Broder Editorial Decries Candidates’ Lack of Fiscal Candor

October 10 - In Thursday's Washington Post, David Broder expressed dismay
at the insistence from both presidential candidates on continuing to advocate
for the bulk of their campaign spending and tax promises, which US Budget Watch
estimates at well over $300 billion. Calling
the move a "stunning rejection of reality," Broder said the candidates had
squandered an opportunity during the debates to tell the American people how
and where they would adjust the nation's spending priorities. He continued:

"If either
of them has a clue what to do to help stabilize this tottering economy, he is
keeping it to himself... Even when they have been specific, it is hard to credit
their words. Both have promised broad tax reductions targeted to different populations.
But neither has given any indication how the promises will stand in the face of
the massive new spending needed to rescue embattled financial institutions. Absent any reliable information about their
programs, voters must fall back on an examination of their records and
characters."