I watched the debate last night, and without taking sides, I offer the following official responses from both sides:
State Democratic Party chairman Joe Wineke: "Tonight Barack Obama won a huge victory by continuing to prove that he is in touch with the challenges Americans are facing in this difficult economy. On the issues that matter to middle class Americans from the econonmy, to health care, to energy, to foreign policy, Obama continued to display steady leadership and articulate innovative policies. McCain was erratically all over the map and seemed uncomfortable and unsteady even in his favorite town hall format. McCain is running out of time for a game-changer, and tonight he didn't get it. Before the debate the McCain campaign said, ‘if we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose.' He lost tonight."
State Republican Party chairman Reince Priebus: "In
tonight's debate Senator McCain stood firm on the economy - providing
straight talk and real solutions for the American people. He clearly
laid out his plan to help Wisconsinites stay in their homes and get our
economy back on track by creating more jobs - not more government
bureaucracy. The next administration will face extraordinary challenges
and Senator McCain was the only candidate on stage with the will and
determination to make the tough decisions to better our
country. McCain's pro-growth, low tax, economic plan is what our
economy needs to succeed in the competitive global market. That is why
he will cut taxes for middle class families and reduce corporate taxes
to entice businesses to create more jobs here at home, instead of
shipping them overseas. We heard nothing but contradictions from
Barack Obama. From offshore drilling to spending and the size of
government there are blatant differences between what Obama says and
what he has done. We need a president who isn't afraid to put country
before politics to help our nation moving forward and John McCain is
the man for the job."
I also offer as an interesting comparison of viewpoints, the answers from both candidates on the question posed to them by Pastor Rick Warren, wherein he asked them for their definition of "rich" -- i.e., an actual number.
Barack Obama: If you are making $150
thousand a year or less, as a family, then are you middle class ... or you may be
poor. But $150,000 down, you are basically
middle class. [I]f you are making more than $250,000 then
are you in the top 3-4 percent of this country. You’re doing well.
John McCain: I don’t want to
take any money from the rich. I want
everybody to get rich. I don’t believe in class warfare or redistribution
of the wealth. So — so I think if you’re just talking about
income, how about $5 million?
And I offer more interesting FACTS about both candidates:
Barack Obama owns one (1) house, as of October 6, 2008.
John McCain, in an interview with Politico, said he didn't know how many houses that he and his wife, Cindy, own. Research by journalists reveal that he owns seven (7) homes, as of October 6, 2008.
Barack Obama was raised by a single mother who relied at times on food stamps,
and went to top schools on scholarships and loans. His income has
increased from book sales since he spoke at the 2004 Democratic
convention.
John McCain, who has portrayed Obama as an elitist, is the son and grandson of admirals. And his wife, a beer heiress, is worth $100 million.
See you on election day.......
R. Abanes
