Chronicling trends in entertainment, pop culture, politics, the arts, and the uncategorized et cetera.

Shallow Nation

September 17th, 2008 at 6:25 am

Video & Photos: Barack Obama Speech “Confronting an Economic Crisis” Golden, Colorado 9-16-08

Barack Obama, Confronting an Economic Crisis speech, Golden, Colorado, September 16, 2008

Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama delivered a major speech on the economic crisis ,”Confronting an Economic Crisis,” at a campaign rally at the Colorado School of Mines’ Lockridge Arena on September 16, 2008 in Golden, Colorado.

[He] called for “common-sense regulations” for the financial industry and accused rival John McCain of lacking leadership and wanting to “pass the buck” on the country’s economic problems.

Campaigning in Colorado for a second straight day, the Democratic nominee revisited a number of his economic proposals, such as an immediate $50 billion fiscal stimulus injection. But it was clear his primary mission was to batter McCain, the Republican nominee, for ignoring Wall Street’s problems for years, only to now give “newfound support for regulations.”

Barack Obama, Confronting an Economic Crisis speech, Golden, Colorado, September 16, 2008

Obama said McCain embraces the Bush administration’s “economic philosophy that has completely failed” and scorned the Arizona senator’s call Tuesday for a 9/11-style commission to investigate Wall Street’s financial meltdown.”This morning, instead of offering up concrete plans to solve these issues, Sen. McCain offered up the oldest Washington stunt in the book — you pass the buck to a commission to study the problem,” Obama told a crowd of about 2,000 people gathered in a gym at the Colorado School of Mines. “This isn’t 9/11. We know how we got into this mess. What we need now is leadership that gets us out.”

Barack Obama, Confronting an Economic Crisis speech, Golden, Colorado, September 16, 2008

Obama said his priority as president would be to stabilize the U.S. economy, while giving the middle class a boost.

Citing Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Bill Clinton as leaders in times “of economic crisis,” the Illinois senator said: “FDR and Harry Truman didn’t put their heads in the sand, or hand accountability over to a commission. Bill Clinton didn’t put off hard choices. They led, and that’s what I will do.”

Barack Obama, Confronting an Economic Crisis speech, Golden, Colorado, September 16, 2008

Not buying the revision

Obama said, “McCain stood up (Monday) and said that the fundamentals of the economy are strong.”

McCain later clarified that he meant the fundamental strength of American workers remains strong.

Obama said Tuesday he didn’t buy the revision. “We know that Sen. McCain meant what he said the first time, because he has said it over and over again throughout this campaign — no fewer than 16 times, according to one independent count.”

Barack Obama, Confronting an Economic Crisis speech, Golden, Colorado, September 16, 2008

After nearly two weeks of mooseburgers and pig lipstick, Wall Street’s turmoil has shifted the focus from the presidential race to the economy, which most voters list as their primary concern.

Historically, Democrats have had the upper hand with voters on economic issues, and most polls indicate Obama has a slight advantage over McCain.

But McCain has made up a lot of ground in national polls since tapping Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, as his running mate. How both candidates use the economy to play to their strengths may be critical in the 48 days before the election.

Barack Obama, Confronting an Economic Crisis speech, Golden, Colorado, September 16, 2008

“The economy is the mega-issue of the year, but the irony is that it’s likely not the deciding issue,” said national pollster John Zogby. “It will ultimately come down to other issues where there is a clear choice, and intangibles like leadership, trust and vision.

Source: Obama lashes out at McCain

Photo credit: Photo 5: R.J. Sangosti/The Denver Post; Remaining photos: John Moore/Getty Images North America