The Final 3 Weeks

Credit where it is due, Vice President Biden and Congressman Ryan put on a heck of a debate on Thursday night. They brought passion and policy to the forefront in their responses and had to deal with topics that weren’t ideal for them thanks to great officiating. Being a VP debate, I don’t expect we will see much of a swing or shift in the race, as the race has already tightened up and even blow-out Vice Presidential debates have done little historically. Even the memorable Bentsen-Quayle Kennedy line found itself on the losing end of history. T

he best part of the VP debate was that for the first time we got a legitimate glimpse between the futures of the country depending on this election. The fact that the Republican spin machine had to put on a mean-old-Joe play afterwards shows that he clearly exposed a few too many raw nerves in the GOP.  Being aggressive is a winning strategy when your opponent isn’t willing to call things out. (A lesson learned the hard way a week ago.)

Vice President Biden established that going forward with a second term for President Obama meant social freedom, economic growth promoting the middle-class, and smart growth of the military. He illustrated that even if you don’t believe personally in choices on issues such abortion or gay marriage that it is not the responsibility of politicians in Washington to make these decisions for you. I’m not saying Ryan is advocating a theocracy here, but the fact that Republicans are all about “small government” except when it doesn’t suit them just doesn’t sit well with me.

You want a smaller budget? Fine, makes sense if it’s done properly. But don’t run around and go ‘oh yeah, I love small government, now let me tell you how to live your life’. One of the fundamental aspects of America is personal choice. One of these campaigns champions multiple choices. If you want to turn back social progress based on your personal religious beliefs have at it. You’ll be looked back upon sadly.

Economic growth is something every American should want. It means better jobs, quality of life and a future for our children. The campaigns have two very different visions for this. President Obama’s campaign wants growth across the board. Why just aim at helping one small sub group when you can bring real relief to the middle and lower class who make up the majority of consumer spending in this country. More spending in the middle class isn’t going to hurt the upper class at all, it’ll benefit them.

A Romney White House would lower tax rates on the richest Americans in hope of encouraging the rich to pass down the savings to their middle-class workers and promoting spending that way. If someone came up to you and said you could either have 20%, or we could give your 20% to some-one who may or may not have an interest in you and then if you’re lucky you might get it in the future… which makes more sense? The rich aren’t the pariah they are often made out to be, but they aren’t a one size fits all solution either. Look back at countries that have had wealth distribution rates that spiral out of control and you see this. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertlenzner/2012/07/20/increasing-wealth-inequality-is-a-warning-sign-of-instability/)

What remains to be done now is to seal the deal. President Obama will probably come out swinging this week, and the VP debate served as a testing bed for him these next two elections. He needs to sell this plan now, not just go on about his day and pray people follow along. Biden has recovered the fumble, but it’s up to the President to end with a TD. We have a choice in 3 weeks. It’s a choice about economic policies, social freedoms and direction. It’s up to him and the rest of the Democratic Party to make sure that people go the extra couple yards to finish this out.

Reprinted from State Senator Curt Thompson's (D-5th) blog. Also, check the Senator out on Facebook and Twitter.