THIS year's Presidential election could be historic in so many different ways. At the very least, it certainly will be memorable, and it is guaranteed to have a wide-ranging impact on the tank truck and storage terminal industries. Bulk Transporter examines some of the differences between the two candidates in this special report.
First of all, the race pits an African-American Democrat against a white Republican. Age difference adds even more contrast. Republican Senator John McCain would become the oldest person elected President, while Democrat Senator Barak Obama is young enough to be his son.
McCain had a lengthy military career, including a wrenching captivity in a Hanoi prison camp, and Obama has no military experience. Obama's soaring rhetorical style can energize a sports arena, while McCain is more comfortable in a town-hall setting.
The two candidates are just as different on policy issues. McCain is a free market advocate who wants tax cuts and less government. Obama has called for targeted tax cuts, but he also wants significantly greater government involvement in job creation, organized labor, and universal health care.
There is little question that McCain and Obama will move in different directions on regulatory issues. The same goes for federal court appointments, which could have as much, or more, impact on the regulatory process.
Positions on the Supreme Court are almost certain to open up during the next President's administration. In addition, there are at least 44 trial and appellate federal judicial vacancies to be filled.