Right-Wing Republicans vs. Corporate Democrats vs. Progressive Populists

[Better Believe It]

Right-Wing Republicans vs. Corporate Democrats vs. Progressive Populists
by Norman Solomon
September 10, 2010

At this bleak political moment, gaining congressional power for progressives might seem like pie in the sky. More and more desperate efforts are underway to stave off a Republican takeover of Congress. But the necessity of trying to prevent right-wing rule on Capitol Hill should not obscure the need to win more seats for genuine progressives.

Ever since early last year, the Obama administration has chipped away at the Democratic Party's base -- undermining its capacity to mobilize for the midterm election -- while sometimes courting Republican leaders to the point of absurdity. Consider this news account from the New York Times a few days ago: "Though liberal and labor groups have been agitating for public works spending, Mr. Obama and his advisers are emphasizing business tax cuts in hopes of drawing Republican support -- or, failing that, to show that Republicans are so determined to thwart Mr. Obama that they will oppose even ideas that they and most business groups, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, advocate."

Huh?

Or consider the Washington Post report Thursday on "Obama's proposal for $180 billion in fresh infrastructure spending and business tax breaks." The newspaper explained that "his plan would make permanent a corporate tax credit for research and allow companies to deduct from their taxes this year and next the entire cost of whatever they spend in new investments -- ideas pulled directly from GOP playbooks."

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/09/10-2

[NJmaverick]

1. This article reminds me of the great Daily Kos quote

"If anyone peddles stupidity trying to dampen progressive opposition to Republican rule, they're not on your side."

[zipplewrath]

2. It's the triangulation strategy

You neutralize your opponent by supposedly advocating positions that they cannot oppose. Problem is, the GOP has perfected the art of opposing YOU, not the position you are advocating. Throw in some lies like "socialist health care" and "death panels", leverage some crap about birth certificates (or killing Vince Foster, they'll find something) and complain bitterly about the "process" and how you were "cut out" and you never have to address the positions or proposals. You can spend all your time opposing the person.