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The Economy

14th October 2004

The Economy

THE ECONOMY

     As a former debater, I enjoyed the enchanges between Kerry and Bush. Actually, they weren't debates, they were just two guys delivering well rehearsed speeches in response to unrelated questions. You know, “ask any question you like, and I'll give you my prepared answer on my subject”  Bob Schiefer asked a question about flu shots, which Geo Bush answered. In his turn, Kerry went on and on for his 90 seconds and never came within a country mile of flu shots. Never even mentioned them. Debate?? Not quite.

     I wonder who is giving advice to Bush and Kerry on these weighty questions. .On the state of the Economy, especially Prez Bush. Is it so tough to outline the health of the Economy?

     .  The rate of inflation is low.  Good news

     .  Interest rates are very low.  Good news

     .  Unemployment at 5.4% is low– lower than in the Clinton years.  Good News

     .  Mortgage rates are low.  Good news

     . Home ownership is at an all time high.  Good news

     . More American are actively at work than ever before. Good news

     .  The economy igrowing at 4.5 – 5% per year.  Good news

     Kerry rides one number  — the claim of the loss of jobs over the past 3 years  –  using payroll data that omit 1.5  – 2 million Americans who work out of their homes and do not appear in payroll statistics. I think the state of the economy is a “good news” message for Geo Bush, and a few simple uncomplicated numbers tell the story very well.

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