How Market Turmoil Affects Campaign

Obama, McCain haven't talked much about US economy—now they'll have to

By Gabriel Winant, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 15, 2008 9:50 AM CDT

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How Market Turmoil Affects Campaign — "This is the financial equivalent of Russia invading Georgia%u2014an unexpected event that calls for leadership and direction," one analyst says of the financial crisis' effect on the campaign. (AP Photo)

The crisis on Wall Street will change the shape of the presidential campaign in its final weeks, forcing both sides to adjust their messages and strategies. Mike Allen, in Politico, details four major effects:

Neither John McCain nor Barack Obama has talked much, or in detail, about economic plans. No saving that for January 2009 now.

Another talking point: McCain can use the crisis to underscore the need for his maverick ticket to shake up Washington; Obama can bolster his argument that the US can’t afford 4 more years of lax oversight.
The experience factor: Having little could keep voters from trusting Obama—but McCain could be tarred by too much time in DC.
Fewer spoils for winner: The Fannie/Freddie bailout will tie the purse strings for whoever is inaugurated in January.

(More Lehman Brothers stories.)

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