February 9th, 2008
Compare the 2008 Presidential Candidates on the Economic Issues From Kimberly Amadeo
Compare the 2008 Presidential Candidates on the economic issues. Includes the candidates proposals for short-term economic stimulus and their long-term economic platforms. Reviews the potential impact of their platforms on the economy.
Hillary Clinton
Clinton's economic platform, though aggressive, is well-thought out, detailed and grounded in many of the current economic programs. She is the only candidate that has stated a commitment to a balanced budget. Since the budget deficit is a large contributor to the declining dollar, high oil prices and inflation, its elimination is critical to the long-term health of the U.S. economy. For these reasons, Clinton's platform would be most beneficial to the economy.
Barack Obama
Obama's economic platform is visionary, yet does not give enough detail to determine if it is feasible. Without a commitment to a balanced budget, it could be detrimental to the economy.
John McCain
McCain's desire to both increase military spending and decrease taxes will increase the budget deficit, which will weaken the economy.
Mitt Romney
Romney's proposals to cut personal and business taxes without replacing the revenue will increase the budget deficit, weakening the economy.
Mike Huckabee
Huckabee's proposal to replace the income tax with a sales tax will hurt the working poor the most, and could depress consumer spending. This could weaken the economy.
Ron Paul
Paul's proposals to allow the use of gold and silver currency would have little impact unless his idea is to return the U.S. to the gold standard. This would isolate the economy from global trade. Furthermore, his proposals to leave the WTO and the UN, and to eliminate the Federal Reserve, would further isolate the U.S. from the global economy, thereby crippling the U.S. economy.
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