A blog written by Manchester College students studying the 2008 presidential campaign.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Campaign Promises Could Become Burdens

Barack Obama owes his election in part to President Bush's vast unpopularity, but that favor comes at a cost--Obama will be assuming responsibility for a credit crisis, a banking collapse, an unstable stock market and what is likely to be a lasting recession. Throughout his campaign, Obama has promised tax cuts for working families, affordable and expanded health care and a speedy withdrawal from Iraq, but can he really deliver despite the problems the nation faces? In reality, Obama will inherit a budget deficit that many analysts say could hit $1 trillion for the first time in history, potentially crimping any promises of tax cuts or spending on new programs. In addition, he faces a worsening economy that has traumatized Americans trying to buy a home, pay for college or plan for retirement.

Since he ran such an organized campaign, I am not surprised that Obama has already appointed a transition team to help shape his administration's economic policies even before he assumes the presidency. Many of the details for his economic plan may well be hammered out by the time he takes office. Depsite his best efforts, I just don't know if he will be able to deliver what he has promised voters.

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