Those watching the second presidential debate were quickly reminded that the economy is driving the presidential race. But the economy is also playing a large role in congressional races across the United States.
Over the past year, America.gov has followed seven congressional districts to examine how national issues are playing out on local stages. And though these congressional districts represent diverse populations and interests, the economy is a primary concern in all of the regions.
In the Pennsylvania 4th, a region used to tough economic times, voters are angered that Wall Street firms are receiving financial aid while everyday citizens are not. In the Virginia 2nd, voters are concerned the economic downturn will negatively impact their vital tourism industry. And, although the New Mexico 1st has seen fewer economic troubles than the eastern districts, voters are concerned about rising gas and food prices.
Across the country, presidential and congressional candidates have been touting proposals to help a group particularly hit by the lagging economy: small business owners. Learn more by checking out the video American Voices: Small Business.
Comments (3)
David Johnston
14 October 2008 at 00:07 EDT
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Every Presidential debate in the era of television is quite the news item. Many Americans watch in order to gauge which candidate is going to pursue policies that they feel are best, in order to find out who it is they think they should vote for. Many voters today in America are becoming or have become disillusioned with our leaders and the political process, and so watch things like the debates with limited expectations, knowing that direct questions will most likely not be answered, and will sound like sound bites. The major newspapers, such as the New York Times and the Boston Globe, hailed the debate as having “forced cordiality” and being “mercifully free” of personal attacks, and that was very true; neither candidate resorted too much to character assassination. McCain continued with “staying the course” and pursuing domestic drilling policies. (Hmmm….I wonder just who he was listening to on that one.) Obama was still criticizing Republican policies which he says got us into this mess of a recession in the first place. If the election were based on the performances on the debate , there’d be no clear way to say who it was that had won. America needs a clear proposal for action. Obama’s views on “predatory lending” which basically is sanctioning payday loan lenders is not a real solution. It’s basically an appeal to the banking lobby.
Gaeton
14 October 2008 at 04:04 EDT
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. . .Hmmm, i have to say, that there are a few things that worry me at the moment(as an Obama supporter).
1) That Wallstreet is on the up and up.
The fact that the banking system is beginning to show signs that the worst is over and that the market has ‘bottomed-out’ is a GREAT thing. But with the economy appearing to not be as big an issue as it was; it does give more sway/room for negative, slanderous, unsubstantiated comments against the Obama/Biden ticket. “Whats out of sight is out of mind” for some people, so because a crisis in the past is just that. . .’in the past’, linking the Bush economic instability to Mccain may not be as effective a week from now as it was a week ago.
2) The media’s zero’ing in on “the race factor” wont help Obama at all.
There has been a significant increase of ‘race’ in the media’s political discourse. And i dont think giving a largley conservative and religious white majority the opportunity to entertain differences in so-called culture and ethnicity is going to do Obama any favours. Keeping people focused on the issues instead of race-bating is what the republicans DONT want, so the media’s new-found fascination with race is also definatly appreciated by them.
3) Complacency
A pre-election points lead means nothing if people dont actually go out and vote. A 9 - point lead accross the board may do more harm than good for Obama than a 1 point one would, as people may be more motivated to vote in a ‘tight/er’ race than one where they assume thier canidate will probably win. And Obama’s ‘coolness’ may encourage a ‘coast-to-Whitehouse’ attitude that might prove very costly.
STILL A VERY TIGHT RACE….
P.S. Whether or not some people see Mccains defending Obama’s true religoius, moral and ethnic background at his rally a few days ago as a ploy, but i commend him for it.
COSMAS MSENDEMA
14 October 2008 at 07:41 EDT
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People are tired of wars, they wants a president who can drive the economy back. Poor countries are indirectly or directly suffering because of billions dollars the current U S govt. is spending in Iraq, Afganistan and other contries. In conclusion Obama is the right man. Go Obama GO ! God bless Obama