The Great Economic Divide (and Conquer)

By Loren Shimanek

Opinion Editor


The war in Iraq, immigration, health care, social security, and ubiquitous “change” were cornerstones of the 2008 Presidential Primaries but are quickly losing ground to income disparity, the housing crisis, and the overwhelming consensus that a recession is looming. The economy is in disarray according to most polls and the candidate swinging the sharpest policy ax could possible walk away with their party’s nomination, as well as the presidency.

The only outspoken economic propagandist that seems to make sense, both fundamentally and rhetorically, is Senator John Edwards. His pro-union and anti-big business stance coupled with his moderate working class image may become the benchmark others have been avoiding due to the prevalence of equally serious issues. However, as a dimming flicker in the Democratic primary race, Edwards will go silently and possibly re-emerge, once again, as a running mate for vice president. A strong economic spokesman would be great for the Democrats, but difficult on Edward’s bruised ego which earlier this week was afflicted by John Kerry’s personal endorsement of Barack Obama. Senator Edwards seemed to take the news quite well saying he “stands by Kerry,“ and that there was a “surplus of qualified individuals” among the candidates present at the 2008 118 announcements that faired less capable of tackling the issues, especially the economy.

Edwards’ fellow Democrats were enlightened and verbal about what type of “change” they could bring to the country. Senator Hilary Clinton executed impeccable correspondence during the Thursday’s conference, and candidly remarked “We are not the Bush family,” after being confronted her campaign being aligned to the Bush family’s administration as a so-called dynasty. Senator Clinton added “I have learned from Bill’s mistakes” which garnered a roar of laughter from the crowd of attendees. Sen. Clinton did address how to remedy the housing crisis, but failed to fully embrace the middle class who is suffering from greater economic disparity. The Senator from New York did, however, perform much more confidently than Obama.

Obama tiptoed around major issues while paying lip service to the American vote. The economic issue was not of priority. What was a priority was bringing the troops home, energy dependence, health care, and higher education costs. Obama’s rise to the political elite from a relatively disadvantaged background aids the “American opportunity” argument, but how can even the most impoverished American find refuge when the “affluent” middle-class feels the economic crunch? At least there was some concern for Americans from the Obama camp, as well as the Democrats, but the Republicans offered little more than a resume of previous achievements.
McCain used his veteran status and Giuliani used the narrow scope of New York City as backdrops for what they can offer the country. Meanwhile Erica Huckabee changed her rigid Republican stance as she asked Americans to not “look to the right or to the left, but up” signaling a grievance with the Christian right as she headed for a more moderate if not a complete liberal ideological turnaround. And, finally, Ron Paul amused and bewildered the attendees and fellow candidates as he sauntered through a repertoire of nonsense and finger pointing. None of the Republicans showed much concern for the economy or the fact that they are running for their party’s nomination.

Not to discourage Americans in the shadow of near economic meltdown, but the future looks a bit uneasy when considering the prospects, albeit Edwards surefire economic will. The Exxon Valdez had a more apt captain than what the United States may end up with as head of doomed vessel.