Gibbs: "The President is not an Economic Prognosticator"

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

(Said just now while refusing to answer question in WH briefing as to whether the WH agrees with Krugman and Stiglitz that there is a danger of a return to recession in 2010.)

This is a typical sort of comment. It sounds cute, humble, down-to-earth... but is actually sort of crazy.

The stimulus bill required a theory of where the economy was headed

The healthcare bill required(s) a theory of where the economy was headed

Any federal budget requires a theory of where the economy was headed

Setting policy priorities requires a theory of where the economy is headed

Most of what the President does in the realm of domestic policy is based on a theory of where the economy is headed

So somebody over there better be an economic prognosticator! The administration is, in aggregate, obviously an economic prognosticator.

And the President, one hopes, accepts some model or another in thinking about policy and priorities. Otherwise he would be acting at random.

[Teaser]

1. whether or not the president is an economic prognosticator

the right thing to do is say he is not.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

2. Should the basis of policy be a secret from the people?

I think we have a reasonable right to know to what model of the future the president subscribes.

It's really important stuff.

Gibbs was not asked whether Obama is an economic prognosticator. He was asked what the President's view of something is.

It was a reasonable question that should have been answered, not played off.

IMO.

[jefferson_dem]

3. Come now.

This is just a bit of rhetorical deflection. It's how WH Press Secretaries earn their money.

[shawcomm]

4. I never thought Gibbs was a good choice

He comes off as a bit arrogant, and deflects when he doesn't have to. This President deserves the most honest and best people to be around him. CIA especially needs to be cleaned out of Bush devotees. Yeah, not on topic about the economy, but I just needed to say it.

[Oregone]

5. Its a time where people care more about toughness on terror than understanding economics

ug