First the scenario

.....The IMF (Internation Monetary Fund) has warned congress that we should deal with the fiscal cliff, and come up with a SERIOUS plan to reduce the debt OVER TIME, not instantly.

.....The National assoc for Business Economics reports that in April, 48% of businesses do not plan to hire anyone in the next 6 months. That figure now is up to 62%. Not a good thing for sure. The main reason...the deficit.

.....Patty Murray, the Democrat from Washington said today that if the Republicans do not agree to a tax increase on rich they are prepared to allow us to go over that cliff and at least have the beginnings of a recession.

Now the idea...

Albert Hunt of Bloomberg makes this suggestion and I sort of like it.

Either Obama and Romney challenge each other, or one challenge the other..what ever works to,,,,,,"by Sept. 15, a broad-based, specific budget/tax deficit-reduction plan so Americans can compare and contrast and discuss and debate before they vote. "

Neither today is being specific on this issue which is baseline to the economy. He suggests bringing back Simpson Bowles and using that as a starting point, but whatever...something we can see because this decision is vital to this country.

This is a bit iffy in that things change in this economy but it does get them both off the political crap and at least fosters a discussion of substance.

Voters Must See Candidate Plans for Avoiding Fiscal Cliff - Bloomberg

Survey: Only 23 percent of U.S. companies plan to grow staff

Democrats threaten to push U.S. over fiscal cliff if GOP refuses to raise taxes - Spokane Conservative | Examiner.com

IMF to U.S.: Deal with fiscal cliff and debt ceiling soon - Jul. 16, 2012