| During this year's presidential election, economic | | | | tax credit for the middle-class which would increase |
| policies are at the forefront. In the midst of a | | | | home ownership deductions. Both candidates support |
| financial crisis, the world economy appears headed | | | | stricter regulations of Wall Street financial practices. |
| for a long-term recession. At the same time, we are | | | | Energy and Trade Policy |
| entering a new era in American electoral politics with | | | | A major difference between the candidates are their |
| the 2008 election. Both candidates, Democrat Barack | | | | differences in trade and energy policy. While McCain |
| Obama and Republican John McCain, offer a diverse | | | | generally supports free trade, increased oil drilling and |
| set of economic policies that aim to address the | | | | the expansion of international trade agreements, |
| issue. This guide will break down their primary financial | | | | Obama has sought to revise existing trade |
| and economic plans to help you understand the | | | | agreements with a focus on labor standards, |
| candidates better. | | | | environmental regulations and carbon emission caps. |
| Housing and Credit Markets | | | | Both candidates oppose drilling in the Alaskan ANWR |
| Both candidates supported the most recent | | | | region, as well as supporting mandated caps on |
| Economic Stabilization bill which aims to help improve | | | | carbon through a market mechanism. Obama, |
| conditions in the financial markets. Historically, McCain | | | | however, has placed a greater focus on fostering |
| has been a stronger supporter of deregulation | | | | renewable energies, while McCain believes that a shift |
| although he recently proposed that the federal | | | | toward nuclear power offers a more viable |
| government would buy mortgages from banks in | | | | short-term solution. |
| order to provide home owners with better terms, | | | | When making your decision this election (and in |
| helping them to stay in their homes. The plan seeks | | | | future elections), make sure you learn everything you |
| to shift home owners from adjustable to fix rate | | | | can about the candidate's economic plans. |
| mortgages. Obama, on the other hand, supports a | | | | |