Economists "believe Mr Obama has the superior economic plan, a firmer grasp of economics"

[ProSense]

October 5, 2008
By: Hilzoy

From The Economist:

"A survey of academic economists by The Economist finds the majority -- at times by overwhelming margins -- believe Mr Obama has the superior economic plan, a firmer grasp of economics and will appoint better economic advisers. (...)

Eighty per cent of respondents and no fewer than 71% of those who do not cleave to either main party say Mr Obama has a better grasp of economics. Even among Republicans Mr Obama has the edge: 46% versus 23% say Mr Obama has the better grasp of the subject. "I take McCain's word on this one," comments James Harrigan at the University of Virginia, a reference to Mr McCain's infamous confession that he does not know as much about economics as he should."

Some of their data:



It's even more striking when you look at some of the internals. The economists rated Obama's plan to deal with the housing and economic crisis 1.1 points higher than McCain's, on a five point scale; economists who describe themselves as not affiliated with either party rated it .6 higher. Economists as a whole rated Obama's tax plan nearly 1.1 points higher than McCain's; unaffiliated economists rated it nearly .7 points higher. On fiscal discipline, economists as a whole rate Obama a full point higher; unaffiliated economists rate him .55 points higher.

Predictably, Obama dominates on topics like reducing income inequality and reducing the number of people without health insurance. But he also crushes McCain on reforming financial regulations: economists as a whole rank him 1.3 points higher than McCain, while he leads among unaffiliated economists by nearly a full point (and is almost tied with McCain among Republicans.)

My only question: who are those eleven economists (7.8% of the total) who think McCain has a better grasp of economics than Obama?

[chill_wind]

1. "who are those eleven economists (7.8% of the total)

who think McCain has a better grasp.."

Probably the ones advising his campaign. The only ones he could find.

K & Rec

[Median Democrat]

2. John McCain On Economy - 1/2008 - "We Are Better Off Overall" - Brags About Supporting Bush Tax Cuts

I know we are about to receive a massive distraction attack from John McCain as he tries to turn this election into a patriotism contest, rather than a contest about issues with the economy first and foremost. I guess McCain the populist sunk like a lead balloon. Well, just to reinforce where McCain stands, here is McCain discussing in a GOP debate whether we are better off now than 8 years ago. McCain says "we are better off overall," and cites his support for Bush's tax cuts. Now, as the economy sinks, McCain...still supports Bush's tax cuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sO0TThszDQ

[chill_wind]

3. Frightening. n/t

[TheDoorbellRang]

4. Kewl! This is one of the publications Palin told Fox News that she reads

:spray:

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

5. Thank you, once again, ProSense

Once again, you've delivered some great pass it along information! My friends and family will love this, as they actively pursue votes! Thanks!

[ProSense]

6. Wonderful, thanks. n/t

[karynnj]

7. this study is amazing

He even wins the Republicans!

[rxdem84]

8. I hope Sarah Palin sees this since she "reads" The Economist

[JBoy]

9. LOL. You're right, she does!

[ProSense]

11. Not unless

there is an Economist Starbucks cup edition.

[rexy]

10. Thanks! n/t