(talk) How the Pres. Election Impacts Policy Analysis

On November 4, Americans will vote for a new president, after an intense election season that has lasted almost two years.

Throughout the primary season and the general election campaign, many policy differences between the candidates have emerged.

Do these policy differences really matter? After all, both candidates, if elected, will face the same national challenges: a weak economy, unstable financial markets, an increase in retirements, soaring health care costs, energy dependence, terrorist threats, and two unpopular wars.
 
Against these challenges, how would the governing style and policy approach for a President McCain differ from that of a President Obama?

What influence do public opinion and Congressional electoral outcomes have on presidential accomplishments?

Policy analysts must consider these questions to understand if and how their research might change with a new president.

To guide the discussion, professor of political science Erin O'Brien and professor of public policy Christian Weller will discuss their insights based on their expertise on U.S. politics and economics.