Obama shifts focus from foreign policy to economy

[cal04]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080727/ap_on_el_pr/obama_campaign

Presidential contender Barack Obama is pivoting from foreign policy to the economy at home. Obama said in an interview broadcast Sunday that cost of gas and food will keep Americans focused on finances even during the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. The Illinois Democrat said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he's gathering key economic advisers on Monday to discuss a second economic stimulus package and ways to deal with high energy prices.

Among the people he will talk to are investor Warren Buffett, Eric Schmidt, chairman and CEO of Google, as well as former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker.

"What is driving people all across the country right now is worries and concerns about inability to pay the gas bill and inability to buy food because prices have gone up so high," Obama said.

Obama was asked whether high gas prices are a good thing in a way because it has forced the nation to focus on energy policy. He said he did not think so because ordinary families are under enormous stress. However, the question gave him an opportunity to talk about his support for higher fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, which he said his opponent, Republican candidate John McCain, has consistently opposed.

[high density]

1. I hate the idea of another "stimulus" package

If we want the government to spend our way out of this economic crisis then it's time for a jobs program instead of handing out one-time tax cuts.

[dkf]

2. I don't think the problem is people don't have jobs.

There are people with jobs who can't afford the things they used to. The problem is inflation.

[Joanne98]

3. Good idea. Just stay away from the "free trade" issues.