On the street

Question:

Which candidate's portrayal of the U.S. economy reflects what you are seeing daily at home and in the workplace and why?

President Bush's portrayal (of the economy) is what I see and experience. One of my biggest concerns about Senator Kerry is that I've been raised to be suspicious of statements that are too perfect or slick with little backing. — Steve Brayton, Provo

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I think Kerry was much stronger tonight in his dedication to fiscal responsibility, especially compared to Bush's deficit spending and tax cuts for the wealthy. I think that came across really clearly tonight. — Nick Mason,Provo

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I think Bush chooses not to see the negatives in the economy. He seems blind to anything that's going wrong in the economy or in Iraq, whereas Kerry recognized that we need to improve in our economy. — Stacie Mason, Provo

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To be honest, neither. Bush was more optimistic and Kerry was more pessimistic. But if I had to choose one, I'd say it's not as bleak as Kerry portrays it, but they're almost equally off. — Jay Sevison Provo

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My opinion is the president doesn't have a lot of effect on the economy anyway. Either candidate's economic plan will do. — Matthew Thomas, Salt Lake City

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I'm a Bush supporter. I think he has a direct plan. . . . I'm all for it, to create more jobs. — George Zinn, Salt Lake City

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I support Kerry, the world needs Kerry. He brings more to the table. . . . With him, the world can be very beautiful. It's very hard to get health care now. — John Thipete, Sudan

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I feel strongly that Kerry did a very good job. . . . His has a very real plan. — Taylor Morgan, Salt Lake City