Video: McCain rejects Gramm’s “mental recession” description
posted at 6:30 pm on July 10, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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John McCain quickly repudiated the comment of his economic adviser, Phil Gramm, that the US had become a “nation of whiners” and that the only recession the nation had experience this year was a “mental recession”. ABC News reports that Team McCain pushed a YouTube today that showed McCain rejecting that construct even as Gramm said it had been misunderstood:
“I don’t agree with Senator Gramm,” he said. “I believe that the person here in Michigan that just lost his job isn’t suffering from a mental recession. I believe the mother here in Michigan and around America that is trying to get enough money to educate their children isn’t whining. America’s in great difficulty and we are experiencing enormous economic challenges as well as others. Phil Gramm does not speak for me. I speak for me, so I strongly disagree, go ahead and follow-up.”
Asked about Obama’s comments today — in which Obama noted that McCain had said that part of the recession are psychological and that some of McCain’s energy plan will have “psychological”, adding that the nation doesn’t need another Dr. Phil — McCain said that when it comes to ideas about energy independence, Obama is “Dr. No.”
A reporter asked if there’s any chance that Phil Gramm would be McCain’s Secretary of Treasury or play a significant economic policy-making role in a McCain administration.
“I think that Senator Gramm would be in serious consideration for Ambassador to Belarus,” McCain joked, “although I’m not sure the citizens of Minsk would welcome that.”
Gramm, meanwhile, tried to clarify his comments by saying that he was referring to the leadership of the country, and that’s probably true. However, Gramm is no political naif who should get surprised by the opening he left Democrats. They rushed to trot out every anecdotal story of tough times, even using Michigan — a state in which Democrats run the government and control its economic policy — as an example.
McCain takes the politically adept course here, acknowledging the pain of many in the current economic slowdown, and casting his policies as the answer for the problem. He doesn’t look very happy with Gramm in this clip, which unfortunately does not include the joke about sending Gramm to Belarus. Actually, the Belarussians would be lucky to get Gramm as an envoy if the current dictatorship would be smart enough to take his advice — and even if Gramm tossed some sand in the gears today, McCain’s still fortunate to have him as an adviser now.
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bummer, I thought what Gramm said was spot on. But, McCain has to appease the knee jerks out there too.
kirkill on July 10, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Gramm said the truth BUT saying we are a nation of whiners was stupid. He knew better and should have said better.
spacekicker on July 10, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Another bad day in the McCain campaign.
What was Phil Gramm thinking?
indythinker on July 10, 2008 at 6:45 PM
McCain is an ass to throw out that stupid joke at the end.
WoosterOh on July 10, 2008 at 6:46 PM
Well this should take media attention off Jackson’s “open mic” gaffe.
Wethal on July 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM
A good move by McCain, and Gramm will recover. Meanwhile we will listen to the lefties whine…
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Seems like McCain and Obama have both been doing a lot of repudiating statements of advisers and supporters the past couple of months.
JetBoy on July 10, 2008 at 6:48 PM
I agree with Gramm. But both campaigns are getting a little too “good cop/bad cop” for me. Seasoned politicians in both campaigns (who should know better) have been using inartful phrasing so much, which the candidates can then use to appear so righteous by denouncing what the “bad cop” said.
innominatus on July 10, 2008 at 6:50 PM
It would be better to focus on the unbelievably low unemployment rates and the millions of new jobs that have been created during the Bush administration – assisted by the tax cuts! We should NOT concede the economic argument; we should fight back with the facts that things are going far better than people are acknowledging, and hammer the Dems for preventing us from having lower gas prices, which would drop prices on everything else.
Laura on July 10, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Thanks for the update Ed.
J_Gocht on July 10, 2008 at 6:52 PM
What’s with the Belarus comment? Is the McCain bus racking up notches now, as well?
joewm315 on July 10, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Before even commenting on the video,ABC News was on,and
at around 6:32PM,the tone,and description of Graham,ABC used the words that Graham “has a cult following among
Fiscal conservatives”!
ED,if you can lock up the first 5-10 minutes of ABC News,
tonite,on video,as I’ve always said about not trusting ABC,
you can really hear the tone on asking voters,or better yet,
planted Libs and their responce on the economy troubles are
in your mind,(my words)not theirs!
ABC News opening show is clearly in the tank with their tone
and ya I know,no surprise!
canopfor on July 10, 2008 at 6:57 PM
McCain is clearly driving his bus down the middle of the road.
Mojave Mark on July 10, 2008 at 6:59 PM
McCain is not a unifier. He might want to remember Reagan’s 11th commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.
As for Dr. No, give him the Gold Finger.
whitetop on July 10, 2008 at 7:02 PM
At the rate McCain is throwing people under the bus … he had better order more busses!
Monkei on July 10, 2008 at 7:04 PM
COB (Cranky Old Bastard) doesn’t get it, does he? You don’t throw your people under the bus, you go after the opposition and make them pay for their stupid comments.
Like you said Ed, the dems have flushed Michigan down the toilet.
cjs1943 on July 10, 2008 at 7:06 PM
I thought McCain liked to use “Straight Talk?”
We are not in an economic recession. Yes there are individuals who face economic hardship, but the economy is in a slowdown (e.g., actual growth is continuing, but significantly off the pace we have become accustomed to).
I understand the need to be politically wise, and not make light of economic problems such as foreclosures and high gas prices. I just thought maybe the “Maverick” had the backbone to actually tell the truth about the economy.
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Another bad day in the McCain campaign.
indythinker on July 10,2008 at 6:45PM.
indythinker: I fully agree with you,but when I was stupid
enough to be watching ABC NEWS,while my tea
was a brewing,with the likes of ABC,and hearing
their tone,the Lefy’s are going to be stuck on
this for days!
canopfor on July 10, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Gramm was, quite obviously, correct. All anyone has to do is look at the political campaigns for the past 4 years to hear about how dems have been talking down the economy (”the worst economy ever”). McShame is being … McShame – the only guy able to lose to B Husein. Unreal.
If the GOP doesn’t dump this loser during the convention, bad times are certainly in store.
progressoverpeace on July 10, 2008 at 7:10 PM
CORRECTION:
Here’s what Gramm should have said:
“The far left and liberal politicians in this country are a vast group of whiners who have done nothing but aid and comfort our enemies for the last five years.”
Thank you very much.
Travis1 on July 10, 2008 at 7:11 PM
That cranky old man can’t even choose the right people to have around him. That open border freak, must have kept his door open also and let this guy in. This is why he is such a loser, he must have lost his mind being locked up and beaten for so long…if he was ever really beaten, there is no video of it. This cranky b*stard probably is kissing Gramm’s *ss and then he will throw him under the bus. The only one is whining is this cranky old b*stard, because he hasn’t left enough illegals in to take care of his yard.
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem…bathroom wall
MB4 asked me to fill in for him…
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 7:11 PM
You’re hired.
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 7:12 PM
China’s annual GDP growth rate – 12%
America’s annual GDP growth rate – 2%?
I don’t think whiners is quite right…how about losers?
alphie on July 10, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Good choice as most voters don’t like to be told that their concerns are all in their mind.
Both McCain and Obama are probably saying nightly prayers along the lines of, “God I can handle my enemies, but please protect me from my ‘friends’ “.
MB4 on July 10, 2008 at 7:15 PM
McVain is sooooo loyal.
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:16 PM
I thought MCAmnesty liked straight talk.
Gramm was right on the money—Too bad we have such a stupid electorate. They can’t understand or recognize the truth.
woodswalking1 on July 10, 2008 at 7:16 PM
You clearly don’t have any serious job in the banking sector or understanding of economics. Or if you’re so confident about the rosy economy, go open a bank account at IndyMac.
Cutting taxes and pushing the national debt near $10 trillion isn’t an impressive accomplishment- it’s a mistake- esp. when it appears to contribute to rising inflationary pressure and the decline of the dollar.
bayam on July 10, 2008 at 7:17 PM
me too; of course I also thought that Juan McVain would not swallow the Climate Change Hoax and lewinski the economy.
Mr. McCain: we won’t be fooled again, senator. You’re gonna need Hillary supporters to vote for you or ya’ll be the equivalent of ex-President Ford.
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Particularly with some reports saying that Dr. Phil is practicing without a license.
MB4 on July 10, 2008 at 7:19 PM
“I gave Gramm some cigarettes (snicker). I’m trying to kill him (snicker).”
whitetop on July 10, 2008 at 7:19 PM
that’s more like it….
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:20 PM
You are doing well grasshopper.
MB4 on July 10, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Well, ya got the unbelievable part correct.
303 million Americans.
24.6% below age 18.
12.4% above 65.
Thats 197 million working age folks.
But the Government only says we hae 153,294,00 working age folks. Somehow about 37 MILLION folks are missing.
Add in that they don’t count anyone who is not getting unemployment (us self employed folks), and if you don’t find a job in 5 weeks they say you are no longer looking, so don’t count you… and your right, the numbers are unbelievably low.
Its like the inflation numbers. Housing, food, gas, College, cars… everything I pay for has gone up MUCH faster than they say inflation has…
Then add in the trade deficit caused by the Bush admins and Fed Boards devaluation of the dollar…. by almost 40%….
Yeah, things are just F’n rosey out here in the real world.
Romeo13 on July 10, 2008 at 7:23 PM
That’s too bad, I was gonna like the guy.
Darth Executor on July 10, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Oddly enough, I largely agree with Gramm’s comments — at least for a large segment of the nation. The MSM and the Democrats have been telling people they’re victims for decades, so a lot of Americans have been educated to be whiners.
Still, McCain was right to repudiate this fast. It had the potential to become a modern version of Jimmy the C’s “malaise” moment — a campaign killer.
irishspy on July 10, 2008 at 7:25 PM
May I please use with accompanying attribution?
Brill!
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Heres what Liberal Democrats and the Left MSM want
project on American voters,like when Bill Clinton
in a debate asked President G.Bush Sr. the price
of a gallon of milk,deer in headlights response,he
didn’t know!
They want an impression that Republicans are out of touch,
with the econmoy,and yada,yada,yada!
I couldn’t find that video,here’s one that will explain
what the Lefty’s are trying to accomplish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta_SFvgbrIY
canopfor on July 10, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Due to irresponsible fed policy for over a decade, not only are we in a recession, we are fast heading toward a full blown depression. The fed kept money too loose too long. The SEC and Treasury department failed to enforce regulations. Congress, under the Clinton administration and with Gramm’s endorsement, repealed Glass Steagall.
This is why the economy is imploding. The Fed inflated the bubble with low rates. The elimination of Glass Steagall and lack of reg enforcement planted the seeds for the mortgage and real estate meltdown. Now the debt markets are destroyed. Now the dollar is worthless (due to Congress’ irresponsible fiscal policies) and commodity prices are going through the roof.
McCain, Obama, Bernanke, Paulson and all of Congress are powerless to rectify the situation. They are all tools looking out for themselves at the expense of middle America.
For those of you who state we are not in economic turmoil and a recession should just stick to discussing politics.
voiceofreason on July 10, 2008 at 7:26 PM
I’d be honored.
progressoverpeace on July 10, 2008 at 7:27 PM
evey time I do youtube linky,it doesn’t stinkin work!ugh.
canopfor on July 10, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Whining about the economy in China = prison
Whining about the economy in the U.S. = Democratic presidential nomination
rockmom on July 10, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Like the scorpion, he can’t help himself. It is in his nature.
MB4 on July 10, 2008 at 7:28 PM
In “honor” of Senor Juan McVain: “Gracias!”
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:32 PM
I just posted this below, amazing just a few minutes later and you pop up…thanks good timing, now where are the other two or three…
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 7:33 PM
And how has China sped up its economy? By using near-slave labor to work in dark, dangerous factories and producing cheap toys that contain lead. You can grow your economy pretty easily if you have no unions, no minimum wage, no opposition to your plans, a world looking to buy your cheap crap, and 1.3 billion to work for you.
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 7:33 PM
See, that’s how I know you really are a conservative…you have a sense of humor.
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Another good one, this is a good week for you.
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Kind of like what McCain is working toward with his open borders immigration policy.
voiceofreason on July 10, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Actually, McCain wants to give illegals amnesty, granting them citizenship. That would bring us more people, but there would be minimum wage, unions, etc..
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 7:39 PM
There are no unions in Communist China, Amer?
That’s so funny and wrong, you could be a McCain economic adviser…
alphie on July 10, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Then skip my posts like I do with “voice of reason.”
Again, please stop satirizing yourself. If I want to post about Juan McVain’s poorly run campaign, his flip-flopping/”nuancing,” etc. and am not banned by HotAir; then I will. You are under no obligation to read them.
Maybe McVain and his supporter, for the most part; not all of them, should not have spent the past eight years giving those of us who disagree with him the finger every chance he got. Just a suggestion. (gang of 14; McCain-Feingold;
McCainWarner-Lieberman, etc., etc. etc.)Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Don’t let it get around.
MB4 on July 10, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Not to mention all the savings on R&D that the Chinese get when they steal our technology.
AZCoyote on July 10, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Saint Mc rejects Mr. Gramm’s “mental recession” and then does his own “mental suppression” on the same day…?
J_Gocht on July 10, 2008 at 7:43 PM
There are “unions” — not unions. It was in early 2007 that the New York Times reported that for the first time since they were introduced, China was planning on giving them some actual power.
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 7:44 PM
I’ll “just stick to discussing” whatever I’d like, thank you very much.
By pretty much any valid economic definition, we are not in a recession and are a loooong way from depression. There are economic problems, but the economy is hardly “imploding.” And, try telling other countries who still rely on the dollar as an international standard that it is “worthless.” The value has gone down, but as it has our exports have risen, and tourists from other countries are using this opportunity to vacation here at “bargain” rates, assisting our economy as well.
As to middle America- our economic prospects are not improving as quickly as they were 5-10 years ago. There is, however, no comparison to the Great Depression.
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Boy, I hate to do this to you, but…you see if you want the actual numbers you go to the government stats site and pick them out.
These numbers, like the GNP, etc. are derived to use as an indicator. That is, you look at them as trends. Like the Dow Jones, you can pick out hundreds of stocks that are different, the Dow Jones shows the trend of the market.
If not, then people do what you do, they pick and choose the “stocks” to show what they want to show.
Now, every once in awhile (like the energy) something goes haywire and tilts it one way or shows more stability then is should. But generally, like the unemployment, it is accurate as a trend. Which is why unemployment often drops in June, July, because school is out. We know that should be a trend.
Your welcome…no charge
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 7:46 PM
TROLL ALERT!
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:46 PM
No, its these kinds of witless reactions that cost him the nomination in 2k.
Gramm was correct and McCain destroyed a valuable alliance, at least thats what usually happens when you throw a colleague under the bus.
McCain had a great opportunity to smack Obama, gain support and set course towards a McCain identity that flows optimism into a so so campaign.
Instead he’s allowing a Democrat to define him.
He just didn’t choose the right direction and then battle it out to show how wrong the Democrats and Obama really are.
McCain has been goading Obama to debate, here’s he’s chance to corner him and he let it slide.
Speakup on July 10, 2008 at 7:47 PM
In fact, the ICFTU writes of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (the sole national trade federation in China):
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Give it a rest.
If all the “trolls” – a sizeable chunk of the commenters here – were expelled there would be nothing to talk about except Darwin and God and even those threads would be considerably diminished.
aengus on July 10, 2008 at 7:50 PM
McCain, when it comes to his party and politics is a wuss!
kahall on July 10, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Sampling from a businesses site:
The pounding of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continued Thursday, reflecting concerns about their solvency – and raising fresh anxieties about the impact their collapse would have on the U.S. housing market and broad economy.
Fannie, Freddie `Insolvent’ After Losses, Poole Says.
U.S. Foreclosures Rose 53% in June, Bank Seizures Almost Triple.
Devaney’s Funds Wiped Out After United Capital Gets Margin Call
Commuters spend less on food, movies and clothes because of gasoline costs, survey finds
Foreign Investors Pile Up More Pieces of Americana.
MB4 on July 10, 2008 at 7:50 PM
It’s very easy to post higher percentage growth when your base GDP is low. If i produce 2 widgets having previously produced 1 widget that is 100% growth! Does that mean I’m better off the the country producing 1 billion widgets but only growing 1%?
phronesis on July 10, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Keep diggin’, Amer…McCain’s campaign is eyeing you.
Here’s a little reality for you:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/12/business/unions.php
alphie on July 10, 2008 at 7:52 PM
It would be a good idea to know your data before referring to it.
First, the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the age of 16 as the lower age for inclusion in the labor force. Look here to educate yourself.
That statement is totally incorrect. Again, refer to the link to get your facts straight.
BacaDog on July 10, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Just warning everyone because I clicked on the link and it was some lefty nanny state creepy site. Not a troll like picking at issues but a KosKid type.
Sorry to cause confusion.
Branch Rickey on July 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Wow. You found a story about about Wal-Mart stores in China all now being part of a union the ICFTU identifies as non-independent. And the union that the stores are part of? Sanctioned by the state, which bars workers from setting up their own representation:
And labor activists have accused, by the story you link, the union of siding with management. So, like I said, China has “unions” — not unions.
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Nicely done, but I doubt he cares…
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM
And of the 1.3 billion people in China, 30,000 work for Wal-Mart. What does Wal-Mart sell? The crap their fellow citizens make for low-wages in dirty factories with no real representation.
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Alphie, have you ever been to China? To believe that a “union” in China has the ability to protest management for better insurance or a better break room is insane.
From the article you linked:
They may call it a “union”, but there is no concept of collective bargaining involved.
BacaDog on July 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Fair enough.
aengus on July 10, 2008 at 8:01 PM
Alphie, the above quote is from the article you linked in your 7:52 post. If your point is that China has unions that are independent of government, it is undermined by your article. Another statement that I didn’t quote here is that this union sometimes sides with the management.
Am I missing your point? Or does your “evidence” destroy it?
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Oops, I guess several of us read the link and thought the same thing.
Think Alphie will get the point?
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 8:05 PM
It’s nice that the right can hold a vision of China as it existed 30+ years ago and believe that’s how it is now(the Commies weren’t beat…they’re beating us).
Shanghai today makes most of flyover America look like the Gaza Strip.
And we owe them $1,000,000,000,000 thanks to little Bush.
They own us.
alphie on July 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Here’s a little reality for you:
alphie on July 10,2008 at 7:52PM.
alphie:Your missing your 8:00PM conference call,incoming
Hope and Change lock-step talking points, seminar
in stlye and response, for how to tie up rightsphere
threads!
canopfor on July 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Wow. You completely ignored everything we pointed out: That the union is the only one, that it’s state sanctioned, that it sides with management, that it’s not seen as independent, etc..
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Instead you launch into comparing the U.S. to the Gaza strip, and pointing out a national deficit that Obama (I’m assuming your candidate) doesn’t want to reduce.
amerpundit on July 10, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Mentality has very much to do with the state of our economy.
VolMagic on July 10, 2008 at 8:14 PM
I’m no economist, but I think the U.S. gdp is something like twice that of China. Remember our population is smaller, so the per capita output (and income, and net worth) is substantially higher.
We need to be aware that the second-largest world economy is growing faster than ours. Just don’t forget they’re economy is still substantially smaller, so the rate of growth will go up much faster than the $ that each worker is getting.
Any more Chinese union links?
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 8:15 PM
alphie on July 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Your ignorance is exceeded only by your arogance.
VolMagic on July 10, 2008 at 8:15 PM
China’s economy will surpass America’s in size in about 4 years. c89…if it hasn’t already.
alphie on July 10, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Like your friend Romeo, get your facts straight Alphie.
Don’t know where you get a “one trillion” trade deficit number, but here’s a helpful link to the facts.
Also, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Shanghai over the years so I am well aware of how it (and other parts of China) look today as compared to 20 years ago. Shanghai may be building like crazy right now, but it hardly makes anywhere in America look like the “Gaza strip”.
If your going to toss numbers around, at least go to the trouble of getting them right, not just quoting some other post you saw at KO’s.
BacaDog on July 10, 2008 at 8:18 PM
China GDP per capita (PPP) $7,700 (2006)
US GDP per capita (PPP) $44,000 (2006)
Any questions?
VolMagic on July 10, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Wow. Any data to back that up?
I mean, better than your “union” stuff.
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Gramm is riding the real straight-talk express here.
Every once in awhile, we need to be slapped in the face and kicked in the nuts just to prove that we still have some resolve left. Every day, we see hysterical, Chicken Little exhortations from the media about the economy, about gas prices, about a recession. After a while, this propaganda affects people. It gets into their heads, it affects their behaviors. Combined with the perpetuation of the victimization culture, it creates a perfect storm of selfish discontent.
There are actual people who are actually struggling in this country. People fall on hard times. It happens every day. There is nothing that government can do to remedy this without sticking to market-based approaches. We have seen government fail time and time again in trying to help everyone through handouts. The beauty of our American way of life is that we naturally help others while maintaining a degree of self-reliance. This is the essence of our principles. Despite recent changes in the economy, we have maintained an unparalleled quality of life in America. And it’s about time we stopped taking it for granted.
MB007 on July 10, 2008 at 8:22 PM
We do need to respect China’s economic (and military) power. Personally, I think they’re an argument for the power of population, and a warning for Western nations that a growing population often correlates with a growing economy.
But, are you seriously suggesting that China (China??!!!!) actually could have a larger economic base than the U.S.?
Right now?
I also speculate that, as our growth slows and we buy fewer imports, the rate of Chinese growth will also slow.
cs89 on July 10, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Here is the U.S. debt data.
We are in the hole 500 billion to China.
Our total debt is 2.601 trillion.
But macro is a funny thing. Debt is not, in and of itself, bad.
VolMagic on July 10, 2008 at 8:24 PM
voiceofreason on July 10, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Voice, good analysis, but the term recession has a dictionary definition and by that definition we are not in one yet.
Just because Dems say we are does not mean we are. They shameless pander and play with emotions to futher their political aims when in fact they are the primary reason for climbing commodity prices due to phoney ethanol subsidies, rising gas prices due to obstruction of any drilling refining or discovery, recovery of our own resources and mandating home mortgages for minorities and low income earners who cannot afford and should not have home loans. Their woo-is-me message is gladly carried by an able and willing media shamelessly in the tank for these political hacks. Detroit Mich is a grand example of Dem leadership.
Producing our own petroleum products would go a long way to keeping money at home boosting the economy, lowering the trade deficit and restoring value to the dollar.
Gramm was largely correct but should have laid the blame at the doorstep of the party with no answers, the party of no viable solutions, the party ready to surrender our armed forces to AlQeada for purely political gain an immoral bankrupt party that any thinking man would not only reject but reject with extreme prejudice this Novemeber.
dhunter on July 10, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Gramm needs to grasp that insulting potential voters doesn’t work to win their allegiance.
The media has become a bunch of whiners may be what he meant, but you don’t get points for what you meant, but what you say.
Attack the Dems (The NO ENERGY Party), attack Obama (STANDS IN THE WAY OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE), but don’t attack your latent constituency.
The truth may be that economy is only mediocre, but people want solutions to make it great again, not criticism as they juggle outrageous fuel costs, and as they watch a housing mess, a banking mess, the stock market drifting lower, retirement funds eroding, and every daily bill rising, with no one of the candidates rising with a clear, simply-worded plan (DRILL HERE DRILL NOW PAY LE$$) to help restore America by lowering crippling energy costs and reinvigorating the populace with some intelligence and encouragement.
Gramm should return to obscurity and McCain should start viewing some old Reagan videos for pointers on positivity.
profitsbeard on July 10, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Phil Gramm was right. The man is an economist and while right2life might not respect the man, he has a lot of experience with economic matters and he knows what he is talking about.
However, this is a campaign and he should have been more diplomatic about the way he said it. McCain had no real choice but to walk away from the remarks.
As for people complaining about this being another bad day for the McCain campaign or whatever, this gaffe was minor compared to some of the really mindboggling gaffes that have come out of the Obama campaign. All the time.
Terrye on July 10, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Nice snark… I’ve actualy BEEN one of the “households”… I do know how it works.
The 153,294,000 available worker number WAS taken fromt he BLS site. 303 million was an estimate of total American population, the other numbers (under 18 and over 65) are estimates I found online.
BLS do not count people who are either NOT interviewing, or not submitting resumes. Online searches are counted as “passive” searches, like reading the want adds, and do not count.
If you have your own business, even if it is failing, and no money is coming in the door, you are considered employed.
But don’t let the facts get in the way.
They also can only interview people who have a steady address, with a phone number (they do it by phone) and their contention, from their own site, that YOU don’t define your employment status always amused me (I researched it the first time they called me a couple of years ago to be interviewed).
And the fact that the numbers just plain don’t add up? If you count 16 year olds (which I left out, but they count) the numbers are actualy WORSE… but they count them in the “not in the employment pool” category if they are not activly looking for work.
On a personal note, this will be the last post I make to respond to you. The personal attacks are starting to anger me, and truthfully, you are not worth. You are now in the X wife category of response… some bitches are just nor worthy of talking to.
Romeo13 on July 10, 2008 at 8:34 PM
Add to that, I am pretty sure America is more important to China, then China is to the U.S.
With all that production, where is China selling their goods?
Here
Imagine, one fith of their export economy is the U.S., the next highest is:
While the other way is this:
China had a 300Billion surplus from export. Mainly because they are not huge consumers…yet.
right2bright on July 10, 2008 at 8:36 PM
dhunter:
Climbing commodity prices are not just about ethanol. We have had ethanol production in this country for years. The higher prices are about increased demand, higher cost of production and bad weather. We lost 19% of the corn crop here in Indiana because of a wet year. It is the same all over the midwest.
If you just cut off the ethanol and the price of diesel goes up some more, the commodity prices will go up with it. Speaking of economics, you can not grow $2 corn with $5 diesel fuel. The culprit is high energy costs, that is what is driving prices up for just about everything.
Terrye on July 10, 2008 at 8:37 PM
That’s the ticket, elitist.
Grow Fins on July 10, 2008 at 8:44 PM
McCain started to answer the dude’s question with this thought:
“if we drill off shore…”
then he went off on a litany of things the Obambi is against (which is good), but he never came back to finish his thought and to make the sale.
gxpgxp on July 10, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Beware the “powerhouse” that “owns” us!!!!11!!1
VolMagic on July 10, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Exactly! McCain sounded and looked like he was at a funeral. Maverick! You’re in a funk! Snap out of it.
gxpgxp on July 10, 2008 at 8:54 PM
With so many people under both campaign buses, it’s a good thing they both have campaign airplanes.
SouthernGent on July 10, 2008 at 8:55 PM
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