In tomorrow night’s presidential debate, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump should have a good opportunity to address some of the critical fiscal choices that await the next president and Congress.
Two earlier presidential debates failed to provide voters with much meaningful discussion of the rising federal debt and related issues such as the need to reform Medicare and Social Security.
The moderator of the final debate, Chris Wallace of the Fox News Channel, has said one 15-minute segment will be devoted to debt and entitlements. The economy is slated for another segment, which would ideally include serious discussion of tax policies and the consequences of excessive government borrowing.
In an open letter to Clinton and Trump last month, The Concord Coalition urged them to detail how they think federal borrowing, spending and tax policies should be put on a sustainable course.
The letter noted that federal debt held by the public stands at 77 percent of GDP, roughly twice the average over the past 50 years — and is projected to keep rising indefinitely.
“Do you see this as a problem?” Concord asked the candidates. “If so, what do you intend to do about it?” The letter asked similarly blunt questions about the candidates’ plans for Medicare and Social Security — questions for which voters deserve answers.
External links:
Open Letter to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump (Concord)
Chris Wallace To Moderate Final Debate (Fox)
Second Debate Fell Short on Fiscal Solutions (Concord)
