world

As midterm elections loom, Obama touts economic gains

30 Comments
By STEVEN R. HURST

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

30 Comments
Login to comment

Color blind are you?

I see people as individuals not by their racial classification. It's a shame that the Left believes that people should be treated differently based of their skin color rather than the content of their character.

I love hearing Republicans talk about black people

Conservatives prefer to talk about citizens as a whole. Liberals prefer to talk about our racial differences.

Obama's economic policies - not his race - are on the ballot this November. Most Americans feel that the economy has not recovered from the recession five years into the Obama recovery. Median incomes are actually lower now than they were at beginning of Obama's recovery. Labor participation rates are at historic lows; around 59%. The fact that Obama was actually reelected has more to do with the historic nature of his presidency (ie. the Left came out in force to support Obama because of his race and not the content of his economic policies). Black Americans and women are hurting worse than anyone under Obama's economy. Under Obama, the top 10% have done fantastically. The rest of America has been set back 20 years. It seems illogical that Liberals and a majority of all Americans would vote against their own economic interests but that has occurred. He is not on the ballot this go around.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Oh man,,, the guy that has been doing everything possible to damage the economiy of the country touts his success. It really takes a low-information audience to gobble that up. Alas, he has that.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

JeffLeeOCT. 04, 2014 - 12:26PM JST

Anyway, America's money policy is not to "print money." It's to buy assets from the banks in exchange for dollar credits, which exist as numbers on a spreadsheet until the money is demanded, through loans, etc.

It is called as credit swap. Imagine I ran away with your money. You borrowed that money from bank. As you can not repay to bank, the bank will swap the bad loan with your asset. In the conventional theory, the bank will sell your property and recover 80% of their borrowing. It is no longer true. Bank has to hold the depreciated asset for sometimes for appreciation. If the asset has not appreciated in medium term as hoped for the bank has wasted more money instead of recovering bad loans. At the end, writing off the bad loan and more capital intention is required. In my first post, I mentioned stimulation means, US govt does not want to fail some of the very big banks. However govt can not bail out the banks forever. Banks should be profitable and withstand the financial shock with reserve fund.

In addition, Wall St. created the toxic mortgage instruments behind closed doors.

In some nations, they have prudential regulatory monetary authority. It is controlling the financial market and banks for transparency, accountability and risk management. US lack the prudent discipline of monitoring and control. Something like driving a car without brake. It was the consequence of Reganomics. Market has special magic. Government is the problem of market. Let;s the market wild! prosperity will fall from sky. Thanks to Regan wisdom. US has been raising debt ceiling limit for every year.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"If you print your own money endlessly, your own money value will go down as Zimbabwean dollars."

When has that ever happened to a developed country?

Anyway, America's money policy is not to "print money." It's to buy assets from the banks in exchange for dollar credits, which exist as numbers on a spreadsheet until the money is demanded, through loans, etc.

"If NINJA people can buy the properties, it is obvious that it is the Govt policy"

The subprimes that catered to the NINJA were set up by private business people purposely to be outside govt control. They were designed to be outside the Federal Reserve System. In addition, Wall St. created the toxic mortgage instruments behind closed doors. A few of the bankers knew what as happening, but chose not to tell anyone, instead to continue peddling them until they exploded.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Obama is good at accentuating the positive and ignoring the negative--or blaming the negative on the previous administration (that is wearing a little thin after almost 6 years though). Guess he can still take credit for the positive and blame the negative on congress, or Fox News or somebody.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

JeffLeeOCT. 04, 2014 - 07:34AM JST

The fiscal stimulus CAN last forever, when you're the one issuing your own money and as long as there is no inflation threat.

Disagree! If you visit to Zimbabwe, you have to pay 300 billions of Zimbabwean dollars for a loaf of bread. In Switzeland and Sweden you can buy a lot with a few bucks of their money. If you print your own money endlessly, your own money value will go down as Zimbabwean dollars. Money is the exchange tender. In fact, it has no direct benefit for consumers as food and goods if it has become highly inflated. Nothing last forever.

Is there any nation on that earth has no inflation threat? May be Japan and USA which have no natural disasters and no bad loans. Bad loans means I borrowed your money and ran away without repayment. You can sue me and chase me. In the reality, that money will never be recovered. If there is many bad loans, the banks need more capital injections.

Not "in fact." the GFC was created by the reckless financial industry, ie the private sector. Gov't policy had nearly nothing to do with it.

Who created the financial industry which made bad loans and NINJA borrowing? NINJA means no income, no job and no assets. If NINJA people can buy the properties, it is obvious that it is the Govt policy and deregulation. No bank in this world is stupid as US Banks for giving money to NINJA people. Canada is the neighbor of US. Their banks are still black during the GFC. It was because Canada did not deregulate recklessly as financial industry as US since Regan era. Government policy is the root cause of GFC.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Too bad almost none of those people are in the republican party.

But now now many of those young millennials that supported Obama then, the first and second time are older now, wiser and have become more conservative in their thinking and many are getting in the job market, working saving money and their entire outlook on life has changed. Obama's TV appearance on "60 Minutes" was interesting. 69% of people DIDN'T watch it. Meaning, the Obama Lucky Charm magic has worn off and people really don't care what this guy has to say.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"Obama also need to acknowledge pumping trillions of dollar into economy will not last forever."

The monetary stimulus is done by the Federal Reserve, not the White House. The fiscal stimulus CAN last forever, when you're the one issuing your own money and as long as there is no inflation threat.

"In fact that artificial growth is intervened by stimulation as GFC crisis."

Not "in fact." the GFC was created by the reckless financial industry, ie the private sector. Gov't policy had nearly nothing to do with it.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Obama also acknowledged the reality that many Americans aren’t experiencing the recovery and argued that more needs to be done.

Obama also need to acknowledge pumping trillions of dollar into economy will not last forever. Current US interest rate is nothing. It means investors will get not return for their deposit. In fact that artificial growth is intervened by stimulation as GFC crisis. Detroitt has become the ghost town. Not all unemployed blue collars will become white collars as Obama fantasy.

George Bush failed. Obama failed again. Whether Obama is black or brown or orange, he is incompetent and not up to the job. He is the illusion for sweet promise, unfulfilled American dream and endless hopes. When I watched his first term inauguration, his slogan was "YES WE CAN". It has been Gone with the wind.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

America did the right thing and many White people were open and applauded the fact that we have finally reached a turning point in our history to have our first Black president.

Too bad almost none of those people are in the republican party.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@Zichi

Obama is the first African American president of the United States of America.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I guess the nearly $18 trillion national debt is not being touted.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@bass.

Fair enough. Thank you.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@bass

"... It won't happen anytime soon."

So you finally recognise that western society is fundamentally racist?

Your previous posts seem to deny the fact....

I never said, Western societies are perfect none of them, but America did the right thing and many White people were open and applauded the fact that we have finally reached a turning point in our history to have our first Black president. There still is a lot that needs to be done, but at least it's a start.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Hey Zichi says it right. "I haven't discovered a single nation which isn't racist just usually in varying degrees" And it's all differences we have prejudice views abound! Race, religion, wealth, tall, short, thin, fat, and the list is endless.

We all know the pretty woman does better than the much less attractive woman.

To the economy....it is not as suggested by the fed. Just ask recent college grads. Ask how many or your friends found "REAL" jobs. It's a mess, was a mess and no end in sight yet.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Well, this is really a triple edged sword for Obama. The Average hourly earnings, adjusted for inflation are down, Inflation-adjusted median household income has fallen and the number of people in poverty as a percent of the total population has risen over President Obama’s tenure. Add to that, more people have been added to the food stamp rolls than number of jobs created.

Not excatly sterling numbers and not really much to "tout" about

http://www.finance.senate.gov/newsroom/ranking/release/?id=c4385061-40a6-4b4b-974a-945c7a6fc8f9

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@bass

"... It won't happen anytime soon."

So you finally recognise that western society is fundamentally racist?

Your previous posts seem to deny the fact....

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Are you referring to Obama or the seven black presidents before him?

Regardless of when it happened, it happened, now let's see if any other country will elect a Black President or PM then I will shut my mouth! Until then, we have indeed made great strides in equality.

Besides America, there's South Africa which also gave up white rule and apartheid.

South Africa?!! You are joking right? That would be obvious and for over 300 years the White minority ruled over the Black majority and have ruled SA with an iron fist. Sorry, doesn't count.

There are many countries with a black president or prime minister.

I'm talking about Europe, Latin America, Australia, NZ or even Canada where you have blacks living. I assure you, it won't happen anytime soon.

But nice try.

Give me a list of the

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I love hearing Republicans talk about black people.

And I'm sad that so many Blacks believe that Democrats really care for them by dumping loads of entitlements thereby keeping them slaves to the Democratic masters.

People who talk about Black people have none for friends or family.

So the same could be said if you flip it around.

Usually they kick off about not being racist or are colour blind but then go on to inform us what is wrong with the Black people.

Because there are problems. If the truth hurts, sunlight is the best disinfectant, so is acknowledgement.

I haven't discovered a single nation which isn't racist just usually in varying degrees but I have always thought that America should be at the forefront of not only racial equality but all equal rights which it isn't.

Actually it is, tell me another country that would elect a Black president or PM. So that debunks the equal rights argument.

Many changes yes, but still far many needed to be a society based on equality.

No nation is perfect, NONE, with the exception of Islamic countries, societies are changing.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I love hearing Republicans talk about black people.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

It seems the racists are the ones spouting racism constantly. Otherwise a very small minority is racist. The "Reverend" Al Sharpton is a flaming racist in in wolves clothing and manages to maintain followers.

The reality is Blacks are at every level of business and politics. This would be impossible if the nation or the Republicans were racist.

Personally I am sick and tired of the "race card". Its just a tool to further stoke even the slightest racism.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Color blind are you?

I am and MOST of America is. That doesn't mean, racism doesn't exist, but Blacks wield the racial card far more than Whites. When you talk to many Blacks they can find racism in virtually anything that they feel is against them and they are more to bring up the race card. Many Whites are scared to sometimes interact with Blacks NOT and I repeat NOT because of the color of their skin, but because of being branded as a racist and that they have to walk on egg shells for being called out a racist if they happen to say anything that might make a Black person feel bad. So who is the racist here?

Trying to argue that the nation isn't racist is like saying the sky isn't blue. I suppose if you never looked up, you may actually believe it.

No, but many Blacks do have a chip on their shoulder and believe that they are owned something from Whites that they never experienced and that their ancestors went through.

As I said before, race for liberals and Democrats is a huge ca$h cow that can bring in a lot of money and votes and as long as the race machine can do that, racism will stay alive and well. Just ask Al Sharpton.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I agree that many have racist motivations for despising Obama, but choosing to tout the marginal and highly unequal economic "recovery" seems politically tone-deaf, if not pathetic. Is there anyone on either side of the aisle who trusts the derivation of the economic indicators he's citing or believes that any of the underlying causes or the most repugnant excesses of the 2008 crisis or the recession have actually been addressed? I think a lot of Obama's shortcomings are a function of timing; he became President right when the public had reached a tipping point of lost faith in almost all our institutions--in the soundness of our democratic process, in endless debt-based growth, in America's role as global arbiters of peace and democracy, in the trustworthiness of our law enforcement, military, and intelligence agencies and personnel, in the two-party system, in the viability of social security and other social safety net programs, in the criminal justice system, etc. Politics and politicians are corrupt, polarized, authoritarian, out of touch, and downright farcical most of the time--and speeches like this fall firmly into the "farcical" category, to my mind.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

America is not a racist nation

Color blind are you?

Trying to argue that the nation isn't racist is like saying the sky isn't blue. I suppose if you never looked up, you may actually believe it.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The problem is, Obama is trying to President While Black.

Quit it already. Obama was elected President twice. America is not a racist nation. When a black or other minority Republican runs for office he/she often wins - even in the deep South (see Senator Tim Scott who is about to be elected outright and Gov Nikki Haley in South Carolina). It is sad that the parties have been sorting themselves by race. Democrats have an overt animosity to white people for no other reason than it allows them to motivate their minority base. Republicans want a color blind society - Democrat's depend upon racial animosity. This has been a constant between the parties throughout American history.

There is always an excuse for Obama's failures but his race isn't the reason he is so unpopular now. He is just simply incompetent.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

No one believes that garbage! Allan West, Condi Rice, Colin Powell, Ben Carson, J.C. Watts. Herman Cain if what you say were anything close to being remotely true, NONE of these people wouldn't even have a pulpit, let alone get traction to getting even close to the White House and by the way for the record, Bush appointed more Blacks to his cabinet than Obama, point is: to make the argument that Republicans hate Blacks is very insulting. Blacks are NOT a monolithic group and have to vote Democratic by default.

Technically speaking, the Democratic party has done nothing really of value for Blacks except to make them more dependent on the government teat.

He's the worst president because of his failed and continuing failing policies. If we got a Black president conservative woman or man, it wouldn't bother me one bit and the nation as well. Yes, you do have prejudiced people in the world, but the majority of Americans don't care what color you are and that was proven by electing Obama. The race card issue is so played out. What about many of the Blacks that hated on Bush, were they too, racists?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

The problem is, Obama is trying to President While Black. This is a hangable offense to the right-wingers, so it doesn't matter what he touts, or how accurate he is, we'll get cries of 'worst president ever', and 'only 800 days left until we get a president who will not President While Black'.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites