keeping it optimistic

I have chosen to examine the economic platforms of John McCain and Barack Obama.

To begin with, McCain seems to be very much so a market liberal in the environmental sense of the label. Like most market liberals, McCain seems to believe that a lack of economic growth, poverty, distortions and failures of the market are to blame for economic degradation. With statements such as, “A clean and healthy environment is well served by a strong economy,” and that “History shows that poverty is a poor steward,” McCain is proving, at least through campaign rhetoric, that he is a market liberal proponent. In addition to this, if market liberals are more inclined to propose optimistic scenarios of the future, McCain’s adherence to “common sense” approaches to environmental stewardship by harnessing market forces to bring about technological advances to reduce our dependence on foreign oil rightly fit this mold. Environmental stewardship is patriotic, and if we, as Americans, stay true to our patriotic duties, our future will remain hopeful.

On the other hand, Senator Barack Obama sets forth a detailed plan that is also optimistic, while at the same time promoting specific solutions and time tables. Obama’s environmental idealism is based on his commitment to realistic solutions to ending our foreign oil problem and strengthening international institutions and forums to deal with climate change. For this reason primarily, Obama seems to be an Institutionalist. By restoring US leadership as a responsible promoter of environmental sustainability, Obama seems to be committed to the importance of US hegemony.

While it is difficult to rely on and maintain full belief in the platform statements of presidential candidates at this phase of the campaign, it is easy to draw distinctions between these two candidates. My personal biases withstanding, McCain’s statements seem very clear cut and more reliant on tired rhetoric. Obama’s platform seems immediately appealing, as it sets forth the major environmental problems, as well as specific steps to take and possible solutions. While it is important to remain optimistic, both as a presidential candidate and as a proponent of environmental stewardship, it is important to point out the need for sustainability and collective action. From this point of view, Obama’s platform seems to be talking the most sense.