Economic Trends and Projecting the Outcome of McCain vs. Obama
A trio of excellent articles on the financial crisis from the Washington Post's Outlook section Sunday. Bill Emmott, former editor of The Economist, explains why the crisis won't result in a larger public sector. The Post's Greg Ip on why the steps the government has taken so far are not so radical, at least as compared with some alternative steps taken elsewhere. Joel Kotkin on how we are more likely to build stronger local ties and local communities in the coming years. The Outlook section also had an article, with good graphics, on election projections based on economic trends. But curiously, the article and graphics don't include the 2000 election when, as I recall, such projections said that Al Gore would get as much as 56 percent of the vote. Gore—and George W. Bush—ended up with 48 percent.
My take has been that these economic models are based on the responses of voters who remembered the 1930s, and that they are a poor guide for today. Some might say that my view has been undercut by the fact that Barack Obama overtook John McCain in the polls during the financial frenzy that began with the collapse of Lehman Brothers on September 15. But I (and a lot of others of varying political persuasions) think this is more a matter of Obama seeming to remain calm while McCain—with his "suspension" of his campaign and his call for postponing the first presidential debate—seemed to be impulsive. And now Obama's statement to plumber Joe Wurzelbacher that he wanted to "spread the wealth" has put him on the defensive. In any case, the factors in the projection formulas are longer-term trends, while the financial crisis has been a day-to-day frenzy.
I highly recommend the estimable ByronYork on an Army of Joes and Tito the Construction Worker. Joe the Plumber seems to have legs.
Tags: economy | presidential election 2008 | Barack Obama | John McCain | polls | Washington Post
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John McCain Owe's "The One" and the Rest of the Liberals Nothing
Senator McCain is a hero and has tried his damndest to fight for the taxpayers throughout his career - whether that means going against Democrats or his own party. He does not owe Obama an apology. Whether he wins the election or not, he is going to go do what he's done best - put our country first. MCCAIN-PALIN '08
McLaughlin Group
So, Mr. Barone, why did you lose your place among the regulars on the McLaughlin Group? My sources tell me that John McLaughlin didn't want you on the program after you called the Clintons "trash". It was one thing when you jumped on the bandwagon with the accusers who falsely claimed that the White House was looted following Al Gore's loss in 2000, but personally slandering the President and First Lady was outrageous and (apparently) unforgivable. After all these years one would think John would invite you back on his program; however, I never miss it, and I've never once seen you there since you made those very uncharitable and un-Christian statements. Perhaps it's because you were never willing to apologize to Hillary or Bill Clinton.
Maybe we become a commy nation?
Excuse me ... I do not mean to be controversial... to be sure I have not a doubt that Mr.Barone is interested in anything other than relevelant views... but what do we see on this web site. I will look for my print out, but I suspect my views will not be shown. (ha!) So Does anyone think that Joe Biden is not concerned about the ecomonmy? Hey there Deanna.. over there in Tennessee, get a life.. Joe Biden is from (Delaware | New Hampshire | some other little state) He is politician.. maybe smart but talks a lot. Listen to him and you will get a clue to his foolishness.
Spead the Wealth... OK Don of FLA. We know the red (no offense intended) just bring on the bull charge... The problem for this BLOG is the simplicity of content. Mr. Barone has a good name (I presume it came from his father?) but most of all Mr. Barone is a writer for the USNEWS and world report. A long time ago I became a subscriber. It presents a good view of the ... yes the US NEWS. On the other hand it does not say that Mr. Barone... or anyone else is even handed... but really got the job out this week and has his constituency... good job Mr. Barone.. but I feel not so enlightened)
Franks I do not really like Mr. Obama (can tell when black folk lie.. they lick their lips) Well Mr. Obama has glottal lip licks... and I rather prefer Mr. McCain as a real person. But I am extraordinarily naieve... less than ten days from the election, I am stil looking for something intelligent. Forgive my observation about "commy nations" I am only a tank gastank full from a "commy invasion" It has happened before and may happen again.. do not be so causal with your words... the world is wathching... the USA has a great MORAL responsibilty but only gives the "Commy message" it is Party that counts.. God bless John McCain.. he was ... yes I said "was" always a favorite with me (who cares?) but I am sad to see how it has gone over the past few weeks. And I will save my own words on a text pad, as I do not expect it to been in public. The situoation is not now nor will it be for the next 20 years politics as usual... there is no country like the USA (may it please God) and we all wish it/you well. I am born in the USA and will quite possibly travel to the embassy tomorrow. I will not be supporting anyone, but I will vote against the Republican regime and the debts is has laid on the American people.
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