Consumer confidence highest since Bush elected, hey libs will you thank Bush?

Question

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a1G5PEIrwiww&refer=worldwide

Consumer confidence in the U.S. jumped more than forecast this month to the highest level in almost six years, suggesting the June slowdown in spending may be temporary.

The New York-based Conference Board's index of confidence soared to 112.6, from a revised 105.3 the prior month. Earlier today, the Commerce Department reported that consumer spending rose 0.1 percent in June, slowing from a 0.5 percent gain in May. A measure of inflation closely watched by the Federal Reserve eased.

Confidence among Americans, whose spending accounts for more than two-thirds of the economy, is being shored up by a jobless rate that's near the lowest in six years and income gains that have outpaced inflation.

Answer 1

United we stand!

How about we all look for the good, and improve on the bad.

Stop the mudslinging!

Answer 2

Basing are well being on how many DVD players you can buy is not good economic policy. Purchasing power for food, fuel, heating is more important to me. I know government numbers are true, but if DVD in 2001 was 100 for the cheaper and now 30 dollars that means we increase the purchasing power of the consumer, but if food, gasoline goes up or real essentials how do we measure it accurately you really cant. Also, 112 number it means the economy humming along. Still, just wait for the readjustments on the ARM mortgages, consumer confidence will take a hit, but still economy will hum along like normal. If it below 100 then worry I say. Tax cuts are good if there board base, and not to small group of people. Still, consumption tax is needed, and the corporate tax lowered to 20% bbecause too much consumption leaves less money to investment in making the economy more productive, and China is plying us with cheap goods till they accumulate Treasury bonds and etc. After China no longer needs us manufacturing will make a comeback in America, but for the time being enjoy your cheap electronics till a devaluation of the dollar occurs and people will shift money to stock market, and companies.

Answer 3

There is a HUGE difference between giving a speech saying that Hussein is a threat....and launching a year long campaign filled with lies and distortion aimed at convincing the American people that we must invade Iraq. Then, even after UN inspectors find no weapons, going ahead and invading a nation and constantly changing your story on why you did it. War is supposed to be a last resort - not what you do in spite of evidence which says you shouldn't.

Answer 4

This is a case of "Perception is Reality" according to the Republicans. Why don't you look at a real economic measure such as housing prices, inflation, or the deficet.

I'd say he's done a bang up job for the wealthy elite and made huge regressions economically for most Americans. Not only that, we are heading toward a police state worse than South America. I'd hate to be a detainee right now.

Answer 5

ALL you ever hear from Democrats is ... "It's the economy, stupid!" That is ... until Bush's economy thrived. We don't hear that much anymore. Which incidentally, I have NO PROBLEM with the Democrats not mentioning it. But ... this totally impartial media could have asked Democrats questions along thes lines, PARTICULARLY during debates:

"Your party is the one always reminding the America people that 'It's the economy, stupid!' That has come to mean that EVEN if Republicans are stronger on defense, we will win because Americans care MOST about the economy." Now we have a Republican in office and the economy is thriving. Tell us, sir. Is it STILL the economy, stupid? Or put another way, Why should Americans vote for Democrats with a strong Republican economy?"

Dare to dream!

Answer 6

There are more people living in extreme poverty now, than ever before. In California, some school districts have free breakfast and lunches for those who qualify (poverty level). In some districts, 80% of the students get this benefit.
Home reposessions are at an all time high in some counties. I know of a tract of homes where every, single, home was reposessed.
Yes, some are benefiting from bush's policies but the majority of the population is being screwed.

Answer 7

Bush is indirectly responsible for the growth in the economy as any one who lived through any major war. (WW2, Korea, CIVAL WAR to name a few) WAR period is good for economy. the government spends money (that it barrows from us (the people) and forign contries) and pumps it back into the economy of public spenders aka CEO's of major companies witch trickels down to the hourly wage maker. People who cant see this are the blind that dont notice because all of a suden there wallets get a little bit bigger and american idol get a little funnier. Americans as a whole need to wake up and notice the government is no longer working to help the people. In the long term it is working to help itself.

Answer 8

Yes, but look at how high the numbers were before Bush became president.

These new numbers aren't saying much considering how dismal they have been during the last six years.

Answer 9

Why is it that when there's bad news in the economy, you guys always scream that the president has nothing to do with the economy, but when it's good news you're all about thanking Bush??

Desperate much?

Answer 10

Your killing me...man where do pull this BS from. rising foreclosures, stock market like a roller coaster, Construction dead in the water. Oh I'm sure that's true, middle class losing ground. If they said the sky was brown you would buy it. Good for a laugh though.

Answer 11

Maybe low interest rates and high personal debt has something to do with it.

Our IRA is down 10%

That doesn't make me want to go out and buy anything.