|
McCain, Obama offer contrast in second of three debates |
|
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama expressed strong disagreements Tuesday on a host of issues in a town hall debate that was dominated by questions about the ailing economy.
It was the second of three presidential debates between the two men, who will face off one last time at Hofstra University Oct. 15 in a domestic-focused debate. Tuesday's town hall debate --- which took place at Belmont University -- included questions from an audience of undecided voters as well from online submissions and moderator Tom Brokaw.
"I think everybody knows now we are in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression," Obama said in response to a question about the fastest solution to help retired and older workers. "And a lot of you I think are worried about your jobs, your pensions, your retirement accounts, your ability to send your child or your grandchild to college....
"And so now we've got to take some decisive action. Step one was a rescue package that was passed last week. We've got to make sure that works properly. And that means strong oversight, making sure that investors, taxpayers are getting their money back and treated as investors.... The middle class need a rescue package. And that means tax cuts for the middle-class. It means help for homeowners so that they can stay in their homes. It means that we are helping state and local governments set up road projects and bridge projects that keep people in their jobs."
Said McCain, "Americans are angry, they're upset, and they're a little fearful. It's our job to fix the problem. Now, I have a plan to fix this problem and it has got to do with energy independence. We've got to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much. We have to keep Americans' taxes low -- all Americans' taxes low. Let's not raise taxes on anybody today.
"... I think that this problem has become so severe, as you know, that we're going to have to do something about home values. Home values of retirees continue to decline and people are no longer able to afford their mortgage payments. As president of the United States ... I would order the secretary of the treasury to immediately buy up the bad home loan mortgages in America and renegotiate at the new value of those homes -- at the diminished value of those homes and let people ... be able to make those payments and stay in their homes."
Related Items:
|