Obama: Economy All Bush’s Till January
I know it’s early, but President-elect Obama didn’t have a lot to say in today’s economic press conference. In fact, he was almost the anti-Truman by insinuating that the buck stopped with President Bush until 20 Jan 09. Other than that, he enumerated policies we’d heard before–bailouts, a new stimulus package, and in general a lot more spending. There wasn’t a lot of talk about new revenue sources AKA taxes and an odd hedge on his promise to raise taxes on the “wealthy” by stating he’d have to wait and see.
My early take–they have no idea what to do, which leads me right back to the strategy I espoused yesterday. Republicans just need to sit on their hands and wait. That’s what Obama is doing. Why do you think he’s so careful to insist that we have only one president at a time? He’s not going to step up and put his neck on the chopping block and support President Bush. That would be risky, bi-partisan, and might get him in trouble if a major mistake gets made. Better to let President Bush sink on his own, so I say follow his lead.
The people gave Democrats power; now force them to lead. The last thing Republicans should do is provide cover for tax increases, the Fairness Doctrine, or any other liberal programs. When they appear, provide the conservative alternative, and vote against them. Sure, the media will howl about partisanship, but so what? Republicans won’t get credit for being bi-partisan, and they sure as hell won’t get an ounce of credit if the program is successful. So, when faced with a zero-sum game, the best option is not playing.
Note to the President-elect: The dig at Nancy Reagan was not presidential and rather mystifying given she’s not a public figure anymore.
Archived in: Democrats, Economy, Fairness Doctrine, President-elect Barack Obama, Republicans, TaxesNovember 7, 2008 at 8:45 pm | Trackback
6 comments
All we’re going to hear from the MSM for the next 4 years is how Obama came in, FDR-like, and saved the day from the mean old Hoover-Bush Republicans. Better get used to that story line because it has been a winner for Democrats for 60 years. Repubs need to counter-attack harder and place the blame where it belongs, i.e., on corrupt Democrats in this Congress. After all, it is Fannie Mae and Fredie Mac, programs which were Democrat faves for years including Obama’s, which precipitated the meltdown in securities. Repubs need to make that one stick starting now, Repubs cannot allow the Hoover-Bush comparison to get started. Newt, call your office, you have an urgent message from the RNC.
I see what you are saying, green. However, I believe that ship has sailed. Republicans already let Democrats skate on the financial crisis. How McCain didn’t pin the crisis firmly on Obama is beyond me. The whole thing was tailor made. Obama took vast sums from Freddie and Fannie. Their failed CEOs worked for his campaign. But neither Bush or McCain effectively made the case. That’s why I think it might be a bit late now.
The GOP and the Donks both are rowing the sinking boat using just one oar. The GOP can’t say anything; they are hip deep in the sh**pit too.
Picture the Donk and Pachy on the beach frantically trying to rebuild the sand houses while the tsunami of entitlements is ready to crash on them.
Their is not enough money to stave off the impending debacle, not in this country, not in the world. Massive devaluation and bankruptcies are ahead.
Chalk one up for world socialism; everyone will be equal.
3rd para: their should be there. Typing one thing while thinking of something else.
VW:
The only persons that might be upset over your innocent misnake are professional word-parsers and obamanites.
Actually, Bryan, I’m pretty ticked off about it. He’s gonna have to clap those erasers.