What issue do you think will be most important

[MikeinAR]

to voters on November 4th? With all of the economic upheavel, I'm leaning towards the economy. I know it's still an eternity of time in politics and a lot can happen, but I really believe the economy may become the defining issue in this election.

Good arguments can be made for the War in Iraq and National Security as a whole, but that may be changing with the events of the last few days.

Interested to see what you guys think will be most important in voters minds.

[Cindy]

I agree it will probably be economy, (taxes), Iraq, and healthcare.

[Tim Rutledge]

to voters on November 4th? With all of the economic upheavel, I'm leaning towards the economy. I know it's still an eternity of time in politics and a lot can happen, but I really believe the economy may become the defining issue in this election.

Good arguments can be made for the War in Iraq and National Security as a whole, but that may be changing with the events of the last few days.

Interested to see what you guys think will be most important in voters minds.

Top 2 are.. Race/Gender.

The 3rd and 4th things are the economy and the war.

[Nahum]

If it's raining or not.

[MikeinAR]

Top 2 are.. Race/Gender.

The 3rd and 4th things are the economy and the war.


That's interesting Tim. I'd like to hear more about your top 2.

I think race has been swept under the rug by the media in large part. I think we all hope we're living in a time when race would not be a deciding factor, but I'm not convinced that it won't play a major role. I think it still rears it's ugly head in the south of course, and especially with voters over 60. I really believe that a lot of over 60 voters that supported Hillary will swing to McCain based on race.

Just to be clear, I'm not in any way inferring that those who don't vote for Obama are doing so because of his race. I understand the ideological differences, values, and issues that are debated that have nothing to do with race.

Gender, I still haven't gotten a good read on yet. I'm not certain what road that leads us too.

[MikeinAR]

If it's raining or not.

Never to be taken lightly. Depending on what state, I've heard both Dem's and Repubs hope for rain to help keep voter turn out down.

[Ferd]

PP is pretty much right.

but I really think the number 1 issue will be who wins the debates.


If Obama does well, even loses but only slightly then he wins this election.

If Obama really messes up, then he loses the election.

[Nahum]

PP is pretty much right.

but I really think the number 1 issue will be who wins the debates.


If Obama does well, even loses but only slightly then he wins this election.

If Obama really messes up, then he loses the election.

I agree.

Substance will not matter, it will come down to who the American people "like."

Likeability. No miscues.

[MikeinAR]

I agree.

Substance will not matter, it will come down to who the American people "like."

Likeability. No miscues.

I would have agreed with you a month ago on the personality thing, but I'm not sure today. I think IF the markets continue to take a hit, and more importantly reputable, established American banks continue to go bankrupt, this may become an election of ideas and economic plans.

If the financial situation really deteriorates and people become concerned, it may become an election on who can take care of their wallet.

[Pressing-On]

I agree.

Substance will not matter, it will come down to who the American people "like."

Likeability. No miscues.

It's, IMO, always about national security. The larger percentage do not trust Obama and I just heard his ratings on the economy are even lower.

[TRFrance]

1. The economy.

2. Performances in the debate.

3 Race.

[Ferd]

I would have agreed with you a month ago on the personality thing, but I'm not sure today. I think IF the markets continue to take a hit, and more importantly reputable, established American banks continue to go bankrupt, this may become an election of ideas and economic plans.

If the financial situation really deteriorates and people become concerned, it may become an election on who can take care of their wallet.

Mike, if this isnt the bottom, and if this things gets even worse, the Obama wins in a landslide. it wont be about who has the better ideas, it will be about American people seeing a big red R in the whitehouse and deciding to make a change.

POLICY will be the LAST thing on the voters minds. period.

[TRFrance]

Mike, if this isnt the bottom, and if this things gets even worse, the Obama wins in a landslide. it wont be about who has the better ideas, it will be about American people seeing a big red R in the whitehouse and deciding to make a change.

POLICY will be the LAST thing on the voters minds. period.

Plus there'll be at least one more Unemployment Report coming out from the government before the election, in October.

If the unemployment numbers are up again, expect the Dems to beat McCain/Palin over the head with it... mercilessly.

[OP_Carl]

In our present situation, the economy. Specifically, economic policy. But such things as oil prices, health insurance, job exportation, and illegal immigration are all sub-factors in the economy. The truly economic-minded will also watch for indications of desire to nationalize or socialize entire industries, or to stall economic growth with top-rate or business taxes.

Since we don't have anybody running for office from the Von Mises institute, our economic election concerns will be translated into evaluations of the judgment and demonstrated decision-making abilities of the candidates. I think it is obvious where the advantage lies here.

But it could turn back to national security in the blink of an eye.

If Obama drops Biden, and picks another VP, that could change things up a bit. Some might think he ought to offer it to Hillary, but she would never take it now.