The economic proposals of Senators John McCain and Barack Obama were examined in a panel discussion on the economic options of the next president with a budget deficit and an economy weakened by depressed housing, financial, and job markets. Issues included tax increases, budget cuts, and the long-term solvency of Social Security and the health care system. David Wessel moderated.


Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office, is chief economist for the Council of Economic Advisors. Jeffrey Liebman, a former special assistant to President Clinton for economic policy, is a professor of public policy at Harvard.

This AARP Solutions Forum titled “How Will the Next President Pay the Nations' Bills?” was held at the Washington Court Hotel.