Discuss this Dust-Up

I think that most voters already know that economic recovery will require that many of President-elect Obama's campaign promises are going to have to be largely put off until the third or fourth year of his first term or even the second. However, I agree with Scott that some form of near universal health care is an essential component of economic recovery because of the share of their income that consumers are forced to pay for health insurance that can't then be used for other consumption, the advantages of a healthy workforce, and the burden on employers whose competitors here and abroad don't provide this benefit.

David in Davis @ 5:53 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

No, I do not have faith in Obama at all. His past judgement calls on "associates" and past real work record have been slim-picken's. There is nothing he has done in his life of merit except run for office. Where's the BEEF? So no, I don't have faith in his ability. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to fall.

Liz Hunter @ 5:38 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

John G, it's not like whining is going to solve the problem. Besides, if FDR's liberalism was a failure, what do you call Coolidge's and Hoover's conservatism?

Robert X @ 5:38 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

Businesses and individuals are saddled with so many regulations that it has gotten ridiculous. This is not a free country anymore. The constant LOVEFEST, the media and left wing has had with this candidate makes me want to puke. He is only a man and not a messiah. I am afraid that this country is spiralling downhill so fast that no one will be able to save it. I think all of those who voted for Obama will have "Buyers remorse" and realize too late the mistake they have made. BTW - McCain was just as bad or worse, so it's good Obama got elected to take the fall when everything goes south!

John G - continued @ 4:39 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

More National Debt, higher taxes and disguised taxes (such as fees or the other clever noms used for taxes) do not bode well for this country. Everyone wants a bail-out. I am one American who pays his debts and mortgage on time, yet I see the pigs continue to gather at the US Govt trough. Obama in my opinion has been set up for failure and will be a one-term president. Liberalism has always been a failure including all of the policies of FDR. Less regulation, less Govt and lower taxes are the ONLY answer in my book.

John G - continued @ 4:39 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

Have the 52% of the American people put too much faith in Obama? You betcha! He is not ghoing to have an easy time of it, especially with the same idiots running the country that we have currently. The Barney Franks, Chris Dodds, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi's have helped create this financial mess we are in. George Bush also did his share. In my opinion, the majority of the Congress is corrupt and taking this country in the wrong direction. I fully expect my taxes to go up and I can barely pay them now. My business is down 60% in the past 5 years with a glimmer of hope that the insurance market will turn in 2009, giving me more work.

John G @ 4:38 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

"Obama and the Democrats are going to whistle past the debt clock and spend us out of the recession." Well I guess it's all going to be pretty rainbows and butterflies from now on. Hmmm... Let's take a look at the US balance sheet. This is from fedstats.gov: Cash flow (annual): -$1.2 trillion. Outstanding debt: $10.6 trillion. This report shows that the US is in danger of losing its AAA status: http://www.cnbc.com/id/27641538

Morgan @ 4:35 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

The Democrats server too many constituencies. I have no doubt that Obama is a very intelligent man, but he is also a politician. How is he going to balance all the special interest groups that will show up on his door wanting a pay back for putting him in office? He also has to contend with the Democrat leadership that got to Washington before him and are not going to want to relinquish power to an upstart. Then there is his liberal, government is the answer background. If he gets a veto proof Senate, where is he going to take us. I'm afraid it will be straight to the poor house.

Jeff in Orlando @ 4:24 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

I just love you left-wing-wags at the LA Times. First YOU create the expectations by acting, not as a news organization, but vigorously as Obama-Election-Headquarters. Now you try to downplay expectations (to avoid voter disappointment while fulfilling your own prophecy, I'm sure) in order to dampen any possible backlash from the voters you unfairly but deliberately influenced in the first place. I guess we should not expect more from your organ given the track record of the La Times.

John R @ 4:18 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

I don't have any.

Chuck @ 4:12 PM PST, Nov 14, 2008

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