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to promote civic engagement in the Philadelphia region.John McCain unveils his latest strategy: Target senior citizens
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 at 2:44 pm - by Matt Campbell. Filed under: Politics.
Real Clear Politics national poll average
In an effort to turn his sinking poll numbers around nationwide, the republican presidential candidate announced tax relief aimed largely at older Americans. Speaking today in Blue Bell, PA a suburb of Philadelphia, John McCain said he would cap the tax rate at 10% on money withdrawn from IRA’s and 401(k) retirement plans on the first $50,000 withdrawn. In addition, the Arizona senator says he would order the Treasury Department to guarantee 100 percent of all savings for the next six months as president. Both these strategies are part of a $52.5 billion economic plan he’s unveiled today in Pennsylvania. McCain’s proposal comes as Republican campaign veterans say he needs to do more than just criticize Barack Obama, especially in an economic environment that favors Democrats. McCain’s newest strategy appears aimed at workers about retire or in retirement now. The 72-year old Senator is now trailing Obama even among older voters. USA Today has posted a transcript of today’s speech.
Gallup Poll by age group
October 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Well, I’m in that 2nd bracket there. I appreciate what McCain is offering for veterans and senior citizens, in no way do I begrudge him that. But as a 30-something mom of young children - in the middle-class (maybe lower middle-class) rung of society - struggling to feed, clothe and educate our children, pay our bills, yadda yadda - Obama is speaking our language and McCain is not. McCain keeps talking about 30 years ago, maverick this, maverick that, Reagan politics - Obama keeps talking about “now.” No disrespect intended to McCain’s efforts to reach out to my aging relatives - but even my aging relatives are supporting Obama …. in fact one of my aging relatives has threatened to “leave the country” if McCain won the election (I hope he was joking, but he swore it would be 4 more years of Bush politics).
October 14th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Also, I don’t see the point of McCain “toning down” his rallies and being ‘respectful’ of Obama in person when his tv ads are inflammatory. Does he think we’re stupid? It’s insulting. Obama’s not perfect, but from what I’ve seen, he’s staying focused on the issues that I care about for my family (and I like Biden also). McCain and Palin have totally blown themselves out of the water as far as I’m concerned. I gave them fair chances - they blew those chances ‘fair and square’ on their own.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
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