Talking Points Memo: The Political Implications Of The Stimulus

[Odin2005]

Brilliant article that pwns the resident naysayers: http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/02/12/the_political_implication_of_the_stimulus

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The left claims that Obama's bipartisanship has failed. They argue his "centrist" compromises, as well as the failure to offer a bigger initial package, will fatally weaken the stimulus effort. Republicans see "glimmers of rebirth" through their opposition to the Democrats' plans. But both groups are missing the larger context.

Progressives are in the process of winning a transformative political victory that may be the harbinger of a new era of activist government. For conservatives, their unity might be cause for celebration; but from a policy standpoint they have suffered a decisive defeat.

-snip-

The most striking element of the revolution that is taking place in Washington is how quickly it has occurred. Four months ago, the Democratic standard bearer made the centerpiece of his economic message a decidedly, non-liberal, middle class tax cut. No one was seriously talking about a massive spending package to revive the economy and had Obama made such a proposal then we would likely be discussing the finer points of the McCain Administration.

-snip-

While conservatives are putting on a brave face, steadfast in their opposition, they seem oblivious to the fact that the debate in Washington is no longer between big government and smaller government; it's between big government and bigger government. By supporting a slightly smaller stimulus package - and empowering centrist Republicans by giving them the credit for shrinking its size -- Obama looks conciliatory, while actually getting about 80-90% of what he wanted in new spending and tax reductions. Republicans, by holding out for only tax cuts and failing to offer any compromise that included government spending have painted themselves as political losers - a situation that could get worse for them.

[myrna minx]

1. Very astute. K&R n/t

[FrenchieCat]

2. That's how I see it.

Sometime it takes folks to stop looking at developments too close, cause when they do, they lose the big picture or it becomes fuzzy. I'm glad to see that President Obama has more clear vision than most of us political activists. Many of us only see the in-your-face obvious political moves....something that we picked up in studying Bush. But President Obama isn't anything like Bush, not even remotely close in how he works the politics of it all. Our current President doesn't mind taking the immediate Flak, as long as it results in long term progress.

[villager]

3. I tend to agree. And anyway, this *starts* a process, which can now be followed

by other progressive legislative victories...

[MarjorieG]

4. Lots of work on entitlements to do needing bi-part. creds; message today on IL/Lincoln says it all.

Obama didn't really want this big stimulus first thing. He'd rather have eased into it with programs and price tags smaller. Now he's had a chance to sell the country on investment, which is everything.

[robinlynne]

5. I hope OP is right. I have been a naysayer. I would love to be proven wrong.

[yowzayowzayowza]

6. Matches my rithmetic. K&R n/t

[liberalla]

7. "what if it works?"

yes, indeed...

what if it works?

"Republicans seem to be basing their political aspirations on the hope that the stimulus package fails and the economy worsens. But there is an obvious flip side: what if it works? What if widespread deficit spending is seen as the solution to America's economic woes? Not only will Obama have won a short-term policy battle, he may win the political war as well."

The possibility of economic improvement (success) must be keeping the pukes awake at night. You just know they'll be working at every point to jeopardize the stimulus plan.

Wow. The economic failure of the nation will be a 'Victory!' for Republicans.

[Odin2005]

8. *KICK*

[Odin2005]

9. Another kick... n/t.