Week 6 wrap-up

OK, so there's nothing really major that was new this past week. Basically the race has become nasty even though the candidates promised that it would not; both Obama and McCain ignored the mediator's request in the last debate that they promise to tone down their rhetoric. Obama and Palin are fighting wild rumors on the internet with watchdog organizations trying to prevent their spread.

McCain has so far shown a lack of detail in talking about his plans for taxes and the economy in general, in comparison to Obama. Voters are still not comfortable with either candidate's plans, and Obama met Joe the plumber who asked if he would be punished with higher taxes under Obama's plan. The main issues with the tax plans are: McCain doesn't plan on giving tax breaks to the general population, but rather to big companies in the hope that they will stimulate the economy and the wealth will be spread back down to the rest of the population. Obama has promised not to increase taxes on anyone who makes $250k a year or less, but plans to impose higher taxes on people who make more than $250k a year and use that money to help support the general population. Voters don't like McCain's plan because it looks like he doesn't care about the average person and wants to help out the big companies who created today's economic problems in the first place. Voters don't like Obama's plan because it is extremely socialist, reminiscent of Robin Hood, taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor. The main difference in their tax plans is that McCain claims he wants the average people to spread the wealth around (which they would do if they could, but given the current economic status I would say it's a moot point), and Obama wants the government to spread the wealth around (which, of course, the wealthy don't like because they want to keep their money, and the rest of society feels uneasy about because it means the government will have even more power).

There will be no more debates. It's time for voters to make their decision, with election day fast approaching. What changes we will see now in the campaign? What will be McCain's last stand, Obama's last stand? Which issue will be the determining factor in this presidential race?

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[posted late, on Oct. 22]