What is the Single Most Important Issue in this Election Cycle?

I think it's the economy. Every thing hinges on the economy from jobs to social issues. I also believe we need to get the government smaller. I see my children and grandchildren having this debt on their back for years if something isn't done. Next is simplify the tax code and get rid of Obamacare. W@hen it comes to who to elect we need people with economic backgrounds. I just hope more with economic back grounds run. Too few have any background in business or economics. Too many of the elected officials had degrees in government and the humanities,science or technology-related fields. Check this out . No wonder we are in the pickle we are in.http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61929.html

To echo other responses here, I think the economy has to be the number-one priority of the federal government going forward. Anything social should be addressed locally at any rate. Get the federal government out of social issues. What place do they have in dictating values? No offense to Republicans, conservatives, Democrats, liberals or anything else, but I don't want your values shoved down my throat from on high. I really don't. Some folks feel really justified in their beliefs, so much so that they want it passed down on everyone with a magical dictator wand. Abortion and gay marriage - these are two big ones.

In my opinion, the economy is the most important thing. Social issues and foreign policy won't matter a whit if our economy is in the tank. After the economy is back on track, if it ever is, we can concentrate on other things. It'll take years for it to recover from the damage the last two presidents and their congresses have done to it. As for social issues, I think that's better left up to society for the most part. I don't want my attitudes legislated and I'd much rather my local churches and charity groups help those in need in my community than the government. That way I can give voluntarily to the causes I believe in, not have my money taken from me under threat of imprisonment to be wasted on bureaucrats, kickbacks and whatnot before about 2% of it finally trickles down to someone in real need. Foreign policy? Let's leave everyone alone, butt out, promote peaceful and prosperous trade and mind our own business. Bring our troops home to protect OUR homeland and OUR borders. It'll also be a big boost to the economy!

I thought it was to take our country back. Hell I did't even know our country was abducted.

It's obvious the biggest factor in this election cycle, like any other, is the size of the candidate's nose. Maybe you think this a snide answer, but appearance and presentability are more important to the main Parties than true political beliefs. Okay, I was being a little silly about the nose, but overall appearance is a major factor. Now if you really mean what we SHOULD be focused on, I think the economy is too simple of an answer. I think people should be looking for leadership and accountability. Too bad neither major Party is going to give us someone that will embody that. This won't be a great election of hope or change in Washington and the public will be even more disgusted 4 years from now no matter what they choose. The world is "supposed to" end next December and the timing of this in relation to the election is too much fun to pass up. Perhaps the choice America makes is so bad that World War 3 erupts over it? Well, at least a new Civil War or Revolution. I'm stocking the bunker again just in case. It's a good excuse for another Y2K-type party anyway if the world doesn't end. Heck, what are we going to do ten to twelve years from now for an excuse to party in the bunker? Jeez, I've gone off track. Party On!

I agree with most of what's been said about the economy being most important to get right if we are to survive as a nation. We also need to turn back the tide of Marxism that is slowly trying to reinterpret our Constitution. We need to defend the Constitution and elect people to high office who will do the same, as they vow to and then don't. I will be looking at what kind of Supreme Court and other judicial nominees a candidate is likely to appoint, because the Supreme Court is fast becoming the most powerful part of the government. It's scary to think that nine people who are not elected can have this kind of power. Branches of government claiming and exercising powers the Constitution did not authorize them to exercise, need to be reigned in. The Republican Party should be focused on electing people who will protect and defend the Constitution, and they will be most likely to have policies that will have a positive effect on the economy.

Personally I feel the most important thing a potential candidate that is running in office for President, should be the Economy, Jobs and Housing. They are not focusing on housing and the economy and jobs like they should. Too many people are loosing their homes, even with decent jobs just because they are continuing to make it hard to get any help without having to pay out so much $$ to keep it. What ever happened to being able to help anyone, instead of almost downright discrimination from the start anymore. There are jobs out there but not enough to make a difference and the problem still becomes earnings. Is it really worth getting a job if you only stuggle more from there?

I have to agree with most everyone that has already posted here. The biggest issue in this election should be the economy, the job market, and financial stability in our government. The budget (or apparent lack thereof) should also be an important factor. Foreign policy is also very important. We have already had one terrorist attack on home soil and there is just as much of a risk that it could happen again, at least in my opinion. The social issues, like Obamacare, Social Security, Medicare, etc should also be figured in but none of those are as important as the economy. If we can't fix the economy, and get Americans back to work, we simply won't have the funds for social programs, defense programs, or anything else.