A Warming Trend Pt. III and... the quote of the day.

Never more appropriate than on tax day, John McCain delivered his big economic speech at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh today and took on his prospective Democrat opponent on the very issue of taxes. We cover the highlights below, full text can be found here:

First, some broad-themed talk on economics:

“In our free society, it is left to each one of us to make our own way in the world -- and our jobs, businesses, savings, pensions, farms, and homes are the work of years. Take these away and you are diminishing a lot more than the GDP, or the final tally on the Big Board on Wall Street. Take these away, and a million dreams are undone. The gains of hard work and sacrifice are lost. And something can be lost that is very crucial in our economy, and very slow to return -- confidence.” Every once in a while, he lets that Reaganite within him out to romp a bit.

Then a little red meat for the unwashed among us:

“In the same way, many in Congress think Americans are under-taxed. They speak as if letting you keep your own earnings were an act of charity, and now they have decided you've had enough. By allowing many of the current low tax rates to expire, they would impose -- overnight -- the single largest tax increase since the Second World War. Among supporters of a tax increase are Senators Obama and Clinton. Both promise big "change." And a trillion dollars in new taxes over the next decade would certainly fit that description.”

Now, taking Hillary, Obama and Congress (run against Congress, John, implores B-Daddy) to task for their positions on the Columbia Free Trade Agreement – Columbia, a legit but fragile democracy is a strategic ally and also happens to be in a warm war with Venezuela and their deplorable leftist leader, Hugo Chavez. This agreement needs to get done and Congressional fecklessness in this matter is inexcusable:

“Free trade can also give once troubled and impoverished nations a stake in the world economy, and in their relations with America. In the case of Colombia, a friend and crucial democratic ally, its stability and economic vitality are more critical now, as others in the region seek to turn Latin America away from democracy and away from our country. Trade serves all of these national interests, and the interests of the American economy as well -- and I call on the Congress once again to put this vital agreement to an up or down vote.”

But its still McCain, right? And he won’t be getting 10s across the board as he is all for you bailing-out other people for their poor decisions:

“Under the HOME plan I have proposed, our government will offer these Americans direct and immediate help that can make all the difference: If you can't make your payments, and you're in danger of foreclosure, you will be able to go to any Post Office and pick up a form for a new HOME loan. In place of your flawed mortgage loan, you'll be eligible for a new, 30-year fixed-rate loan backed by the United States government. Citizens will keep their homes, lenders will cut their losses, and everyone will move on…”

In place of your flawed mortgage loan…? …and everyone will move on…? Deep breaths, deep breaths… Let’s just get to the money shot before we take back those nice things we’ve been saying.

First, though, a little swipe at His Awesomeness:

“I do not seek the presidency on the presumption that I am blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save my country in its hour of need. I seek the presidency with the humility of a man who cannot forget that my country saved me.” That’s a keeper.

And finally this:

“Under my opponents' various tax plans, Americans of every background would see their taxes rise -- seniors, parents, small business owners, and just about everyone who has even a modest investment in the market. All these tax increases are the fine print under the slogan of "hope": They're going to raise your taxes by thousands of dollars per year -- and they have the audacity to hope you don't mind.”

That's good… too good perhaps to be used this early. Maybe he can salt it away for latter use in the general election campaign this fall. That is to say, if he is facing Obama in the general. Mmmmwwwwwaaaahaaahaaahaaahaaa!!!!

H/T: National Review Online