This is a good opinion piece on McCain's inconsistent record on Bush tax cuts. As clearly labeled opinion, we don't expect a balanced, neutral point of view. The columnist walks us through the math of the Bush tax cuts and their effect on the deficit using credible sources such as the Urban Institute.

It's well known that McCain is no economics whiz, but this article makes clear just how extreme his flip-flop on tax cuts is. It's not just an extreme position, it's the worst possible policy at the worst possible time, designed to do away with whatever fiscal responsibility is left. Reading between the numbers, it's pretty scary stuff. (Re reason for flip-flop, it's easier to take a principled stand against a tax cut that's going to pass whether you vote for it or not. McC has always chosen his maverick stances carefully.)

This is an excellent discussion of the evolution and effect of McCain's economic proposals. While the precise numbers presented can be argued, the trends, effects and principles described are clear.

Excellent well sourced article that explains in a clear concise manner the two schools of thought on Bush's tax cuts. The story provides examples to help explain the impacts. Interesting to read about McCain's tax proposal for corporations that would result in a negative tax rate for corporations! Quotes from different economic experts who are on both sides. The story is factual but I would have appreciated opinion on why McCain flip-flopped from being so strongly against the tax cuts that increased the deficit in a time of war to now being for them.

A lot of good information in this piece, with figures from a variety of sources. What Sperling doesn't point out is what this rising debt and flagging revenue will do to our national infrastructure--already crumbling. Corporate taxes used to account for 70% of tax revenues, payroll taxes most of the balance. Now this is exactly reversed. Corporations depend on all the same services to get workers to work, products to market, etc. But they no longer pay for them. We do. As our real wages shrink, these taxes become more of a burden, and our roads, bridges, levees, schools, and more become increasingly unusable. More than the rising debt, which does put a drag on economic growth, this is the true price we pay for corporate tax ... More »

Gene Sperling the writer of this article makes his assertion that the straight talk express has gone off the tracks. McCain formerly against the Bush tax cuts and now supporting even more cuts is losing credibility. Considering the crisis our country is going through McCains budget is sounding like something out of bizarro world.

This piece is critical of McCain and thus, shows some bias against him. However, the information provided here is well-thought-out and filled with facts and good reasoning. It is, therefore, quite persuasive. The writer includes good information and context. He also addresses points made by Bush's economic advisor who favors McCain's economic policy of massive corporate tax breaks. Whether you are for or against McCain, this piece should be required reading for every voter.

One has to assume some bias on the part of the author here, but this is another piece that thoroughly disproves the Republican "untax and spend" model. More and more of this information needs to come out into the public arena.

Excellent analysis of the true deficit swelling potential and fiscal irresponsibility of McCain's economic policy. It is very well sourced and has numerous references and links to sources for further exploration. This is one of the most thorough 'call outs' on McCain's tax cutting proposals and although the writer mentions McCain's inconsistency, "calling this the mother of all flip-flops' the article is less interested in the hypocrisy, but more telling in its substantive analysis of the cost and sheer irresponsibility of McCain's proposals

The role of journalism is to print the facts. In McCain's case these are the facts. This man flip-flops like no other politician.

Sperling loses his credibility when he refers to 'upper income tax cuts', and goes downhill from there. Just a worthless hit piece.

"Flip Flopper," the now popular ad hominem levied at those who change their minds on a or a range of views. In reference to someone who held or voted on one view, then later on denies that they ever did so and now claim an opposing or opposite view, it may be deserved. Other than that is is a catchy & dismissive informal fallacy. I don't believe I have seen McCain actually state he never with good reason held the oppossing view (maybe he has, I don't follow him closesly bc I don't plan on voting for him), rather, I think he has admited to change his mind. And, I believe it is to be expected from someone that in some circles has admitted to not being the best at economic principles. Changing one's mind is not a bad thing, it is ... More »