Republicans are trying to turn the conversation from a legitimate comparison of policies to a condemnation of Obama’s so-called failure to undo all the effects of the Republican recession. This is not a recent approach. In fact, Republicans were scheming on Obama’s inauguration day to set up this case to return them to power. To understand Obama’s first term, you must first understand the Republican Plot. Paul Krugman does.
Does anyone remember the American Jobs Act? A year ago President Obama proposed boosting the economy with a combination of tax cuts and spending increases, aimed in particular at sustaining state and local government employment. Independent analysts reacted favorably. For example, the consulting firm Macroeconomic Advisers estimated that the act would add 1.3 million jobs by the end of 2012.
There were good reasons for these positive assessments. Although you’d never know it from political debate, worldwide experience since the financial crisis struck in 2008 has overwhelmingly confirmed the proposition that fiscal policy “works,” that temporary increases in spending boost employment in a depressed economy (and that spending cuts increase unemployment). The Jobs Act would have been just what the doctor ordered.
But the bill went nowhere, of course, blocked by Republicans in Congress. And now, having prevented Mr. Obama from implementing any of his policies, those same Republicans are pointing to disappointing job numbers and declaring that the president’s policies have failed.
Think of it as a two-part strategy. First, obstruct any and all efforts to strengthen the economy, then exploit the economy’s weakness for political gain. If this strategy sounds cynical, that’s because it is. Yet it’s the G.O.P.’s best chance for victory in November… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
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Chris Hayes documented this point well.
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I know I’m preaching to the choir here, and repeating something I have been saying, over and over again, since I predicted it before Obama ever became President. The problem is that far too few American voters understand that this is what is going on, and it’s up to us to spread the word. So I’m sure I will keep harping on this issue, and hope you do as well.
Chris Hayes summarized the solution perfectly: "The best way [for voters] to stop Republicans from holding them hostage is to strip them of power in November."
13 Responses to “Understand the Republican Plot”
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Well Tom I certainly will give it my best shot. Again I thank -You for all you do Obama/Biden 2012
Thanks, Mama!
I just saw the results of a recent poll on MSNBC. I don't remember who conducted the polling. The results wee clear though. Only 8% of voters said the jobs numbers would affect their vote in November. If that's true, the GNoP had the wrong strategy on the AJA.
Chris Hayes summarized the solution perfectly: "The best way [for voters] to stop Republicans from holding them hostage is to strip them of power in November." AMEN!
Thanks Patty. That's good news!
Chris Hayes summarized the solution perfectly: "The best way [for voters] to stop Republicans from holding them hostage is to strip them of power in November."??
I think- we have to remember to not only keep President Obama in office– but give him a house and congress that will work with him– In this election I think– There Ain't no such thing as a good Republican !! NONE!
Vote-Help others to Vote !!! We cannot be complacent– That is what put us in this mess—
I agree, Phyllis. The down-ticket candidates are just as important,
Repubicans accusing Pres. Obama of not leading on the jobs-creation front is like Lucy accusing Charlie Brown of not kicking the football.
I love that analogy!
What Edie said!!
TC, I am part of the choir. I have friends and relatives, however, who are not. I keep trying, and will keep trying to get them to see some REASON before the election. If only FAUX news would have a two month blackout!
Wow!! Would that prove there is a God or what? 😉
Republican/Teabagger tactics : Obstruct and exploit
Republican/Teabagger obstruction and how to deal with it during the campaign was the topic of discussion in yesterday's article from the Daily Beast. Here is part of my comment from that post:
Mr Obama said : "You didn’t elect me to tell you what you wanted to hear. You elected me to tell you the truth. …"
This is not about offense or defense. This is not about how your opponent will respond. This is about the strength of truth, the truth about the obstructionism that the Republican/Teabaggers deliberately perpetrated, not just on you [Obama], but on the American people.
In my mind, this is an ethical strategy because it builds on the truth with evidence that is within the public domain. Should it have been done earlier? . . . hell yes! What's that age old saying? . . . "the truth shall set you free" !
Chris Hayes' statement at the end of the video sums it up nicely:
"The best way [for voters] to stop Republicans from holding them hostage is to strip them of power in November."
I can't vote since I am not an American citizen. I can't help people register or take part in campaign offices and activities. But I can continue to comment freely on what I see in the political agenda. I can continue to comment on the Republican/Teabagger tactics of obstruct, exploit and deceive. I can encourage others to do their homework. And I can continue to make the following my tag line:
Vote Democratic!!!!! Vote Obama/Biden 2012!!!!!
BTW, if I were American, I would vote Democratic and then I'd hold their feet to the fire.
It certainly is an ethical strategy.
If only 10% of US citizens did as much as you do.