As Presidential candidate Barack Obama and John McCain squabble over the details of their campaign statements, one thing they cannot dispute is that fact that the middle class is fighting to survive. In a recent study by the Congressional Joint Committee on Economics, the numbers tell a story of increasing expenses, stagnant incomes, and near non-existent savings for the average American and his/her family. Specifically, in the past six months gas and energy prices at an all-time high have met with major job cuts in every sector. The average American now spends more on mortgage, childcare, and health needs up to the thousands of dollars when compared to years past.

Thinking about a vacation? If you’re not thinking twice, you may be part of the elite 5% of income earners holding nearly 60% of any growth experienced in the year 2007. Forty-four percent of Americans are using one line of credit to pay off another, meaning their net wealth is negligible. Since early summer 2007, gas prices have increased $2200 for the average car-owner. Worse still, too many leaders want a good public image when what average voters need is bold legislative action. The analogy of a frog boiling slowly to its death comes to mind- when Progressives heard John Edwards’ take on solving poverty and addressing the squeeze of Middle America, we were quick to support him. Now, it seems the remaining candidates are slowly tempting us to take the heat when influence should be channeled from us to them. So before you hand over your support in November, say a prayer that the middle class many of us identify with becomes center-stage in future debate.