If the Democratic Party has stood for anything over the years it is to maintain and restore upward mobility for the majority of working Americans, ensure that the playing field isn’t tilted in the direction of the privileged, and limit the power of the richest among us to entrench themselves and their heirs into a semi-permanent plutocracy.
Continuing the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, including a sharp cut in the estate tax, violates these core principles. Doing so in the midst of an economic emergency that demands bold measures to rescue America’s vast middle and working class adds further insult. For President Obama and former President Clinton to tell America there’s “no other choice” or that “this is the best we can do” — when Democrats remain putatively in control of the House, Senate, and the presidency — is misleading [Robert Reich, "Why Democrats Should Disregard Bill Clinton's Endorsement of Obama's Tax Deal," blog, 2010.12.11].
Among the things I appreciate about Reich's call to principle is that he acknowledges that he admires his former boss and the current Commander-in-Chief as "good men." Yet he disagrees with them, civilly and passionately... just as we could in a good healthy primary. Hmmm... Reich-Kucinich 2012? Weiner-Paul?
Obama went so far to the right he's practically getting kudos from John Thune. Forgive a link to anything Sean Hannity, but it's telling: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/10/john-thune-tax-cut-deal_n_794426.html
ReplyDeleteI'm dreaming, and I know it. But indulge me for a moment anyway. I'll be brief.
ReplyDeleteBehind the scenes, Hillary (strangely quiet through all this) makes arrangements to take the baton from Obama should polls indicate he may be unable to defeat the generic Republican.
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin continues to bone up on foreign policy as best she can, and starts looking like she may indeed become the GOP nominee. The result: Clinton v. Palin, 2012.
One can only hope.
That rolled through ip's head, too, Bill; the result: Obama/Clinton in 2012.
ReplyDeleteThe GOP is definitely angling for a DC outsider to lead their stupid ticket. Romney can't win Iowa but polls well in New Hampshire but ip can't imagine an a non-christian winning.
ReplyDeletePalin/Pawlenty? Pawlenty/Thune?
I know a real honest-to-goodness Socialist who could run (and yes, I'm dreaming here, too).
ReplyDeleteSurprised to see no comment here about "filibernie Friday." He certainly trended well on Twitter. ;-)
Indeed, Rebecca: Senator Sanders deserves huge kudos for his performance Friday. I would love to see him do part 2 tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteDon't dismiss John Thune (not that I like him). He has that all-American boy look and talk a certain segment is craving right now and supports the policies of wealthy Republicans. He's much more marketable to broad constituents than Palin.
ReplyDeleteThe country isn't ready for a socialist leaning president. Remember who votes.
Since they've both rebutted Pres. Obama in the same week, watch for two unlikely South Dakotans to form a third party ticket in 2012:
ReplyDeleteHeidelberger/Noem. You read it here first... unless you're the one who was reading my thoughts when I had my aluminum hat off for service.
In my opinion, the Republican nominee for President in 2012 will be someone we don't know much about yet, a "dark horse" just as Obama was at this time four years ago.
ReplyDeleteObama could give Biden the boot and run with Clinton in 2012. That would boost his chances and would give Clinton a clean shot for 2016. She'd be sort of old by then, but not that old; and maybe a lot of the visceral opposition for her in independent ranks will melt away in the next six years.
The Dems are in a mighty tough spot right now. If the left wing gets its way and the tax cuts get held up and the economy sours (psychological cause but real effect), the Republicans will scream about it for the next two years. If they don't get their way and the economy surges (again, psychological cause and real effect), the Republicans will say, "See? Our way works and their way doesn't."
As a (Gerald-Ford type) Republican (yes, a few of us moderates survive to this day), my worst nightmare is that Sarah Palin will actually get the nomination. I don't think it's likely, but I believe she's un-electable. Obama would kill her in a debate.