What issue do you think will be most important

[TRFrance]

1. The economy.

2. Performances in the debate.

3 Race.

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by MikeinAR

I would have agreed with you a month ago on the personality thing, but I'm not sure today. I think IF the markets continue to take a hit, and more importantly reputable, established American banks continue to go bankrupt, this may become an election of ideas and economic plans.

If the financial situation really deteriorates and people become concerned, it may become an election on who can take care of their wallet.

Mike, if this isnt the bottom, and if this things gets even worse, the Obama wins in a landslide. it wont be about who has the better ideas, it will be about American people seeing a big red R in the whitehouse and deciding to make a change.

POLICY will be the LAST thing on the voters minds. period.

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by Ferd

Mike, if this isnt the bottom, and if this things gets even worse, the Obama wins in a landslide. it wont be about who has the better ideas, it will be about American people seeing a big red R in the whitehouse and deciding to make a change.

POLICY will be the LAST thing on the voters minds. period.

Plus there'll be at least one more Unemployment Report coming out from the government before the election, in October.

If the unemployment numbers are up again, expect the Dems to beat McCain/Palin over the head with it... mercilessly.

[OP_Carl]

In our present situation, the economy. Specifically, economic policy. But such things as oil prices, health insurance, job exportation, and illegal immigration are all sub-factors in the economy. The truly economic-minded will also watch for indications of desire to nationalize or socialize entire industries, or to stall economic growth with top-rate or business taxes.

Since we don't have anybody running for office from the Von Mises institute, our economic election concerns will be translated into evaluations of the judgment and demonstrated decision-making abilities of the candidates. I think it is obvious where the advantage lies here.

But it could turn back to national security in the blink of an eye.

If Obama drops Biden, and picks another VP, that could change things up a bit. Some might think he ought to offer it to Hillary, but she would never take it now.