Obama camp thumps McCain on small business and energy

[babylonsister]

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/04/1246107.aspx


Obama camp hits McCain on small business
Posted: Monday, August 04, 2008 2:54 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC's Alex Wall


Fresh off Obama’s speech on energy earlier today, his campaign wasted no time in attacking McCain on his small business plan. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, and Obama campaign Director of Economic Policy Jason Furman called McCain’s small business plan a “laundry list of benefits for corporate America,” in a conference call this afternoon.

Furman blasted McCain’s corporate tax proposal, which he said calls for $4 billion in tax breaks to oil companies (including $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil), while citing “McCain’s lack of tax breaks for small businesses.”

Velazquez added that most small-business owners wouldn’t benefit from McCain’s tax plan, arguing that the group makes up only 4% of the taxpayers in the top income bracket. She contrasted the two candidates by touting Obama’s support for targeted investments into small business, while criticizing McCain for his lack of support for small business legislation.

“Sen. McCain is supporting the same tax policies that have been supported by President Bush,” Velazquez said.

more...

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Obama focuses on energy, raps McCain
Posted: Monday, August 04, 2008 1:12 PM by Mark Murray
From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli


LANSING, MI -- Seeking to refocus the campaign on proposals and not pop stars, Obama discussed additional plans on energy that he says would bring jobs back to this state and wean the nation off its oil addiction, something McCain would only worsen.

Obama actually began his remarks by agreeing with his Republican opponent, whom he quoted as saying that the dependence on foreign oil “was caused by the failure of politicians in Washington to think long term.” But he quickly added that McCain has been part of Washington for most of the last three decades, and “did little to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

“When Sen. McCain talks about the failure of politicians in Washington to do anything about our energy crisis, it’s important to remember that he’s been a part of that failure,” he said. “And now, after years of inaction, and in the face of public frustration over rising gas prices, the only energy proposal he’s really promoting is more offshore drilling -- a position he recently adopted that has become the centerpiece of his plan, and one that will not make a real dent in current gas prices.”

more...

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/04/1245659.aspx

[Coexist]

1. excellent! keep swinging all week!

[babylonsister]

2. Agreed! This is where we need to go; take this GE out of the gutter

and talk about substantive things. It's ironic the younger man has to try and set the tone. Seems all that 'experience' doesn't work; judgment does.

[DarthDem]

3. Excellent! Focusing the Narrative

I like it.

And babylonsister, it is weird, isn't it? I guess the younger man is really the more mature one here . . . .

[babylonsister]

4. He's certainly demonstrating that, isn't he. I hope lots of people are

paying attention, but I know, mid-summer and they've got lots of other things on their minds.
Still, he was good today, had solutions to problems people want to hear about.

[jefferson_dem]

5. “laundry list of benefits for corporate America”

Fuckin A Right!

[babylonsister]

6. I think Obama won the day, though it's not over yet.

His speech was good; nice to hear someone talk about issues for a change.

[DarthDem]

7. Won the Day And

. . . might be set up for a nice uptick heading into the Olympics. I wonder if we will get a running mate announcement this week or not.

[babylonsister]

8. I have no idea about the VP; he's been very closed-mouth, as he

said he would be. Obama's going on vacation soon for a week; during the Olympics probably. I want him to rest up and collect his energy for the final push.