true despite our funding of two wars. We have record debt to show for it.

So where is our economic boon? Why hasn't it delivered more tax revenue? If it hasn't even come close to working out in the best of times, how will it work now? And why should we continue it?

Truth is, McCain can gripe all he wants about Obama's economic plan. Continuing Bush's plan delivers more debt for all of us.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Man-sized Safe, Portland, Texas — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:40:18 GMT

I think the fact that McThuselh releases his ads to the MSM, with very little evidience that they ever actually played anywhere else shows 1) a lack of integrity on his party and 2) great skill at manipulating you guys to give him free air time.

So what if Obama airs his ads in strategic locations without sending the MSM a courtesy copy? Sounds smart to me. Maybe you guys should get out in the field and practice journalism.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Ed, FW, TX — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:47:37 GMT

It is not surprising that McCain keeps harping on the same lies, distorting Barack's positions and doing his version of the same "kitchen sink" strategy that Clinton used.

Barack will keeping spreading the truth and contrary to what some of the pundits keep crying about, he is certainly both smart enough and tough enough to attack carefully as needed.

So will all you making over $250 a year promise to vote for the old dude, while the rest of us vote for the young dude who will look out for OUR interests?

Since there are a lot more of us than you richies, the outcome is not really in doubt is it? In spite of the McCain lies, the truth will set us FREE!

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Andrew S. Martin, Portland, Maine — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:52:42 GMT

I am a typical white person and i approve Sen Obama idea on given me a tax cut because i am making between $19,000 to $50,000, yes i am broke, rather than paying more than the millionaires in sen mcCain's plan, he really does not care about poor amreicans.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:53:28 GMT

Republicans incessantly calling for lower taxes is nothing more than pandering for near-term political gains, while demonstrating a willingness to sacrificing our national long-term solvency.

Its incredibly reckless. We simply can't afford to continue running up these $400 billion deficits, while simultaneously stealing cash out of the Social Security accounts - IOUs there total more than $2 trillion now.

To the GOP, big government costs big bucks. And since you no longer even pretend to be a party of small government, let's at least pay the tab for the big and growing government we have. Not doing so is irresponsible.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Nashville_fan — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:55:12 GMT

When is First Read going to put the story of John McCain's lies in the HEADLINE instead of burying it in the copy?

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:57:26 GMT

Domenico, dude - excellent research! I knew you had it in you!

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Ron from Reno — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:01:30 GMT

A secretly obtained tape reveals McSame's first reaction to news of the Russian/Georgian conflict:

"Seriously?!? Doesn't anyone else see the problem with this invasion? We need to strike back and HARD. What next, Alabama?"

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Eddie Zalez — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:04:47 GMT

Sure Mr. McCain sees it coming... finally the rich like him (over $100 millions in assests, 10 homes, and $500 shoes) and the very large corporations that avoid paying taxes will have to pay their fair share as we try to recover from the true "economic disaster" of the Bush administration. Like he likes to say: "my friends" we have a problem here.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

subgruvet, ok — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:05:12 GMT

Angry, bitter, careless, belligerent = maverick. In McBlinky's case that should be mavWack. Anyone in this country making less than 6 figures and isn't a Limbaugh sheep or just stupid will regret a vote for the blinker...count the blinks add the lies and you get the Arizona senator.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Cincinnati girl — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:06:37 GMT

It amazes me that politicians are allowed to make false claims about each other in their ads. Now, if this were a consumer product instead of a POTUS nominee, we'd be screaming for someone's head! Shouldn't we apply the same scrutiny to a political ad that we would to an ad for cold medicine or a weight loss drug?

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Houston — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:07:26 GMT

Another day, another McCain ad hitting Obama on taxes. And to the McCain campaign's credit, as we noted earlier, it has been much more likely that it releases its negative ads to the press than the Obama campaign.
----------------------------------------------------

Nice going. FirstRead whines about Obama's totally legitimate ad about McCain's connection to the DHL debacle in Ohio, and "praises" McCain for releasing his ad to the media. The only reason McCain releases ads to the media is because he knows you'll give them free air time and zero criticism, no matter how dirty they are. How gullible can you be? Or is it that your sense of self-importance has been offended since Obama doesn't bother to inform you of every move he makes in advance.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Jim, Mesa, AZ — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:07:54 GMT

This is ridiculous! Obama needs to start addressing this and debunking this claim. This is going to set in and then voters will not be properly informed and base their decisions on lies. The MSM needs to take more responsibility and stop allowing McCain to get air time on these lies!

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:09:02 GMT

Good job, First Read, what a well-researched article.

I think it's pretty clear that McCain is trying to group all Americans in with his friends in that 2% echelon.

Obama's middle class first message is going to really start resonating. I think it's something that can really catch fire.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Houston — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:12:14 GMT

And the wealthiest 10 percent -- households earning at least $90,000 per year -- carry 71 percent of the country's tax burden.”
-------------------------------------------------

And 2/3 of American corporations pay no taxes.

http://thinkprogress.org/wonkroom/2008/08/12/no-corporate-taxes/

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

eagles02 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:13:14 GMT

The same old GOP fear tactics of higher taxes. Of course they don't bother to mention their borrow and spend tendancy. I personally would rather pay as you go than burdening our great grandchildren with paying interest on our excesses.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

gg, fl — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:16:30 GMT

FIRST READ YOU AND OTHER MEDIA POINTED OUT THAT SEN. MCCAIN IS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH AND THAT IT IS HIS PLAN THAT WILL HURT THE RICH AND CUT TAXES FOR THE OTHERS.

NOW HERE'S THE QUESTION? WHY IS FIRST READ AFRAID TO STAND BY IT'S FACTS?

YOU BEGAN THE ARTICLE AS IF MCCAIN IS RIGHT AND LATER YOU POINT OUT THAT SEN. OBAMA IS RIGHT AND SEN. MCCAIN IS NOT BEING TRUTHFUL WITH THE VOTERS.

ISN'T THAT WHAT JOURNALISM IS ABOUT REPORTING THE FACTS? WHYA IS IT THAT EVERYTIME YOU REPORT A "FIB BY MCCAIN" YOU TRY TO BACK AWAY FROM THE TRUTH

WHEN YOU HAVE THE FACTS ON YOUR SIDE YOU SHOULD CALL IT FOR WHAT IT IS, UNTRUTHFUL

DON'T SKIP AROUNG THE FACTS, DON'T BE MISLEADING

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

GS, Jamison, PA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:23:40 GMT

Marcel: The republicans have had a president in the white house for 28 of the last 40 years. It appears it has finally caught up perhaps because the most recent idiot was the worst in the history of our country. We've been hoodwinked twice, let's not let it happen again.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Not fooled by gramps — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:27:20 GMT

I stopped listening to anything the mccain camp said or put out long ago. He's dishonest and would make a horrible president. His economic plan should have a name - I think - "Us rich folks have ours, screw you" would be sufficient. McCain is a foreign policy and economic disaster waiting to happen. Sorry graduate number 894 - you don't have any credibility on economics, and your a phony foreign policy "expert.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Curious — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:27:37 GMT

Mccain receive's 58,000.00 per year in untaxed military pension. This is a 100% disability pension. If he is 100% disabled, how can he assume the temendous responsibilaties and demanding schedule of POTUS?

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Kathy, Simi Valley CA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:28:36 GMT

They are continuing with the lies about Senator Obama's tax plan, and as far as I'm concerned keep them coming because the majority of Americans know they are lies after McCain's last two ads and now he can prove he is a corrupt politician that will say anything to win.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:32:26 GMT

"In that upper echelon, those making an average of $2.9 million -- the top 0.1% -- would get a whopping tax break of $269,000 from McCain. Under Obama’s plan, the millionaires would take a serious hit, their pockets lightened by $702,000 on average."

Is this basically the difference between making the Bush tax cuts permanent and maintaining the status quo and Obama re-instating tax rates on the rich that existed before the Bush tax cuts?

In other words, is McCain for the rich not paying any MORE than they do now, not that they will pay less? Is the $269,000 "break" just maintaining the status quo relative to what it was before the Bush tax cuts? And why is Obama's proposal not referred to as a "whopping" $702,000? That's a 24% swing, whereas the $269,000 is less than 10%. And that's if it's a real increase and not just a comparative number.

I know Obama is for increasing taxes on the rich. I think McCain is for them not paying a higher rate than they do now. They both throw a bone at us average folks.

I don't think First Read clarifies anything and is just participating in the political posturing. For Obama. I don't particularly like the McCain ads either. Politicians, campaigns and political pundits discussing the economy is painful for me, no matter which side they are on.

Marcel:

Obama isn't a real Chicagoan either.

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

John,Portland,Or — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:42:32 GMT

It's telling that John McCain carries more in Credit Card debt than the vast majority of Americans make in a year. Tell me again how this dillettante is somehow more in touch with "common" America?

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

Dennis Dallas — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:43:16 GMT

Can you make sure your TV shows point this out? NO you never do as MSM management wants the OLD war monger in office

McCain is DANGEROUS for this country, seriously DANGEROUS
tr (Sent Friday, August 15, 2008 1:20 PM)

McCain is Nothing compared to what obama will do to us. Do you remember the gas lines in the 70's, thats obama energy plan !

Whose 'economic disaster' exactly?

NoMcSame — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:45:58 GMT

McCain's tax policy is the same as Bush tax policy which has not "trickle down" to lift all boats any more than Reagan's did. The corporate power and wealth elite has not invested in ways that create good well paying American jobs. They are much more devoted to raising "productivity", code for squeezing more out of the peons for less.

Since the very tax policies he advocates, along with the right's devotion to refusing to regulate Wall Street greed, are the ones already in place and responsible for the pain the shrinking middle is now experiencing, what's his argument for why we should sign on for more of the same?

It's so obvious that Obama's plan offers tax relief and other breaks to fully 95% of all American families, not just the tiny elite at the very top,as well as so obvious that the very policies McCain promises are the ones that have failed us for the past 8 years, it's stunning that he expects us not to notice.

Of course the righties who get all their news from right wing sources will believe this nonsense but they are part of the small base that will vote Republican or stay home anyway.

Maybe that's the problem. Maybe McCain, like Bush, is as ignorant of everything outside the world of rightie spin as those he must be addressing. Bush complains about Russia bullying other countries and McCain declares that in the 21st century nations don't invade other sovereign nations. Huh? Maybe they really ARE unaware of the reality based world!