Presidential Platforms: Economic Policy

Right now, with all the talk of economic stimulus, many people are concerned about what the presidential candidates want to do about economic policy going forward. There are three main candidates still running (Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are vying for the Democratic Party nomination), and each has his or her own ideas of what economic policy in this country should be. I'll give you a hint. It's about more than a tax rebate.

Highlights of the Hillary Clinton economic policy

*Universal health care has been one of Clinton's mainstays since she was First Lady. Her views on how to implement it have changed. She now favors a public-private partnership that allows a variety of options, some of them partially subsidized. Included in her health care plan is access to the same type of insurance enjoyed by members of Congress. Universal health care, the argument goes, would make health care more affordable and free up more money for citizens to use.

*A retirement savings plan with incentives for the lower and middle classes. Tax credits for saving included.

*Help save taxpayer dollars by cutting into the preferential tax treatment enjoyed by large corporations. Big Oil, Big Ag and Pharma are all known for receiving subsidies and tax breaks, despite being extremely profitable.

*Change credit card regulations so that they include more consumer protection.

Highlights of the Barack Obama economic policy

*Universal health care is a cornerstone of the Obama plan as well. His plan is less fleshed out in comparison with Clinton's, but it also includes a public insurance program. This could be very useful for those who can't afford private insurance.

*Obama's savings incentives are mostly aimed at a tax credit for college tuition -- up to $4,000 a year.

*Like Clinton, Obama plans to take aim at wealthy Americans and corporations that get hefty tax breaks. He plans to increase taxes on the wealthiest, presumably by closing loopholes and taking similar measures.

*End the Iraq War, saving billions. Much of this money would go to improving America's infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.).

*Obama is also interested in joining the green economy by encouraging expansion into green job sectors.

Highlights of the John McCain economic policy

*Universal health care is not a hallmark of McCain's economic policy. Instead, he proposes a tax credit to help offset the costs of health insurance. He also wants to make it possible for providers to have greater ability to practice on a nationwide scale.

*McCain would cut taxes, as well as spending. Much of his beef is spending on "special interests." He wants to try and go back to a policy of a balanced budget and end deficit spending.

*McCain also encourages additional trade agreements and in retraining American workers so that they can find new jobs when their old jobs are displaced.

Carefully consider the presidential platforms, especially the economic policy. Then try to decide which you think would be best for the country -- and more specifically for you.