McCain unveils his economic plan

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:28:28 GMT

McCain called for a summer vacation from all gas taxes, calling on congress to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and the 24.4 cent diesel tax “from Memorial Day to Labor Day.”
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I may not like some of McCain's other policies, but with all of the summer travel that I do with my family - this is a proposal with which I can agree.

Now let's get after the profits that the oil companies are making.

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McCain unveils his economic plan

Bill,Rochester,NY — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:29:38 GMT

A one year freeze on discretionary spending except the military and veteran's programs?
He's not in favor of a G.I. bill and has voted against veterans every single time.
Veterans, don't be fooled. John McCain is not your friend. the media will not tell you this.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Steve Randolph, Tampa, FL — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:31:09 GMT

McCain's plan sounds somewhat like Jimmy Carter's zero based budgeting idea, from back in the seventies. That was also supposed to stop entrenched federal programs from going, and going, and going. Of course, the Congress then would have none of it, and neither will the new Congress, I predict.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Frank — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:32:31 GMT

Taaa-Daaaa ..... tax-cuts and more tax-cuts !

My problem is not that I have to pay taxes. My problem is with what Washington does with the money ! I don't want it to be wasted "between the cracks".

Put the money to work ! The wealthier don't mind to pay a little more if the nation gets something back for the money !

We all live in America. I don't want to see children suffer in this country !

McCain unveils his economic plan

Doesn't get it, huh? — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:34:13 GMT

Man, where has this guy been? I've been waiting for a leader of this magnitude, with this sort of vision for America; his strength in the eye of the storm is amazing. What a maverick!

McCain unveils his economic plan

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:34:13 GMT

Yes, our country is not already in enough debt that McSame wants to drive us even deeper in debt to China by giving tax cuts out like they are candy. "lower Medicare premiums" ... are you kidding me?!?! Sure, lets bankrupt it even sooner.

Remove the highway gas tax?! You have to be kidding, our roads and bridges are horrid as it is now. Here in Cincinnati we desperately need to replace the I-75/I-71 bridge that is decades old. It's running over double capacity and there is little funds to replace it. It's along one of the busiest stretches of highway for commercial trucking in the country.

McCain unveils his economic plan

kenn — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:34:35 GMT

McCain unveils his economic plan

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:34:45 GMT

How about a permanent freeze on the billions of dollars we are throwing away in Iraq? Probably not from mcbush-let's cut all the spending of tax dollars in America so we can rebuild Iraq while they are sitting on top of billions of dollars in U.S. banks! Does the gas tax holiday apply to our military in Iraq who are paying $3.00+ a gallon for gas while Iraqis are paying pennies a gallon? America has a right to know!

McCain unveils his economic plan

MI Chick — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:41:14 GMT

"Where is Obammas BIPARTISNSHIP NOW."The republicans have been the party of IDEAS for the last 15 years or so." BARACK OBAMA. What was he talking about.BITTER what is he talking about racist grammom what is he talking about typical white people what is he talking about,proud of america for the first time what??????
kenn (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:34 PM)"

Kenn, how about you learn how to spell and type and stay on message. Oh, I forgot - your message is all hate and bigotry. You are a joke...and not funny at all.

McCain unveils his economic plan

He may just get it one day... — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:41:17 GMT

McCain is throwing the kitchen sink at the economy. I think his plans are a bit scatter shot and sound more like rhetoric than any solid economic plan. Sort of like ' wells let's throw some ideas out there and see what sticks'. Each revision of his economic policy is more and more detailed. You can tell he's learning but not swiftly enough. The current economic crisis needs a leader running on a stop watch..McCain is more of a sundial kind of guy.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Yucko! — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:41:55 GMT

Where is Obammas BIPARTISNSHIP NOW."The republicans have been the party of IDEAS for the last 15 years or so." BARACK OBAMA. What was he talking about.BITTER what is he talking about racist grammom what is he talking about typical white people what is he talking about,proud of america for the first time what??????
kenn (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:34 PM)

-----------------------------------------------

Well, aren't you just a precious little ball of hate.

McCain unveils his economic plan

mexed, san antonio, texas — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:44:38 GMT

Broad and simple ideas, no details, a bone for the people, and all temporary. How can anyone call this a plan? A freeze can't happen with the trading treaties we have and the money we have borrowed from China. This is an election proposal and nothing but an attention getter. Finally, good luck having it come out of congress. Interestingly, simple proposals fly on two wings: exceptions that will chip away at the simplicity and give more to corporate interestes and, a need to cut more social programs to support what is left out. Another republican means to chip away at all that supports the needy.

McCain unveils his economic plan

John B, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:46:44 GMT

For most of the past 70yrs we would deal with economic slowdown through short-term deficit spending to jump start jobs and thereby economic growth. Of course, with 70% of the National Debt having been accumulated under presidents Reagan, GHW Bush, and GW Bush that tool has been rendered worthless...just like the GOP.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Ron, TX — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:49:56 GMT

Yeah, that $2,000,000 we send to inner-city parks and rec departments for programs that keep kids out of gangs and violence, those aren't really all that necessary and should be cut.

The $14,000,000,000 we're spending in Iraq, well that's a different story! We'll build them all the streets, parks, and buildings they want!

McCain unveils his economic plan

iowan — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:49:59 GMT

McCain-Bush: "Borrow and spend."

Please don't tell me that 'tax and spend' is irresponsible since Bush-McCain apparently believes the public should become cripplingly indebted in order to continue to finance excessive wealth for the few. Repulbicans, if you don't like paying your share, move.

McCain unveils his economic plan

boogeyman, mamaroneck, ny — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:50:56 GMT

So, where are the economy IDEAS? How about a winter vacation break also, for heating fuel. How about telling these big oil companies to lower thier profits. These sales tax breaks will not work for new yorkers nor the west coast, becasue we have the highest sales tax for importing fuel into the states. We is the health insurance plan for poor america? Where is the funding for iraq coming from? Sure isn't comiong from the rich nor the Iraq Oil Fund.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Not this again — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:51:24 GMT

"“Instead, every program comes with a built-in assumption that it should go on forever, and its budget increase forever. My administration will change that way of thinking.”"

Yah - 100 years is hardly "forever," is it, you maverick, you? I'd just like to give your big, chubby jowls a little pinch.

Throw out some pocket change, John, and steal it back from somewhere else. (I suggest health care for children - what do they contribute?)

You've already got the dimwitted ones doing back flips.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Tim, Mobile — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:51:27 GMT

Bill from Rochester

What could the media POSSIBLY have to gain from hiding those facts about McCain if they were completely true? Are you serious? The media would eat it up because people wouldn't be able to click the headline or buy the paper up fast enough.

The reason the "media won't tell you" is because it's complete crap. McCain isn't against the GI Bill, he isn't against veterans, he's against people who use good causes to further personal gain.

It's a political move by other politicians to load up bills so that when he votes down the sour half, they can say, "Oh, he must be anti-American."

The democrats did the same thing with war spending. "Sure, we'll fund the war in Iraq, if you make all of the causes we need to get re-elected part of the deal." And when the President vetos, they scream "He's against the American people!!!" And guess what? The DEMOCRATS who control both sides of Congress kept funding the war, and which party looked bad? Not them, that's for sure.

You've been suckered, my friend.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:53:37 GMT

I remember when Jimmy Carter was President and he was laughed at for pushing energy conservation. The country dumped him and elected Republicans who would shield us from having to confront the real cost of energy...decades later we are fighting wars to protect our oil supplies. Lifting the gas tax is typical Republican energy voodoo. It's time we faced reality and get innovative in confronting our (latest) oil crisis. Carpool, for goodness sakes.

McCain unveils his economic plan

bill, okla — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:54:08 GMT

Hooray for the panderer. He won't get my vote but my wallet can use the break and I don't expect him to be president and able to cause serious problems.

McCain unveils his economic plan

mike tampa fl — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:55:54 GMT

Kenn- please wipe the spittle off your next missive and try to focus on a message.

McCain unveils his economic plan

R.Merrell — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:56:22 GMT

“... every program comes with a built-in assumption that it should go on forever, and its budget increase forever. My administration will change that way of thinking.” What an interesting comment from a guy who thinks the Bush War in Iraq should go on for at least another 100 years. Since the Bushies keep their war "off-budget", McCain's proposal makes perfect sense - no need to even consider the billions being wasted every month fighting Iraq's civil war because it's not even a budgeted item. John Mccain was against Bush's tax cuts, now he's for them. He was supposedly against torture, now he supports it. He's flippin' and floppin' and singin' and dancin' just like GW Bush. There is no difference whatsoever between these two. No vision, no integrity, war and more war. All paid for with tax cuts and more tax cuts. Talk about fuzzy math.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Gordon Beers, Houtzdale, PA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:56:31 GMT

McJoke! Iraq......US....Iraq.....US Hmmmmmmm. Lets make the tough consesssions that we must to get this country back on track. They do not include much more money for Iraq and less money for our own infrastucture. John needs a fiscally responsible plan.

McCain unveils his economic plan

hahahahaha (keep from crying) hahahahahaha — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:56:37 GMT

"BITTER what is he talking about racist grammom what is he talking about typical white people what is he talking about,proud of america for the first time what?????? "

Pretty articulate for a republican. No wonder you guys pick the best presidents.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Trina, Wilmington, DE — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:56:37 GMT

During his speech, McCain called Obama's book "The Aud-i-city of Hope" IDIOT!

McCain unveils his economic plan

Mo, Youngstown, OH — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:57:03 GMT

Pajama Pundit...Do the math. .18 cents a gallon savings x a 20 gallon tank....You just saved yourself $3.60 cents! Enjoy your meal from the Dollar Menu at McDonalds. With a "Maverick" like this,the country should be out of debt by the time by grand children have children. (And I don't have any grand children yet!)

McCain unveils his economic plan

billly,milw,wisconsin — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:57:03 GMT

I am really starting to believe that the only non-connected, Rich and famous voters who will support Hillary Clinton are the self proclaimed abused women of America who feel they have to hurt and destroy all who have not been a victim sometime in their life. Of course there are also the weak, fumbling, fearful and low self esteem men who will support her as well. And we must add the Rep. Geoff Davis types as well.

These are people who are just like Hillary and Bill Clinton. These types of people will abuse, lie, cheat, and steal in just about any form to get their fix for themselves. It seems, this is what happens to Americans who lose their jobs, homes, health care. They cling to these feelings for the rest of their lives and they teach them to their children. It’s no wonder so many American's are voting for Hillary and John McCain

See, it’s not hard to analyze the Clinton's.

McCain unveils his economic plan

a of il — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:59:11 GMT

Yes, we'll get an $18 cent tax savings while the administration allows gas prices to rise to $4.00 and beyond!!! I might just be able to retire! Also, since I'm sure there isn't anything to counter balance that tax cut it means that the road work and bridge inspections that are paid from those taxes will also get a funding cut endangering our families as we drive around. Hasn't this last 8 years proven that tax cuts alone in any form aren't the answer to our problems?

McCain unveils his economic plan

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:59:35 GMT

How are we going to pay for the 100 year War, by cutting the gas tax? Print more money I guess, and get more money from China.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Oregon Taxpayer — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:59:59 GMT

Why must the people of this country continue to be looked upon as wanting everything, while McCain feels that it is alright to continue to increase spending in areas that the people do not want. Let's start with the war spending.

It is time we paid more attention to the interior of this country instead of the exterior.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Ron Tempe, AZ — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:01:50 GMT

How about reinstituting the DRAFT to support the war effort. How about selling IRAQ WAR BONDS to pay for the war. How about hiring more independant contractors to protect our diplomats who don't want to serve in War zone. How about more breaks for credit card, mortgage companies, and Wall Street hedge fund managers. Let's repeal ALL usuary laws.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Houston — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:05:39 GMT

How's McBomb going to pay for the next 4 years of war in Iraq and the new war he wants to start with Iran? More tax cuts ought to stimulate the economy enough to pay the several trillion dollars the wars are costing. That and more loans from Communist China.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Tim, Reading, PA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:06:03 GMT

umm, kenn.... you're sounding a little bitter there. this is an article about McCain, not Obama.

I personally agree with Frank. I don't have a problem with taxes I don't like how they do to bridges to nowhere and so on. Also I have a real problem with how people who make loads more than me get nice big tax breaks... FYI, I make between 40,000 and 50,000 a year.
My though is if we're going to give anyone tax breaks than we need to give them to those that have the least among us, not the most.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Up to you PA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:08:45 GMT

HUH, so we are going to spend approx. 3 TRILLION on a war that can NOT be won... but can not come up with something better than saving 18 cents on gas? That is a whopping 3.00 every time I fill up.

HUH, lets put it into perspective... that is 3,000,000,000,000.00. Good job McCain... NOT!

HE STILL DOESN'T GET IT!

McCain unveils his economic plan

No McBull, Anywhere, USA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:10:38 GMT

Ending the Iraq War wouldn't enter his mind - he's got his legend to finish. I look forward to John's using more taxpayer money to haggle for carpets in Bagdad markets.

Let's move his obscene military budget over to alternative fuels, ed-joo-kay-shun and infrastructure replacement --- but wait, that'd mean jobs for us regular folks.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Debbie — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:13:42 GMT

Roads, bridges, and levees have been failing across the country. McCain wants to cut a whopping 18 cent tax that was used to fix these things.

Mr Lieberman, you might want to wake McCain up again. He's still asleep at the wheel again.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Patrick, Houston, TX — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:19:27 GMT

Frank said:

"My problem is not that I have to pay taxes. My problem is with what Washington does with the money ! I don't want it to be wasted "between the cracks".

Put the money to work ! The wealthier don't mind to pay a little more if the nation gets something back for the money !

We all live in America. I don't want to see children suffer in this country !"

Well, guess what? Frank gets it. He's nailed my sentiments exactly.

McCain unveils his economic plan

Walt — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:23:03 GMT

You should all take the $3 trillion shopping spree. Three trillion dollars is the current estimate of our involvement in Iraq:
http://3trillion.org/
And you wonder why we are in so much trouble.
McCain asking for a tax reduction on the gas tax will ruin our infrastructure. Why doesn't he ask for regulation on the oil companies to drop their gas prices by a commensurate amount? With the oil company profits, this should not be hard.

McCain unveils his economic plan

AJ, IL — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:26:17 GMT

My fellow Americans, the McCain summer gasoline tax suspension may sound good let's provide a cost-benefit analysis to McCain's gasoline tax.

If you fill you gasoline tank up once a week during the summer with gasoline costing $4.00 per gallon for a 15-gallon tank, you are spending $60 per week per car. A McCain summer gasoline tax break would mean you save $2.75 per week. This means for the summer driving season from May 31st to September 1st, the average American would save about $35 in total.

Meanwhile the gasoline tax that goes into a transportation fund to build and repair roads, bridges, and etc. would cause the transportation fund to have to borrow money from the federal budget to continuing fixing bridges and roads. And yes, our federal deficit would increase to borrow more money from countries like China to fund this tax break. The other option would be to give Americans the gasoline tax break and not repair any bridges and roads!

What a politically smart by economically dumb statement for McBush to make!

McCain unveils his economic plan

Terry, Great Plains — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:32:52 GMT

Begging the Rich to pay for their prescriptions is not an economic plan. Doubling tax exemptions or credits for school loans dose not matter if you do not have the resources to get the loan.Let the militaty contractors have a free reign but freeze all other progams is draconian. Where is the sacrifice. Where is the budget discipline. Utilize the removal of the gas tax for alternative fuels research and replace the loss revenue by having the Iraqi's pay for their reconstruvction and future part of our military bill and put an excise tax on the profits of oil companies. We are policing their civil war. This won't work because the Republican lobbyists and special interests wont make any money on it. Hey Bill and Hillary does McCain still have a free pass for his Commander and Chief test. All this is is PANDERING to the popoulace as a whole and to his special interests it solves nothing. By the way to replace General Revenues lost by the shift to pay for the reduction in the gas tax do we not have to raise more bonds and be further indebted to China?

McCain unveils his economic plan

Cindy Lou, TX — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:33:27 GMT

Discretionary spending is a broad term and could include things like health and human services and education. Do Americans really want to freeze those, especially since there's a health care crisis? Of course, military spending is not included; a warmonger like McCain will protect that at all costs.

This is where the media could go a better job of analysis. If more people understood what was included in discretionary spending, they might not be so eager to cheer McCain on.

McCain unveils his economic plan

emily, austin tx — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:33:57 GMT

Cut off funding for everything except the war, the one thing that 80% of the country wants to stop? Wow, that takes "out of touch" to a whole new level.

As for the "gas tax holiday" idea -- well, y'all enjoy driving on potholes, unstable bridges and degraded roads; road & highway infrastructure is what that tax pays for.

What about a reduction of 18c per gallon in oil company profits instead?

McCain unveils his economic plan

tornado1972 — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:37:00 GMT

McCain is on a deep fishing trip but using the wrong bate