What Was the “Message” Of the Election? Attack on Social Security?

[Big Bill Jefferson]

What Was the “Message” Of the Election?
By: Jane Hamsher Thursday November 4, 2010 10:40 am


Peter Orszag has an oped in the New York Times regarding Social Security. It’s full of the usual Orszag claptrap in which he sets himself up as the sober, responsible judge, while “the left… seems adamantly opposed to restoring actuarial balance to Social Security.”

Orszag ends with this:

Given the left’s strident opposition to any serious discussion of Social Security reform, the issue will provide a key early indicator of the administration’s response to the election results.

While I don’t want to put words in his mouth, it’s hard to interpret this in any way other than “now that voters have handed the Democrats their asses, it’s time to stand up to the left and start hacking away at Social Security” – especially since Orszag touts his own Diamond/Orszag plan, which calls for a reduction in benefits for those who are now under 55.

Orszag may not work in the administration any more, but his voice is clearly one that the President respects. Indeed, much of Obama’s own messaging on the issue reflects what Orszag is saying here.

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http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2010/11/04/what-was-the-message-of-the-election/