F/T poll: Furniture execs favor Republican presidents
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 15, 2004
AT THE MARKET -- Surprise! Most furniture folks think the industry does better under a Republican president, mainly because they believe the GOP is friendlier to business.
In an unscientific Internet poll Furniture/Today conducted earlier this month, 52% of the 130 respondents said the industry fares better under a Republican chief executive, 34% said under a Democrat, and 14% thought it was about equal.
The respondents included retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in roughly equal numbers.
Here are some of the comments from those who responded:
The 34% who believe the industry does under a Democrat say its because* Consumers are better off and have better jobs more income and in the end all of us fare better under a Democrat. With the economy down, the deficit skyrocketing and jobs in the negative, none of us are better off. When Clinton was there we did not have such problems.
* A majority of your readers will argue that the industry does better under a Republican president. That's because most people in the business are not progressive thinkers but are mired in old ways of doing things. The furniture industry suffers from the same backward thinking that the Republican Party does. "Progressive" home furnishings retailers and manufacturers are the ones that are doing well and appeal to an increasingly more educated and sophisticated public. Democratic administrations lead the country, and in turn the industry, in a more progressive direction. This industry will never be its best as long as it's run by a bunch of old white men with little style and no vision. It's way past time for some true self-examination. * Democrats are more innovative, less likely to accept status quo, have better economy and funnel more funds to the middle class that will buy furniture much more frequently if they have the money. When Democrats are in power they work hard to help the business community.* We had less imports under Democrats. I believe imports now are out of control and the sad part is nobody seems to care anymore.* The leadership within the Democratic Party is more sensitive to the global marketing trends and appears to react to the needs of the American economy. Historically, Democratic leadership has brought us into a financial surplus, which was partially used to inspire and promote economic pacts with WTO and NAFTA alliances. Besides, during this election year, the Democrats seem to be wiser, more determined, and quite a bit more intelligent on the economic fronts than the Republicans.* Recessions in furniture in 1974-75,1982 and 1987-88, and 2001-2002 were under Republicans and our best years were 1992-2000 under Clinton.* Republicans help the very large corporations, while the Democrats make doing business much easier for the small-to-medium-sized company.* The greatest gains in the economy have always been under the Democrats. When the working class are working full time and earning overtime on occasion, their money is immediately put into the economy on day-to-day necessities. Furniture is one of them. The high-income people put their money into luxuries, investments, trips, etc. Trickle down does not work. Most great fortunes were made under trickle up. * The Democrats were able to shrink the government and balance the budget (in fact, providing a surplus). The led to lower interest rates and more disposable income for the average consumer. I do not hear many specialty stores experiencing a booming furniture market now.* The industry, like any other, is made up of American citizens - from the shop floor to upper management. What's good for one group may not be "optimal" for the other. Often the two political parties are framed in terms of "more government" vs. "less government," or "tax & spend" vs. lower taxes & more business-friendly policies. The health of our economy and society is not reduced to such simplistic arguments. Our government must collect taxes, meet its obligations, and then address its chosen priorities, but the good of all Americans must be primary. High corporate profits, stock prices, and well-heeled CEOs don't make for the good of all America. Democrats seek fairness and growth, support manufacturing jobs and want to balance the budget.* Trickle down economics is arithmetically bankrupt. Huge deficits hurt our country.
The 14% who say it's about equal point out:* The industry does well when the country is comfortable and people feel secure enough to spend money on home furnishings. Under various administrations one sees radical changes in prices of fuel, services and inflation worries in general. The industry follows the highs and the lows in the economy and I really don't feel that either party controls these issues closely as they should.
* People's purchasing power is always based on how the economy is doing and how the discretionary income is available.* I'm a stout Republican, however I am also a student of economics. I believe the economy is going to experience ups and downs regardless of who resides in the White House. * A long time ago our Government decided to take us to a service economy and the rest is History. All labor-intensive jobs were earmarked for third world countries. All of the noise we hear today is just talk. The plan that was made in the late 60s early 70s is on track. The biggest losers to China are the other countries that we get our clothes from. We need to focus on providing raw materials to China since they seem to have to import most of what they need.* The main reason I say equal is that you have to take into context many terms in a row. By that I mean who came before as President and what fiscal impact did their administration have going beyond their term(s). The mid-80s were great for the furniture industry under President Reagan, but under President Bush they were not. Perhaps some of Reagan's policies helped the industry but may have also caused the downturn during Bush's. However the good times during the Clinton era did carry over into GW Bush's first term, but was quickly thwarted with the 9/11 disaster, which was not the result of a President's fiscal policy. So historically, both parties have produced Good Times as well as bad. * If we had equal integrity among the parties, and if there were some degree of integrity among the press, business would fare better under Republican presidents and their pro-business posture. But since we have one party, aided by the press, that will stoop to damaging the economy for the sake of winning elections, we get hammered by an unending pessimism that is not only bad for business, but also bad for our individual health and well being! * The industry has failed miserably under all parties. * World events such as globalization and the advent of the Information Age--things beyond direct presidential control--are the real drivers of our industry's fortune.* Global economics today are beyond party lines. We may choose the protectionism of the Democrat's, but it will not limit the import products to our shores. Today, U.S. export is technology, the design and development of new product and services, bringing this product to market in a timely matter before it is knocked off. The U.S. consumer's only concern is price. Technology and introduction of new, more cost-effective product will improve the furniture industry. We need to develop new systems to streamline costs, from manufacturing, distribution, and retail. As a industry why are we so concerned about the unrealistic life expectations for our production that in four years time we will ask ourselves again which is better the Democrats or the Republican, with no answer.
Of the 52% of executives who say the industry does better under a Republican say it's because* Our business struggled under Clinton, our entire area did! Our stores are in an agricultural area, which never fares very well under Democratic control. It seems the Democrats care more about the cities and they ignore rural areas. The biggest benefit to our area comes from decreases in middle class income taxes. If we can repeal estate taxes, that would really help our farmers. Eliminating the marriage penalty benefits our large rural families and allows us to spend our money the way we want.
* Republicans are always better for small business with lower taxes being the key reason. Now with all the issues with imports, it's even more so. If the consumer wants lower prices, then selling them imports is the only way to make them happy. Republicans are better for protecting free trade.* Since the 1960's Democrats have moved to a Socialist type stance. It seems they consider free enterprise and privately owned business one of the country's greatest enemies. We will never fare well under their mind set. * The Republican agenda typically supports lower taxes, lower interest rates and fewer restrictions on business. This results in economic growth and greater demand for furniture products. As a retailer for the past four years, a manufacturer for 20 years and a long-time consumer I can attest to the Republican philosophy benefiting all levels of the marketplace. * Republican Presidents tend to favor more business-friendly economic incentives, which in turn will lead to more employment and a stronger economy. Democratic Presidents tend to favor more business requirements, which really hurts the business sector.* Consumers have more money in their wallet to spend when the GOP is in control. Lower taxes equal growth.* Republican presidents are more pro-business. They seem to understand free markets better, be it our country or the much greater multi-national markets now involved in the furniture industry. For our industry, we need someone who can see and understand the pros and cons in our increased outsourcing, our percentage of the GDP. * When more people are working and paying taxes, everyone is better off. When Democrats are in office they want to give things away under government controls. Never works long term.* The Republican Party favors putting money in the hands of the citizens instead of the government. This drives the economy through retail and business development. * Taxes are kept low, letting people keep more of their own money and thus able to spend more on furniture under Republicans. They assert an agenda of lower regulation and fight for tort reform and less business litigation.* My opinion from 18 years of experience is that more buying takes place during "Republican" years. Small companies can afford to buy when they are not overburdened by taxes. Large companies grow when the economy is good. Individuals buy when their investments are making a profit and their jobs are expanding. The market in general has been up for 2.5 years. I have seen commercial furniture sales increase substantially in the last two years. Residential homes have been selling even more and the increase in residential furniture sales is starting to follow. * Republicans are very much in tune with the business world. They do the right thing to encourage profits. They understand the little man needs to profit for the circle to be complete. In this great and free America everyone has a right to be the best they can be. That of course is not measured by wealth, but it is measured by achieving goals. Many times, though, the reward is dollars. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking $1.00 and turning it, honestly, into $5, $10 or however much you are able.
* As we think back on the past years, the biggest growth and bottom-line money was made when there was a Republican President in office.
* I'm sure that the numbers will tell the story, but my opinion is that the overall economic scenario is better under the Republican regime. Republican economic policies support business in America while the liberal polices of the Democrats create incentives for non-working Americans to remain non-working. This leads to the further expediting the "exportation of labor".* Because Republicans believe in cutting taxes and putting money back in the pockets of those who are actually working who will spend money more wisely. Democrats believe in increasing taxes, taking more from those who actually work to gain nicer things in life. In turn, they give that money to those who can work but won't even try. Most of those spend their money very unwisely and, most often, not on things such as furniture. * Republican tax policy is more favorable to small business which most furniture retailers are. Republican policy makers are more supportive of restricting frivolous lawsuits and their attitude toward bankruptcy regulations is better. * Republicans tend to put forth policy that stimulates the economy. The furniture market in High Point has done nothing except grow post 9/11 under the current president's administration.* The basic philosophy of the Democratic Party is to tax the rich and businesses. The fact is that you never really tax a business ... you just cause it to raise its prices to a level that it needs to cover the increased taxes.
That makes goods and services cost more. The result is that the consumer pays the tax through higher retail prices, from food all the way to home furnishings.* Republican presidents have done a better job at spreading hope and optimism throughout the land...which leads to more spending, especially in furniture since it follows new home purchases.* Everyone agrees it takes money to make money. Those who have money are in a constant process of using it to create more wealth. This process entails investing in people and corporations, thus creating opportunities for both. When the wealthy are taxed heavily they are not the ones to bear the burden. The burden is passed on to the middle class through small or nonexistent raises and lack of benefits; the discretionary funds run dry. With no discretionary funds to research and fund moneymaking opportunities, the economy is weakened. The logical consequence is that the middle class, that has the largest share of the retail purchasing market, is handicapped. Therefore, the handicapped consumer begins to handicap the retail sector with low profits.* I believe that the Republican emphasis on family values and family life tends to refocus attention on home and hearth. The home and its furnishings are given more attention and use, and are more likely to be replaced and upgraded. In addition, Republicans are traditionally favorable legislation towards business in general and purchasing stimuli such as low interest rates add to a friendlier climate for all aspects of the furniture industry. * Overall the furniture industry prospers only as the USA prospers. The more government, the higher the taxes, the harder to prosper. Therefore, Republicans are better for business than Democrats.* Republicans get it... they understand that without commerce our freedoms are meaningless. They understand that terrorism is war and is not merely breaking a law. They understand if terrorism left unchecked the world economy will plunge into new Dark Age....* Republicans are pro-business and pro-capitalism* G.O.P. = small business friendly. Always has and always will be.* Republican policies favor small business and Mom and Pops are what make this industry--the big guys come and go!
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