In a recent poll, 57% of Americans felt that the nation was in a recession. Of those polled 29% believe that the economy is their chief issue. However, in October, 28% of Americans felt that the war in Iraq was the main issue. Besides the economy and the war in Iraq, the other top issues to voters are health care, illegal immigration, and terrorism. Democrats agree with voters that the economy is in a recession. Hilary Clinton states, “"I'd describe the economy as kind of a trap door where you're one medical diagnosis or a pink slip or a missed mortgage payment away from dropping through and losing everything." On the other hand, Republican Rudy Giuliani does not feel that the economy is in a recession, stating, “What country has had more success in creating a society of fairness and decency, in creating a society in which people move out of poverty, in which people have social mobility, have a chance to succeed?” What is your top concern? Is it the economy? Will Giuliani’s lax stance on the economy help him or hurt him in the election since his top issue does not correspond to the electorate’s top issue (his top priority is terrorism which is the fifth issue most important to voters)? Will Clinton’s opinion on the economy make a difference in the election?
3 comments:
I think most people are mainly concerned with the economy because it has a direct affect on them. The dollar's value is depreciating, gas prices are increasing, and there's been an increase in the cost of living. Even though terrorism is a threat and can affect us, there hasn't been many major attacks since 9/11 so people may be starting to think that terrorism is less of a threat. Also, I think some people think the threat of terrorism has been over hyped by the the president and the media in order to get support for the war on terrorism. I think making the economy a top priority will help Clinton's campaign because people want problems that most directly affect them solved first, and right now many people think terrorism is just a distant threat.
I think that it is really important for the president/presidential candidates to focus on what is most important to the electorate. In third period's election similation, the Democrats changed their main priority after looking at the poll of what the main priority of the class was. This seemed to help them throughout the election.
The economy is clearly in a recession (for instance the value of homes in Stockton are going down and 1 out of every 3 people in Stockton is being forclosed out of his home). Because this issue is more immediate, it should be focused on first and become the main priority.
I think the war is Iraq is the most pressing issue. People are dying NOW, and that needs to be taken care of ASAP. Yes, we should also we worrying about things that will hurt people in the future, but focusing on the present is a good start.
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