Mike Romig

As the economy is likely to continue struggling throughout 2008, fiscally conservative candidates may see their popularity rise among citizens faced with an uncertain financial future. America finds itself in an economic position that should play right into the hands of Republican Presidential candidates and diminish the appeal of their spendthrift Democratic counterparts. As is typical during periods of sluggish growth and widespread recession fears, supply-side economic policies will prevail as the apropos prescription for an ailing economy. Also referred to (unfavorably) as "trickle down economics", these policies include tax-breaks for higher income individuals and corporations designed to foster saving and investment which fuel growth and productivity, ultimately leading to increased jobs, higher wages and a stronger economy. Democrats would find themselves in a much better position this campaign season were the economy strong and growth high, as it is during these times that a major concern becomes financial equality and fairness among citizens, a concern which plays into the hands of supporters of the redistribution of wealth and those that champion closing the gap between the low and upper income classes. It is fortunate for Republican candidates that the United States currently sits at the slow end of this politico-economic cycle which results in the seesawing of federal legislation between policies which promote economic efficiency (supported by Republicans) and policies which promote economic fairness (supported by Democrats). Should Republican candidates successfully leverage the financial worries of American citizens as the economy becomes the primary concern of voters, they may gain a significant advantage in the upcoming presidential election.

Consequentialism & America

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Defensor

There's only one fiscally conservative candidate in the race...

Mike Romig

Well, he is certainly the most fiscally conservative in the race.

Consequentialism & America

Think for myself

Well I am glad our American working class folks can struggle to make ends meet so the Republican candidate has a chance. I mean, that's great, awesome, fantastic. What party is the current president? Oh yeah, Republican. What about Congress for the first six years of his presidency? Well fuck me. Republican. I going to go out on a limb and say that the current administration is the problem with the economy.

Let's face it. Unless the Democratic nominee's plane goes down in a fireball, no Republican will be elected president.

Defensor, on sources of information.

It doesn't matter who's reporting on the facts

freethinkr

That's about where I stopped. Actually, I stopped at the thread title and just quoted the first sentence to make it look like I wasn't completely lazy. A couple points:

-In times of trouble, people tend to look to democrats and big government to help out. This isn't to say that the dems will do any better with the economy.

-The Republicans are the ones that got us in the current economic quagmire. You don't ask the guy that is stabbing you to treat the wounds.

Mike Romig

Explain how please.

Consequentialism & America

2lane

Yep, that was my thought too, more tax cuts for the wealthy and welfare for corporations so they can spend my tax dollar outside of the country on their own selfish interests, is just the ticket. And those damned Democrats are going to want to spend tax dollars on such nuisnace projects like highways, bridge and National Park maintenance, and god forbid, healthcare for children. They are so irresponsible. A tanking economy is just what the Republicans need.

I only take Euros!

freethinkr

Well, for a start, take a look at the national debt increase over the past 7 years.

Mike Romig

No, seriously. Can you give me an example of how Republican fiscal policy has damaged the economy? No broad statistics without offering an underlying cause.

Consequentialism & America

freckles

This is part of a cycle that could have been predicted years ago. Government had little influence over it. And like we have recovered from all prior stagnant times and recessions, we will recover again. Slowly though because in 2010, retirement time hits.

In the wild, there is no healthcare. In the wild healthcare is 'Ow, I hurt my leg. I can't run. A lion eats me, and I'm dead.' Well, I'm not dead. I'm the lion. You're dead.