Economy
Our economy is under attack. China is acting like [economist] Adam Smith on steroids, buying oil from the world’s worst, and selling nuclear technology. Russia and the oil states are siphoning more than $500 billion a year from us in what could become the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history. … The right course is the one championed by Ronald Reagan 30 years ago, and by John McCain today. It is to rein in government spending and to lower taxes, for taking a weed-whacker to excessive regulation and mandates, for putting a stop to tort windfalls, and to stand up to the Tyrannosaurus appetite of government unions!
— Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
Will we continue to compete and lead in the global economy? Will we create more jobs here at home? Will we educate our children for the rigors of this new century and will we prepare our workers to remain the best and most productive in the world? Will we power our economy and still protect our environment? Will we defeat our enemies and strengthen our alliances with other democracies?
— Former HP-Compaq CEO Carly Fiorina
America faces enormous challenges abroad – but we also face great challenges here at home. It would be foolish to deny what we all know to be true. Our economy is struggling and Americans are hurting. We live in a time of economic anxiety and hardships.
— Former CEO and President of eBay Meg Whitman
Government
Sen. McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest – and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works. Our state budget is under control. We have a surplus. And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending— nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes. I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress “thanks, but no thanks,†for that Bridge to Nowhere.
— Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin
Last week, the Democrats talked about change. But let me ask you: What do you think Washington is right now— liberal or conservative? Is a Supreme Court liberal or conservative that awards Guantanamo terrorists with constitution rights? It’s liberal! Is a government liberal or conservative that puts the interests of the teachers union ahead of the needs of our children? – It’s liberal! Is a Congress liberal or conservative that stops nuclear power plants and off-shore drilling, making us more and more dependent on Middle East tyrants? – It’s liberal! … We need change all right – change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington: Throw out the big government liberals and elect John McCain!
— Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
[Obama brought back] lots of ideas