Economy is a number one issue. Jobs leaving america is setting us back. income in the family is decreasing. People really needs to think about what changes are. Take a look at the candidates for president, many have already worked Washington. Where are we now? I can not understand why a candidate like Edwards does not have more support.
Also, inflating gas prices is gutting the economy.

prices on everything is rising and its not helping any of us at ALL

I don't even know how to respond to some of the comments I've read here tonight. People 'breed like rabbits???' (I sure hope the author of THAT comment never has kids! They deserve a parent, not a zoo keeper!) 'Smuck?" (what is that, by the way? Anything like a schmuck?).

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, right or wrong. The name calling and insults negate the credibility of anyone stooping to that level!

So I’m not going to insult anyone. I would, however, like to know some things about the people who claim that there’s no economic crisis in America.

Such as: Do you still live at home? Have you ever paid any kind of bill? Worked at a job? Have you ever been grocery shopping? Do your parents sit up after you’ve gone to bed worrying about how they’re going to take care of all the things you haven’t got a clue about?

Because the only people, other than the very wealthy, who aren’t being affected by this crisis, are minors still supported by Mom and Dad. If you’re not teenagers, then here’s a good piece of advice.

You folks need to stop living in a fantasy world and judging others based on your unrealistic observations. Because you know what? Not everyone has squandered their….THEIR….hard earned money on big screen tv’s and SUV’s. Not everyone spends a small fortune going to the movies. And if some of them do, it’s none of YOUR business. Are YOU living a totally spartan life? Good for you if you are and can afford it. The rest of us would like to be able to do that, too.

Gas prices are hitting MOST people very hard. Not just in their gas tank but in every area of their life. You almost have to win the lottery to buy a beef roast these days. And heat bills frighten most everyone. Even well educated people with jobs that others envy.

And here’s a word to the person who used what the rest of the world has been paying for gas for years. SO WHAT? This is America. I thought we were supposed to set the standards, not follow the leader.

The only action that will, in my opinion, help the condition of our nation is to hold our government leaders accountable for the way they spend our money and the decisions they make. If they don’t do the job they promised when they were elected, then we need to recall them. And recall and recall until our representatives actually start representing us and not themselves and their special interests!

Posted By David, Gilbert Arizona : November 7, 2007 6:06 pm

BRAVO David!! We don't often agree on politics but THANK YOU for being one of the few that understands basic economics!

ROB - San Diego,

You wrote, "Additionally, a weak dollar DOES NOT attract foreign investors! A RISING dollar attracts foreign investors.."

Sorry Rob - you are 100% wrong. I've attempted to provide a details explanation of Econ 101 - but CNN has deemed it worthy to censor.

If you or any other individual WISH to understand the economics of the US Dollar - PLEASE check out The Federal Reserve Board of Chicago (you think THEY know what they're talking about?):

http://www.chicagofed.org/consumer_information/strong_dollar_weak_dollar.cfm

Bottom line: A weak US dollar HELPS our economy.

Trying to teach remedial Econ on a blog is certainly tiring when the students struggle to grasp simple concepts.

CNN Moderator - I fully expect you WON'T post this. It's obvious you are not interested in having FACTUAL posts and prefer to limit anyone with a conservative bent. Good Job!!

Definitely the WORST PRESIDENT EVER!!!

RICHARD, EWING, N.J.

Any thoughts regarding Bernanke's warnings on the economy today? Do you even know who Bernanke is? Instead of spouting mindless burble about GDP why don't you take a good look around you? Why don't you get in your car and drive around a little bit. See if you can spot any trends in your own area. Start by taking note of how many homes are vacant, abandoned or for sale. But before you do that, you'll have to pull your head out of your rectum so that you can find your car keys.

We now know Gary from Detroit is an idiot. Instead of making a educated arguement, he went for lowlife personal attacks. I bet he has never read anything beside porno — a clear observation from his statement.

RICHARD,EWING,N.J., thanks for the attack on my earlier post. again i stand corrected. but you must forgive me because i am uneducated and have something wrong with my brain. a big hurrah for the GDP! things are great! more americans own homes than ever before! and more are losing them to foreclosure at alarming rate. and all agree this is just the beginning. the wealthiest 5% pay 55% of the tax. and i know this kills them, i hope they can eat tomorrow. so the middle class doesnt pay "THE BLULK OF THE BILL" as you put it. i still believe when tax time comes we feel the pinch a little more than some millionaire that has someone else pay his bills, buy his groceries, or gas up his suv. i can only reflect on how i feel the economy is going as it relates to me. i feel it is not good and is at the top of my list of concerns. but i will take your advice and " TRY NOT TO MAKE A FOOL OUR OF MYSELF". i wish i was educated like you. but again you will have to forgive me.

Richard, Ewing, NJ:

You failed to mention the low unemployment rate and high productivity. You not wrong…the mispersceptions out there have more to do with the effectiveness of the constant negative drumbeat from our biased media.

Rob, San Diego CA

Excellent posts and thanks for backing it up with real economic terminology, thanks for the quick education economics. I totally agree, the economy for the most part isn't nearly as good as it was for most of Clinton's two terms.

I have a family friend who is a long time stock broker/VP at SmithBarney. I asked him if the President is responsible for the state of the economy. His reply was that in his mind, the economy goes up and down regardless of who in office. Though he also believes that the Prez can indirectly affect certain factors in the economy.

Even though Clinton took credit for a fairly strong economy (minus the last year of his presidency), I think that he was over-stating his influence a bit. However, don't think for one minute that if the economy was so great, Bush wouldn't take credit for it.

THANK YOU WYNTER FROM LOUDON NH!!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!

Now we need to promote American-made vehicles & discourage suv's which will in turn:

1. Allow factories to remain open HERE! In THIS country.
2. People to keep their jobs
3. Open up more jobs due to the increase in demand
4. Keep unemployment down
5. Help the environment
6. Use less gas–relying less on Middle Eastern countries

If our leaders weren't so absorbed in oil & promoted alternatives, perhaps we wouldn't have so many troops living their lives in the desert, carrying guns & dodging bullets & bombs.

Ahh. In a perfect world.

Coming from an ARMY wife. My husband protects this country with all he has. I only wish people would appreciate this country more & show respect for one another HERE! No matter what nationality, gender, sexuality, etc. a person is. It's depressing that all we seem to care about is money…& it seems a vast majority are forced to, due to what Wynter referenced earlier. Everything increases but our wages.

It's materialism & possessing things to prove status that is really the killer.

There is always a silver lining folks. A decline dollar means more expensive imports. Absolutely. However, THATS GREAT. More expensive imports means that less goods will come over from gov't subsidized economies and sweat shops. Domestic goods, made in American factories etc. will compete more favorably. The American worker (as in unemployment) will benefit directly. Hail to returning U.S. produced goods back into a competitive condition. Really folks, the fluctuation of the dollar vs other currencies is an ongoing process. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. But no matter what side we are on there are plus and minus aspects to it. It is like a pendulum that will forever, continually move back and forth as forces constantly seek to 'correct' whatever extreme the pendulum is currently on. Do not fear this. It is part of commerce (especially international commerce) and it is un-ceasing.

Security and Economy are inseparable. Oil prices, solidly linked to security, must come down. A solid push for Solar/Hydro/Nuclear alternate energy sourcing will help to insure security, economy, and the vote to the White House.

Rob from San Diego, James is not 100% wrong. He's actually very correct. He didn't say imported goods are cheaper. He said exports are increased. What he is saying is that goods made in the United States are cheaper on the foreign market making those products more appealing. The United States no longer specializes in consumers goods. We make high tech equipment and software products sold on the foreign markets. Those products are much more desirable when the dollar is weak.

Also, a weak dollar does increase foreign investment. A foreign investor can trade their currency for more dollars than they would have if the dollar is strong. Investors will hedge by trading for more weak dollars in the hopes the dollar will become strong once more. They then turn around and trade those dollars back for much more of their own currency than they initially invested. In a very real sense the foreign investor stands to make a very good return when the dollar is weak.

No name calling. Just basic economics.

RICHARD, EWING, N.J.

Please learn to remove your head from you rectum. The world will become a better place. Thank-you.

Kerri - Smuckville, NJ
No yield curves needed, Einstein. A lower US dollar HELPS the US economy in several ways: increases exports (our products are cheaper), increases US tourism (cheaper for foreigners to come here), US Capital Market becomes more attractive to foreign investors, etc.
The disadvantages: it costs more for US citizens to travel abroad and buy foreign products.
If you're not a world traveler and a connoisseur of fine french wine - it's not a big deal.
Not sure which is worse, Kerri - being a smuck or an idiot! Perhaps you could tell us since you've got both going for you.
Posted By James, Phoenix AZ : November 7, 2007 2:34 pm

James, you’re 100% wrong and the name-calling is pretty childish on both your parts.

As the dollar declines imported goods become MORE expensive. Not just French wine mind you. Think about it. Do you really see a lot of goods labeled “Made in the U.S.A” anymore? No. Manufacturing jobs in this country have been declining for years. Almost everything we buy is made in a foreign country. That’s why our trade deficit is so high. Reducing the buying power of the dollar will increase the cost of goods for both the average American and large corporations. That means less money in people’s pockets and lower profits for corporations that do overseas business. This is not the sign of a strong economy.

Additionally, a weak dollar DOES NOT attract foreign investors! A RISING dollar attracts foreign investors, because their currency gains will add to the gains they make by investing in the U.S. The dollar is in a tailspin and it’s not getting better any time soon. Why do you think China announced today that they are divesting from the dollar and investing in other currencies??? (They hold ~$1.7 Trillion mind you). Give me a break James!

Oh, and the correct spelling is “SCHMUCK”.

I’m waiting patiently for your rebuttal. In the words of our President, “Bring it on!”

It's amazing that folks like Richard, Ewing, NJ, insist that the economy is fine. That's where we Americans have found ourselves. As long as Walmart has their doors open, the economy is fine. I see that the Canadian dollar/loonie closed at $1.07 U.S. today after topping out at over a $1.10 U.S. One thing that will help Northern border towns this season is the fact that Canadians are cross-border shopping en mass. A few short years ago, the loonie was about 60 cents U.S.
And here's a news flash. The loonies has not increased in value, the U.S. dollar has fell.
The fed bailing out Wall street is not sign of a good economy. Jim in Ohio hit the nail on the head. My father is a 77 year old man in Indiana. According to him, a wise man to say the least, the middle class is through. I tend to agree. Shortly, everyone else will too, except those that have never experienced "middle class" like the gentleman up above from Carmel, Indiana.

Jim from Ohio is uneducated, and therefore should be forgiven for his misinformation. The economy is not failing, although I cannot say the same for his brain. Our GDP is as strong as ever. In 1997, our GDP is 7 trillion. Now we have a 14 trillion GDP. How is that failing? More Americans are home owners. Middle class is not going extinct, and just because you say it, does not make it true. The wealthiest 5% people pay 55% of the total US tax. Consequently, it is mathematically impossible for the middle class to pay for the "blulk of the bill".

Jim, please learn not to make a fool our of yourself.

Lets see, that poll for what it may be worth cites 7 areas of concenr over 60% of the responsed. Ryan, I hope people start to think for themselves. The GOP might never win a State wide electon again. But there are so many areas that the public are simply being left behind that no one policy area can be adequate., I would hate being stuck voting for one of the Democrats in this race due to their polkicy on ciminal immigrants. But ony a couple of the worst right wing goose steppers among the Repugs have the guts to stand with the American people on that issue. Prblem is theystand against the same pople on almost every other issue (I can credit Hunter with his responsbile policy on the occupied mainland of China). But the only one on the GOP side that does not make me ralph is Ron Paul, and his abortion policy returns this country to the days of back room butchery. Our mutual dislike of the choices and where this Country is going is bipartisan, let's cool the juvenile hate Hillary lines please and solve the problems with a 3rd party.

Duh … it's the economy, W.

HELLO NORTH AMERICAN UNION AND THE AMERO!!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE??

Is it not a little sad that education is nowhere in this poll?
No great majority cares enough about the education of this country?
Democracy doesn't succeed with low gas prices or an immigration policy. It succeeds with voters who are educated enough to make good decisions.
No matter how strong our economy is it won't matter if we have to rely on foreign technology and foreign brains to run it.

ryan, i beleive you to be a little out of touch with the majority of americans. this economy is failing and headed in the wrong direction. starting in 1993 with nafta, and now with the war in iraq. a combo dem. and rep. double wammy on the american people. its proven to be big business or nothing on the political stage while the middle class goes the way of the dinosaur and becomes extinct. and since the middle class pays the bulk of the bill, where will the money come from now? but wait!! im sure all the fat cats will still be able to cough up there 15%!! well i stand corrected!! everything is just peachy!!

I thought the issue in the article was the economy and it's relevance in the election. I thought my post discussed the fact that Ron Paul is truely the only one out there who is discussing the issues of weakening dollar, inflation, overspending government, and trade deficits. He is the only one speaking about what needs to be done to address thes issues.

Instead of simply putting down RP, why don't YOU read the replies. And maybe lookat what RP is actually saying, rather than marginalizing his message because it doesn't fit the continued dysfunction politics as usual of the Republicans AND Democrats.

Oh, yes, you found me out, I am the one Ron Paul supporter. I spend all day on the internet going to sites all over the world using the guise of different names, making multiple YouTube videos and sending spam to all political sites. I also resistered under 4 million different names the other day and donated a doller 4 million different times. You got me.

ah yes, the mythical Bush Tax Cuts.

Tax cuts if you are rich enough to not need them.

Or maybe is you have kids (and add to the overpopulation of the planet).

But if you aren't rich, and you don't feel the need to breed like a rabbit, your taxes go UP!

I have paid more in taxes since those traitors to their party took office than I ever have in my entire life. It's disgusting.

And for those of you living in a dream world (or not actually thinking just listening to what Bush and his lackeys have been telling you to think), the Economy is NOT doing well.

The best indicators for how well the Economy is doing are luxury items. Things you don't need, but would like to have. Games, movies… little things.

Well those items have been seeing increasing drops in sales, and a greater pinch on the end retailers as increased shipping costs tighten the already slim profit margins. People have less money to spend on such things because the Economy is NOT doing well.

So to all those that blindly bash Republican party for ruining everything (despite the fact that they are BOTH in power and running things, ecluding other parties and ideas) and blindly pusing the Democrat party…

What is the Democrat plan to reign in spending, end the massive defict, correct our trade imbalance, strengthen the economy, and return meaningful jobs? I have not heard it. All I hear is bashing.

Neither party is doing anything good for the US. They lock out all other parties, try to preserve and increase their own power, all at the detriment of the American people.

Both sides are slowly eroding our freedom and rights, invading our privacy, and heading us to a Big Brother government controlled militarized police state in their own way.

I ask everyone how the Economy can be good…unless you are an Oil Speculator…I just don't see it. Even CNN ran this whole report what will happen when Oil goes up to $150.00 a barrel.

There has to be a way to blame "the shrub" for this, let me see:

He forces people to buy two and three cars including at least one SUV.

He forces the Democrats to snuff out EVERY meaningful attempt to drill or use nuclear energy over the last 30 years.

He forced Ted Kennedy to champion new energy ideas EXCEPT when it comes to "Cape Cahd" and then it is an eyesore.

He forces everyone to buy IPODS, IPHONES, Cell phones, Play stations, Wie Consoles, $100 sneakers, $2500 Big screen TV's and every other high priced item that is "needed" for your home.

He forced people to buy homes that they knowingly couldn't afford, just so we can bail them out.

And Bush took action to help bail out the folks that SIGNED OFF ON the bad mortgages, but it got little to NO press.

$3.00 a gallon, it has been more than that AROUND THE WORLD FOR YEARS but let's make it a political game piece.

Blame this idiot for many things, but his across the board tax cuts (for people that actually pay taxes) made the CLINTON RECESSION the shortest ever.

Bill had a good run due to the dotcom industry that guess what, WENT BUST as predicted and he also saved dough by GUTTING the military and the 6-10 attacks on US installations while HE was in office went pretty much undeterred.

Unemployment is just as low now, the stock market is in new territory.

Should he be hammered for not putting the screws to the oil companies and for not doing enough in regards to alternative fuels, you bet, these are things that should be done NOW or at least looked at with a little more expedience.

Most of the economic indicators including the GDP have shown immense growth and considering the recession that he inherited and the FACT that 9-11 would have KILLED a weak economy, we are doing OK.

Feel free to dispute me, unlike "Hilarity" I can take it, but while you do, look around your house and add up how many of the big ticket items that I listed DO YOU OWN?

How about the environment,ie. climate change???? increasing sustainability, mileage, etc…you would think republican dunderheads would understand the relation between reliance on foreign oil and our (lack of) security as the most pressing concern…their ignorance of this, trying to change the topic, distort the truth, and distracting American people from the real threats by concentrating on (and torturing of) innocuous Iraqis is preposterous and dangerous, the only threats there, we brought on our coattails…BTW: waterboarding is STILL torture no matter how Bush Cheney distort it, obfuscate it, etc, Congress is a pushover, spineless cowards….

Climate change is the most important topic AFFECTING EVERYONE even Republican with your head in your head in your @(*#…and Congress congratulating each other for capitulating to bullies….

And yet another Ron Paul supporter heard from. Instead of just getting on these things and promoting Ron Paul (using the same words everytime, even though they are from different people . . . hmm, think it's real people or just Ron Paul campaign workers . . . hmm), why not actually discuss the issue in the article?

None of you are being objective about the issue here. You can clearly see who leans to the right or left. "Those who live in glass houses should not throw rocks." No one is perfect. Instead, work together and come up with a plan that will benefit all Americans in this Nation. Congress seems to be running a circus monkey show, making it Blue vs. Red becoming a road block to improvements in our country. If any of you are that concerned about the issue of economy, why not write a paper and submit it to your congressman/congresswoman. Everyone always complains about problems, but never dish out solutions.

These poll numbers should not be a suprise. The government has been spending recklessly during the Bush administration.

The middle class has been hit hardest with the squeeze and is nervous about where this will lead. I certainly support proposals like Obama's aiming to restructure the tax system, taking about breaks for special interests and the rich. More and more, I support a flat tax based on what you spend, not what you earn (though I admittedly don't know much about how such a system would work).

People need to stop labelling Republican or Democrat and using party loyalty as a blinder. Neither party is doing anything good or has any real plan of action. Both have morphed into simply parties that function to fool the American people adn maintain their own power for their own sake, not to do what is best for the USA.

The only one out there speaking truth that has a real plan of action and has the most comprehensive all-encompassing policy (economic, foreign policy, monetary, governmental role and power) is RON PAUL.

The economy in the United States of America is the best in the world! It's also in the best shape it's ever been in! USA! USA!

/sarcasm

It's not the economy, gringos locos..

I've been employeed ever since I finished my science and math degree 15 years ago. How about you??

CNN,

The title of this article should read "Americans have economy on their minds" not 'brain'.

Kerri - Smuckville, NJ

No yield curves needed, Einstein. A lower US dollar HELPS the US economy in several ways: increases exports (our products are cheaper), increases US tourism (cheaper for foreigners to come here), US Capital Market becomes more attractive to foreign investors, etc.

The disadvantages: it costs more for US citizens to travel abroad and buy foreign products.

If you're not a world traveler and a connoisseur of fine french wine - it's not a big deal.

Not sure which is worse, Kerri - being a smuck or an idiot! Perhaps you could tell us since you've got both going for you.

Clearly the folks on this board who think the economy is bad are very young. You can tell this from the silly name-calling and the complete ignorance of this country's economic history.

By all traditional measures (GDP, unemployment, inflation) the economy is doing great. Of course there are issues, but I defy anyone on this board to point to a time of greater prosperity, let alone one that did not have any issues of its own.

Let the name calling commence. I have made an argument that the economy is fine so I must be a bad person, right? There is a prize for the first to call me a neocon.

xtina said, And I'd love to ask Hillary how taking more taxes from Americans' paychecks ever helped the economy…

It’s simple. Tax monies are invested into social programs for the poor and the elderly. The poor and the elderly then spend that money, strengthening the local economy.

Republicans love to point out that the rich invest their wealth, which strengthens an economy. That’s true—and every dollar that’s invested into foreign enterprise is a dollar taken out of our economy and sent to strengthen a foreign economy. And a percentage of every dollar invested in Big Oil or any other multi-national company goes to line the pockets of some Saudi sheik or other foreign entity.

Taxes which fund social programs for the poor and elderly, on the other hand, end up being spent at the local grocery, drug store, doctor or landlord. It almost never gets saved, much less invested overseas. It strengthens the local economy, by giving the rich business owner’s customers more money to spend at his business.

Tax money doesn’t just disappear. It’s all spent. The only question is where.

Ya just gotta love these Ron Paul supporters. They are tenacious. Unfortunately, Ron Paul wants to save money by getting rid of several institutions that actually help the poor get out of and off of welfare (not good for the economy), is strict anti-choice, is strict anti-regulatory (which means no protection for the consumer or worker, such as protecting against hidden fees, predatory lending practices, no minimum wage, no protection against child labor, etc.) While his stance to uphold the rights in the constitution are good, he takes the interpretation too far and outside the original founder's intents. Libertarianism is a very seductive thing but when examined closely, shows that it will hurt the masses and reward the very few who are rich and would totally ruin any good relations we may still have with other countries in this globalized world we live in.

Ron Paul is a good guy, but would be more dangerous in the White House than the current idiot who occupies it now.

Oh yeah . . . Ryan, you really are a schmuck if you think the economy is in good condition.

And for the person who said that any Clinton tax raises would heurt, you forget about the package her husband passed. The wealtiest saw their taxes raised while the middle class and low income earners got theirs lowered. How do I know?, because my taxes went down. The result? One of the biggest economic recoveries with the largest GDP since the early 1960's.

dont buy a house you cant afford, that would have prevented this housing slump. people in this country think they are entitled to everything, NOT THE CASE. Instead of taxing the hell out of big oil, give them incentive to develope new means of energy, and allow companies to drill here, thus reducing our dependance on foreign oil. things could and should be alot better , but the dow jones and the dollar have been going up and down all my 27 yrs on this earth. The dems would be the death nail to our economy because they need to tax us for their social wellfare plans

I dont understand how the american public can be so gullible and naive they will believe anything the press tells them. The economy right now is as strong as it was during the good Clinton years and yet all these undeducated people are claiming the sky is falling. Hey americans do your research and stop believing everything the press and dems tell you. THINK FOR YOURSELF…

Posted By Ryan Indianapolis

Yet another totally vacuous post from this champion. Where's the beef???
-collapsing dollar
-collapsing real estate
-accelerating foreclosures (just the beginning)
-stagnant real income growth
-rampant inflation (follow your own advice: don't believe the propaganda BS)
-very meager job growth (wish there was someone tracking the median income tied to "new job growth"…closer to Walmart wages, than anything else)
-increasing unemployment (yes, there are loads of people who have given up, and in turn not counted)
-continued deteriation of Manufacturing Base

WHAT ON EARTH do you find APPEALING about the way things have been run for the last 7 years ???? BE SPECIFIC !!!

Perhaps the average American's taxes won't go up. How about this…make taxes proportional to income (regardless of income)–remove large corporate loopholes on tax write-offs, go after off-shore banked earnings on US citizens over six figures…this seems to be a pretty good strategy to boost tax revenues without increasing taxes on the vast majority of Americans.

Ryan of Indianapolis is living in the republican dream world of denial.
Housing market,record
foreclosures,energy cost's about to suck the life out of our economy,and the 800 pound gorrilla, the seperate bill to pay for the cost of Bush's Iraq War.
A TAX BILL that Bush and the Republicans have burden us and our children and grandchildren with.
A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT and a Republican Congress hands over to a Republican President and the same Republican Congress a surplus. And the Republican President and the Republican Congress go on a spending spree and put the American People back in debit. So much for the Republicans calling themselves the party of financial responsiblity.

Americans say that important issues are the economy, Iraq, health care, terrorism, and Iran…

Yet no one is listening to the guy who actually has ideas about the value of the US dollar, wants to end the war in Iraq, is a medical doctor, understands the role of US foreign policy in motivating terrorism, and thinks that war with Iran is as bad (or worse) an idea than attacking Iraq was.

Listen to what you're saying. Then go visit http://www.ronpaul2008.com

People were given a choice when they signed for high credit card debt or high mortgages. They made a bad choice. The government can't help you think sensibly or restrict companies from making offers that favor them over the consumers. Caveat emptor.

This guy who wrote a comment above about comparing the Clinton years with this one he looks to me a Neo-con a naive person if he doesnt look how things are going around rigth now just take look the Dow Jones and the oil,and the latest report of GM loosing 39B this year.

I don't understand it either, Ryan , but you, the educated Republican American, proved it. If you do YOUR research, as you preach, you will see: 1) The dollar drops like a stone in the water 2) The gas prices are hitting the roof 3) Millions of homeowners are losing their homes 4) The stock market "shakes" like hell from day to day 5) BILLIONS are wasted (and added to your debt) every week in Iraq 6) …I can add many more of the good things of today's economy but I don't want to disturb your illusionary!happines. By the way, unless you have Alzheimer's, none of these things were happening during Clinton's years…

I agree w/ Ryan in IND. I don't get those who complain that the economy isn't good, but they keep voting in people who want to raise taxes.

(And I'd love to ask Hillary how taking more taxes from Americans' paychecks ever helped the economy…)

Ryan, don't be a shmuck.
Anyone can go online and calculate our dollar in foreign exchange and see how much value it has lost.

It's been steadily declining. This is greatly indicitive of a weakened or weakening economy.

I won't even get into yield curves, the mortgage crisis or our immense amount of debt because you're probably unaware of what these things are.

Get your head out of the sand. Telling yourself everything's fine isn't going to make it magically happen.

Shmuck.

Randy, all - Ms. Clinton is as much a free traitor and globalization train wreck as any Bushie. She and Bill *own* part of a company that provides outsourcing services and H1-B guest workers for Amercian companies. If you think this wont be an issue in the election, you're just delussional. The Democratic leadership are a disaster on free trade. The public, in every recent poll, is completely opposed to free trade, guest workers of all sorts, illegal immigrants, and politcian's too cozy relationships with corporations. Hillary Clinton is the candidate of corporate insiders; more so than even any Republican. This will cost her votes. It has already cost her this Democrats vote no matter what.

The economy is not the same as peoples' personal money management. People who are bad at managing their money shouldn't think the federal government has anything to do with it.

President Bush's tax cuts have grown the fed . revenue to a historic high. In other words, Washington is taking in more money than ever. For the avg. person, the President's tax cuts mean less taken from your withholding. That means consumer spending is very high. With unemployment and inflation low, and the stock market setting records this economy is doing very well, thanks to conservative principles.

The price of gas is the main thing people complain about, but the President doesn't set that price. If you fill up a ten gal. tank at $30.00 per week, when it used to be $25.00 per week, that shouldn't be crippling peoples' wallet, when most of us think nothing of three or four Starbucks per week or fast food at $6.00 each. That's about $25 to $30 most people spend on drive-thru stuff.

The box office is also regularly bringing in $10- 50 million per week. It's the middle and lower middle class who pack the theaters, so how come they can find money for movies?! The stores are also packed almost every day; why do people fill up their carts with junk food, childrens' toys, soft drinks, snack and other discretionary items when the "economy is bad". That's because it's not bad. We're just spoiled, materialistic Americans who think we're "entitled" to having it all without tightening our belts.

I'd definitely like to see Americans stop caring so much about money and focusing on more redeeming issues like the environment. Healthcare/economy issues are going to be the platform for money grubbing and corrupt politicians. Find a politician that puts the environment before all of that, and it will be a candidate with the state of mind necessary to really change things like healthcare around.

RE: Ryan Indianapolis

You are unbelievably naïve! The economy is nowhere near as strong as it was during the Clinton years! Here are some facts about the current economy…

Subprime mortgages are causing Investment banks to mark down Billions in write downs…and no one really knows how bad the losses really are as these investments are "Marked to Model" rather than "Marked to Market" because THERE IS NO MARKET FOR THEM! These investments in securities backed by subprime mortgages are possibly (likely) worthless…meaning that the Investment Bank’s losses still haven’t been realized.

There is a serious crisis in the credit markets. The market for Commercial Paper has dwindled by $270 Billion since the beginning of August. ("Commercial Paper" is short-term loans that many companies use to fund their day-to-day operations). A lot of this money was parked in the stock market which is why we saw the market rally to an all time high recently…this can’t continue into the New Year and I fear the market is heading for a major downturn.

The housing market is tumbling and there is no end in sight. With fewer people qualifying for mortgages due to stricter lending guidelines and any Non-Conforming loans becoming so expensive they're practically unattainable, housing prices will continue to come under enormous pressure. This will be the first year since the Great Depression that the average home price in America decreases.

Mortgage defaults are on the rise and there are Trillions of dollars worth of adjustable rate mortgages that are about going to reset in the next year. Many of these homes will go into foreclosure when the borrowers realize they cannot make their payments and they no longer qualify for a new loan with new stricter lending guidelines that have emerged as a result of the subprime fallout. This will destroy consumer confidence and make for a rough holiday season and then some.

The dollar is at an all time low against other currencies…and it’s not showing any signs of rebounding. China announced this morning that the feel the dollar is no longer the “world’s currency” and they announced that they are going to be diversifying their $1.7 Trillion into other currencies, most likely the Euro. Gold is trading at over $850/Ounce and Oil is trading at $97.50/Barrel.

The Federal Reserve has been forced to decrease the Fed Funds Rate as well as the Discount Rate and pumped more Billions of Dollars into the economy in an attempt to provide liquidity. The last time they pumped this much money into the economy was after the September 11th attacks. No crisis you say????

Just my $0.02, but I've been trading fixed income derivatives for 10+ years. From where do derive your expertise? I'm curious…

Ryan Indianapolis

I dont understand how republicans can be so gullible. Ryan do your research and stop believing everything Faux News has to say.

Step out of USA and see how US economy is going down vis-a-vis EU and any 3rd country too. If you are happy with the last place, then I guess the economy is always doing good.

Ryan Indianapolis

Strong for who? Plenty of politically plugged businessmen who have very little business skill are doing ok, but working Americans are in foreclosure in record numbers.

Care to explain how nonexistent consumer product safety, skyrocketing health care costs, high fuel prices, protection from fraud, and illegals supressing wages make for a good economy for working men and women?

IF the economy is the #1 issue, then Ron Paul is the #1 candidate.

He knows economics better than any other contender, and he is the only candidate who wants to actually do something to fix our economic downturn and restore value to the US dollar.

Economy appears strong because the dollar has been freefalling on the international money exchanges. A canadian dollar is now worth 1.10 U.S. dollars.

And one of the reasons for this is the Iraq War. Because of it we need to print money and devalue our currency. Because of it we need to borrow money from the Chinese.

Anyone who thinks that the economy is doing strong, most likely is not that smart and relies on the DOW levels for their "insight". Thats nice and all but you have to remember all the BILLIONS that the Fed has pumped into the economy, and all the cut rates.

The economy is NOT at all as good as it was during the Clinton years. Growth was stronger, the economy was more diversified, employment and wages were better, and credit was more available. The Bush economy is incredibly top-heavy. Corporate CEOs, hedge-fund executives, and those with inherited wealth are all doing incredibily well while middle class and working class Americans are struggling with declining real wages, loss of benefits, and lack of full-time employment. The pie may be growing, but the masses are getting a smaller slice while the wealthy elite are getting far more than their fair share. Average voters are dead-on right to be upset with this economy.

Ryan from Indy:
I totally agree with you man. The economy is strong: unemployment rate is low, interest rates are low, inflation is around 2 - 3% each year (not bad at all). All these idiots around us think there is a recession going on. Of course, you and I know that they will believe whatever the media tells them.
Also, sorry to see the Colts lose. I can't stand New England…bunch of cheaters.

WatchingHillary.com

CNN - have you hired mental midgets to monitor these blogs??

You allow unfettered Bush-Bashing ("impeach now", "worst ever!", etc etc) - yet chose to censor thoughtful arguements which do not profane nor attack any blogger??

CNN - Clinton News Network is alive and well! Gosh… I wonder why Fox News hammers CNN in ratings year after year?

Economy is really bad- it is the fact- $97.00 gas per barrel-jobs are weak-house prices are declining-foreclosures are at their highest peak-bankruptcy filing numbers are high. To Ryan from Indiana: You must be living in a fantasy world, like your party. You have no knowledge of reality-you just made an emotional statement without any facts ot data-you must be 18 years old or under-I just cannot believe that you are blaming media and democrats. I feel sorroy for you, and pray for you so you can see…

YEAH, I'm worried about the economy! The Republicans have screwed everything up by borrowing egregious amounts of money, driving up the national debt to astronomical new heights and are lying to us daily about how well they're doing. It's all so similar to Douglas Adams' "Hitchikers Guide"…. "Don't Worry!"… that is until the excrement hits the fan at an equally egregious rate of speed.

Finally we are awakening. Gas at over $3 and going higher, impossible to pay healthcare rates, high inflation (my inflation DOES include energy and food costs - prices of WalMart Chinese DVD players are irrelevant to me).
It seems like most of us are not buying that gay terrorists performing abortions while getting married is the number one threat.

I'm sure this isn't the right place to put this, but I couldn't find any blogs relating to the polls of the canidates. Your polls are 2 MONTHS old. how are you supposed to give accurate information to the public with information that old?

It is more likely that CNN has the economy on the brain. This is the second article on the Ticker touting the same 1,024 people poll results.

It must be a slow news day.

Regardless, the posts here will be very predictable. It is all Bush's and the evil oil companies' fault. It isn't the fault of the consumers who insist on purchasing gas hog SUV's or wouldn't even think about walking to the store or riding a bicycle to a friend's house instead of driving.

It's no wonder America is getting fatter by the day.

Ryan,

I suppose that everyone should just believe everything that the Republicans throw at us??? What a joke! You should take your own advice and really take in information from all sources before making any judgements.

Ryan from Indy said: "I dont understand how the american public can be so gullible and naive they will believe anything the press tells them. The economy right now is as strong as it was during the good Clinton years and yet all these undeducated people are claiming the sky is falling. "

Well…us dummies might just be looking around at: the cost of rent, utilities, gas, food, credit, childcare, chinese goods, insurance, clothing and wondering how they are going to pay for these necessities in 1,2,3,5 years when their salaries seem to be stagnant–or in decline. Obviously, your salary is not–good for you. But you really need to read a little more before you call that many American citizens ignorant. ou truly are as out of touch with the average American as our President and is court of jesters.

What strong economy Ryan is talking about? Can he not see what's going on? People losing their houses, lost jobs? People are suffering. We used our money to help other countries instead of our own. Yes, we need a President that will rebuild our country. We need someone who have the experience and determination to change our country for the better. I've seen these wanna be President that all they have done so far is to put down someone to be able to be recognized. Well, we smart voters guys. So far, Hillary Clinton has done a very good job on just concentrating on her agendas and who don't care about these guys. Salute you Hillary! You are doing great. Keep it up. They tried to pull you down……..but they couldn't because we are watching……….We voters are watching.

don't fall for the left/right paradigm. Dems and Rep's don't care about the economy and will provide you "business as usual". ONLY Ron Paul has a coherent, workable strategy to fix our economy. If your economy collapses, which is what we're on the brink of, no one will be able to protect you from Iran or terrorists. We need to get real and vote for ourselves. The special interest candidates (Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Giuliani, Romney, McCain) don't care about you or me.

"Economic conditions edged out Iraq"

uh oh, More bad news for Hillary and the dems..

Ryan:

Assuming the Clinton years were 'good', then yes the economy is doing great.

This would also assume that you are not taking into account the fuel crisis, the social security crisis, the staggering debt that Bush has racked up for us, the housing crisis, outsourcing, illegal immigration and how it is increasing costs such as housing healthcare and food for working families, inflation, the growing poverty rate, recent stock market plunges, recent unaccountable leaps in oil prices, and the ever widening income gap.

And lets see some numbers that back up the ludicrous claims that the economy is doing great. What? You can't find them? What is out there are merely statistics and not real numbers?

Check out Congressman Ron Paul, He's the only one with a sound economic plan.

Ryan Indianapolis, you need to think globally. The dollar is in free fall, that's part of the economy obviously. If the dollar continues to plummet, all those wonderful imported items will skyrocket in price as our dollar buys less and less of what it used to. Do you think gas prices are going up and it's not at all related to this decline?!? Europe buys a barrel of oil for 60 euros, we buy that same barrel for almost 100 dollars!!! If the dollar didn't fall for the past decade, it'd be even less than what the europeans are paying! That's over 30% above what we would be paying if we weren't devaluing the dollar by leaving above our means. We're doing this by borrowing massive amounts of money from the chinese and others. Thank the current administration and the ignorant poloticians in washington for this.

I am concerned about the economy's FUTURE, not because I am feeling pain in the present (OR because I am "undeducated," Ryan) but because the fiscal irresponsibility of accumulating a massive and unnecessary war debt in pursuit of a disastrous foreign policy while simultaneously ignoring the needs of both the people at home and the domestic infrastructure is bound to lead to economic consequences that won't be pretty or pleasant.

Unfortunatley, this is just more proof of the short sightedness of the American people.

Hey Ryan,

The average American now works more than twice as long to buy a gallon of gasoline than they did aprox. 50 years ago. This is also reflected in the price of virtually every other item since oil is used to manufacture and transport everything that is bought. Why don't you try telling the 30 million Americans in poverty how great the economy is. 30 million is 10% of our total population. Yep, we're doing just great.

I hope voters continue to think the economy is slipping - that they're doing poorly.

Over the next 12 months we can engage the voters into deciding WHICH direction they want to go forward:

More taxes (Democrats) vs More incentives - tax breaks (Republicans)

Baby bonds, SCHIP to $83k, Universal Healthcare, Amnesty to Illegals
- versus -
Real immigration reform (protecting our borders, deporting imprisoned illegals, putting current illegals at the back of the immigration line, etc), healthcare incentives, protecting the most innocent and at-risk (poverty - young and old), providing opportunities to everyone else by improving the economy - investing in business - new energy resources - etc.

Nanny State versus creating your own estate.

You decide.

Amazing - All we heard for the last 4 years was Iraq, Iraq, Iraq, Iraq. Democrats ran there entire campaign on the topic in 06. Now with clear progress being made in the region the the Dems need anouther platform to run on. Does anyone out there think we are that stupid not to see what's going on here?

82% to 80% with a margin of error of 3%. Poor journalism here because with that margin of error, you cannot say that the economy is more important than Iraq. With that margin of error, it is possible that 79% of Americans find the economy to be important and 83% find Iraq to be important. Would CNN still say the economy is more important than Iraq?

Ryan,do you have health ins. issues, kids in college or $3.00 a gallon gas where you live? Neither has George W. Bush & his "people" ever had such hurdles in their lives.

Ryan, the only reason one could say the economy is strong currently is because of indicators such as the GDP going up is that the dollar has fallen 35% since 2002.

Its not that the president or congress has complete control of the economy anyhow, and the idea of giving much of the blame to either Bush or Clinton is somewhat ridiculous.

Maybe its cyclical, maybe its part of a pattern that started in the Clinton years, maybe it has a lot to do with hundreds of billions spent in Iraq, or the roaring national debt. Its a lot of things combined that lead to where we're at now, but take any "News" media you prefer, Right-wing, Left-wing, or Honest, there is no denying our economy is NOT HEALTHY right now.

Yeah, I don't think Americans have Iran on the brain. Did the CFR tell you to add that in there?

And of course Americans have money on the brain vice murder. It's what you have brainwashed us all with.

Wake up Sheep! We are about to go under! Every man for themselves!!! PAAANNNIIIIICCC!!!!!

Evidently most of the people CNN is calling are not CNN viewers…>

In today's CNN business section:
"Europe is lowering the boom on the greenback - and that's great news for many small U.S. companies. "

The USD is worth a fraction of what it was last decade. China holds over 1 trillion USD in currency reserves and is planning to dump them on the open market. Energy and food prices are through the roof and the average American manages to save -1% of their income. I must say the American economy is flexible but I would hesitate to call it strong. Our current economic policy is not sustainable and thus a change of course is required. How's that for thinking for myself?

We live in the global economy of the 21st century. If it's not to your liking, try going back to college and getting a Math or Science degree like your mommy advised you so long ago…, IT'S WORTH IT!

Say What, Ryan?

Where have you been these past few years? So what if Wall Street is seeing big bucks as they rack in the cash from a turbulent time, but the economy is much "MORE" than Wall Street.

- Cost of living has shot up for most Americans mostly due to cost of gasoline rising so sharply.

- Wage increases are flat for the past three to five years. No one except CEOs are getting bonuses. And the middle class hasn't had an adjustment to their salary that could even counter the cost of living increases.

- Price of goods and services has increased right along with the cost of gasoline. Shipping is highly affected as fuel costs kill their bottom line.

- Heating costs this Winter season are expected to be astronomical as we come off of a Summer bump in prices that never went back down. These costs translate to Fuel Oil, Propane, and even Wood fuel.

If you think the economy is so great go ask a Gas Station Manager how much he is racking in this season. Most of them are barely making a dime on gasoline. Also, the subprime lending schemes are hitting home owners rather strongly with record setting foreclosures and bankrupcy.

So the economy looks good from Wall Street? It's the "real economy" that counts stupid!

And thats..

Telling you like I see it,
Wynter

After 20 years of Conservative rule, the nation's economy has been destroyed. Oh, a few very wealthy people are becoming much, much wealthier and the total numbers are high, but that wealth is not being shared with the middle and lower class employees who do all the work and take all the risks. The American middle class came into existence in large numbers after World War II. The New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt, the economic stimulus of the War, and the post-war policies of Harry Truman were the launching platforms of middle-class America. The federal government made it possible for returning veterans to go to college or trade school, buy a house, trust Social Security for retirement income, and begin a family.

Conservatism is the enemy of the middle class. Every Conservative policy without exception is designed to funnel an ever greater percentage of American wealth to the top 1%. CEOs earn 400-500 times what their employees do, and CEOs are often paid hundreds or thousands of dollars per hour.

In short, my fellow middle class Americans, we have been hornswaggled, sold down the river, flim-flammed, and conned by the Conservative leadership that one day soon - but not real soon - the "free" market profits will trickle down to the rest of us. When that doesn't happen, an economist from a right-wing think tank assures us that life is as good as it can be, and that any attempt to solve our problems will only worsen them.

1994 Nissan Maxima to many new parts to name but have all receipts, body kit ,18 inch chrome rims,neon pedals,cd player,remote starter,car alarm,bmw halo headlights,cold air intake system(not installed)automatic,145,000 miles,keyless entry keypad,also have stock rims and tires have lots of pics send me an email and ill send them or come see it. Pics upon request!
joejoseph@yahoo.com

It's not the economy stupid.

I dont understand how the american public can be so gullible and naive they will believe anything the press tells them. The economy right now is as strong as it was during the good Clinton years and yet all these undeducated people are claiming the sky is falling. Hey americans do your research and stop believing everything the press and dems tell you. THINK FOR YOURSELF…

why do our politicians hold us hostage by the oil companies? isn't this a form of terrorism?

It's the economy stupid. That old saying is even more important now than ever even though the media *all kinds* are trying their best to make the public think that the economy is great, jobs are growing, and everything is dandy. Let's get real for a moment. Gas prices are at or near 3.00, food prices of all kinds are rising *I've seen a gallon of milk at 4.00*, the dollar is tanking *it's lost about 60% of it's value over the last few years*, and the stock market being at 14k means aboslutely nothing to the average american. Our wages aren't rising fast enough to offset the rising costs of everything else. We're heading toward a recession whether we like it not.