Folks are wondering this morning why it is that some recent polling seems to suggest that more voters favor McCain over Obama when it comes to handling the economy. One obvious answer is that the polls predominantly pre-date the latest economic meltdown, and that once the polls catch up to the voter shift from the latest 'shiny new thing' back to the economy, those numbers will come around. I tend to agree with this, at least on the margins. But the explanation fails to account for the fact that, by this time, the numbers shouldn't even be close.
More below --
The larger problem is that most voters simply don't understand economic issues. How could we expect otherwise, given that the Republican nominee himself hasn't an inkling of how the american economy -- let alone the global economy -- functions.
Too, I believe we have reached the satuation point for bad news on the economy. The average voter has probably been overwhelmed with the number of serious and apparently separate crises that have occurred in the last year. I don't know about you, but when I suffer information overload, I retreat to basic principles for support -- the things that are familiar, comfortable and reassuring.
For 25 years (at least) the republicans have sold (and now own) the notion that 'taxes are the problem'. From what I have seen of the ads and tactics being employed in the battleground states, they are riding this horse again. I think it is obvious that the repo's have persuaded a large block of voters that Obama will raise their taxes, when the truth is otherwise.
I think it is equally obvious that there are large numbers of voters out there who are scared to death of the economic news, but who have not (yet) had their mortgage foreclosed, have not (yet) lost their job, have not (yet) seen their 401K liquidated, and who still have access to some (diminished and overpriced) form of healthcare. These folks are scared, they are hedging their bets, and they don't know when the next shoe will drop or what it will look like. And the repo's are telling them that if Obama is elected the next 'shoe' will be their taxes.
We all know that this block of voters ought to be behind Obama's tax proposals 100%. His proposals are designed to help and support exactly this block of voters. But they are not getting the message. If we can get this message out, though, then I think this election will not even be close.
Write letters, send e-mails, talk to folks you don't even know. Ask them what they think of taxes, and what they think should be done. Most will acknowledge that someone has to pay taxes if we are going to fight two wars, provide healthcare, keep bridges from falling down, guard our borders, and get the lights back on in Houston. Then point out to them how Obama's tax policy makes sense.
And here's a freebie:
[Mccain is standing at the podium, a large (for him) crowd of adoring voters cheering him on. He Says:]
"Friends, I know things look bleak. But friends, I have hundreds of income tax refund checks up here for you, and every one of them says $45,000!"
[Wild cheers, much tossing of hats, hugging and kissing]
"That's right friends -- $45,000 checks!"
[Wild cheers, etc.]
"So, each one of you who made over $600,000 last year, come up and get your check!"
[Silence, followed by much muttering, looking around, as one guy emerges from the crowd, looks around, and says:]
"Cool."
[Crowd turns and walks away -- McCain approaches the lucky winner and says]:
"Now, you can keep this if you like -- or you can trade it for that nice bridge over there."