Presidential Debate: Your Financial Questions

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I would like the candidates to answer one question - yes or no. Is the plan to lower interest rates to make the descent and length of recession less awful, followed by raising interest rates and taxes to reduce the national debt which will start killing us when the rates go up? Yes or no. If no - then respond - I don't want any sane people to vote for me.

Leo Boeckl of MD 12:47PM October 15, 2008

at age 70, I draw a meager 1004.00/mo. luckly I am in good enough health to work for supplement to this income. Making 16,000.00 plus the 12,000.00 gives me 28,000.00 before taxes to live on. In april each year I am taxed on my earnings and on 1/2 of my social security as well. But noone mentions these taxes only the ones making over 250,000..(Plus they still take out ss on the earnings I make) I give up..............Old and Broke in TN

B Smith of TN 3:34PM October 14, 2008

In light of our economic crisis -- the number of people out of jobs -- the depressed housing market -- how does either candidate justify the amount of money being spent on their campaign?
Each candidate is spending millions of dollars on unindating the public with campaign ads -- that at this point no one believes.

Linda of OH 2:35PM October 10, 2008

Why not socialize medicine in the US like Canada,United Kingdom,etc.McCain's $5,000 credit for Healthcare bothers me.Individuals would use that up halfway thru the year.I feel that the Doctors jack their rates up thinking insurance will pay.If the US had a plan to cover everyone-Hospital,Doctor,Drugs maybe the Doctor Malpractice ins. would come down,drugs would be cheaper,Doctor Fees cheaper.The US needs to look into these programs and get rid of the lobbyists here driving everything up.

Jane Fargo of NJ 11:04AM October 09, 2008

I think that congress should pass a law to put in place a salery cap for the CEO's to elemnate finanacial ruin of a company, also put in place a cap on bonus's pert's all that to keep the CEO's at the top from writting a check for any amout that they so choose. To me these guys should be arrested and jailed.

Don Campbell of NE 10:02PM October 07, 2008

Where is the 10's of thousands of dollars I've put in to Social Security? If I'm not every going to see it, then put my Social Security tax into a health care fund for me when I need.

Jeremy Burns of CO 9:58PM October 07, 2008

I am a middle-class American and a former New Yorker. I believe this bailout is a smoke screen to help cover losses of the rich and affluent. It seems a bit strange that one of the nation's largest mortgage lenders (Countrywide Financial/BA) has now found it within their means to help their customers facing foreclosure by working with them to (a) lower interest rates,and(b) convert to fixed-term mortgages .... something that every sub-prime lender should be able to do on their own ... without the bailout. This proves that the system, if left to its own devices, could've, should've, would've solved the problem without additional expense to the taxpayers. And all would essentially be well.
Also ... it is time that we all recognized the importance of living within our means. And for those who don't .. they alone should suffer the consequences of their own actions and lack of self-discipline.

Cindy Porter of AZ 9:17PM October 07, 2008

What do you think is the best course of action for the government concerning Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Privatize them like Sallie Mae or public like Ginnie Mae?

Randy Noel of LA 7:58PM October 07, 2008

Both candidates talk good, but it's all campaign promises. Once someone is elected into office, all promises go out the window. What makes these canditates any different?

just a regular person of FL 6:24PM October 07, 2008

Why is it that George Bush our President is held 100% accountable for the ailing economy and Obama and Biden who serve in the majority of the Senate get a free pass. Our House and SENATE sat by while this disaster started with Fanny Mae and went on to Wall Street. With 90% of our population dissatisfied with where America is, why is Goerge Bush singled out as he only one responsible. Is everyone a sleep or is every one simply brain washed by the media? Bush is going to leave by law. Now is the time to hire a leader that can work with congress. We need new blood in the Hose and Senate to work for the people that vote for them. Trip Gentry

Trip Gentry of NC 6:19PM October 07, 2008