July 28, 2008
Posted: 02:55 PM ET

From
 Sen. Barack Obama holds an economic roundtable in Washington on Monday.
Sen. Barack Obama holds an economic roundtable in Washington on Monday.

(CNN) — Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain used news that the United States’ budget deficit will hit a record high as an opportunity to criticize each other’s fiscal plans.

The White House on Monday projected a $482 billion deficit for the 2009 budget year. President Bush inherited a budget surplus when he took office in 2001 but has since posted a budget deficit every year.

The Obama campaign said the White House announcement is “an urgent reminder that our fiscal policies must change.”

“These have been years of unprecedented fiscal irresponsibility. That's an important issue in this election because Senator McCain is proposing to continue the same Bush economic policies that put our economy on this dangerous path and that will drive America even deeper into debt,” Jason Furman, Obama’s economic policy director, said in a statement.

Furman said Obama will “restore balance and fairness to our economy by cutting wasteful spending, shutting corporate loopholes and tax havens, and rolling back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, while making health care affordable and putting a middle class tax cut in the pocket of 95% of workers and their families.”

McCain called the Bush administration’s announcement “another reminder of the dire fiscal condition of the federal government.”

“There is no more striking reminder of the need to reverse the profligate spending that has characterized this administration's fiscal policy,” he said in a statement.

McCain reiterated his commitment to balance the budget by the end of his first term and accused Obama of having an economic plan that “will not work.”

"Senator Obama will not commit to balancing our budget, does not propose to control spending, and has only one answer to every challenge: raise taxes … It is a plan that will not work for American workers,” he said.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   July 28th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Why do all the Obama supporters equate McCain with Bush?

One could probably argue that Obama and Hillary are closer in policy.

But, some Obama supporters vilified her and her supporters.

Remember that? They certainly didn't equate Obama w/ HRC.

* * *

Monica for Obama in Indiana   July 28th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

mccain, is not going to remember one word he said. Tomorrow, he will be on to something else just like today never happened.

David Newport, OR   July 28th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

And in order to slow this deficit, McCain proposes to keep a war going and cut everything else…yep…that is some priorities.

Mike   July 28th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

There is very little McSurge can say about the deficit without falling flat on his face. The Deficit was caused by the war that McWar has said repeatedly that he supports and will 'stay the course' on.

Glad to be Independent   July 28th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Obama needs to incorporate in his economic plans a plan to balance the budget. The positive part of the Bill Clinton legacy was that when he left office, the U.S. federal government has a surplus. Obama can get some of his initiative thru but he should do it within spending limits. McCain's original proposal to balance the budget within 4 years was not doable. The spending cuts would have to be severe to balance the budget in 4 years. I am a Obama supporter. He could see the deal if he had a plan to balance the budget. Balancing the budget makes the U.S. dollar strong. It imporves the social security problem and other fiscal problems. My message to McCain and Obama push hard plans to balance the budget.

WeBoDave   July 28th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

McCain said "It is a plan that will not work for American workers". What hasn't worked for American workers is tax breaks skewed to the wealthiest, a form of "trickle down economics."

Joe Reg   July 28th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Whatever is wrong with the economy and job losses should be lais at the feet of the current Bush Mcain administration.

No more repubs this year.

The republicans are going downhill in a hand basket in November.

Landslide Obama 08/12.

Ron Nebraska   July 28th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Republicans want to bankrupt government so it can not provede the entitlement programs that have benefitted average americans for over 70 years. They consider the progressive policies of FDR to be the worst thing thats happened to this country. What better way to make sure that government canh not provide than to drain its' treasury through 'tax cuts ' fot its' wealthy base and a made up war to drain more trillions of dollars. If you vote republican and you make under 200,000 ayear you are doing so out of fear and ignorance.

WeBoDave   July 28th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

It is impossible to balance the budget with only spending cuts unless you cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, and/or military spending significantly. Senator McCain as president will have to roll back the "Bush" tax cuts or raise taxes too or cut some of these programs which he certainly will not tell the electorate before the election, and should he cut such popular programs he will lose a reelection campaign. It was telling that Senator McCain would not take off the table the raising of the income level for which Social Security taxes are withheld when interviewed on ABC Sunday morning.

CLINTON 08 VP   July 28th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

McGRAMPS THAT WON'T HELP AND YOU KNOW IT

UNITED WE'RE STRONGER

OBAMA (P) & CLINTON (VP) 2008-2014

NO TO "BUSH II", "McWAR", "BUSH'S-INTENT-FOR-2ND-PARADE-IN-IRAQ"

adam   July 28th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

taxes will have to rise no matter who is president, we will have to payback China eventualy

Lisa S - St. Louis MO   July 28th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

What, no more "Dr. No" references by McCain? Look, I am a James Bond fan as much as the next person, but that reference is really dated…the young voters out there who McCain is supposedly trying to woo weren't even born when the Dr. No movie was made…time to update your zingers.

Pat   July 28th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

"There is no more striking reminder of the need to reverse the profligate spending that has characterized this administration's fiscal policy,” he said in a statement.

Quite a statement for McCain to make I would say. Has he also forgotten he was the President's most staunch supporter during his Campaign and most loyal ally in the House? The Senator who has thehighest track record on supporting this Administration's Bill's in the House? Is this man a little short on the loafers or in need of a new pair of flip flops? Maybe a Brain Scan is also in order?

Donna from Colorado Springs   July 28th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

McBush really needs a new routine, He and every republican in history has pledged to cut taxes,and blamed all the countries problems on the democrats. How can he say that with a straight face after voting with Bush 95% of the time in the past 8 years? He has no intention of cutting taxes or doing anything to help the people that Bush has screwed over. It would be same……….different day!

Kelby from Houston, TX   July 28th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

The article on Novak being diagnosed with a brain tumor, which is listed on the political ticker is no longer availbable for public comment after receiving only two comments.
What's up with that CNN.com?
Isn' t this the guy the ratted out Valerie Plame for politcal purposes?
Isn' t this the guy that ran over someone with his car just a few days ago, and didn't stop?
I guess that don't want to hear the abundant negative commentary that this article was bound to attract. I'm with Jon Stewart, the man is hateful and soul-less.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   July 28th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Again and again McCain never gives detail comments about what his plans are but tells us what we already know and then complains about Obama. Voters need to understand McCain is underqualified to intelligently address the economy and would be voting for an unknown to do the presidents job. Think about it.

Mikey   July 28th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different result.

A top McCain campaign representative in an interview was asked how McCain's policies differed from Bush's and he was totally stumped.

McCain may be a different person than Bush, but his policies are basically the same. Electing McCain might be even more insane than re-electing Bush was in 2004.

Republicans = Deficit Spending. Their record is clear.

Sherry, Atlanta   July 28th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Bush & Cheney -BE GONE, and take CONGRESS with you.

Wayne D. PA   July 28th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Why do people think Obama need to pick Hillary it's a shame if you don't vote for him beause he did'nt pick Hillary you can't be a Democrat if you vote for John McCain. When you hear the under tones from some white women it sounds like it's the big R so the Dumb democrats will vote for McCain to spike there on party it is crazy. If insane McCain was a Demcrat I will vote for him

LYNETTE IN CA   July 28th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT MCCAIN HAS NO CLUE ABOUT ECONOMICS!!!

CAN WE AFFORD TO HAVE ANOTHER PRESIDENT WITH NO BUSINESS / FISCAL UNDERSTANDING AT ALL??

SERIOUSLY!

OBAMA '08 / '12

Susan   July 28th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

MCain wants to balance? Please tell me how!! If you want to continue the war in Iraq for the next 100 years, how do you pay for it? May Cindy can lend you the money! I refuse to let my grandchildren and great grandchildren be stuck paying a Republican tab that was run up on lying and abuse of the Constitution! McCain IsBush!

judy, Wisconsin   July 28th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

McCain always points to the "spending", meaning anything that helps our economy and our people. He forgets about all the costs of the tax cuts for the richest people, and on an unnecessary war that is ruining us. But then, he forgets about a lot of things. Just sayin……………….

Gorbashov - Long Beach, Ca.   July 28th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

McSame is a bold-faced liar!

There is no way he can increase the tax cuts for the top couple of percent, and balance the budget in four years. He said as much himself when he said he would do it in four years, than changed his mind to eight years, than changed it back to four years.

Can we believe anything that this either liar or incompetent says?

He'll say anything to get elected!

We need to change direction not four more years of the same failed policies!

Yes, we can!

KE   July 28th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Nobody seems to tell Obama anything. I know Joe Lieberman did. I hope Hillary can.

Anthony, Dallas, Tx   July 28th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Bush look what you have done. I thought Republicans are supposed to be conservative. Where did all this money go because the american people didn't see a dime.

Obama 08

Val from MA   July 28th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Obama's economic plan is a disaster for America. He is promoting socialism, which is going to be very dangerous for our country. People please don't fall for his pretty speeches – VOTE WISELY.

GreatBallsofFire   July 28th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

They look cute together.

Can I get my comments posted this time, please?   July 28th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Lord Jesus!!!

Things are bad for white folk. It's horrible for black folks.

Ken   July 28th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Wow! It takes a real McIdiot to publicly slam the very economic policies that he is campaigning to continue at the next moment. What hypocrisy. What brains. But then again, his campaign pitch is not meant for those voters with brains.

Let's see, all those tax reductions for the rich were supposed to spur our economy on…welllllllll, I wonder where all that money went, because anyone with a brain that functions beyond a 1st grade capacity can see it didn't go to improve the economy.

You have to be a moron to keep drinking this [R] economic kool-aid in spite of all the real evidence in front of you.

maxx Atlanta GA   July 28th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Balance the budget, how (McCain) is one of the main ingredient of getting us there, the Bush Appendage. Voting for a war that borrows money to fund it from another country , these repubs are done…..McCain has no judgement or experience take a good look at the state of our country…. he is incapable of balancing anything being in the Senate for 25+ years he only know one way and thats rouge this nation and others. This is a disgrace!!!!!!!

Ian   July 28th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Isn't balancing the budget and staying in Iraq an oxymoron?

Debby, NJ   July 28th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

BUSH SHOULD BE IMPEACHED, AND MCSHAME NEEDS TO JUST SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP
BARACK THE VOTE !!!

Deb, Allentown, PA   July 28th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Who in their right mind could vote for 4 more years of failed Bush policies? Who wants an extension of the tax breaks that Bush and his cronies endorsed? Maybe the 5% of the richest Americans who continue to get richer by climbing on the backs of their fellow Americans.

My family approaches the threshhold at which we may be forced to pay additional taxes under Obama's plan. It will not stop me for voting for him. Yes, we work hard, we've made good decisions, and we don't really want to pay more in taxes, but that's life. As I like to say "there but for the grace of God, go I". We could just as easily, despite our best efforts, be on the losing side in this economy. I'm just thankful that I'm in a position to be worrying about how much more I might have to pay in taxes, rather than having to worry about how I'm going to be able to put food on the table.

Return to Common Sense   July 28th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

It's very simple – you don't spend what you don't have.

I have always found it amusing that the Republicans criticize the Democrats for their "tax and spend" ways but yet they always leave the country in more debt then they find it. At least the Democrats understand that if you need a service, you have to pay for it. The Republicans version is if you need a service, you borrow money to do it and it doesn't matter where the money comes from (ie foreign interests)

Xavier, Saint Louis, Missouri   July 28th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

WOW! Bush started off in the green, now we are in the red, BIG TIME! How can anyone in their right mind voted for McCain? The only way you don't vote for Obama is either:

1. You're rich!

OR

2. You're racist!

Sean   July 28th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

If america really want to continue the way we are going, please vote for John McCain.

Independent in Iowa   July 28th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

President Clinton warned the Bush administration when he took over to spend responsibly.

Bush has destroyed the years of work Bill put into balancing our budget – which posted a surplus for the first time since the 60's. We need to hold our government responsible for it's spending habits – this is unbelieveable!

Alexis   July 28th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I think USA gonna get punked again by the republican party the same way they did in 2000 and 2004…..gas price is very high, the economy is at its worst moment, we have a seating president saying wall street is drunk, our foreign policy is viewed the worst around the world and all McCain is talking about is winning the war in Iraq. I think the only policy McCain has in his agenda is engaging the USA in nothing else but more war,war and war. His only agenda is to follow orders from his boss Bush, wake up people if we don't stand up right now we gonna lose this country even more, things gonna sink deeper and deeper. We need to stand up for something or we going to fall for anything.

OBAMA 2008
OBAMA 2012

YES WE CAN.
SI SE PUEDE.
OUI NOUS POUVONS.
OUI NOU KAPAB.

joe   July 28th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Senator McCain said we would be in Iraq for 100-years or more…. He is obsessed with war and being a victor. Especially since a victory was not declared in vietman. Or perhaps he has captial interest in Dick Cheney's Halliburton businesses in Iraq . That would be a reason for John McCain wants us there.

Franky   July 28th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Who wouldv'e thought my boy(Obama) would bash my boy(Bush), LOL!!! I don't wanna talk about it, I don't wanna talk about it, LOL!!

Talk about politics at the highest level here! Watch out with the GOP, they're masters at this! LOL!!

Beverly, NYC   July 28th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

If McCain thinks he will not have to raise taxes to cut the deficit he is inhaling some good stuff. He reminds me of Bush senior and his "read my lips" line. We fell for that once, not again. What exactly is your economic plan McSame. Did you discuss the ecomomy at the BBQ this weekend? Or are you waiting to see what Obama and his advisors come up with so you can whine about it?

Willow, from Iowa   July 28th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

I agree with Sen. Obama. When you look at the budget deficit and realize what good use that deficit could have been used for, or even a balanced budget with a surplus before the GOP got into office, its sickening. When you realize the economic problems in our country, the millions without health care, the situation social security is in, the lack of any energy policy, etc. And to think that we have a deficit of that proportion. Its just sickening.

seyi   July 28th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

McCain can't let us down that path again. He doesnt even understand the economy and gets stimulated by war. McCain cannot blame the dems for his failure to be president. The first time was Bush's fault and likewise the second time. Your real enemy McCain is George Bush! Think of that before you go riding in a golf cart with his dad!

John, Catholic   July 28th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

John McCain is right. Raising taxes for the American worker will not get us out of our economic troubles or restore the economy. It is a shame that John does not realize that under his own plan the people paying the most in takes are the American workers.

I am glad that McCain and Obama may agree on this one point. That the American worker needs a tax break. To bad for McCain that only Obama's plan will give them one.

Honestly if I did not know better I would say Johnny is trying to lose. So many gaffes so little time. And know some words from Mark Twain:

"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”

"Patriot: the person who can holler the loudest without knowing what he is hollering about.”

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”

"It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.”

linda from South Dakota   July 28th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

here we go again with mccain flip-flopping,, first hes seen with bush,, smilin and not he slams bush,, umm mccainn,, i know you cant remember dahhhhhhhhh what do i do,, what do i do??? lol mccain,,hang it up,, your goin to lose anyway,,,,, go obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John   July 28th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

McCain: Running like a Democrat since, well, since it became unpopular to run as a Republican.

Bud   July 28th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

McSame, McSame,McSame…Blah, Blah, Blah. You hugged Bush, sought Bush's endorsement, attended fundraisers with Bush and voted with the President at every turn. You have changed your positions to more closely align yourself with Bush/Republicans. What's up? Where's the man that was long ago a Maverick and courageous? My goodness, can't you say it was Bush and the Republicans that ruled us right into these dire straits? Why would you ever be seen or talk to a man that has hurt our country like the Republican Bush Presidency? You are judged by the company you keep and that's not lookin' good for your candidacy. Was the "deal" in 2000 to be quiet, support Bush and he would support you now? The stench of a good man turned bad is in the air.

Sammy   July 28th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

It is true government spending is a mess. The question is what kind of spending. Its sort of an important issue, right?

Inverse137   July 28th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Oh yeah…disagree with my hypothesis? Then explain to me why the U.S. dollar is so weak on the world's markets.

GERRY   July 28th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Doesn't this go along with the judgement factor. Spending billions
on a war that we should never gotten into has left us in a debt that will never be able to be overcome by my grandchildren's grandchildren. Who was and still is in favor of the war in Irag. I believe his name is McCain.
A 67 year old with 3 grandchildren, the youngest being 7.
This is a no brainer.

Inverse137   July 28th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

The fiscal conservatives once again demonstrate that they are not particularly bright.

A budget defict of $500B is basically $1,700 per person. Doesn't really sound like all that much. Yet because it is a debt there are finance charges. Anyone care to venture a guess as to how much that $500B will really cost you?

It would be so much cheaper and make the country so much more fiscally stronger to just suck it up and pay the money (yes, in taxes!)

You show me one person who 1) agrees with not increasing taxes to pay for this, and 2) runs their own household finances the same way as the country, and I will show you someone who is in debt up to their eyeballs and sees no way out of it.

jonathan, naperville IL   July 28th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

lol how many times will Mccain say that Obama will raise taxes on american workers. It's the highest percent of salaries that are getting taxed.

An American   July 28th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Can you believe Bush had a 128 billion dollar surplus when he took office?

John   July 28th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Dear Senator McCain;
I am Canadian so maybe my commets do not matter but as an outside oberserver I have a couple of questions. How can you possibily have a balanced budget by the end of your 1st term, when the Iraq war is costing the American public approx 10 billion a month and you say that you should stay there until there is victory but have not defined victory? You stated that you will keep the current tax cuts so where is the money to balance the budget coming from? I think that you will have to tell the people where the money is coming from to be beleived.
My 2 cents worth

Vig   July 28th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Is there any "there" there, with Obama? Obamaspeak – that's all we get. All that glitters is not gold – it may turn out to be tin.

Brian   July 28th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Yeah Obama, let's raise taxes on businesses and capital gains. That'll sure help the economy.

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   July 28th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

McCain is pathetic.

Inverse137   July 28th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

OK, I have to ask the stupid question. Be honest, this is actually the first time I am ever posting a serious question and not an antagonistic comment.

How many of you actually think getting a new body in the white house will be the "magic pill" to fix the country's problems? How many of you think there will be absolutely no hardship to the citizens to fix the problems? How many of you actually think you will not have to make any personal sacrifices to fix the country (i.e. higher taxes)?

If you will recall, the budget WAS balanced 8 years ago and we had surplus cash on hand. That has got to be the second biggest disgrace of the Bush administration…destroying the economy.

Linda of Atlanta   July 28th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

A $482 Billion deficit is staggering. John McCain points a finger at Bush, but he has pledged to continue Bush's tax cuts for the very wealthy. How can he expect to balance the budget by the end of his first term since he has pledged to continue tax cuts for the top two percent of the population? The best thing we can do is make sure he doesn't have a first term in which to claim that we are in a mental recession and there is nothing wrong with a 482 Billion Dollar deficit.

Rick FL   July 28th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I'm concerned about McCain's plans to continue many Bush policies that attributed to record deficits. It seems odd that McCain claims Obama does not propose to cut spending, which is not true. In fact, Obama's economic advisor included their proposal to cut wasteful spending in his statement today.

In consideration for presidency, Obama has run his campaign lean within a budget. I compare that to McCain's need for loans at one point to fund his campaign. It makes the choice easier from a standpoint of fiscal responsibility.

Obama '08

Bitter in Texas   July 28th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Let's see…do we want another Republican (McSame and Phil Gram) who konws NOTHING about the economy (except trickle down) or do we want someone like Obama who has some of the most respected financial people in the US of A on his staff to handle the recovery…my vote this year goes to the Democrats all the way down the ballot.

James Hussein, SC   July 28th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Timber (ex dem),

McCain was NOT beaten! He received his injuries from the plane crash, and then squealed like a pig for help from the Vietnamese military. After then he help them as much as he could to debase our POWs there. Why is it that he only gets support from a handful of Vietnam vets? They remember who he is and what he did to them. McCain is NO hero. He is a traitor and has extorted the Vietnamese government into closing the records on our MIAs to protect knowledge of his treason against the USA. He hopes to make up for his evil ways by, "winning," the Iraqi war that he helped start. He was one of the original five who proposed attacking Iraq.

bob in L.A.   July 28th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

It's a good thing these not-yet-nominated candidates said they wanted to run a clean, issues-oriented campaign!
Can you imagine what October will be like? I wish I had the money to go hide on some secluded island until November 5th!

McIdiot   July 28th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

McIdiot is in line with Bush's tax cuts, so there you go. If he continues this, it will send the enomony into a deeper deficit. Anybody who still want to vote for this man, I have no idea why.

Jarret, Winnipeg, MB   July 28th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

"Furman said Obama will “restore balance and fairness to our economy by cutting wasteful spending…"

McCain: "Senator Obama will not commit to balancing our budget, does not propose to control spending…"

Does McCain even pay attention anymore? Or has age finally crept up on him? Nice effort, McCain. It'll be fun to see you watching on the sidelines come 2009.

Patrick Henry, Ft. Myers   July 28th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

What a joke!!

Obama grunts out loud about how our fiscal policies must change.
Yet he and the Senate did nothing to stop the recent huge mortgage bail-out!! What a slap in the face for thousands who made great sacrifices to get out of their own mortgage default–only to have our government come along and force you to pull everyone else out to.

Barr 2008

Let's put in a President whose first change will be–respect for your hard earned money.

ls   July 28th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

McCain doesn't know nothing about the economy. McCain already has proven this and is STILL proving this point, just by reading his statement regarding the economy in the article.

McCain doesn't have any of his own thoughts on how to address a critical situtation. All McCain does is start all his statements with "Senator Obama . . .". Yeah, yeah, whatever McCain.

Ike (Atlanta, GA)   July 28th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

This right here shows how judgement is more important that experience. The Obama camp talks about the need to change policy where as the McCain camp talks about how the country needs to change its spending habits and then he attacks Obama. What is up with all the attacks? Can he say anything without Obama coming out of his mouth?

Obama Supporter

Stud   July 28th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

McSame is full of empty promises. He knows he could never balance the budget in 4 years.

al   July 28th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

********************************************

FROM SURPLUS TO DEFICIT.

WHO'S FAULT WAS IT?

FOR SOME FOLKS WHO STILL BELEIVES THE REPUBLICAN BIG BUSINESS MEANS WELL. THINK AGAIN. IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES. SNAP OUT OF YOUR DEEP HYNOTIZED, BRAIN-WASH MINDS, THATS IF YOU HAVE ONE.

REPUB WOULD PROBABLY SAY ITS OBAMAS FAULT OR ITS THE DEMOCRATES FAULT. BUT ASK YOURSELF ONE QUESTION WHO WERE IN POWER WHEN ALL THIS HAPPENED.

STOP THE SPIN.
STOP THE LIES.
STOP THE DECIET.

STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

Donna in ID   July 28th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Who ever gets elected is only going to have one way to pay off this mess and it is called "TAXS". Hold on everyone because it is going to be a very bumpy ride for the next 4 yrs.
We refuse to make ourselves oil independent and keep thinking we have to support way to many countries that really should be self sufficient but bcause their leaders rip off what we send they aren't so should be cut off. Charity starts at home ya know.
When are we gong to stop borrowing from other countries and make our "free trade" not free.
Dems have always been called the tax and spenders and break the citizens, And the GOP is the keep spending and borrowing so the rich get richer and let someone else figure out how to pay the bills.
Now this war and the free free trade and importing of oil, and stupid pork barrel spending (like Reeds wanting to build a museum in Poland) are just a drop in the bucket of the mismanagement over the last 8 yrs.

JA Cook   July 28th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Is this the same John McCain who has stood by Bush year after year?

He pulled Gramm to his side as well – one of the architects of this nation's economic mess through the Enron loophole and the mortgage mess.

Now he wants to distance himself from Bush, but Gramm is still solidly in the background.

How about some straight talk Mr. McCain?

Justin (ny)   July 28th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I seriously hope American's are smart enough to realize that McCain plans on continuing the EXACT SAME ECONOMIC POLICIES THAT GOT US IN THIS MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

And the McCain realizes this too, which is why they Attack Obama, without mentioning anything at all about how their plan is any "different" than bush's… BECAUSE ITS NOT

Bendo   July 28th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Lets see, Mclame wants to make the w tax cuts permanently…how much will that increase the budget by? Mclame wants to be in Iraq for 100 yrs like along the likes of our troops in Korea and Germany…how much will that cost? Mclame wants to drill off shore…how much will that cost……oil spill in New Orleans…ya ask those folks…how about both candidates get serious ie… Medicare/Medicaid/Social Security, we need to cut spending, reduce waste, stop the tax cuts, raise taxes in some areas, get people and businesses to pay their share of taxes and nooo people the Fair Tax will not work, tax consumption, do away with payroll taxes?….we need to duplicate the Clinton yrs with a surplus which w squandered.

WarHeroFmrPOW HijaxStr8talkXpress DrivzIn2GutR TurnzCoward XploitsTroopsAsPawns&Props   July 28th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

McCain't can't even quote himself properly or effectively communicate his own policies, plans and principles so should avoid trying to put words in others' mouths. Someone who admittedly knows little to nothing about economics should avoid lecturing others with more vision and insight, especially when being counseled by the likes of Phil Grimm and Ms. Fiorina, a failed business executive.

Peter (CA)   July 28th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

So, what defense is McCain using exactly? He drank the right-wing Bush Kool-Aid to get the nomination and (last I checked) Bush is going to be at his convention, not Obama's.

Trickle-down does not work, never has, never will. The money at the top stays there. Corporations do not expand services, they buy out other companies, cut jobs, and send manufacturing overseas. CEO and upper management salaries grow while everyone else works more and more but can't afford their houses or insurance.

There is nothing wrong with "spreading the wealth". Use seed money to start big projects with jobs. Keep jobs in the US. We live in a society where we will all move forward only if all of us are included.

Obama-Junkie, IL   July 28th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUDS!

Our economy is in dire straits because of folks like Bush and McCain. The following are examples of why are economy is suffering and spending is out of control:

1) Failures of companies like ENRON with lack of government oversight
2) Spending on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
3) Ignoring America's dependence on oil, specifically foreign oil
4) Giving the wealthiest Americans tax cuts in the midst of two wars.
5) Lack of government oversight in financial sector

Thanks Bush, and McCain! America is sinking, and these two multi-millionaires are living it up while the 98% of Americans are suffering and cutting back big time on expenses.

Dorothy/ NY, NY   July 28th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Shut up old man you cannot even use a computer how are you going to balance the budget

Anita from Arizona   July 28th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

How does continuing down the same economic legislation help with paying down our deficit. It took raising taxes to get us out of the last deficit we were in (IE – Bush Senior). It'll take another one for this one as well. Corporate greed has influenced our government for long enough. It's time to look out for the middle man.

Lesley   July 28th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This is too easy. How can McCain say with a straight face that he plans to reverse the Bush fiscal policies and then endorse the Bush tax cuts in the next breath. His economic advisor Phil Gramm is responsible for creating the Enron loophole not to mention deregulating the mortgage industry. I don't want another fox guarding my hen house thank you.

both Candidates R Losers   July 28th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Is anyone really happy with the 2 candidates we have good lord, one is as deep as a pie plate and the second one is going to increase a defiect even more. enough you two idiots, get off the credit drug start telling the voter something other than peace with honor, the reader will have to figure which comment applies to which ever.

BOTH OF THEM STINK ! as a loyal voter I DEMAND A RECOUNT , a third choice we are not served by either to Liberal or to Conservative what happened to the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AMERICANs

Hillary in Denver or I promise you SHE'LL BE BACK IN 2012 :-)

Jim   July 28th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Mccain will drive us into a depression while the rich, including his wife, go on vacation every weekend.

Hans-Erik Iken   July 28th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

And the really funny thing is that the republicans keep accusing the democrats for being fiscally irresponsable.

So Clinton (a democrat) leaves office with a surplus of 128 billion, folowed by a republican who registers deficits for every year he is in office AND sets record high deficits. The total debt is out of control now and they still want to claim democrats are big spenders….

What planet are these people living on? I have to get me some dope of the quality they are using, has to be some real dynamite.

Enlightened Voter   July 28th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

John, you voted with bush 95% of time. And you want to continue the bush tax cuts for the wealthy, but what does that do for the rest of us 98%?

mwm   July 28th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

mccains party got us here,with his support.obama will have to clean it up,with all of our help.thank you republicans!

Swanaay!   July 28th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I find it hilarious that McCain can claiim that Obama's plan will not work for American workers. I mean, can he just go out and say it, even if it's nowhere near the truth? He doesn't have to back that up or prove it right? He can just slander the policy like it's nothing. Cause I can also do something like this. In the modern United States of America, the American worker, the American people as a whole; a plan with a President that is in his late years that still touts our victory in WWII is not a plan that will work for Americans, period. There, I can whatever I want too, but the funny thing is, your years of 'experience' ie, eating grubworms in the jungle while NOT escaping, you never learned to read the writing on the wall. You can't win.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 28th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

oh please, mccain, how dumb do you think we are? you have voted lockstep with bush on every single issue. people, please look at his horrible, bush-supporting voting record to see where mccain TRULY stands.

SAYING your an independent maverick does not MAKE you one. actions speak louder than words, and your actions, my friend, are perfectly aligned with the current white house!

I.P. Nightly   July 28th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

As usual McCain offered no solution in his response, other than "Obama's (insert any issue here) won't work."

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   July 28th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Well it looks like China will be our masters for the next 20 years.

stop ruining america McCain   July 28th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Soooo, what is your plan McCain??? Oh wait, you don't have one. You are just telling everyone that you will balance the budget by the end of your term…. Well that doesn't really help if you don't know how to do it. But that's just your way of campaigning – don't actually have plans, just bash Obama. Hopefully the people were dumb enough to vote for Bush in 2004 and will be voting for you stay home on election day. A VOTE FOR MCCAIN, IS A VOTE TO RUIN AMERICA. Plus it shows that you are an idiot.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   July 28th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Another reason to get out of Iraq. We cannot afford this war any more.

CD   July 28th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

In all honesty McCain has no business running for office at this age if he really wanted the best for America. Romney I can understand but McCain is not to be allowed nowhere near the red button. I heard during a routine training with Pentagon he made a decision to press the button on red alert status while the democratic nominee Barry asked for impact analysis as per our defense systems before making a call. McCain simply saw the red light flashing, did not ask if the alert could be wrong, did not ask or threaten the enemies to self destruct the missiles or face America's full nuclear wrath, did not ask if it was an emergency failure from the other government, did not ask if we could intercept the missile he McCain simply pressed the red button when he saw the red lights. You don't believe me? Go to pentagon insider blogs. There goes the whole world! This dying old man doesn't mind taking us with him i tell ya. McCain is not yet President and has his eyes set on Russian and Iran! If that is not world suicide mission I don't know what is? Are we sure McCain is not the worst we fear and that we might have our fears wrongly placed on Barry? By November i will know how dumb or smart Americans are.

Independent Voter   July 28th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

The only guy poised at this moment to give the store away is Obama!

Try adding up all the promises he's made to get votes, and it will make the Bushies look like grade school kids.

Of course, if Obama is actually economically savvy after all, that means he's a liar, promising hundreds of billions in goodies he has no intention to deliver.

Either way, it spells a vote for McCain by this American.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   July 28th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

With the new housing bill it is going to be closer to 800 billion.

Bob Indianapolis, IN   July 28th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

If these tools had not let the dollar go into an eight year swan dive, people would be paying less for gas. Had government controls on bad bank loans remained in place, the subprime debacle would not have occured. Lower taxes for the wealthy while trying to fund 2 wars, not very smart…Deja voodoo economics!

M.S. Indiana   July 28th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

My Friend, McCain, and how are we going to be fiscal with borrowing money for 2 wars ??
And if we know how much we are going to spend and we need more money, would taxes not be one way to balance this topic ??
Btw, thought it was republicans who went out of control on spending, coming from a budget with a + on it..

THE O   July 28th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

And there are some people who would elected another republican back in power how silly are we??????

BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!!

BARACK / SEBELIUS 08

Really?   July 28th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

C'mon, John, eliminate earmarks! That will shave the deficit from $490B to $480B! Yeah, that's the ticket to a balanced budget. And then let's make the tax cuts permanent and continue spending $80-100B to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan until "conditions on the ground" say that spending that kind of money isn't necessary; by the way, the money from these wars isn't even included in the deficit figures.

CC   July 28th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

So what exactly did we get for $482 billion? Where can we find a breakdown of the wasted money? Big investment in new job markets, new fuel technology,better medical care for vets and citizens? Change cannot come soon enough.

Canuck   July 28th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Regardless of who wins, the sad aspect of this campaign is that the incumbent president will spend all of his time fixing Bush's mistakes and will most likely not be able to make significant changes to improve the U.S. beyond what it was before Bush took office. I feel for both candidates as it must feel like an insurmountable set of tasks to clean up the disaster that Bush has left behind him.

Ryan   July 28th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

McCain, you say you "commit to balancing the budget" but exactly where is the $482 billion cuts you plan on making? You can say you commit to it all you want, but we all know it is just an empty promise until you actually explain how.

James in NY   July 28th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

It is all in your minds!

McCain/Dole in 08!
Over 160 years experience!

Will-South Dakota   July 28th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

McCain will carry on Bush's policy and will drive us into a full blown depression…McHoover will be his legacy and the ruin of America.

CMSgt Preston   July 28th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

When did Senator McCain EVER care about American workers. Give me a break. How about a plan, Sen McCain, a strategy, and I don't mean one from that economic advisor from hell, Phil Graham!

Greg, NY   July 28th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I really don't see how McCain can criticize Obama's plan and Bush when he supports Bush's tax cuts.

I know he says we need to curb excessive spending, but he supports the same spending that the President is doing right now too, i.e. the war.

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