McCain Better For Stock Market Than Obama: 21 of 29 Economists Say

DriftingByTheStormDriftingByTheStorm Posts: 8,684
edited August 2008 in A Moving Train
That is 21 of 29 economists POLLED.
Not to say there are only 29 economists in the country. :D

Washington Business Journal
July 25, 2008
Economists: McCain better than Obama for stock markets

John McCain's presidential campaign is touting a new survey of economists who predict he would have a more positive impact on stock markets than Barack Obama.

The Reuters news service asked 29 economic firms which presidential candidate would be better for stock markets, which have been hit by inflation, high energy prices, the housing collapse and financial sector troubles.

Twenty-one of those economists said McCain's economic agenda would have a more positive impact on stocks, six cited Obama's policies and two gave no response.

McCain wants to cut U.S. corporate income tax rates from 35 percent to 25 percent, double the $3,500 child tax credit, and ban Internet and new communications taxes. The Arizona Republican also backs domestic offshore drilling and free trade policies.

Obama favors elimination of capital gains taxes for startup companies as well as middle-class tax relief funded in part by new taxes on oil company profits. The Chicago Democrat also wants to revamp free-trade policies and does not favor offshore drilling.
If I was to smile and I held out my hand
If I opened it now would you not understand?
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Comments

  • acoustic guyacoustic guy Posts: 3,770
    The lesser of the two evils I say.
    He is better for America in many more ways then that.
    I am prety sure Obama is going to be the next president. And after he is in office for a while, all the poeple who love this guy will then wonder what they were thinking.
    Either way, this country is fucked for a while and I don't see anyone on the horizon that can change this.
    Get em a Body Bag Yeeeeeaaaaa!
    Sweep the Leg Johnny.
  • fugawzifugawzi Posts: 879
    I'm sorry but I have to respectfully disagree that McCain would be better for the stock market or the even broader issue of the dismal economy. If you want to cite polls, there are plenty that favor Obama on the issue of the economy, including a recent "MSNBC/Wall Street Journal poll (that) had him (Obama) leading McCain on optimism about the future and being compassionate enough to understand the average individual's problems."

    I'll include some quotes from an article, then provide the link to the full article:

    "Obama's solutions include nearly universal health care, a housing rescue plan and another economic stimulus package.

    McCain prefers a different road. He often speaks in favor of free markets and free trade. He has endorsed President Bush's tax cuts -after opposing them in 2001 and 2003 -and is now suggesting additional cuts. According to an analysis by the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, his tax policies favor the wealthy. The analysis also noted that his tax cuts add to the deficit, though McCain has spoken strongly against deficit spending."

    "Looking at the MSNBC/WSJ poll, McCain has garnered an advantage with voters perceiving him as better to lead the country. Another Rasmussen poll showed the two candidates statistically tied in their ability to be trusted on the economy."

    Full article can be read here:
    http://www.thestreet.com/story/10430878/2/opinion-obama-sees-economy-the-right-and-left-way.html

    On the issue of offshore drilling, McCain's major argument for reducing oil/gas prices, it's widely believed that offshore drilling will have little to no effect on reducing gas prices in the next few years, if ever. Article supporting this here:
    http://www.energyliteracy.org/2008/07/just-facts-why-offshore-drilling-will.html

    Sen. Obama himself has said he remains "skeptical" that drilling would bring down prices or significantly reduce dependence on foreign oil. "We're not going to drill our way out of this problem," Obama told the Palm Peach Post, but said, "I don't want to be so rigid that we can't get something done." You may call it it a flip-flop if you like, something that most, if not all politicians do, but Obama's position is that he would consider supporting drilling initiatives if they were part of a bigger plan for energy independence.

    To put it simply when it comes to the economy, the upper class "elites" (the minority) and large corporations will benefit from McCain's economic policies much like the past 8 years with Bush. The low to middle class (the majority of the population) will benefit more from Obama's policies, so vote accordingly.
    West Palm 2000 I & II/West Palm '03/Tampa '03/Kissimmee '04/Vic Theater '07/West Palm '08/Tampa '08/NYC MSG I & II '08/Philly Spectrum III & IV '09/Cleveland '10/Bristow '10/PJ20 I & II 2011/Pensacola '12/Pittsburgh '13/Denver '14
  • fugawzifugawzi Posts: 879
    The lesser of the two evils I say.
    He is better for America in many more ways then that.
    I am prety sure Obama is going to be the next president. And after he is in office for a while, all the poeple who love this guy will then wonder what they were thinking.
    Either way, this country is fucked for a while and I don't see anyone on the horizon that can change this.

    Wow that's a positive attitude. You're saying if Obama takes office his voters will have a hangover from voting for him? How do you know this?
    In what ways is McCain better for the country than Obama? Enlighten us since there are so many ways.
    West Palm 2000 I & II/West Palm '03/Tampa '03/Kissimmee '04/Vic Theater '07/West Palm '08/Tampa '08/NYC MSG I & II '08/Philly Spectrum III & IV '09/Cleveland '10/Bristow '10/PJ20 I & II 2011/Pensacola '12/Pittsburgh '13/Denver '14
  • We all know that the stock market is run mostly by Republicans, so why should I even read this article? What is the margin of error on this "poll" anyway?
    "All the rusted signs we ignore throughout our lives"--Ed
  • slightofjeffslightofjeff Posts: 7,762
    We all know that the stock market is run mostly by Republicans, so why should I even read this article? What is the margin of error on this "poll" anyway?

    Obviously, it's an unscientific poll, given that it polled just 29 people. It's really just food for thought.

    Historically, Wall Street has always thought a Republican president was good for businesses. Less restrictions and taxation = more profit = stock is worth more.
    everybody wants the most they can possibly get
    for the least they could possibly do
  • jeffbrjeffbr Seattle Posts: 7,177
    fugawzi wrote:
    I'm sorry but I have to respectfully disagree that McCain would be better for the stock market

    You would have to have next to no understanding of the stock market and investing to not know why Obama, and his cockamamie capital gains tax proposal, would be bad for the market and both large and individual investors. It is clearly a disincentive to investors, and certainly punishes anyone who has picked right and wants to move some earnings to a different investment. Of course Obama will have a negative impact on the market.
    "I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
  • slightofjeffslightofjeff Posts: 7,762
    jeffbr wrote:
    You would have to have next to no understanding of the stock market and investing to not know why Obama, and his cockamamie capital gains tax proposal, would be bad for the market and both large and individual investors. It is clearly a disincentive to investors, and certainly punishes anyone who has picked right and wants to move some earnings to a different investment. Of course Obama will have a negative impact on the market.

    I have little confidence in McCain in this area ... but I have to be honest: Obama's economic ideas scare the living hell out of me.
    everybody wants the most they can possibly get
    for the least they could possibly do
  • jeffbrjeffbr Seattle Posts: 7,177
    I have little confidence in McCain in this area ... but I have to be honest: Obama's economic ideas scare the living hell out of me.

    Yeah, I agree with you. I don't think McCain will be able to fix the economy in general. But it is pretty obvious that strictly from a stock market perspective Obama is the greater of the two evils.
    "I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
  • fugawzifugawzi Posts: 879
    jeffbr wrote:
    Yeah, I agree with you. I don't think McCain will be able to fix the economy in general. But it is pretty obvious that strictly from a stock market perspective Obama is the greater of the two evils.

    Like I said in a previous post, the important issue is the broader economy (poor housing market, banks collapsing, high cost of food and energy) real issues that affect just about everyone, not just the rich or "upper" class. The stock market, not so much. I don't think anyone can say our most pressing need currently is the stock market that's just ridiculous. So I'll concede that McCain MAY be better for stocks. Big deal. As someone said before, he's a republican, no shock there. After more in-depth reading of the poll in question, I noticed something which I will quote directly from the article.

    "a regular Reuters economic poll also found that economists had mixed views on the two candidates' economic plans.

    On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "very good," 12 economists gave McCain's proposals higher marks, while nine rated the two candidates equally and eight preferred Obama's policies, according to the poll released on Wednesday."

    So 12 in favor of McCain, 8 in favor of Obama and 9 split. The issue of the economy in general is much less one sided than the stocks issue. Let's not forget this is only one poll 3 months before the election, a lot can change.

    Article on aforementioned polls here:
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080723/pl_nm/economy_usa_politics_poll_dc

    When we're talking about the economy, we can't ignore the elephant in the room, which is the Irag war. We're now in the $540 Billion range, growing every second of everyday, with estimates exceeding $3 Trillion if and when the war ends. The Iraq war is second to only World War 2 in terms of cost. There's no question, the sooner we end the Iraq war, or at least start that process, the sooner we can stop some of the bleeding of our economy. McCain has made no secret that he will stay in Iraq until we "win". How long could that take? According to McCain's own words, it could take as long as "100 years". Obama on the other hand proposes a steady withdrawal over the course of 16 months.

    great article on the cost of the Iraq war:
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/07/AR2008030702846.html
    West Palm 2000 I & II/West Palm '03/Tampa '03/Kissimmee '04/Vic Theater '07/West Palm '08/Tampa '08/NYC MSG I & II '08/Philly Spectrum III & IV '09/Cleveland '10/Bristow '10/PJ20 I & II 2011/Pensacola '12/Pittsburgh '13/Denver '14
  • inmytreeinmytree Posts: 4,741
    fugawzi wrote:
    Like I said in a previous post, the important issue is the broader economy (poor housing market, banks collapsing, high cost of food and energy) real issues that affect just about everyone, not just the rich or "upper" class. The stock market, not so much. I don't think anyone can say our most pressing need currently is the stock market that's just ridiculous. So I'll concede that McCain MAY be better for stocks. Big deal. As someone said before, he's a republican, no shock there. After more in-depth reading of the poll in question, I noticed something which I will quote directly from the article.

    "a regular Reuters economic poll also found that economists had mixed views on the two candidates' economic plans.

    On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "very good," 12 economists gave McCain's proposals higher marks, while nine rated the two candidates equally and eight preferred Obama's policies, according to the poll released on Wednesday."

    So 12 in favor of McCain, 8 in favor of Obama and 9 split. The issue of the economy in general is much less one sided than the stocks issue. Let's not forget this is only one poll 3 months before the election, a lot can change.

    Article on aforementioned polls here:
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080723/pl_nm/economy_usa_politics_poll_dc

    When we're talking about the economy, we can't ignore the elephant in the room, which is the Irag war. We're now in the $540 Billion range, growing every second of everyday, with estimates exceeding $3 Trillion if and when the war ends. The Iraq war is second to only World War 2 in terms of cost. There's no question, the sooner we end the Iraq war, or at least start that process, the sooner we can stop some of the bleeding of our economy. McCain has made no secret that he will stay in Iraq until we "win". How long could that take? According to McCain's own words, it could take as long as "100 years". Obama on the other hand proposes a steady withdrawal over the course of 16 months.

    great article on the cost of the Iraq war:
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/07/AR2008030702846.html

    but...but....obama...he's bad...right...?

    the title of this thread tells me so....;)
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,497
    inmytree wrote:
    but...but....obama...he's bad...right...?

    the title of this thread tells me so....;)


    He's bad if your a Palestinian, Iranian, or an American tax-payer. ;)
    hippiemom = goodness
  • AbuskedtiAbuskedti Posts: 1,917
    jeffbr wrote:
    Yeah, I agree with you. I don't think McCain will be able to fix the economy in general. But it is pretty obvious that strictly from a stock market perspective Obama is the greater of the two evils.

    that is only true if you want to keep the illution alive that the economy and the stock market are independant of each other.

    if the stock market one day reflects that health of the economy, the market will be much better
  • my2handsmy2hands Posts: 17,117
    That is 21 of 29 economists POLLED.
    Not to say there are only 29 economists in the country. :D

    Washington Business Journal
    July 25, 2008
    Economists: McCain better than Obama for stock markets

    John McCain's presidential campaign is touting a new survey of economists who predict he would have a more positive impact on stock markets than Barack Obama.

    The Reuters news service asked 29 economic firms which presidential candidate would be better for stock markets, which have been hit by inflation, high energy prices, the housing collapse and financial sector troubles.

    Twenty-one of those economists said McCain's economic agenda would have a more positive impact on stocks, six cited Obama's policies and two gave no response.

    McCain wants to cut U.S. corporate income tax rates from 35 percent to 25 percent, double the $3,500 child tax credit, and ban Internet and new communications taxes. The Arizona Republican also backs domestic offshore drilling and free trade policies.

    Obama favors elimination of capital gains taxes for startup companies as well as middle-class tax relief funded in part by new taxes on oil company profits. The Chicago Democrat also wants to revamp free-trade policies and does not favor offshore drilling.


    the same economists that said everyhting was fine 12 months ago? or the same ones that didnt think we were heading into a recession 12 months ago? :rolleyes:
  • sweetpotatosweetpotato Posts: 1,278
    McCain is an idiot.
    "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States, Barack Obama."

    "Obama's main opponent in this election on November 4th (was) not John McCain, it (was) ignorance."~Michael Moore

    "i'm feeling kinda righteous right now. with my badass motherfuckin' ukulele!"
    ~ed, 8/7
  • ryan198ryan198 Posts: 1,015
    so what we have learned here is that one Presidential candidate will bend over for corporations and take it in the ass with lube and the other will be forced into it eventually. it doesn't matter who rolls in rich, white people will continue to dominate for the next 4-8 years...let's just hope it's not so easy for them at least.
  • KosmicJelliKosmicJelli Posts: 1,855
    FUCK the Stockmarket and fuck MCCain.... KMA economist!!!!! Go suck some Dubya Snozberries...
  • KosmicJelliKosmicJelli Posts: 1,855
    ummmm.... well what I really meant was lets scare all the corporate whore stockholders into voting for McCain....shit we wouldnt want to lose our Dividend checks now would we?
  • slightofjeffslightofjeff Posts: 7,762
    ummmm.... well what I really meant was lets scare all the corporate whore stockholders into voting for McCain....shit we wouldnt want to lose our Dividend checks now would we?

    I don't know that the truth can ever be a mere scare tactic. I mean, it's just a fact that Obama's financial plans won't be good for stockholders.

    If that doesn't matter to you, that's fine. Unless you have a shitload of your money in the stock market, maybe this doesn't affect you at all.

    For people like my grandparents, who live on a fixed income and have most of their retirement money in 401Ks, Obama is going to cause them a serious financial hit. The tax they get hit with every time they withdraw money is going to go up.

    So they won't be voting for Obama.
    everybody wants the most they can possibly get
    for the least they could possibly do
  • TDMize15TDMize15 Posts: 166
    Let's compare the last 3 presidents, their economic plans, and how the economy did under all 3...

    :)

    I see a trend.
    All the rusted signs, we ignore throughout our lives, choosing the shiny ones instead...

    And he who forgets, will be destined to remember...
  • slightofjeffslightofjeff Posts: 7,762
    Let's compare the last 3 presidents, their economic plans, and how the economy did under all 3...

    :)

    I see a trend.

    That's tough to do. The overall economy generally works in cycles, really regardless of who is at the controls and what they are doing.

    The economy was headed toward recession at the tail end of Clinton's presidency. Had he been allowed a third term, we'd all be bitching about how Bubba fucked up the economy.
    everybody wants the most they can possibly get
    for the least they could possibly do
  • I don't know that the truth can ever be a mere scare tactic. I mean, it's just a fact that Obama's financial plans won't be good for stockholders.

    If that doesn't matter to you, that's fine. Unless you have a shitload of your money in the stock market, maybe this doesn't affect you at all.

    For people like my grandparents, who live on a fixed income and have most of their retirement money in 401Ks, Obama is going to cause them a serious financial hit. The tax they get hit with every time they withdraw money is going to go up.

    So they won't be voting for Obama.

    It doesn't matter to me. The stock market is a joke and has nothing to do with a healthy economy. In fact, I think it is the cause of most of the economic problems we have because it makes INCREASING profits the be-all end-all of business. Not just profit, increasing profit.

    A small example is Christmas. Every year about 2 weeks before there is a hysterical outcry about how our economy is doomed because people are not spending enough and profits are down and we all need to go buy shit to save the Christmas season. But it is not because businesses are not making money. Profits are often up. What is really happening is that people take projections of huge profit increases from the Christmas season before and if there is not a significant upswing in business, it's a disaster.

    GM and Ford have years where they make billions of dollars in profits, but they are lambasted as failures because their profits were a little bit less than the year before. You are only a successful business if your business grows dramatically, every year, which is an absurd and dangerous expectation and economic plan.

    Why is this?

    The stock market.

    Shareholders don't see profits. What they see is that when a business has a down year, their payout shrinks. The business could still be sound, or just have reached a growth limit, but to the shareholder, it is seen as a pay cut or a failure. Then it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. This drives things like the subprime nonsense... companies desperate for a big score to skyrocket prophets and inflate stock. It drives job loss because companies that could still operate profitably here are pressured into shipping labor overseas solely to create a better profit margin for shareholders. All this accomplishes is an increasing wage gap. Higher stock feeds into better CEO pay packages who enact policies to pay out more to shareholders to drive up stock again. Those who can run the company or play the market see wealth grow exponentially. Those who just work for a living get screwed. It's a vicious cycle. I understand the need for business capital and investment, but the system needs a change because it is so top-heavy it is going to topple.

    The stock market now is a game and it's no different than taking your money to Vegas. You throw some money down and hope you win. If it collapses, good fucking riddance. All it does is impersonalize the investment so that companies feel ok taking huge gambles with other people's money in the hopes of a huge win. We should never have bailed out Bear Sterns, let them be a warning to people that if you look only for short term wins to raise your stock, you will pay the price. I don't like government meddling much, but Wall Street has continuously shown it is utterly incapable of moderating its own behavior.
  • KosmicJelliKosmicJelli Posts: 1,855
    I don't know that the truth can ever be a mere scare tactic. I mean, it's just a fact that Obama's financial plans won't be good for stockholders.

    If that doesn't matter to you, that's fine. Unless you have a shitload of your money in the stock market, maybe this doesn't affect you at all.

    For people like my grandparents, who live on a fixed income and have most of their retirement money in 401Ks, Obama is going to cause them a serious financial hit. The tax they get hit with every time they withdraw money is going to go up.

    So they won't be voting for Obama.

    You are right... it doesnt matter to me... money is just an idea to me... doesnt exist! For the mere fact, propaganda pounded into our sweet and precious brains as children of the value of money. It is nothing but an instrument! A instrument that is wielded by those in power to keep those whom are at the Bottom of the 99% in total control! Pffttt.....
  • slightofjeffslightofjeff Posts: 7,762
    You are right... it doesnt matter to me... money is just an idea to me... doesnt exist! For the mere fact, propaganda pounded into our sweet and precious brains as children of the value of money. It is nothing but an instrument! A instrument that is wielded by those in power to keep those whom are at the Bottom of the 99% in total control! Pffttt.....

    Hmmmm ... I mostly use it to buy bread.
    everybody wants the most they can possibly get
    for the least they could possibly do
  • KannKann Posts: 1,146
    my2hands wrote:
    the same economists that said everyhting was fine 12 months ago? or the same ones that didnt think we were heading into a recession 12 months ago? :rolleyes:
    How people keep taking the words that come out of these "expert's" mouths for gold, after all these fuck-ups is something that eludes me.
  • AbuskedtiAbuskedti Posts: 1,917
    I don't know that the truth can ever be a mere scare tactic. I mean, it's just a fact that Obama's financial plans won't be good for stockholders.

    If that doesn't matter to you, that's fine. Unless you have a shitload of your money in the stock market, maybe this doesn't affect you at all.

    For people like my grandparents, who live on a fixed income and have most of their retirement money in 401Ks, Obama is going to cause them a serious financial hit. The tax they get hit with every time they withdraw money is going to go up.

    So they won't be voting for Obama.

    That is of course flat not true. Obama's plans will mean losses for some stock holders and gains for others. I suppose those that bet on a republican government stand to lose, and those that bet on a democratic government stand to gain... right now they are all sort of hedging until they know which to bet on.

    it is silly to argue that Obama will bring down the stock market.. particularly when the current admin presided over a housing meltdown, currency meltdown, energy melt down, military melt down and overspent their budget by hundreds of billions of dollars (not counting the money spent destroying Iraq).

    I guess those precious tax cuts couldn't generate revenue sufficient to even pay the bills.
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