It's the Economy, Stupid!

It seems that the only issue either candidate talks about nowadays is Iraq. Bush points out that Saddam had been ousted and he claims that the world is now a safer place. Kerry examines the flaws in Bush's Iraq policy, from the thousands of casualties to the disrespect most other countries now have for the United States. However, the truth of the matter is that Kerry's plan for Iraq does not differ from Bush's plan all that much. Kerry might claim that other countries' hatred for Bush could mean forward progress if Kerry becomes president, while Bush could claim that his experience with foreign policy would give him the edge over Kerry, both weak arguments. The policies are essentially the same, yet that's all the candidates seem to discuss.

With the debates coming up, each candidate has a chance to distinguish himself from the other. After the Iraq war, one of the highest concerns of the American people is the economy. Tax cuts and unemployment rates are important buzz words in Washington today. And when it comes to the economy, the two candidates actually hold different views. Under Bush, the wealthy received a tax cut and the deficit soared while unemployment rose, partially due to outsourcing. Kerry plans to give the middle class a tax cut, decrease the deficit, and increase the minimum wage. The stark contrast in the candidates economic policies gives voters something to help them choose. Voters, do not get sucked up in the whirlwind surrounding the candidates' policies for Iraq. Both candidates will continue to stress Iraq and many citizens will listen, but if you really want to see where the Bush and Kerry differ, it's the economy (stupid).