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Never forget what the election is REALLY about — the economy

It seems wise, as we look forward now to the November presidential battle between Deep Pockets Obama and War Hero McCain, to remember what people who vote in presidential elections REALLY care about: The bottom line always has and always will be the bottom line.

We find ways to fool ourselves into thinking that national security is the major issue. The war on terror, the body counts in Iraq and Afghanistan, spreading democracy throughout the world, and keeping our nation free -- sure, sure, right. All that's important. At least we tell ourselves all that's important.

But as soon as the average pump price for gasoline topped $4 a gallon nationwide, and with crude oil topping $130 a barrel headed toward $150 (some people say) -- what are you and your friends most concerned about, REALLY?

We're most concerned about 1) getting and keeping a job and the income we need for living, 2) finding ways to afford outrageous gasoline prices and rising food costs, and, 3) very little about the war on terrorism.

As Bill Clinton's campaign managers said in the now classic phrase from the 1990s -- "It's the economy, Stupid!" The "steering rack" that guides the Engine of State in America has and always will be Americans' perception of good times and bad times. When jobs are good, prices are down (or at least tolerable), and Americans can continue to live the good life, THEN we take serious looks at terrorism, just and unjust wars, the spread of democracy, saving the environment, etc.

Don't kid yourself: The new president will be the guy who best convinces voters he can turn the economy around.
[tags]economic issues, presidential race, national security, rising gas and oil prices, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]