Presidential Promises

The presidential election of 2008 has been historic by many measures. The campaign has featured an extended and competitive primary season, which has given way to a general election contest between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. As the campaign has unfolded, economic conditions have worsened along with rising levels of unemployment, personal debt, and mortgage defaults. The erosion of savings and household assets have increased the economic insecurity of many families and heightened interest into each candidate’s prescription for a policy response. This paper will describe the policy proposals made by Senators Obama and McCain during the course of the presidential campaign which focus on the broad issues of savings and asset building as they contribute to economic opportunity and security.