The Better Plan for Rebuilding America--Obama or McCain?
During this week's debate, ask yourself who has the better plan for re-building the American and global economy. Obama or McCain?
The plan should be based on speculation about the candidates or their backgrounds, but based on analysis of the ideas each man puts forward.
First, what does each candidate identify as the prime causes of the collapse. Prime causes are important because these issues must be the place where new structures and oversight are put into place.
Second, identify who benefits from the plan? Weigh the facts carefully. Will we home owners really benefit if the government buys up their mortgages? How? What job seekers benefit from a government investment in "green" energy? How?
Third, what is the cost of each plan? How much is spend and when? To whom does the money go? Is the middle class assisted? Is small business helped? How is the money spent to be oversighted? Which officials are responsible for proper review? What penalties are to be used if violations are found?
Fourth, what is the plan's time table? Two years, ten years, six months? What is the intended outcome for the specifed period?
Fifth, how does the plan restore the global markets outside of the US? is is especially importantly, since China holds a trillion dollars of American debt.
Sixth, what are the new ideas proposed? How are these ideas justified? Currently, the takeover of credit and capital markets by the government is being justififed as "adding stability" and "restoring confidence." Are these sufficient reasons for a radical shift to government seizure, ownership, and distribution of private assets? Are there other plans? (See Glen Hubbard's plan (he worked for Bush 1),
The Joint is Jumpin' : Glenn Hubbard's Plan to Restore Credit, Secure Homes, and Boost Jobs written about by me in an earlier article.)
Keep a score card. I plan to take notes.
(Also see my article,
"Hail to the Chief": How to Watch This Week's Presidential Debate on how to watch and listen to the debate, posted here on SearchWrap).
