Economists 'Endorsed' McCain's Economics Plan? Actually, No

On Monday, John McCain's campaign released a statement signed by 300 economists who "enthusiastically support" his "Jobs for America" economic plan. There's just one problem.

Politico reports, "Upon closer inspection, it seems a good many of those economists don't actually support the whole of McCain's economic agenda. And at least one doesn't even support McCain for president."

In interviews with several signatories, Politico found that, "far from embracing McCain's economic plan, many were unfamiliar with -- or downright opposed to -- key details. While most of those contacted by Politico had warm feelings about McCain, many did not want to associate themselves too closely with his campaign and its policy prescriptions."

What's more, the statement signed by the economists didn't even mention two critical planks McCain's economic argument: "the gas tax holiday and his promise to balance the budget by the end of his first term -- there's literally nothing in the release that mentions the deficit or national debt."

Indeed, the Huffington Post surveyed economists from across the political spectrum and couldn't find a single one who supports two of McCain's signature economic/energy positions: increased off-shore drilling and a gas tax holiday.

Comments

[loax]

Just another lie from the Republicans. McBush has no business being PUTUS.

[kjdwyer]

The truth is that, given the amount of debt the country has accrued (individually, institutionally and governmentally) there is not one reputable economist that thinks we can simply "grow our way" out of debt. Every reputable economist knows that whatever growth occurs MUST be in tandem with increases in taxes and reductions in spending. There is not one part of that equation that can be foresaken.

The inevitable rise in taxes will be the real hard sell, which is why McCain is talking about making permanent the Bush tax cuts and suggesting further cuts. McCain's economic "plan" is an utter and complete fantasy and Economists need to get more vocal about this in order to shout down the pablum being spooned up by Republicans. Remember H.W. Bush's "NO NEW TAXES" promise in '88? He won with that, but it lost him re-election in '92. Democrats need to re-visit that episode and perhaps use it to paint McCain as the liar he is. Otherwise he could win with it the way Bush Sr. did the first time.

[zann]

I just read the McCain plan. Its called Jobs for America but its end result will be to complete the transfer of America's assets to global capitalists like him, and help perpetuate family empires, like his (15% tax on estates over 10 million- who will that help?). Hasn't this been the essential heart of the Neocon policy all along? Hasn't this been the essence of rich bullies throught history? Like Ceasars and Kings, to take it all, and feel virtuous about it because you're good to selected friends, to live spoiled, indulgent, interesting lives, and to hell with everybody else?
The plan says that McCain "understands that globalization will not automatically benefit every American," and suggests education as a solution, but without any restriction on outsourcing the jobs Americans train for.
God help us. Government of the people, for the people and by the people is working in some places but its being lied into a coma here.

[independent32955]

dont blame mccain...his handlers told him lots of smart people liked his plan...of course, they couldn't have known the old man was going to use that in an interview, but it's not like it should surprise anyone. anytime that mccain is questioned about his policy positions he kind of goes into defense mode, starts that little weird laugh and begins his sentences with "my friends...". wait he ALWAYS does that !!

[thepoliticalcat]

McCaincient is lying again, I see. No surprise there.

[TroubleNYC]

I'm going to hold my breath to see if the MSM reports this.

I may not live.

[Nolewoman]

Shall I send you flowers or donate to your charity of choice?

[wagadog]

He wasn't saying anything about economics at all.

See the picture? He's singing "Little Rabbit Frou Frou"

[barackobama4prez]

at least there are folks out there watching this liar. DOWN with gramps.

[Zoolie]

McCain just opens his mouth and random sentences pour out. None have any basis in reality, and he feels no obligation, or responsibility for them.

[mediawatcher1975]

I feel the same way. He seems like a puppet who has not real control or understanding of the moves that it is being guided to make. He really doesn't make sense half of the time and the other half of the time he is making inappropriate comments about killing Iranians. It is a shame that the Rebublicans couldn't do better. McCain is 8 years past his prime.

[AdobePhsyko]

WHAT !
Repugs Lying ?
I Just Can't Believe That.
Because They're All Christians and Christians Don't Lie..............Do They ?

[bola47]

of course not and they are not racists either. when is this country going to wake up and realize that the christian right are just a bunch of hateful bigots who love war. some religion. wwjd?

[TGCNY]

Lets see if the Media is actually gonna do it job and make this head line NEws. or are they gonna let it fall thru the cracks like they always do and wait until Obama says something that they dont agree with to make headlines.

[obamanation31]

You can tell He's lying, everytime he says "My Friends".

[IRepTheKing]

when his lips move...

[poco767b]

Remeniscent of the Heartland foundation, it listed 500 scientists who opposed climate change theories. When contacted a large portion of them new nothing about the list, and indeed held the opposite view.

[Chillinout]

Totally off topic:

The Air Force has just announced that they are going to let Airbus and Boeing rebid the tanker contract.

Bada boom bada bing, and McClone loses again!

[bmora]

This is text book Rove strategy. Lie a lot and frequently. The more you lie the more complicated it is to tease them out and eventually everything gets lost in the fray. Rinse and repeat.

The only way to deal with this is to have an ABC, NBC or whatever anchor do one story on the lie (he or she has to emphasize that it is an out and out lie). Further, you cannot have a fake juxtaposition with Obama. The emphasis on the lie will get lost. ...never happen.