UPDATE W/AD AT THE END
Barack Obama is starting the day right: flying into enemy territory (Georgia), proposing new and innovative bankruptcy laws, and slapping McCain hard on his economic record, particularly as it relates to bankruptcy:
The Democratic presidential hopeful also accused Republican rival John McCain of repeatedly siding with the banking industry, saying, "When it comes to strengthening the safety net for hardworking families, he's been part of the problem, not part of the solution." (emphasis mine)
More below, including the substance of Obama's new proposals, more smackdowns, and lines around the block to get to the event in Atlanta this morning...
In particular, Obama is proposing to "fast-track" the bankruptcy process for all military service members, seniors, and people recovering from natural disasters:
The Democrat said he also would help service members and military families struggling financially after multiple moves, lengthy deployments and, in some cases, predatory lenders, saying, "If you're protecting America, America should be protecting you from unfair bankruptcy laws."
He pledged to expedite the bankruptcy process for them by exempting them from a "harsh means test," cutting "unnecessary paperwork" and "token counseling," and enacting a minimum homestead exemption to help them keep a greater share of their home's value.
There are more details in the article, but I think moves like this not only are necessary, but politically smart. Call me crazy, but I think the pundits are going to be astounded at the degree of the military vote that Barack Obama gets in the fall.
Additionally:
Obama said he would help families recovering from a natural disaster by streamlining the bankruptcy process for those in certified natural disaster areas by eliminating "unnecessary paperwork" and waiving "unneeded credit counseling requirements."
He also promised to enact a 120-day moratorium "on adverse credit actions from collectors, such as foreclosure" to free families from concerns about collectors as they are trying to recover. And, his campaign said he would amend the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which bars discrimination in lending, to include protection for disaster victims, so that lenders do not unfairly restrict credit to such families.
Katrina anyone? If you're wondering about loss of a home and which candidate is proposing concrete steps to deal with this issue, wonder no more. Obama's greatest perceived strength amongst voters is on the economy, and with John McCain's tepid "jobs program" tour, Obama is doubling down with some solid policy proposals to ensure his advantage over McCain on this crucial issue remains. And he lays in some smacking shots too:
"Like the president he hopes to succeed, Sen. McCain does not believe the government has a real role to play in protecting Americans from unscrupulous lending practices," Obama said. "He would continue to allow the banks and credit card companies to tilt the playing field in their favor, at the expense of hardworking Americans."
Obama's campaign pointed to a series of Senate votes in 2005 to accuse McCain of "siding with banking industry lobbyists" while opposing measures that the Democrat's campaign said would have helped families struggling to pay medical bills, seniors in bankruptcy fighting to keep their homes, and victims of Hurricane Katrina.
McCain can say whatever he wants, but his record is his record. As K.O. has been pointing out, Mccain's chief economic adviser helped get us into this mess. McCain's lame policy proposals ("victory in Iraq" anyone?) can't divert attention from his miserable record of voting on the economy. Or at least, it shouldn't if the media would pay attention.
In the meantime, deep in the heart of a red-state, enthusiasm for Obama's visit to Atlanta is high:
The doors to McEachern High School's gymnasium weren't supposed to open until 7:30 a.m. for Barack Obama's townhall meeting, but that didn't deter a large crowd from lining up more than two hours early Tuesday morning.
Would love to see more of this from Obama: new policy proposals, and going on offense against McCain. And yes, I know we all want him to be inspirational every day, but offering tangible solutions to people in financial crisis is the kind of change I can believe in. Last week was Obama's "patriotism/faith" tour, which is fine. But now it's time to get back to the red meat, fixing our economy, getting us out of Iraq, and slapping McCain upside the head.
UPDATE: TOWNHALL NOW LIVE ON CNN.COM
UPDATE 2: Obama took a question about his Iraq position from a reformed Republican. His answer addressed the larger issue of "shifting to the middle." Paraphrasing, he essentially said:
I am a progressive. I believe in a progressive tax code, universal healthcare, etc. But those who say I am "shifting my views" haven't been paying attention. This includes my friends on the left and in the media. I have always believed in faith-based charities, I worked with churches since I was young. I have always believed in the 2nd amendment, but we can still have common sense gun laws.
The reason people assume I am shifting is because people are cynical about politics, and instead of thinking that I may just believe it, assume I'm doing it for political reasons. Now, we may not always agree on every point, but we will 90% of the time. But if we disagree, it's not just for political reasons.
Now, on Iraq, I opposed the war from the start. I think we can get out in about 16 months. John McCain talks about "waving the white flag of surrender," I'm talking about common sense! We can't stay there forever!
So don't be confused: I WILL BRING THIS WAR TO AN END WHEN I AM PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!
UPDATE 3: Obama smacks back to RNC Energy ad!!!
Transcript:
On gas prices, John McCain’s part of the problem.
McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won’t produce a drop of oil for seven years.
McCain will give more tax breaks to big oil.
He’s voted with Bush 95% of the time.
Barack Obama will make energy independence an urgent priority.
Raise mileage standards.
Fast track technology for alternative fuels.
A $1000 tax cut to help families as we break the grip of foreign oil.
A real plan and new energy.
OBAMA: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.