McCain calls ‘fundamentals of our economy’ strong

I see that Matt Yglesias is hammering John McCain for saying this morning that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong," and so is Barack Obama (although the latter is conveniently omitting McCain’s following remarks, "but these are very, very difficult times."). Watch him here: It is a pretty tone deaf thing to say on ...

I see that Matt Yglesias is hammering John McCain for saying this morning that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong," and so is Barack Obama (although the latter is conveniently omitting McCain's following remarks, "but these are very, very difficult times."). Watch him here:

I see that Matt Yglesias is hammering John McCain for saying this morning that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong," and so is Barack Obama (although the latter is conveniently omitting McCain’s following remarks, "but these are very, very difficult times."). Watch him here:

It is a pretty tone deaf thing to say on a day when the Dow loses more than 500 points — its worst session in seven years. And it is looking increasingly false, Donald Luskin’s horribly timed best efforts to the contrary.

But still, is what McCain said any different than what Obama might be saying a year from now if he’s in the Oval Office and — as many expect — things continue to go south? What’s he going to tell the American people then? "This economy is going down in flames! Head for the hills and hide the children!"

More from Foreign Policy

Newspapers in Tehran feature on their front page news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, signed in Beijing the previous day, on March, 11 2023.
Newspapers in Tehran feature on their front page news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, signed in Beijing the previous day, on March, 11 2023.

Saudi-Iranian Détente Is a Wake-Up Call for America

The peace plan is a big deal—and it’s no accident that China brokered it.

Austin and Gallant stand at podiums side by side next to each others' national flags.
Austin and Gallant stand at podiums side by side next to each others' national flags.

The U.S.-Israel Relationship No Longer Makes Sense

If Israel and its supporters want the country to continue receiving U.S. largesse, they will need to come up with a new narrative.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at the Moscow Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden during an event marking Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at the Moscow Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden during an event marking Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow.

Putin Is Trapped in the Sunk-Cost Fallacy of War

Moscow is grasping for meaning in a meaningless invasion.

An Iranian man holds a newspaper reporting the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, in Tehran on March 11.
An Iranian man holds a newspaper reporting the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, in Tehran on March 11.

How China’s Saudi-Iran Deal Can Serve U.S. Interests

And why there’s less to Beijing’s diplomatic breakthrough than meets the eye.