John Kerry Reacts to Bush’s Economic Press Conference in Chicago

[kerrygoddess]

John Kerry Reacts to Bush’s Economic Press Conference in Chicago
July 7th, 2006 @ 11:48 am

Today, Bush held a press conference following a breakfast meeting with Chicago business leaders at The Museum of Science and Industry, using a picturesque backdrop of Chicago for a photo-op.



AP News reports, "Bush gave a rambling 15 minute opening statement in which he talked about Chicago's vibrant economy, the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq."

Bush also praised the U.S. economy. "Productivity is high, people are better off, people are working," he said.

Hello -- What planet is Bush on?

Productivity is high? Not - Slow Growth in Retail Sales Spurs Concern

People are better off? Not - From Chicago, a personal look at 'deep poverty'

People are working? Not - June job growth weaker than expected

John Kerry, the top Democrat on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship responded to Bush's press conference saying:

“Today President Bush missed yet another opportunity to actually do something to help small businesses. The president praises the optimism of Illinois businesses, yet more of the state’s businesses closed their doors in 2004 than new businesses were opened. Instead of doing something to address sky-high gas prices, expensive loans and outsourced jobs, this president is holding photo ops touting his policies that are failing small businesses.

“Not once today did President Bush talk about fostering entrepreneurship for every sector of our society. If Washington is going to help small businesses thrive, we have to invest in the innovative ideas and hard work of all small firms, including those owned by minorities, women and veterans. It’s common-sense that’s long overdue.”

LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=3543

[gasperc]

1. I'm glad Kerry is being out front and forceful

maybe he was robbed but WE were all robbed TWICE, the greedy just can't get enough

[madrchsod]

2. the collar counties in the chicago area

are experiencing double digit increases in poverty...this was just in the chicago tribune. illinois is leading all states in poverity. i know this state is in bad shape--i have lived here all my 59 years and it`s the worst i have ever seen.

[BigYawn]

6. Since democrats control Illinois & Chicago, I was expecting Illinois to

perform better than the red states. So, I am disappointed.
What seems to be the main problem for Illinois to perform
poorly in your opinion?

[OzarkDem]

8. Dems can't control jobs being sent overseas

Those things are most impacted by federal trade policies controlled by Congress, not the state. I'm sure Illinois Dems are upset to see so many jobs going overseas, but there's little they can do. Bush's budgets and tax cuts have put huge burdens on state budgets that give them little freedom to offer companies an incentive to stay.

[madrchsod]

9. illinois jobs going to mexico and china.

most of the jobs have gone to these countries in the last 25 some years and before that it was korea,taiwan,and japan. we have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs...great state i live in ,i`m making less than i did 1976.

[BigYawn]

10. But my question was...why Illinois has lost more jobs than red states??

Jobs can be sent overseas from any state. Illinois has
good progressive governor Blagayovich (sic) and Chicago
has good progressive mayor Daly. Their policies should
put Illinois ahead of the red states, not behind.

[Metta]

3. Which shell is the economy under? Ya pays yer money

and ya takes yer chances.

[ladjf]

4. In these kinds of situations, quick reactions are effective.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

5. With a leadership vacuum in the Dem Party it is good someone stepped up

in the same news cycle. Corporate media is put under more obligation to report both sides when someone notable quickly and intelligently responds, repukes it seems never miss an opportunity to answer back with their greater access to media whores.

[OzarkDem]

7. How about living wages for working class folks?

That would have even more impact on the economy.

And also, help women owned small businesses - they get short shrift from banks and the SBA and have to struggle on their own.