Will the outcome of the election affect your consumer confidence?

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  Posted by springtime Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:51pm PDT

  When an election goes the way a voter wishes, it is much like New Year's Day.. a new beginning with new hope. But by the time the new President takes office in January, most of that euphoria is lost... life goes on. True change does not happen overnight or even in one four year Presidential term, especially when this country is in the deep doo it is right now.

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  Posted by elle Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:41pm PDT

  Good point springtime,

  I think it will take more than just our preferred candidate's win to change the consumers mind. We are all still a little scared to really go all out. With the way things have gone in the last few years and just recently, its going to take a lot!

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  Posted by Mhu Sat Nov 1, 2008 12:38am PDT

  It was going to be a slow holiday, but I'm hoarding my bucks if Obama's elected. I'll need it for the bread lines.

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  Posted by jubreu Sat Nov 1, 2008 6:05am PDT

  Yes... if Obama is elected, my husband will certainly lose his job. Jobs will be hard to find and no, I will not be spending ANY money.

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  Posted by superkate Sat Nov 1, 2008 10:13am PDT

  I think people being constantly scared, either by the news or with this election, is really whats starving our country. I hate to say this but the only way to keep our economy going is for people to keep spending. Not in excess and beyond their means like so many people have for so many years. Just not closing the doors to all expenses. Since I have been watching the news less this past month I have been feeling good and not frightened about where we are going. Things are the way they are and this living in fear is just doing no good for society as a whole.

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  Posted by Cherish Sat Nov 1, 2008 1:55pm PDT

  No..one man can't change the economy. Our government can't fix all our problems and it wasn't set up to do so. We all have to be accountable and it will take time to reverse the trends of over spending and this credit happy society that we have become.

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  Posted by JasonJ Sat Nov 1, 2008 3:50pm PDT

  superkate - "Since I have been watching the news less this past month I have been feeling good and not frightened about where we are going"

  Here's what you missed. Auto makers are losing hundreds of millions, and facing bankruptcy. Unemployment is rising, Total U.S. consumer debt (which includes installment debt, but not mortgage debt) reached $2.46 Trillion in June 2007, up from $2.398 Trillion at the end of 2006 (Source: Federal Reserve). Total U.S. consumer revolving debt reached $904 billion in June 2007, up from $879 billion at the end of 2006 (Source: Federal Reserve). Predictions of a long deep recession are being made daily. Housing prices are in a shambles and foreclosures continue. Our government has been running a deficit in the billions and just recently created another $700 billion of debt. Other than that things are just fine. Be happy.

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  Posted by JeffB Sun Nov 2, 2008 1:47am PST

  Three months ago sales were great!

  I'm not sure if anyone in office can change the economy.

  Pres. G. Bush jr wanted Sallie and Freddie to be taken over in 03. Congress and the Senate cut it down , no one wanyted a panic.

  I strongly believe we put to much hope or blame on a President.

  Look at your Senators and Congressmen. They pass laws as well as take in major funding from lobbiest.

  FYI...this year Mc Cain accepeted a little over 100, 000 from sallie and Freddie...Obama in the mid $ 200,00. ..How many homes could that $$$save ?

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  Posted by hooha Sun Nov 2, 2008 1:26pm PST

  I don't know how a new pres is going to affect my spending since I only go shopping when I absolutely need something. Trying to reduce my carbon butt-print or something like that! I sure hope that whoever takes the helm can steer us out of this quicksand pit we landed in. God bless america and our new commander in chief - whoever he may be!

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  Posted by Mhu Sun Nov 2, 2008 6:28pm PST

  I'm going to re-examine any purchases, buy only necessities, and make my home and area as safe as possible.

  The only consumers who will be confident are those who get the handouts -- and spend the money on "stuff" rather than pay down their debt or save money. Anyone with debt shouldn't be confident of anything.

  We should not have to bail out those who bought without the ability to pay. Period. That is the consumer confidence that got us into this hole.

  I remain pessimistic because most of the boobs didn't/won't learn, will expect a bail out or hand out, and will be "confident" that they again can live beyond their means.

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