McCain on the Economy

Ross Kaminsky over at Human Events covers a McCain appearance in Denver where the Republican candidate explores the differences between him and his opponent on economic policies, and took some questions from the crowd.

"Throughout this stop on the campaign trail, Senator McCain made direct comparisons between his positions and those of Senator Obama. He pointed out several significant differences, starting with Obama wanting to hamper small business “by imposing a ‘pay or play’ health mandate on small business. This adds $12,000 to the cost of employing anyone with a family. This means new jobs will not be created. It means existing employees will have their wages cut to pay for this mandate.”

Moving on to taxes, McCain used a line voters are likely to hear frequently over the next four months: “If you believe you should pay more taxes, I am the wrong candidate for you. Senator Obama is your man….Senator Obama will raise your taxes. I won’t. I will cut them where I can….When you raise taxes in a bad economy you eliminate jobs. I’m not going to let that happen.”

McCain also pointed out differences on trade, noting that 25% of all American jobs are linked to exports, and that a number of competitive swing states such as Ohio, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have almost 5 million such jobs. The candidate also swung at Congress over spending and earmarks such as the $100 million requested by Senator Obama in 2007 alone.

McCain also talked about expanding nuclear energy, calling for 45 new nuclear plants and the need to speed the development and deployment of clean coal technologies, noting 80% of Colorado's energy needs are met by America's most prodigious energy source. McCain then answered questions on the needs of veterans, healthcare, the question of security versus privacy rights, immigration, and Social Security, showing a deft handling of often difficult questions and an ability to think on his feet. McCain also renewed his calls to meet his opponent in just such a setting, playing to his obvious strengths in such a town hall setting.

If Mac can keep it close during the summer months, my guess is it will be anyone's game come November.