Do You Know This Candidate?
EmailBarack Obama and John McCain alike have made strides since June in acquainting likely voters with their positions. The difference: For Obama’s supporters, it looks much more likely to matter.
More than three-quarters of likely voters in out ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll feel they know at least a good amount about the candidates’ positions on the issues, up 18 points for McCain and 21 points for Obama since the general election campaign got underway. That’s part of what campaigns are for.
But the importance likely voters place on those issue positions is not the same. Forty-five percent say the candidates’ positions on the issues are more important than their personal qualities – and they’re a very broadly pro-Obama group, favoring him by 67-30 percent.
Fifty-three percent, however, say either that the candidates personal qualities are more important, or that the two are equally important (42 and 11 percent, respectively) – and this group favors McCain by 14 points, 55-41 percent.
That may be what McCain’s campaign manager, Rick Davis, had in mind when he told The Washington Post in early September that what mattered in the race wasn’t issues but the voters’ “composite view” of the candidates. From McCain’s perspective that makes sense. From Obama’s, not so much.
Another approach to the data reinforces that conclusion. Among likely voters who feel they know at least a good amount about Obama’s positions, he leads by 56-40 percent. Among those who know at least that much about McCain, it’s a 51-46 percent McCain-Obama race.
That effect also appears among the subset of likely voters who feel they know a “great deal” about each candidate. Those who feel they know a great deal about Obama’s positions support him by a 2-1 margin, 64-31 percent. Those who know a great deal about McCain’s favor him by a smaller 8-point margin, 52-44 percent.
These results point to two conclusions about current strategy. One is that the McCain campaign portrayal of Obama as an unknown quantity may be aimed at breaking down the link between feeling informed about Obama’s positions and supporting him. The other is that Obama’s heavy advertising campaign, including his half-hour network television ads tonight, seems aimed at building up that very same link.
…and a Look at Movables
Another subject of interest, since we’re swimming in data these days, is what we call movable voters. Twelve percent of likely voters overall (using all 12 nights of our tracking poll), they’re those who are either outright undecided (just 2 percent) or who have a preference but haven’t definitely made up their minds (10 percent more).
Who are they? How movable? Here’s a sketch:
- Movables split about evenly between being highly movable – either undecided or saying there’s a “good chance” they’ll change their minds (7 percent) – and those who say it’s “pretty unlikely” they’ll change, 5 percent.
- They split by 37-34 percent between McCain and Obama, with 7 percent saying “neither” and 20 percent no opinion (based on the four nights of tracking data we released last night).
- Highly movables go 31-25 percent McCain-Obama, 13 percent neither, 29 percent no opinion.
- Unlikely movables, by contrast, split 50-49 percent Obama-McCain – more decisive, as you can see.
- Movability peaks in groups less rooted in partisanship: independents (17 percent movable overall, 11 percent highly), moderates (15 percent overall, 9 percent highly), white Catholics (15 percent overall, 8 percent highly) and white mainline Protestants (15 percent overall, 9 percent highly).
- They’re also less engaged. Just 45 percent of movables are following the campaign very closely, compared with 68 percent of likely voters who’ve definitely decided on a candidate. So if these are folks Obama’s aiming at in his TV specials tonight – well, it’s not at all clear how apt they’ll be to tune in.
Gulf of Mexico to Become Gulf of America? 
Can Mitt Romney Win Conservatives Back?
McCain’s campaign manager, Rick Davis, had in mind when he told The Washington Post in early September that what mattered in the race wasn’t issues but the voters’ “composite view” of the candidates.
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Exactly! Who cares about those pesky “issues”. What does THAT have to do with being Presidenet anyway?
As long as we can make this election about secret Muslims, secret terroroists, and secret socialists, our guy will win.
Posted by: From the Right Wing | October 29, 2008, 7:32 am 7:32 am
I still don’t know what either candidate intends to do about the huge deficit being left by Bush and the Republicans.
Posted by: Joel | October 29, 2008, 7:45 am 7:45 am
We’ve had over a year to learn about each candidate. If you don’t know them yet, you probably aren’t interested.
These candidates are polar opposites.
McCain represents the old way of doing things. Big businesss first, the middle class if he gets around to it. He suggests the same direction we’ve gone for 8 years. If you like what has happened in the last 8 years, vote McCain.
Obama represents a new direction for our nation. A new emphasis on the middle class instead of the corporation. And a chance to restore America’s credibility in the world. And a vision of a government that is looking out for everyone, not just the wealthy.
All McCain has offered is more fear and division. And how did that work out for our nation over the last 8 years?
Obama is the change we need!
Posted by: No truly | October 29, 2008, 7:46 am 7:46 am
I still don’t know what either candidate intends to do about the huge deficit being left by Bush and the Republicans.
====================
Both have proposed policy that is WAY beyond our budget. Sad, but true.
However, McCain’s plan actually costs MORE than Obama’s.
Changes proposed by Obama’s campaign would mean the national debt would grow by $5.7 trillion over 10 years, while proposals spelled out by McCain’s campaign would add $10.9 trillion, according to the Tax Policy Center.
Posted by: Dave in VA | October 29, 2008, 7:48 am 7:48 am
Former Sen. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska, an Obama supporter, writes in The New York Post about Obama, “a hypocrite is a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue — who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. And that, it seems to me, is what we are doing now.”
Obama has done this during his entire campaign.
Posted by: MaryD | October 29, 2008, 7:57 am 7:57 am
MaryD,
A hypocrite is a person who calls his opponent a Socialist when he knows that charge to be false.
Is John McCain today willing to propose the end of all redistributionist government policies, including:
A) Social Security
B) Medicare
C) Unemployment insurance
D) All local sales taxes.
E) All local property taxes.
F) Federal funds to Alaska, which is number 1 in terms of federal pork, receiving a whopping THREE times more per person than Illinois!
Posted by: John | October 29, 2008, 8:14 am 8:14 am
John – if it were up to the Republicans or the Libertarians – they’d do away with all the social safety nets and millions of Americas would drop into abject poverty while the rich would become the uber-rich. America would become a 3rd world nation and China or India would be the next superpower. Look – the Republican mantra is “Don’t tax me” and “Let the market decide”. Well – we let the market decide and it decided to run amok. They know they cannot win this election. And the reason is – Americans are as mad as hell and aren’t going to take it anymore!!!!!
Posted by: Bob | October 29, 2008, 9:28 am 9:28 am
Personal qualities??? To heck with that! Give me the guy who will change this nation. We’ve already had Bush who people said “He’s the guy I’d like to have a beer with”. Sometimes people are incredibly stupid and naive.
Posted by: Bob | October 29, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am
Do we really want another depression–
The Great Depression became what it was not because of the starting conditions, but mostly because of bad decisions made along the way. Japan didn’t mimic the U.S. policies of higher taxes. The Japanese government kept tariffs low, didn’t raise taxes, and actually cut taxes in the mid-1930s. Although the Japanese economy was affected by the events in the rest of the world, like everyone else, statistics like industrial production actually show more growth during the 1930s than during the 1920s. —–Obama’s plan–He wants a 33% increase in the tax rates on capital gains and dividends, an increase of 16% to 32% in the top payroll tax rate, reinstatement of the death tax with a 45% top rate, and a new payroll tax on employers estimated at 7% to help finance his health insurance plan. He’s also contending for higher tariffs under his protectionist policies.Finally, he would increase corporate taxes by 25%, though American businesses already face the second-highest marginal tax rates in the industrialized world, thus directly harming manufacturing and job creation while weakening demand for the dollar.
Posted by: amazed801 | October 29, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am
Hello,
What happened to the right to free speech? You have NO problem with the rights of free speech when it comes to John McCain. Obama’s far left radical views do matter to some Americans! You need to ask the LA Times why they won’t release the Obama / PLO 2003 tape! You need to ask them; do you plan to release the tape before the election? The public has the right to know all the views of the possible next president of these great United States of America! I am having problems with Obama’s past and I would like to know more on this tape and why the LA Times won’t release it. Are they being BIAS as most of you in the media have been? What are they hiding? If the tape is the same as they wrote about in April then WHY NOT RELEASE IT.
Thank you,
BK
Posted by: BK News | October 29, 2008, 9:36 am 9:36 am
Which face is McSame wearing, maverick, reformer. Bush’s best friend…now that is a lying hypocrite
Posted by: Shayla | October 29, 2008, 9:44 am 9:44 am
You may not like or hate BUSH, but OBAMA just says whatever to get votes, look at what he did vote on.
Here’s Obama July 7th in St. Louis.
OBAMA SAID: If Senator McCain wants a debate about taxes in this campaign, then it is a debate I have (sic) happy to have, because if you’re a family making less than $250,000 a year, my plan will not raise your taxes.
(LATER in the campaign — this is just recently — Obama reduced the figure.)
OBAMA SAID: If you have a job, pay taxes, and make less than $200,000 a year, you’ll get a tax cut.
(So $250,000 has become $200,000. When Obama gets in office he will lower it to under $42,000 just like his vote in the Illinois Senate. Where he voted to raise taxes on anyone making $42,000 or more a year. Yes, thankfully the bill did not get passed, but Obama wants EVERYONE to pay taxes! Obama is the lying hypocrite if you believe he won’t raise taxes on you!)
10-28-08 Joe Biden in a TV interview on WNEP-TV, Channel 16 in Scranton Wilkes-Barre lowered it again.
BIDEN said: It should go like it used to. It should go to middle-class people, people making under $150,000 a year.
If you want to hear video clips go to Fox news and see the truth.
Obama/Biden will raise taxes on everyone! They think “it’s the right thing to do” said Biden
Obama/Biden want to “share the wealth”
Obama said this lots in his first book. He wants to create a socialist America where your money is given to the government where he can SPEND MORE AND MORE. He wants to kill Capitalism and kill the “American Dream” of making more money and Freedom.
Posted by: Mel | October 29, 2008, 10:05 am 10:05 am
Rush Limbaugh admits that he’s conservative biased. A few other reporters need to admit their bias as well.
- 73% of the American people favor private ownership of firearms. Obama is strongly opposed.
- Most Americans want to close our borders. Obama wants open borders and Nafta.
- Almost all Americans want to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. Obama voted for offshore drilling but not within 50 miles of the coast. He opposes nuclear power, clean coal research and his friend/mentor Ted Kennedy already shut down one wind generation project.
- Most Americans want to keep what they earn. Obama admits his “spread the wealth” plan.
- Obama pushes his plan to tax the wealthy knowing it will be passed on to the poor and middle class in the form of higher prices.
Americans who listen to liberal media and a charismatic candidate will vote for Obama.
Americans who take the time to learn issues will probably vote for McCain.
Posted by: Oonogil | October 29, 2008, 10:51 am 10:51 am
WHERE ARE THE MEDICAL RECORDS PROMISED BY SARAH PALIN?
Posted by: Truth Matters | October 29, 2008, 11:08 am 11:08 am
Bob in answer to your 9:28 post
If Obama wins the election it will be because Americans are dumb as hell and aren’t going to think anymore. Charisma means more than facts. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and many other “ultra rich” as you call them, are Democrats. They don’t care how much you raise taxes, they have teams of lawyers to take care of that and they just raise prices to cover the rest. In the end the tax will be paid by the working and middle class. Always has been, always will be.
The question is how much is spent. There is no way Obama can pay for all the things he is promising without raising taxes on the working people or cutting defense spending to dangerously low levels. Every time we do that we are attacked. 1941 and 2001 are examples.
Unless you are one of the “ultra rich” or a welfare recipient you will not benefit from an Obama presidency. If you are in the middle with the rest of us, Obama is your worst nightmare.
Posted by: Oonogil | October 29, 2008, 11:18 am 11:18 am
I AM DISAPPOINTED IN BOTH CANDIDATES AND OUR GOVERNMENT FOR DODGING THE ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION. THEY DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN THE SAME COMMUNITIES WITH THEM, THEY DON’T HAVE TO WORK WITH THEM, THEY DON’T HAVE TO SHOP FOR FOOD WITH THEM, ETC. OUR HOMES AND OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY OUR GOVERNMENTS “TURN YOUR HEAD” ATTITUDE. MOST UPPER INCOME PEOPLE WANT “MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK” WITH LOW WAGES AND LONG HOURS OF WORK THESE IMMIGRANTS PROVIDE. THEY FINALLY RAIDED A PLANT IN OUR CITY , AFTER COMPLAINTS FOR TWO YEARS, AND TOOK 300 WORKERS OUT. PEOPLE WERE LINED UP, UNEMPLOYED AMERICANS, THE NEXT DAY TO TRY TO GET A JOB. IT GOES TO SHOW THAT THEY ARE NOT JUST TAKING JOBS THAT NOBODY ELSE WANTS. IF THESE PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN, WHO DIDN’T ASK TO BE HERE ILLEGALLY, THEY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR THAT. THEY ALL HAVE CELL PHONES TO MAKE CALLS ANY OTHER TIME. PLEASE HELP US REGAIN OUR PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR PROPERTY VALUES. THANKS.
Posted by: JUDY | October 29, 2008, 11:47 am 11:47 am
Sarah Palin is insinuating that Obama is a socialist because he wants to “spread the wealth”. It’s ironic that in Alaska, all the residents receive a share of the oil companies profits. Isn’t that an expample of spreading the wealth too? Why isn’t Alaska a socialist state? Or is it?
Posted by: Joe the Voter | October 29, 2008, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
For those harping on the “farewell dinner of Mr. Khalid”, I give you this:
This is yet another asked and answered accusation, just like Bill Ayers. Wow, do you now have to ask people you meet and befriend what is your faith, interest and political background now in this country? Unless you can prove that Senator Obama was supportive of anti-semitism or actually spoke out against Israel, then get off of it. What we have heard from Senator Obama is support of Israel. The McCain-Palin ticket bringing up old news to stir up tension in the Jewish-American community on the eve of the election. Pitiful!
What is really sad, other respectful republican politicians have bought into this way of campaigning. Elizabeth Doles ad in North Carolina calling her opponent “unGodly” is suprising yet telling of the desparation of the republican party. I never thought she would stoop to these tactics.
When you campaign this way, bringing up false accusations, the other side investigates YOU for similar instances. What did they find, McCain gave the foundation Mr. Khalid was with and/or ran $450K. Seems to me it is a wash but giving this “suspected Israel hater” that large sum of cash is a bit more damaging to me than sitting at a farewell dinner with him. Again, here is a guy who is teaching in American institutions. This is so hypocritical.
Posted by: CitizenAJ | October 29, 2008, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
I had to “de-program” my 7 yr old grandson last night.
His union-loyalist parents, spouting the party line, gave him an Obama kids book. He was telling me all about young Barak; (I just rolled my eyes).
He naturally assumed I was going to vote for Barak, in which case I said “no Bobby, no-way would I vote for Barak” — He looked at me strange and asked “why not Grandpa?”
I admit, I had to sit back and think a minute; what do you tell a 7 yr old??
You see, I’m kinda old fashion, and my problem with Obama is that “I just don’t trust him.”
I thought of the many lies he’s told about Ayers and ACORN etc., but I guess the easiest one to explain to a 7 yr old, was his cancelling his gentlemens agreement with McCain on campaign financing.
So I told him; Bobby,,,I don’t like Obama and won’t vote for him, because of the following:
Last year, John McCain & Barak were planning to play a baseball game next Tuesday. They both agreed to use plastic bats during the game so that no one would get hurt.
Johnny showed up on Tuesday with his slightly used, plastic bat, but Barak came with a brand new wooden bat, that the sporting goods store gave him.
Of course, this allowed Barak to hit the ball so much further than Johnny. Johnny was mad but said,,,”ya know what Barak,,,,go ahead and play with your wooden bat; I’ll still play with my plastic one.” But I’ll play fairly, with no one to “payback” should I win!
You however Barak, sort of “owe” the sporting goods store owner, “something” because he didn’t give you that bat “just to be a nice guy.
Posted by: Planewizard | October 29, 2008, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
Everyone that is so hype on Obama now will be turning their backs on him a year from now when he screws up! And he will screw up!
Posted by: Former Hillary Supporter | October 29, 2008, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
Well Planewizard that is too bad that you don’t support Senator Obama, the change this country, this world needs like your children and grandchild. It is too bad that you believe the hype of the republican party and their supporters. Yes, he backed away from campaign finance. He would have been foolish not too. The people hungry to get away from the bad management of the republicans were donating to him in record numbers, that was his “public” financing. Trust me, ALL candidates will follow his model in the future.
Question I have for you Planewizard, how did you feel when you learned that President Bush had lied to you on the reason for invading Iraq? Do you think John McCain was truthful 17 years ago about his involvement in the Charles Keating, Savings and Loan failure? Are you comfortable with Sarah Palin as President IF something were to happen to a President McCain? Do you think John McCain can turn the economy around?
See Planewizard, your reasons for not supporting Senator Obama seem all based on what the republican party and its two white house candidates have LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE. Your support of them does not seem to based on your own analysis. I say this because you surely have to be part of the 90% that says the country is headed in the wrong direction. If you are, you cannot possibly support McCain economic and foreign policy because it is VERY similar to the current administrations. I often feel voters, citizens like yourself have let the “distractions” affect your decision verses facts.
Posted by: CitizenAJ | October 29, 2008, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
I don’t care about either candidates association with Kahalidi. What my main concer is, is how our future cammander & chief handled himself in the presence of somone spewing hatred towards America and an ally while he was a guest at a gala.
There are tapes and before Nov 4, it’s only reasonable to wonder what his body language was like during the times a Palestanian women was spewing hatred rehoteric.
For all we know, Barak could’ve been cool as a cucumber as he always seems to be; it’d just be good to see what his temperment is like “under fire” if you will?!?
Knowing the video exists and is “hidden” leads one to believe Barak was standing up giving the black-power salute etc., when in fact, he may have displayed a demeanor conducive to the requirements of The President of the United States.
We won’t know unless Peter Wallsten of the LA Times to release it..
I just want to see what all the fuss is about. I bet Obama handled himself very diplomatically reflective of how he would be as POTUS.
Posted by: Planewizard | October 29, 2008, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
About Bush lying about Iraq,,,,,,I didn’t vote for him in 2004!
About Palin;,,,, I like her. I think she the type of gal that’ll roll up her sleeves and get the job done, in spite of her “less than stellar” education
Keating – ; McCain was exenorated. I used poor judgement a few times in my career too, but I didn’t commit any crimes!
What I really despise is a public official lying, in a “lawyerly, Ivy League” manner and expect we’re fools!
His association with Ayers, and he “not knowing the guy is “hogwash.” The law case “US-v-Ayers” is extensively taught in law school, and Obama went to the best there is!
Then he expected you and I to just “not question” his infedility of the truth, not once, not twice,,,,but at least three times (do I hear a rooster crow Peter??)
No,,,Obama’s roosters have certinally come back to roost,,,,,”just in time!”
Posted by: Planewizard | October 29, 2008, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
I cannot believe someone still refers to themselves as a “former Hilary supporter”. Wow! Talking about hanging on to things.
Posted by: CitizenAJ | October 29, 2008, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
Google :
“An examination of Obama’s use of hidden HYPNOSIS techniques in his speeches ”
It’s a compelling 67 page report.
Some people are more susceptible to it…may explain the ‘Obama Zombie’ syndrome .
Posted by: American Citizen | October 29, 2008, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm
I think he associated with Ayers but there is no evidence of them having the same idealology are haning out sharing a beer. My purpose for mentioning Keating, is because it was “asked and answered” then just like Ayers has been asked and answered 3 times now as you pointed out. When do we believe someone and move on? If you never are, then we should apply that to everyone, i.e. McCain’s Keating scandal, because unlike Obama’s interaction with Ayers on a foundation, McCain and Keating were friends. McCain utilize Keating’s personal aircraft. You see where I am coming from? Sorry to ask you “stupid” questions but my teachers and professors have always told me, at least, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Posted by: CitizenAJ | October 29, 2008, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
CONSERVATIVE REVERSE SOCIALISM: Conservative economic plans also redistribute wealth, but to the wealthiest Americans in the form of tax cuts that benefit corporations and those in the top income brackets. Yesterday, Boehner unveiled his own economic recovery plan, which is focused on tax breaks that include cutting the top corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent and suspending the capital gains tax for two years. Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) proposed a similar “six point economic plan” this month, in which he advocated completely eliminating the capital gains tax and making all of the Bush tax cuts permanent. Some of these provisions are also embraced by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and they are all propositions from which the overwhelming benefit would go to the very wealthy. As the Tax Policy Center found, 75 percent of the benefit of low taxes on capital gains and dividends “already go to those making $600,000 or more. Half goes to those making $2.8 million or more.” Simply cutting the capital gains rate in half gives two-thirds of the benefit to those making $1 million or more. Meanwhile, cutting the corporate tax rate sends $175 billion to America’s corporations, and these corporations would have no incentive to reinvest the extra money. As a report by the Center for American Progress found, “economic policies with tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy as their centerpiece have simply failed to produce strong economic growth by a variety of measures,” including employment, investment, and wage levels.
Posted by: wurzelbacher_ | October 29, 2008, 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
The Ayers connection and Obama’s renaging on a campaign finance promise are all cast into the big pickle barrell of public perception.
You see, it all has to do with “who do you trust?” And, “what degree of distrust can you accept??”
I find the fact that Obama debukes Ayers, and his non commitment to a campaign finances promise to be extremely important!
Reason being; If Obama finds it so easy to lie to our face about Ayers; even though Obama covered his notorious law case in Harvard Law (Ayers got off a life sentence on a “procedural technacality”), wouldn’t it be equally easy for him to be lying about his Health Care Policies, his Economic Solutions, His College Funding promise etc?
Same holds true with campaign finances. In my 50+ years, if I made a commitment I stick to it! I’ve eaten crow a number of times for doing that, but,,,”it’s the only way I can look myself in the eyes in the morning, when I shave!!”
You see, it’s not so easy to fool people anymore, and I’d feel really foolish if I voted for Obama, simply because he was “cool” and “Matt Damon told us to!”
This is the most historic election ever, and could very well tear apart the fabric of American society, so it’s very important we get it right
What’do you think?? Can you look yourself in the eyes knowing you supported someone with less than an honerable intent??
Posted by: Planewizard | October 29, 2008, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
The reason America doesn’t know the true Obama is because the liberal MSM has hidden the truth about him and has continued to present him in a positive light. Obama and his leftist illuminati ideals have been presented as a progressive approach for our country. This is also known as Socialism.
Posted by: Jeff | October 29, 2008, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
Dave in VA….the Dem’s control the Senate which actually added more PORK SPENDING to the last 2 years of the Budget….So, Bush could have Veto to Budget, but the budget would have been overridden in the Senate….So why do you say that it is the Republicans fault for the huge defict, when the Dems’ are the ones that made and passed the budget? If you want to say that the War in Iraq is causing the huge defict, then I would like for you to tell the Iraqi’s that were suppressed by Hussien sorry but we should have never liberated you from this dictator. Tell that to the women of Iraq…tell that to the soliders guarded the streets that the girls and female teenagers were safe walking to school. When OUR TROOPS guarded their route to school these innocent girls didn’t have to worry about being raped, beated, or killed. they could go to school and get an education….and make something of themselves when OUR SOLIDERS guarded them….But does the MEDIA report any of this NO,NO,NO.
Posted by: 55Mariposa | October 29, 2008, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm
Citizen AJ … Well you need to believe it! There’s a reason this election is so close. There are many of her former supporters who have yet to decide if they will vote for Obama, and I’m one of them! ….And as for association…care to explain the 20 year association with Reverend Wright? and by the way. I’m African-American!
Posted by: Former Hillary Supporter | October 29, 2008, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Folks, this election is simple.
You can throw out the associations if you wish, the history, the background. each person, whatever ever side they take sees that their candidate is clean and the other guy is not. each sees that their candidate has a grasp on the issues and the other does not.. But the bottom line is simple. Assuming that each candidate is sincere, and has the best interest of the country at heart, then which direction is better.
McCain was not my first choice – I disagree with him on a multitude of issues. But i don’t disagree with him on a basic tenet of capitalism. less taxes does mean more growth – across all levels of income.
Obama on the other hand suggests that what this country needs is a redistribution of wealth. Some how he believes that you can tax big business and still grow the economy. That has never been proven to work. in fact, the last president who taxed big business when the economy was weak was Hoover and the result was the worst depression in our history. Whether or not you like it, wealth must go to those who pursue it and taking it away to give to those who don’t has NEVER worked. You can not grow the middle class by giving them a hand-out from those who actually invest in the growth they achieve. the result is not that everyone has more, the result is that everyone has less.
We operate under so many false inferences today, its no wonder that people struggle to understand what is best for them. Someone made reference in an earlier post about the massive deficit Bush left us with. It did grow under Bush, it always does in times of war, but the deficit was not all his doing. Half the people on here think ther was no deficit before Bush.. that Clinton left a surplus.. the deficit actaully grew over 2 trillion dollars under Clinton.. just like most don’t realize that the current mortgage crisis is far more heavily tied to the democratic party than to the republican party..
Now we have a presidntial candidate who claims that he will cut taxes for 95% of america (that minght be hard since only about 70% actaully pay taxes).. but in the same breath he states that he intends to Let the bush tax cuts expire.. those cuts did help the wealthy, but they also lowered taxes on middle class and low income families as well… If he lets the tax cuts expire, Isn’t that the same as raising your taxes??? No socialist country has ever enjoyed the level and standard of living that we enjoy in this country. Why should we support a philosophy that will ultimately decrease the standard of living for everyone. If the standard of living were placed on a scale of 1 to 10, wouldn’t it be better for a few to be at 10 with the majority of the country at 5 or 6 than to have the ENTIRE country at 3 or 4?? Thats what socialism brings a more equitable distribution of less.
Posted by: arkie vet | October 29, 2008, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm
McCain It is too late now, it is all but over for you. Good luck in 2016 for a third try.!!!
Posted by: Saar | October 30, 2008, 12:38 am 12:38 am
this post is for the comment that was made by dave in va: the republican party is the father of hypocrisy. what i don’t understand about you americans, is this:why is it good when the same rules you use to win now becomes hypocrisy when someone other than you do it? I do know this Americans are not equal even though your own constitution says that “all men are created equal”. Is that not hypocrisy? Everything america is is based on unequal rights. people have to fight for what is rightfully theirs. Lets look at history since this is how you guys do it. Everything in american history points to unequal rights even for women. the power to be wants you to believe that you are equal because you have a job to go to, they let you work. whats the difference between a job and slavery? not much when you look at the real facts. America is not all that it chalked up to be, they have been lying to the people for centuries now and it is sad to say that the current government has just LIED to the american public about everything that it has been doing for the last 8 years. Just look at the mess the power to be has gotten this country in, you got big oil companies profiting billions of dollars because of the tax break that the power to be has allowed these companies to take. and they don’t put anything back in the system. 5% of americans are wealthy 95% are the ones that pay the bills for americans and you call this equal. did you see what i wrote PROFITS IN THE BILLION. and you talk about socialism, isn’t nationalizing the banks under that term? the eyes of the american people have been blinded and their ears plugged because of FEAR. FEAR that a black man MIGHT become president of the divide states of america. i also thought that this is what american was supposed to be representing where any person could become anything they could achieve. does that count when your skin color is darker than the power to be?
americans need to stop and take a good look at what is reallying going on in this country. THE UNDERTONE IS RACE, AFRAID TO LET A BLACK MAN BE EQUAL.
America is not equal by a long shot and will never be so stop lying to yourselves.
Posted by: shametobeanamerican | October 30, 2008, 10:36 am 10:36 am
No one really knows Obama because he changes his stance every time the wind blows. His leftist illuminati ideals are being packaged as a progressive approach to spreading the wealth, when all they are is glorified Socialism.
Posted by: Jeff | October 30, 2008, 11:10 am 11:10 am
Look, Poeple I have already voter for the first time in my life hey, I’m 35
I never really care about it so, I guess
I let everyone else make my choice for me. But not this time I do believe that poeple will be amazed how many voters come out for Obama. Maccain an palin are jokes and some poeple think thats what the country needs are two poeple for the rich. All these smears about obama is pityful. Poeple has soon as fox news puts some b/s out there poeple eat it up like it’s fact. Maybe these middle class an poor poeple can let others play them like fiddles. I thought that if you are doing bad in life that you go to the person that can help you out but when you know that the other guy is better and will help you out then whats the problem is it color a reason to keep you an your family in a hold. I would say of course not, Joe the plumber will no doubt do better in a obama white house. But, because Joe is not color blind he is going to vote for someone that will hurt his family. Thats not a man you look up to and for Palin she has done everything that she swears obama is doing with no proof.
America wake up jeez it’s not that hard
this one time in your life close your eyes for this moment an let color not be our down fall.
I have already voted Obama/Biden 08
Posted by: o | October 30, 2008, 11:40 am 11:40 am
Obama is very very Radical – look up Rev Wright. Obama is buying the youth vote-spread the weatlth – tax credits even if you don’t pay Federal income tax. Rich crooked people need to go to jail, but rich, honest people create jobs. How much did you know at 18 -21 old? You need to look at this man before you vote, he wants to destroy America – he hates America – Do You?
Posted by: pbatrs | October 31, 2008, 11:38 am 11:38 am
Obama lied about public financing and he is lying about his tax chart. Started at $250,000 – last debate went down to $200,000, went back to $250,000. His 30 min ad which cost 3.5 to 6 mil, he said $200,000 then on campaign trail went back to $250,000 and Biden said on Monday $150,000. Not elected yet and already has gone $100,000. He is now evasive about he will do all he has promised. If you pay taxes now you will end up paying more. Don’t fall for the hype – look at the Man – how many times does he use IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII- he is Radical – Does not like this country, if you do please vote McCain Palin
Posted by: pbamisc@comcast.net | October 31, 2008, 11:46 am 11:46 am
Grampa Planewizard, please change your name to planefool. Mr. Obama would have been crazy to limit himself as well as his supporters to only accept campaign finance money. We the people assisted him in his run for President of the United States of America. John McCain could have done the same, but he knew that people like you would never have followed through to the end to help him.
Posted by: obamacratic | October 31, 2008, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
I wish this loser Joe the no license plumber would go away. Sarah Palin is so stupid for having this retard campaigning for John McCain. He’s a liar and a racist.
Posted by: KurtTheTvTech | October 31, 2008, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
Let’s see how much of this comes true…..
Change: The New World Order (based on the tried and failed old world order of socialism/Marxism which we now know Obama supports and was a member of the Socialist New Party, formed by former Communist Party Members)
Mark my word all you naive, blind sheeple…
50% or higher taxes for everyone except welfare recipients (“redistribution of wealth”)
Constitution changed to suit all Marxist agendas, including monetary reparations to all blacks for the plight of their ancestors (get in line Chinese, Native Americans, grandchildren of interned Japanese, all children of abused women, etc, etc.)
Land owned by the wealthy redistributed to the poor as more reparation
Nationalization of banks, oil companies, trains, airlines (Destruction of capitalism “trickle down theory doesn’t work”)
Closing down all conservative talk radio and commentary, all politically incorrect” speech jailed or harassed; re-education camps for conservatives (Remember those get in your face tactics Obama trained ACORN activists to use against those evil capitalists to coerce them into giving loans to the unqualified to destroy our economy?)
Children forced to attend public schools for indoctrination purposes; homeschooling outlawed. (per Obama’s Marxist inspired education foundation)
Guns outlawed entirely (cept for the outlaws) based on the new “evolving” constitution (voted to ban guns; quoted as saying the constitution should change with times)
Socialized medicine: long waits for poor services and surgeries in hands of lazy bureaucrats
All pregnant teens forced to have abortions (BO: “wouldn’t want my daughters punished with babies”)
No response to Iran nuking Israel and Russian taking Georgia and other countries (Biden: he will be tested and our response may seem wrong at first
Trade and recognition of Cuba, Venezuela, Hamas and other Islamofascist and Marxist dictatorships
Establishment of Sharia law for all American Muslims, no restrictions on Islamic immigration
Posted by: Edwardian | November 1, 2008, 11:59 pm 11:59 pm
Obama: We’ll bankrupt any new coal plants http://hotair.com/archives/2008/11/02/obama-well-bankrupt-any-new-coal-plants/
Posted by: Tiffany | November 2, 2008, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm