McCain Campaign Waking Up?

McCain plans on unveiling a new economic plan this week, Politico reports:

As part of a plan to reinvigorate his flagging campaign, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is considering additional economic measures aimed directly at the middle class that are likely to be rolled out this week, campaign officials said.

Among the measures being considered are tax cuts – perhaps temporary – for capital gains and dividends, the officials said.

“The market’s the focus,” a McCain adviser said. “You want to stop the fleeing.”

No more bailout money is being contemplated, the adviser said. “We’ve written a check to everyone in sight,” the adviser said. “We’re not in that game.”

McCain advisers hope that by being specific, he can pose a contrast to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who has been benefited from taking a vague but consistent approach to policy during the economic crisis.

McCain is not going to win by running away from the economic mess, which is what has been happening over the last week. His haphazard mortgage plan, unceremoniously debuted during the debate on Tuesday, was a mistake, not just because it was almost universally hailed as damaging to taxpayers but because it was unceremoniously debuted during a freaking debate. By not talking about the economy McCain looks hopelessly out of touch. Obama wins the argument by default, which is why he can get by without speaking in specifics. With only 23 days until the election it might be too late for McCain to turn things around, but at least this is a start. If McCain forces Obama into discussing the economy in more detail that's a win for the country.

Sunday, October 12, 2008