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Views: 4789
"This weekend," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said today, "a plumber concerned that Senator Obama was going to raise his taxes asked him directly about his plan. The response was telling. Senator Obama explained to him that he was going to raise his taxes to quote 'spread the wealth around.'" Is that what happened? Judge for yourself -- here's the exchange.(Watch the video)Outside Toledo, Ohio, on Sunday, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was approached by plumber Joe Wurzelbacher, a big, bald man with a goatee who asked Obama if he believes in the American dream. "I'm getting ready to buy a company that makes 250 to 280 thousand dollars a year," Wurzelbacher said. "Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?" Obama said, "First off, you would get a 50% tax credit so you'd get a tax cut for your healthcare costs….. if your revenue is above 250 – then from 250 down, your taxes are going to stay the same. It is true that from 250 up – from 250 – 300 or so, so for that additional amount, you’d go from 36 to 39%, which is what it was under Bill Clinton. And the reason why we’re doing that is because 95% of small businesses make less than 250. So what I want to do is give them a tax cut. I want to give all these folks who are bus drivers, teachers, auto workers who make less, I want to give them a tax cut. And so what we’re doing is, we are saying that folks who make more than 250 that that marginal amount above 250 – they’re gonna be taxed at a 39 instead of a 36% rate.†Responded Wurzelbacher, "the reason I ask you about the American dream, I mean I've worked hard. I'm a plumber. I work 10-12 hours a day and I'm buying this company and I'm going to continue working that way. I'm getting taxed more and more while fulfilling the American dream." "Well," said Obama, "here's a way of thinking about it. How long have been a plumber?" Wurzelbacher said 15 years. Obama says, “Over the last 15 years, when you weren’t making 250, you would have been given a tax cut from me, so you’d actually have more money, which means you would have saved more, which means you would have gotten to the point where you could build your small business quicker than under the current tax code. So there are two ways of looking at it – I mean one way of looking at it is, now that you’ve become more successful through hard work – you don’t want to be taxed as much.†“Exactly," Wurzelbacher said. Obama continued, “But another way of looking at it is 95% of folks who are making less than 250, they may be working hard too, but they’re being taxed at a higher rate than they would be under mine. So what I’m doing is, put yourself back 10 years ago when you were only making whatever, 60 or 70. Under my tax plan you would be keeping more of your paycheck, you’d be paying lower taxes, which means you would have saved…Now look, nobody likes high taxes." "No," said Wurzelbacher. "Of course not," said Obama. "But what’s happened is that we end up – we’ve cut taxes a lot for folks like me who make a lot more than 250. We haven’t given a break to folks who make less, and as a consequence, the average wage and income for ordinary folks, the vast majority of Americans, has actually gone down over the last eight years. So all I want to do is – I’ve got a tax cut. The only thing that changes, is I’m gonna cut taxes a little bit more for the folks who are most in need and for the 5% of the folks who are doing very well - even though they’ve been working hard and I appreciate that – I just want to make sure they’re paying a little bit more in order to pay for those other tax cuts. Now, I respect the disagreement. I just want you to be clear – it’s not that I want to punish your success – I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you – that they’ve got a chance at success too.†Wurzelbacher said it seemed as though Obama might support a flat tax. Obama says, “you know, I would be open to it except here’s the problem with a flat tax is that if you actually put a flat tax together, in order for it to work and replace all the revenue that we’ve got, you’d probably end up having to make it like about a 40% sales tax. I mean that’s the value added, making it up. Now some people say 23 or 25, but in truth when you add up all the revenue that would need to be raised, you’d have to slap on a whole bunch of sales taxes on. And I do believe for folks like me who have worked hard, but frankly also been lucky, I don’t mind paying just a little bit more than the waitress that I just met over there who’s things are slow and she can barely make the rent." Obama said, "My attitude is that if the economy’s good for folks from the bottom up, it’s gonna be good for everybody. If you’ve got a plumbing business, you’re gonna be better off if you’re gonna be better off if you’ve got a whole bunch of customers who can afford to hire you, and right now everybody’s so pinched that business is bad for everybody and I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody." That's the key moment McCain is jumping out…"when you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody." "But listen," Obama said, shaking Wurzelbacher's hand, "I respect what you do and I respect your question, and even if I don’t get your vote, I’m still gonna be working hard on your behalf, because small businesses are what creates jobs in this country and I want to encourage it.†"Guys I gotta get out of here and go prepare for the debate," Obama said, "but that was pretty good practice right there."From ABC NEWS:By:Jake Tapper - He is ABC News' Senior National Correspondent based in the network's Washington bureau. He writes about politics and popular culture and covers a range of national stories.
Views: 3916
With no major gaffes, stumbles or snafus made by Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain during the second presidential debate, neither candidate won hands down.There were no fireworks, no major water cooler moments. Even though the debaters traded testy jabs over the economy, the Drudge Report went so far as to label the debate "boring." At first glance, it might seem this duel was a draw.Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus among the pundits that McCain lost the debate, not because of what he did but because of what he didn't do: He didn't create the game-changing moment his campaign needed to alter the trajectory of the race.With McCain lagging in the polls, Politico's Alexander Burns sums up why Obama gets the "W" next to his name:Obama didn't deliver a knockout punch tonight. But he denied his opponent the chance to rescramble the campaign, and that was enough. The day goes to him.The Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post all concur, in their own way. This snoozefest created a winner because no one won at all.There were a few in the media who focused more on the apparent tie. Mark Halperin at Time gave McCain a B and Obama a B+. Of McCain, he wrote:The Republican nominee was by turns aggressive, sensitive, conservative and conversational. Successfully presented a negative case against Obama with an upbeat, optimistic smile.Ultimately though, Halperin echoed the general consensus:[Obama] played it typically cautious and safe, and thus avoided major blunders, knowing if he commits no errors for the next 30 days, he will be the next president of the United States.Even if you don't put much stock in the talking heads, consider what non-media types said. Each candidate stood his ground, looking comfortable in the town-hall setting, yet the insta-polls showed the same opinion: Obama won. In the CBS poll, 40 percent of uncommitted voters said Obama won. Twenty-six percent said John McCain won, while 34 percent said it was a tie.Over at CNN, Obama fared even better in the poll: 54 percent said he did a better job, 30 percent gave it to McCain.Despite those numbers, this isn't all bad news for McCain. The CBS poll did have a silver lining -- respondents still see McCain as more prepared for the job (83 percent to 58 percent).The other good news for the Arizona senator: there is about a month left in the campaign. That's enough time for him to find the game-changer he is looking for. (from yahoo.com)
Views: 3916
With no major gaffes, stumbles or snafus made by Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain during the second presidential debate, neither candidate won hands down.There were no fireworks, no major water cooler moments. Even though the debaters traded testy jabs over the economy, the Drudge Report went so far as to label the debate "boring." At first glance, it might seem this duel was a draw.Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus among the pundits that McCain lost the debate, not because of what he did but because of what he didn't do: He didn't create the game-changing moment his campaign needed to alter the trajectory of the race.With McCain lagging in the polls, Politico's Alexander Burns sums up why Obama gets the "W" next to his name:Obama didn't deliver a knockout punch tonight. But he denied his opponent the chance to rescramble the campaign, and that was enough. The day goes to him.The Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post all concur, in their own way. This snoozefest created a winner because no one won at all.There were a few in the media who focused more on the apparent tie. Mark Halperin at Time gave McCain a B and Obama a B+. Of McCain, he wrote:The Republican nominee was by turns aggressive, sensitive, conservative and conversational. Successfully presented a negative case against Obama with an upbeat, optimistic smile.Ultimately though, Halperin echoed the general consensus:[Obama] played it typically cautious and safe, and thus avoided major blunders, knowing if he commits no errors for the next 30 days, he will be the next president of the United States.Even if you don't put much stock in the talking heads, consider what non-media types said. Each candidate stood his ground, looking comfortable in the town-hall setting, yet the insta-polls showed the same opinion: Obama won. In the CBS poll, 40 percent of uncommitted voters said Obama won. Twenty-six percent said John McCain won, while 34 percent said it was a tie.Over at CNN, Obama fared even better in the poll: 54 percent said he did a better job, 30 percent gave it to McCain.Despite those numbers, this isn't all bad news for McCain. The CBS poll did have a silver lining -- respondents still see McCain as more prepared for the job (83 percent to 58 percent).The other good news for the Arizona senator: there is about a month left in the campaign. That's enough time for him to find the game-changer he is looking for. (from yahoo.com)
Views: 3916
With no major gaffes, stumbles or snafus made by Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain during the second presidential debate, neither candidate won hands down.There were no fireworks, no major water cooler moments. Even though the debaters traded testy jabs over the economy, the Drudge Report went so far as to label the debate "boring." At first glance, it might seem this duel was a draw.Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus among the pundits that McCain lost the debate, not because of what he did but because of what he didn't do: He didn't create the game-changing moment his campaign needed to alter the trajectory of the race.With McCain lagging in the polls, Politico's Alexander Burns sums up why Obama gets the "W" next to his name:Obama didn't deliver a knockout punch tonight. But he denied his opponent the chance to rescramble the campaign, and that was enough. The day goes to him.The Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post all concur, in their own way. This snoozefest created a winner because no one won at all.There were a few in the media who focused more on the apparent tie. Mark Halperin at Time gave McCain a B and Obama a B+. Of McCain, he wrote:The Republican nominee was by turns aggressive, sensitive, conservative and conversational. Successfully presented a negative case against Obama with an upbeat, optimistic smile.Ultimately though, Halperin echoed the general consensus:[Obama] played it typically cautious and safe, and thus avoided major blunders, knowing if he commits no errors for the next 30 days, he will be the next president of the United States.Even if you don't put much stock in the talking heads, consider what non-media types said. Each candidate stood his ground, looking comfortable in the town-hall setting, yet the insta-polls showed the same opinion: Obama won. In the CBS poll, 40 percent of uncommitted voters said Obama won. Twenty-six percent said John McCain won, while 34 percent said it was a tie.Over at CNN, Obama fared even better in the poll: 54 percent said he did a better job, 30 percent gave it to McCain.Despite those numbers, this isn't all bad news for McCain. The CBS poll did have a silver lining -- respondents still see McCain as more prepared for the job (83 percent to 58 percent).The other good news for the Arizona senator: there is about a month left in the campaign. That's enough time for him to find the game-changer he is looking for. (from yahoo.com)
Views: 3916
With no major gaffes, stumbles or snafus made by Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain during the second presidential debate, neither candidate won hands down.There were no fireworks, no major water cooler moments. Even though the debaters traded testy jabs over the economy, the Drudge Report went so far as to label the debate "boring." At first glance, it might seem this duel was a draw.Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus among the pundits that McCain lost the debate, not because of what he did but because of what he didn't do: He didn't create the game-changing moment his campaign needed to alter the trajectory of the race.With McCain lagging in the polls, Politico's Alexander Burns sums up why Obama gets the "W" next to his name:Obama didn't deliver a knockout punch tonight. But he denied his opponent the chance to rescramble the campaign, and that was enough. The day goes to him.The Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post all concur, in their own way. This snoozefest created a winner because no one won at all.There were a few in the media who focused more on the apparent tie. Mark Halperin at Time gave McCain a B and Obama a B+. Of McCain, he wrote:The Republican nominee was by turns aggressive, sensitive, conservative and conversational. Successfully presented a negative case against Obama with an upbeat, optimistic smile.Ultimately though, Halperin echoed the general consensus:[Obama] played it typically cautious and safe, and thus avoided major blunders, knowing if he commits no errors for the next 30 days, he will be the next president of the United States.Even if you don't put much stock in the talking heads, consider what non-media types said. Each candidate stood his ground, looking comfortable in the town-hall setting, yet the insta-polls showed the same opinion: Obama won. In the CBS poll, 40 percent of uncommitted voters said Obama won. Twenty-six percent said John McCain won, while 34 percent said it was a tie.Over at CNN, Obama fared even better in the poll: 54 percent said he did a better job, 30 percent gave it to McCain.Despite those numbers, this isn't all bad news for McCain. The CBS poll did have a silver lining -- respondents still see McCain as more prepared for the job (83 percent to 58 percent).The other good news for the Arizona senator: there is about a month left in the campaign. That's enough time for him to find the game-changer he is looking for. (from yahoo.com)
Views: 3916
With no major gaffes, stumbles or snafus made by Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain during the second presidential debate, neither candidate won hands down.There were no fireworks, no major water cooler moments. Even though the debaters traded testy jabs over the economy, the Drudge Report went so far as to label the debate "boring." At first glance, it might seem this duel was a draw.Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus among the pundits that McCain lost the debate, not because of what he did but because of what he didn't do: He didn't create the game-changing moment his campaign needed to alter the trajectory of the race.With McCain lagging in the polls, Politico's Alexander Burns sums up why Obama gets the "W" next to his name:Obama didn't deliver a knockout punch tonight. But he denied his opponent the chance to rescramble the campaign, and that was enough. The day goes to him.The Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post all concur, in their own way. This snoozefest created a winner because no one won at all.There were a few in the media who focused more on the apparent tie. Mark Halperin at Time gave McCain a B and Obama a B+. Of McCain, he wrote:The Republican nominee was by turns aggressive, sensitive, conservative and conversational. Successfully presented a negative case against Obama with an upbeat, optimistic smile.Ultimately though, Halperin echoed the general consensus:[Obama] played it typically cautious and safe, and thus avoided major blunders, knowing if he commits no errors for the next 30 days, he will be the next president of the United States.Even if you don't put much stock in the talking heads, consider what non-media types said. Each candidate stood his ground, looking comfortable in the town-hall setting, yet the insta-polls showed the same opinion: Obama won. In the CBS poll, 40 percent of uncommitted voters said Obama won. Twenty-six percent said John McCain won, while 34 percent said it was a tie.Over at CNN, Obama fared even better in the poll: 54 percent said he did a better job, 30 percent gave it to McCain.Despite those numbers, this isn't all bad news for McCain. The CBS poll did have a silver lining -- respondents still see McCain as more prepared for the job (83 percent to 58 percent).The other good news for the Arizona senator: there is about a month left in the campaign. That's enough time for him to find the game-changer he is looking for. (from yahoo.com)
Views: 3992
Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party's nomination for President of the United States. And I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence. In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won't forget. I'm grateful to the President for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history, and keeping us safe from another attack many thought was inevitable; and to the First Lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in public and in private. And I'm grateful to the 41st President and his bride of 63 years, and for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country. As always, I'm indebted to my wife, Cindy, and my seven children. The pleasures of family life can seem like a brief holiday from the crowded calendar of our nation's business. But I have treasured them all the more, and can't imagine a life without the happiness you give me. Cindy said a lot of nice things about me tonight. But, in truth, she's more my inspiration than I am hers. Her concern for those less blessed than we are -- victims of land mines, children born in poverty and with birth defects -- shows the measure of her humanity. I know she will make a great First Lady. When I was growing up, my father was often at sea, and the job of raising my brother, sister and me would fall to my mother alone. Roberta McCain gave us her love of life, her deep interest in the world, her strength, and her belief we are all meant to use our opportunities to make ourselves useful to our country. I wouldn't be here tonight but for the strength of her character. My heartfelt thanks to all of you, who helped me win this nomination, and stood by me when the odds were long. I won't let you down. To Americans who have yet to decide who to vote for, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to win your trust. I intend to earn it. Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We're dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn't be an American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement. ...
Views: 3992
Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party's nomination for President of the United States. And I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence. In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won't forget. I'm grateful to the President for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history, and keeping us safe from another attack many thought was inevitable; and to the First Lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in public and in private. And I'm grateful to the 41st President and his bride of 63 years, and for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country. As always, I'm indebted to my wife, Cindy, and my seven children. The pleasures of family life can seem like a brief holiday from the crowded calendar of our nation's business. But I have treasured them all the more, and can't imagine a life without the happiness you give me. Cindy said a lot of nice things about me tonight. But, in truth, she's more my inspiration than I am hers. Her concern for those less blessed than we are -- victims of land mines, children born in poverty and with birth defects -- shows the measure of her humanity. I know she will make a great First Lady. When I was growing up, my father was often at sea, and the job of raising my brother, sister and me would fall to my mother alone. Roberta McCain gave us her love of life, her deep interest in the world, her strength, and her belief we are all meant to use our opportunities to make ourselves useful to our country. I wouldn't be here tonight but for the strength of her character. My heartfelt thanks to all of you, who helped me win this nomination, and stood by me when the odds were long. I won't let you down. To Americans who have yet to decide who to vote for, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to win your trust. I intend to earn it. Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We're dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn't be an American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement. ...