PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES VIEWS ON THE MOST SERIOUS THREAT TO THE US ECONOMY

John McCain and Barack Obama have very disparate views of the "gravest long term threat to the economy". A post in the Washington Monthly recites the positions outlined by each presidential aspirant in a Forbes Magazine interview.

What do you see as the gravest long-term threat to the U.S. economy?

Obama: If we don't get a handle on our energy policy, it is possible that the kinds of trends we've seen over the last year will just continue. Demand is clearly outstripping supply. It's not a problem we can drill our way out of. It can be a drag on our economy for a very long time unless we take steps to innovate and invest in the research and development that's required to find alternative fuels. I think it's very important for the federal government to have a role in that process.

McCain: Well, I would think that the absolute gravest threat is the struggle that we're in against Islamic extremism, which can affect, if they prevail, our very existence. Another successful attack on the United States of America could have devastating consequences.

Thoughtful and accurate economic analysis from Obama? The same from McCain?

IN THE DESERT OF THE REAL THE UNITED STATES DEFEATED THE NAZIS, THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE, AND THE SOVIET UNION. BUT CAN MILITARY SOLUTIONS CLOSE THE GAP FOR A COUNTRY THAT CONSUMES 25% OF THE WORLD'S OIL WHILE POSSESSING ONLY THREE PERCENT OF THE WORLD'S OIL RESERVES?