Silly Polls

The Economist Magazine surveyed 142 economists (who were 46% democrat, 10% Republican and the rest independent) about the candidate's tax plans (presumably not the latest additions). And they came up with the following results. What amuses me is not the results but some cross tabs. For example, based on the sample McCain outpolled his ratings for those who thought his plans were good or very good by more than 40% (4.3% of 10%) while Obama underpolled his expected result by almost 20% (his expected support would be 46% and yet he only achieved 39.7%).

Ultimately, both candidates have been like a kid in a candy store with their proposals on taxes, especially in advance of tonight's debate. It is unlikely that either will be able to get a substantial portion of what they want. Ultimately, one has to look at whether the capital gains rate should be increased and whether things like the doughnut hole which Obama proposes on Social Security taxes (by exempting income between $100,000 and $250,000) is a good idea. Or whether some of the McCain gambits in housing are sound.

All the time I thought the Economist was a serious magazine not a kin to People.