It’s All About Jobs: Obama & McCain square off on how to save them…and create more
Jobs (keeping people in their jobs and adding new ones) has emerged as a critical issue for Barack Obama and John McCain as the race for the White House heats up in the final stretch. Following the second of three scheduled Presidential debates, creating jobs and stimulating the floundering economy are foremost on the minds of voters – many of whom remain undecided. Although polls conducted by CNN and CBS suggest Obama came out on top, political pundits suggest the trajectory of the campaign has not changed. In short, no huge knock out punches on either side.
During the debate, Obama called for a rescue package for the middle class. He said the $700 billion financial rescue package passed last week is a first step, and went on to add that his plan would extend assistance to the middle class, including tax cuts and measures to keep homeowners in their homes.
When asked about the quickest way to help Americans cope with the economic crisis, McCain said he would order the Treasury Department to purchase bad mortgages and renegotiate the payments based on the diminished value of the properties to keep people in their homes. McCain also stressed his plan would include promoting energy independence.
Going Froward…What About Jobs?
Now, in the wake of the debate, both candidates must shift their attention back to the economic crisis. Investors remain wary of the financial markets despite the Fed’s emergency rate cut. Democrat Barack Obama embarks on a two-day bus trip through Ohio starting Thursday, according to the AP. The report notes that Obama is calling it the “American Jobs Tour.” Leading up to the second debate, Obama said he could not “imagine anything more important to talk about” than Americans’ losing their jobs, healthcare and homes. The Democratic nominee says he can add jobs by investing in renewable energy and infrastructure while giving the middle class tax relief.
Obama’s Republican opponent, John McCain - also campaigning in Ohio - says he will create jobs and get the economy moving by controlling spending and slashing taxes on companies, reports the AP.
CEO’s Like McCain: Poll
Although most political analysts suggest McCain is the underdog in the Presidential race following more than three weeks of devastating economic news, a recent poll of job creators say McCain is their preferred choice. Chief Executive Magazine announced its most recent polling of 751 Chief Executives shows the majority of CEOs support Senator John McCain over Senator Barack Obama by a four-to-one margin - their support came with reservations. Moreover, 74% of the executives polled say they fear that an Obama presidency would be disastrous for the country.
“The stakes for this presidential election are higher than they’ve ever been in recent memory,” said Edward M. Kopko, CEO and Publisher of Chief Executive magazine. “We’ve been experiencing consecutive job losses for nine months now. There’s no doubt that reviving the job market will be a top priority for the incoming president. And job creating CEOs repeatedly tell us that McCain’s policies are far more conducive to a more positive employment environment than Obama’s.”
Voters Say Obama Holds Clear Lead on Economy, Energy, Jobs: Poll
In contrast to the CEO Magazine poll, a national CBS News and Knowledge Networks poll of uncommitted voters, conducted immediately following the second Presidential debate, say Obama emerged the victor. (Just as in the first Presidential debate).
After the debate, 68% percent of uncommitted voters said that they think Obama will make the right decisions on the economy, up from 55% before the debate. Fewer thought McCain would do so – 48% after the debate, and 41% before.
The vast majority of voters polled also believe Obama understands their concerns. Before the debate, 59% thought Obama understands voters’ needs and problems; that soared to 80% after the debate. For McCain, 33% felt he understands voters’ needs before the debate, and 44% thought so afterwards.
Meanwhile, a recent Harris Poll of more than 2,000 voters, however, shows that while McCain leads on defense and foreign policy, Obama holds the lead on the environment, most domestic issues…and the economy, according to Risk Center.
The report states the Harris Poll finds that voters believe John McCain is a better candidate when it comes to keeping the U.S. safe from terrorism and gun control. But Barack Obama has a clear advantage on the economy, gasoline prices, energy policy and inflation. The Democratic Nominee also holds a substantial lead on the environment, education, health care… and jobs.
In this presidential election John McCain should do better when the media headlines and the election debates focus on his strengths, defense, Iraq, the war on terror and foreign policy, while Barack Obama should make gains when the news is mostly about the economy and domestic issues.
More on Jobs…
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