Despite the ongoing nonsense of "fast and furious" and the pending SCOTUS decision on the ACA, most Americans will still likely vote their pocketbook, and who they think will be best for it. The choice between Republicans and Democrats generally boils down to "Lower Taxes!" -vs- "Safety Nets!". The Republicans push the line that we know better what to do with our money (even though we don't), and if we end up on the street with a paper cup and an "I will work for food" sign, it's just because we weren't personally responsible. Democrats err on the side of caution, acknowledging that a few "welfare queens" are a worthy price to pay to ensure fewer people end up in complete poverty.
Rarely acknowledged because it clashes with our American-centric world view is that there are factors outside of our personal control (and control of the federal government) that have a huge impact on our economy. Because The Market is international, the economies, banks, and investors around the world have a direct effect on our own economy. When banks (either U.S. or otherwise) make risky investments, the ripples travel across the seven seas to every other country.
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