Philadelphia debate: Time to challenge Clinton and Obama on their half baked economic policies and forget sideshows

Tonight Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton debate at the National Constitution Center. The debate is being telecast nationally by ABC and will start at 8 p.m.

Since the last debate in Ohio on Feb. 26 both candidates have been buffeted by controversy.
There has been a major controversy over comments made by Obama’s pastor Rev Jeremiah Wright.
Tonight Obama will likely have to explain, what he meant when he told donors in San Francisco last week that Pennsylvanians are “bitter” over their economic circumstances and “cling” to religion and guns."
Support for Obama in Pennsylvania was on an upward curve prior to his San Francisco statement. On the basis of several polls Obama appears to be trailing Clinton by at least 6%.

It is likely that Clinton will attempt to goad him, in the hope that he may make another foot in mouth comment tonight. She will attempt to portray him as inexperienced, rash and elitist. Success for Clinton tonight could stampede more blue-collar voters into the Clinton camp and result in a devastating defeat for Obama in Pennsylvania. If such a scenario were to unfold Clinton could sway more super delegates. Nevertheless Obama will probably prevail in the North Carolina Primary. In the unlikely event of a knock out blow by either candidate, the scene is set for a possible bloody convention.

Clinton herself will come under pressure on her Bosnia lies. Indeed she has a history of exaggeration and lies. Obama will probably target Clinton on this issue. He will attempt to portray Clinton as a political insider incapable of introducing meaningful change.

Is it too much to hope for some forensic questioning of both Clinton and Obama on their economic policies?
Both have attempted to bribe voters with their own money. Both are committed to an enlarged role for the state. Increased bureaucracy and quangos- as advocated by both candidates- will lead to an explosion in public expenditure and massive rises in taxation. There are no free lunches.

This is a watershed election. Clinton and Obama are Socialists. McCain is conservative and favours restraint in public expenditure and low taxes.

An appalling vista could unfold: A Democratic President and a Democratic Congress.- both pledged to huge public expenditure splurges. No doubt Clinton or Obama would introduce change. The change would involve higher taxation.

Clinton prepares for Democratic Convention Bloodbath as huge split looms-The Lady is not for turning

In an interview with Greta Van Susteren tonight -on Fox News- Clinton was strong on aspirations but weak on solutions. She had something for every one in the audience. She used all the usual soothing sound bytes designed to woo the electorate. She talked about a strong middle class and then outlined a wish list, which if brought to fruition would cripple the middle class -by higher taxation. When challenged to outline her policy on job creation she hinted at curtailing free trade. Protectionism is a recipe for American stagnation. She failed dismally to outline a clear strategy on wealth creation. In short she has no credible economic policies. A Clinton Presidency will usher in a period of rocketing taxation.

Once more she refused to admit that she told untruths in relation to her trip to Bosnia. As far as she was concerned it was an honest mistake. Unfortunately for Clinton the TV footage tells another story.

In relation to the nomination she outlined her determination to take the fight to the convention floor. She stated that there was ten more states -with millions of votes- to be counted. She consistently emphasised the right of Michigan and Florida voters. She declared that the Florida/Michigan votes would be counted one way or another at the convention. In other words there will be a fire fight on the convention floor if necessary. She consistently blamed Obama for the impasse. Clinton is prepared to fracture the Democratic Party if necessary to get the nomination. The lady is not for turning. The Democratic Party is on the precipice of self-destruction propelled by a ruthless ambitious woman. This is music to the ears of the GOP.

McCain victory in Florida - a massive blow to Romney

John McCain's victory in Florida has severely dented Romney's prospects of securing the GOP nomination. McCain now has momentum going into Super Tuesday. Rudi Giuliani's poor third place performance ensures that his prospects have been effectively dashed. It is quite possible that Giuliani may withdraw and throw his weight behind McCain. The majority of Giuliani supporters lean more towards McCain than Romney. Mike Huckabee who finished in fourth place intends to contest Super Tuesday. He will have a sizeable block of delegates at the GOP convention. He may become the king maker if neither McCain or Romney has an overall majority of delegates. He leans towards McCain and could yet become a Vice Presidential candidate.

John McCain is now the front runner and favourite to win the GOP nomination. A McCain/ Huckabee ticket would appeal to a wide strand of public opinion. Democrats fear McCain more than Romney. Can Romney turn the tables on McCain on Super Tuesday? One thing is certain he will outspend McCain.