Obama, Thompson, McCain Talk About The Economy

It's a good day when you can get one interview with a presidential candidate. Thursday NPR's All Things Considered got to talk to three of them.

First, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama talked about an issue gaining increasing importance in the campaign, the economy. He told NPR's Melissa Block that he understands that people have been hurting for some time, and he feels that his mix of tax cuts and direct spending will give the economy a "fast-acting fix."

He says his plan emphasizes tax relief. His $75 billion package would provide an immediate $250 tax cut per worker, his campaign said in a recent press release. He also calls for a temporary $250 increase in Social Security checks. He said Sen. Hillary Clinton's economic plan would not work as well.

Next, former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson says he recognizes that the economy is headed in the wrong direction, with unemployment up to 5 percent nationwide and the consumer credit market tightening.

If he became president, he tells Robert Siegel, his plans for stimulating the economy could include adding $500 to the child tax credit, or giving a tax rebate to put money in people's pockets and encourage spending. But he also says he is wary of outlining a specific package because it becomes "like a Christmas tree. It becomes more of a pork barrel operation than something that affects the economy."

Thompson also defended himself again charges that his campaign moves too slowly. "We're doing our thing, doing it the way we have always done it, which allowed me to win two races in Tennessee by 20 percent margins," he says

Finally. Republican Sen. John McCain remains confident about his prospects of winning South Carolina this coming Saturday, even among social conservatives, many of whom disagree with him on issues such as immigration.

"In New Hampshire, we were able to get the support of Republicans from all parts of the party, I'm sure we will do that in South Carolina, and we'll win," McCain tells Michele Norris.

The economy was also a topic of concern for McCain. He says he is continuing his strategy of "straight talk" on the loss of U.S. jobs and future economic prospects.

"Voters are smart. They're not uninformed," McCain says. "I can't tell [people] that buggy whip factories will be built nor haberdasheries. But I can tell them that in this new technology revolution we're in, there's going to be plenty of jobs and plenty of opportunities for some of the most productive workers in America."

5:22 AM ET | 01-18-2008 | permalink