“a lot of people have lost lots of money in their 401k/IRA accounts”
You mean value....I assume no one liquidated their retirement funds when things were trending south right? These are long term investments, people should expect losses along the way.
“.in most states, housing values are WAY down”
I bought my house for $152,500 in 2000. At the height of the real estate boom, it was appraising for $350,000, now it’s around $290K. How am I doing?
Good for you...I’m pleased for you....however....there are a huge amount of under- or un- educated people that are not in the same boat. I’m not a fan of “polls”, but most of America is singing a pretty nasty song about their personal finances and job prospects. My only point is that McCain is to connecting with them.
No one lost anything if they are long term. In fact, if they are contributing monthly/weekly to their 401K then their contribution is buying more stocks per dollar during this downturn. That's good! Go look up "dollar cost averaging." You are a liberal so I don't expect you to understand money beyond having the Big Nanny State Federal Government give you some for free.