However, there are some things presidential candidates ought to be able to attach a number to, aren�t there? Here are 10, for starters, that I think a candidate kinda sorta oughta have a handle on. If you�re like me you�ll be close on some and pretty far off on others, but then, we�re not running for president:
- 1. The median U.S. household income.
2. The median salary of a schoolteacher (chart gives a range).
3. The median salary of an active-duty enlisted soldier (table gives a range).
4. The average yearly cost of a family health-care plan (see fourth graf).
7. The unit cost of an Army Black Hawk helicopter (see �Overview�).
8. How much the United States pays every year to farmers who don�t farm.
9. How many billions� worth of weapons the United States sells to other countries (2005 figures).
--Michael Tomasky