Clouds Gather: Don't let the economic message fade

In the early days of the 2004 race Democratic candidates did well running on the Bush Administration dreadful economic record.  Later in 2004 the economy sent out some mixed signals (the occasional good job report, always followed by a correction and bad month, for example)  that were "spinnable" by the GOP to indicate that things were looking up.

Now they're looking worse than ever:

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - After cruising along for much of 2004 and the start of this year, the U.S. economy may be having engine problems.

Economists and investors who were confident about the pace of growth only a week or two ago are suddenly much more concerned about a slowdown in the months ahead.

As the first-quarter earnings reporting period speeds up next week and key economic reports are released the next two weeks, there will be talk about whether factors such as high gas prices and rising short-term interest rates could choke off growth in the months ahead.

Clouds gather on Wall St.  (More...)

It's always dicey to base a long campaign on the sate of the economy, but I think if we continue the message on the poor stock market, the weak dollar, lackluster job numbers, gas prices, etc. it could pay off in 2006.  I think after the election we took our eye off this ball, probably because Kerry and Edwards were running point on the issue.

Who can step up and continue to beat this drum?  The message is simple:  The GOP = bad economy.

•  John Edwards

  Edwards, as most of you know is focusing on poverty, including founding a new center back in the Carolinas on the matter.

  If Edwards is going to make a serious run in 2008, which all indications are he wants to, this has to be his issue.

  by SonsofLabor on Fri Apr 15, 2005 at 11:18:55 AM PDT

  •  That would be good strategy

    Edwards, more than any other candidate, had a message of the cruelty of a capital market that favored the rich while grinding the middle class and poor.

    This torch is his to pick up if he sees the writing on the subway wall.

    by MikeHickerson on Fri Apr 15, 2005 at 11:39:38 AM PDT

•  Having just breached several technical indicators

  to the downside, a huge wave of freakiness just swept through the trading floors. Hot trade at the moment is short SPX /long TYX with price of the premiums being no restraint  from what I see.

  If you got this one on this morning you're sitting pretty.

  What this means to non traders out there in Kosland: Looks like next week the market is GOING DOWN BIGTIME, a specialty of the neocons.

  As a banker to these types, I can tell you that they underwrite the equities (stock) markets and enjoy taking money from this crowd. Remember things don't happen in a vacuum; when someone is losing money on a stock trade, there's an opposite side to that trade ( usually the big boys) raking it in.

  by MikeHickerson on Fri Apr 15, 2005 at 11:53:43 AM PDT

  •  Huh?

    Are you talking about stock futures?  Translate, please.  So, should I sell all of my mutual funds today and park the money in bonds?

    by scorponic on Fri Apr 15, 2005 at 12:20:20 PM PDT

    •  I can't comment on your personal position

      I am making an observation, and yes, I was talking about futures and the present market. About an hour ago. Do NOT attempt any trade without consulting a licensed professional familiar with your goals, plans, risk tolerance and account.

      Anything I post should not be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell securities, futures, options or any other financial instrument.

      I suggest you never base your trading decisions on what you read in an online forum, anywhere.

      end disclosure. Good luck to everyone, and for God's sake, don't panic. Herds trample everyone in astampede.
      

      by MikeHickerson on Fri Apr 15, 2005 at 12:43:03 PM PDT

•  good observation

  We just had a series of democrats vote for the bankruptcy bill, including Reid. This vote represents who is a member of the corporate party versus who is representing their constituents.

  Highlights of bill, link to roll call: http://forum.noslaves.com/index.php?showtopic=364&st=0&#entry564

  Banging the drum could be Pelosi or Kerry, but I would prefer a series of Democrats to join forces on a very specific pledge to endorse a new economic platform, trade platform, budget deficit platform, keeping jobs stateside platform and so forth and be in unity so there are a series of voices. Right now we have democrats selling out Americans and voting for economic disaster. Last election I heard over and over "the Democrats and the Republicans are the same" on trade, budget, outsourcing, H-1B VISA and economic issues...and this is true...we have many Democrats voting to destroy the nation also. So, there needs to be a "Save the Nation" caucus or "America" caucus or "The Middle Class" caucus... that has a policy published on an agenda we can support and gather strength around and also so we have their pledge to stick with the policy and vote accordingly...

  by Robert Oak on Fri Apr 15, 2005 at 12:03:18 PM PDT