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Economy
See other Economy Articles

Title: Call Obama’s bluff
Source: Washington Post
URL Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opini ... /gIQAfzFyEI_story.html?hpid=z4
Published: Jul 15, 2011
Author: Charles Krauthammer
Post Date: 2011-07-15 12:04:22 by jwpegler
Keywords: None
Views: 34243
Comments: 55

President Obama is demanding a big long-term budget deal. He won’t sign anything less, he warns, asking, “If not now, when?”

How about last December, when he ignored his own debt commission’s recommendations? How about February, when he presented a budget that increases debt by $1041;trillion over the next decade? How about April, when he sought a debt-ceiling increase with zero debt reduction attached?

All of a sudden he’s a born-again budget balancer prepared to bravely take on his own party by making deep cuts in entitlements. Really? Name one. He’s been saying forever that he’s prepared to discuss, engage, converse about entitlement cuts. But never once has he publicly proposed a single structural change to any entitlement.

Hasn’t the White House leaked that he’s prepared to raise the Medicare age or change the cost-of-living calculation?

Anonymous talk is cheap. Leaks are designed to manipulate. Offers are floated and disappear.

Say it, Mr. President. Give us one single structural change in entitlements. In public.

As part of the pose as the forward-looking grown-up rising above all the others who play politics, Obama insists upon a long-term deal. And what is Obama’s definition of long-term? Surprise: An agreement that gets him past Nov. 6, 2012.

Nothing could be more political. It’s like his Afghan surge wind-down date. September 2012 has no relation to any military reality on the ground. It is designed solely to position Obama favorably going into the last weeks of his reelection campaign.

Yet the Olympian above-the-fray no-politics-here pose is succeeding. A pliant press swallows the White House story line: the great compromiser (“clearly exasperated,” sympathized a Post news story) being stymied by Republican “intransigence” (the noun actually used in another front-page Post news story to describe the Republican position on taxes).

The meme having been established, Republicans have been neatly set up to take the fall if a deal is not reached by Aug. 2. Obama is already waving the red flag, warning ominously that Social Security, disabled veterans’ benefits, “critical” medical research, food inspection — without which agriculture shuts down — are in jeopardy.

The Republicans are being totally outmaneuvered. The House speaker appears disoriented. It’s time to act. Time to call Obama’s bluff.

A long-term deal or nothing? The Republican House should immediately pass a short-term debt-ceiling hike of $500 41;billion containing $500 41;billion in budget cuts. That would give us about five months to work on something larger.

The fat-cat tax breaks (those corporate jets) that Obama’s talking points endlessly recycle? Republicans should call for urgent negotiations on tax reform along the lines of the Simpson-Bowles commission that, in one option, strips out annually $1.141;trillion of deductions, credits and loopholes while lowering tax rates across the board to a top rate of 23 percent. The president says he wants tax reform, doesn’t he? Well, Mr. President, here are five months to do so.

Will the Democratic Senate or the Democratic president refuse this offer and allow the country to default — with all the cataclysmic consequences that the Democrats have been warning about for months — because Obama insists on a deal that is 10 months and seven days longer?

That’s indefensible and transparently self-serving. Dare the president to make that case. Dare him to veto — or the Democratic Senate to block — a short-term debt-limit increase.

This is certainly better than the McConnell plan, which would simply throw debt reduction back to the president. But if the House cannot do Plan A, McConnell is the fallback Plan B.

After all, by what crazy calculation should Republicans allow themselves to be blamed for a debt crisis that could destabilize the economy and even precipitate a double-dip recession? Right now, Obama owns the economy and its 9.2 percent unemployment, 1.9 percent GDP growth and exploding debt about which he’s done nothing. Why bail him out by sharing ownership?

You cannot govern this country from one house. Republicans should have learned that from the 1995-96 Gingrich-Clinton fight when the GOP controlled both houses and still lost.

If conservatives really want to get the nation’s spending under control, the only way is to win the presidency. Put the question to the country and let the people decide. To seriously jeopardize the election now in pursuit of a long- term, small-government, Ryan-like reform that is inherently unreachable without control of the White House may be good for the soul. But it could very well wreck the cause.

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#1. To: jwpegler (#0)

Say it, Mr. President. Give us one single structural change in entitlements. In public.

At today's presser he was asked this directly and failed to name one, though his answer was long and rambling. Typical.

socalv8  posted on  2011-07-15   12:14:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: jwpegler (#0)

After all, by what crazy calculation should Republicans allow themselves to be blamed for a debt crisis

You mean the debt crisis the Republicans themselves caused?

"Keep Your Goddamn Government Hands Off My Medicare!" - Various Tea Party signs.

Godwinson  posted on  2011-07-15   12:18:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#3. To: Godwinson (#2)

You mean the debt crisis the Republicans themselves caused?

You know damn well that the Democrat Congress during Bush's second term was quite satisfied with joining the administration's reckless use of our military and education and home ownership and...

Charles Krauthammer is the only columnist I read anymore. As I have been saying for 12 years, the Republicans are incapable of running Congress, but they damn well better do exactly what he says. Boehner needs to get some backbone and McConnell needs to stop listening to Hatch.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-15   13:41:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#4. To: harrowup (#3)

Hatch is going to get booted next year. Jason Chaffetz is going to run against him and the Hatch people are already running scared.

We have to wait until 2014 to boot McConnell and limp-wristed Lindsey.


Any fourth grade history student knows socialism has failed in every country, at every time in history -- Vladimir Putin

jwpegler  posted on  2011-07-15   13:48:49 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: jwpegler (#4)

Hatch is going to get booted next year. Jason Chaffetz is going to run against him and the Hatch people are already running scared.

That's the best news I've heard about the Republicans since D'Amato retired prior to incarceration.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-15   13:51:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#6. To: socalv8 (#1)

At today's presser he was asked this directly and failed to name one, though his answer was long and rambling. Typical.

I agree. He could have mentioned the cutting of military costs which are primarily used to subsidize the creation of new markets and supply lines.

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-15   13:55:15 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: harrowup (#3)

Charles Krauthammer is the only columnist I read anymore.

So,...you like the Vampire Jew huh

Its one thing for Israel to defend itself against the crazed moo si lums
Quite another issue however when Ghoulish Jews guilt trip America that its their solemn destiny to bring Democracy to the Moo si lums
Its Neo con code word for War and military industrialist profits and benefits for Israel,....like it was a never ending Birthday party.

10 Years on from the False Flag of 9-11
America is broken and in staggering debt,...having its testicles crushed at airports,,..its women and children groped.

All this is the Gift of the Neo Con,....the RINO,....even the Democrat whores on the Hill who were found to own more stock in defence corporations and alligned than RINO's

All this the great gift,......the Ghoul in the wheelchair grins from the periphery.

Parrot with speed dial  posted on  2011-07-15   21:35:26 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#8. To: harrowup (#3)

Charles Krauthammer is the only columnist I read anymore.

He's a neocon war monger. I hope you aren't.

Fred Mertz  posted on  2011-07-15   23:01:03 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#9. To: Fred Mertz (#8)

"Charles Krauthammer is the only columnist I read anymore."

He's a neocon war monger. I hope you aren't.

Since I don't know your definition of neocon or war monger that charge and question are not very helpful.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   9:36:37 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#10. To: Parrot with speed dial (#7)

So,...you like the Vampire Jew huh

Wow, I've never paid much attention to you before, but you have some deep socialization problems.

You can get help, but nobody will notice.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   11:36:52 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#11. To: harrowup, Parrot with speed dial (#10)

Wow, I've never paid much attention to you before, but you have some deep socialization problems.

You really do sound like a liberal from the chosen tribe with that one.

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-16   11:44:49 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#12. To: mininggold (#11)

You really do sound like a liberal from the chosen tribe with that one.

And another anti-semite comes calling.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   12:30:51 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#13. To: harrowup (#12)

And another anti-semite comes calling.

Ooooh that nasty poster again (me) making an observation that's probably accurate. You need to tell White Sands so she can save the post for you.

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-16   12:47:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#14. To: mininggold (#13)

"And another anti-semite comes calling."

Ooooh that nasty poster again (me) making an observation that's probably accurate.

Rumor has it that you are just as ugly physically .

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   15:16:30 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#15. To: harrowup (#14)

Rumor has it that you are just as ugly physically .

Rumor has it you are a traitor to America.

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-16   15:22:24 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#16. To: mininggold (#15)

Rumor has it you are a traitor to America.

Must suck to be so stupid.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   15:26:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#17. To: harrowup, mininggold (#16)

bicker...fight...insult...

fwiw, I thought you two were on the same side...

socalv8  posted on  2011-07-16   18:39:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#18. To: socalv8 (#17)

I thought you two were on the same side...

Aside from the fact that anti-semitism isn't part of my cv you obviously don't comprehend how irrelevant your value judgements are to me given your disgusting behavioral flaws.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   20:23:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#19. To: harrowup (#18)

How is "antisemitism" a function of modifying current US international practices of doling out US taxpayer's coin to every tom, dick and harry around the world under the colour of "peace dividends?"

Israel is certainly an issue but not because of "antisemitism." The heart of the issue is that America has for decades helped and nourished other nations (and not just Israel) based on the outcome of WWII. America helped make Israel a nation through international treaties, particularly because of the UN (a do-nothing organization that costs American taxpayers BILLIONS each year.)

Don't you think it is time to reel in the official con-game? I do. If anything, the world is closer to the brink of disaster than anytime in history because of this US political intrigue.

buckeroo  posted on  2011-07-16   20:37:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#20. To: buckeroo (#19)

If anything, the world is closer to the brink of disaster than anytime in history because of this US political intrigue.

Not until China pulls the plug. In the meantime we need all the friends we have and Israel is one of them.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-16   20:49:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#21. To: harrowup (#20)

In the meantime we need all the friends we have and Israel is one of them.

In a sense, I agree with you. Still aren't you sanctioning official posturing for extortion? How has Israel been America's friend? Because they happily have taken BILLIONS in grants for military aid and social programs?

Where has Israel provided any direct help in any effort back to the USA? Please don't document the millions and billions of campaign contributions that Israel unofficially distributes to their new/old crop of US politicians.

buckeroo  posted on  2011-07-16   21:08:05 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#22. To: buckeroo (#21)

How has Israel been America's friend?

They have refrained from blowing Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia back to the Stone Age.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-17   7:14:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#23. To: harrowup (#18)

your disgusting behavioral flaws.

I knew you were a douchey pinko, but I didn'y know you were a douchey pinko with ESP. Thanks for answering, though.

socalv8  posted on  2011-07-17   11:36:11 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#24. To: socalv8 (#23)

ESP

Good point.

Given the general flavor of most forums I am one of the few moderates compared to the lunatic left (progressives...pinko in you terms) and radical right (Tea Party...unknown how you describe them) and the libertarian loonies (anarchists...foul mouthed ill bred punks, aka 'socalV8', chuckle).

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-17   12:50:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#25. To: harrowup (#24)

That explains your yukon defense and reputation, I guess.
Keep posing, Moderate.

socalv8  posted on  2011-07-17   12:54:44 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#26. To: socalv8, harrowup (#25)

Keep posing, Moderate.

Harrowup claims to be "Moderator X." I think he picked up the "yukon" nasty habit of using the wrong browser and the wrong link when he signs in.

buckeroo  posted on  2011-07-17   13:14:38 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#27. To: harrowup, socalv8 (#24)

Given the general flavor of most forums I am one of the few moderates compared to the lunatic left (progressives...pinko in you terms) and radical right (Tea Party...unknown how you describe them) and the libertarian loonies (anarchists...foul mouthed ill bred punks, aka 'socalV8', chuckle).

What's the matter? Did Socal beat up on one of your fellow degenerate tribe members?

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-17   13:19:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#28. To: buckeroo, mininggold (#26)

Doesn't take long for you two to get stuck on stupid

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-17   16:40:30 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#29. To: harrowup (#28)

Doesn't take long for you two to get stuck on stupid

Doesn't take long for you traitors to stutter.

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-17   23:34:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#30. To: mininggold (#29)

"Doesn't take long for you two to get stuck on stupid"

Doesn't take long for you traitors to stutter.

Do you ever make sense?

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-18   1:16:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#31. To: harrowup (#30)

Do you ever make sense?

Making sense on this site is against the 'rules'.

mininggold  posted on  2011-07-18   1:37:32 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#32. To: harrowup (#30)

Do you ever make sense?

Admiral, I was wondering if you and Gatlin and "yukon" and your love of this world Ms, Goldi ever got IT through your FUCKIN' THICK SKULLS that all of you and associates brought down LP to its lowest numbers of "hits" in years.

Just asking, of course ... I know you have to go fuck some ol' goat tonight.... so, don't worry about a reply to me or anyone.

buckeroo  posted on  2011-07-18   1:49:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#33. To: buckeroo (#32)

With all of your self-proclaimed internet savvy, I am amazed none of you seem to know that Alexa doesn't 'count' like other web-crawlers.

If you make skin off the 'net, you should learn how it works.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-18   2:05:20 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#34. To: buckeroo (#26)

Harrowup claims to be "Moderator X."

All I know about him is that he protects yukon like there's money in it.

socalv8  posted on  2011-07-18   3:51:47 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#35. To: socalv8, buckeroo (#34)

"Harrowup claims to be "Moderator X."

All I know about him is that he protects yukon like there's money in it.

Bucky, do you really get spooked by spoofs? Robin needs to better evaluate your skill set.

And yukon doesn't need any protection, He manipulates you silly little twits with carefree abandon.

WhiteSands, SOD, GrandIsland and 22Rifle all give you the vapors cleaning your clocks regularly as well so my interest is limited to the times when I'm cranky just getting up, the weather is bad or itsybitsyphony and libertoonies try to outrun the ding-dong.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-18   8:51:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#36. To: Parrot with speed dial (#7)

10 Years on from the False Flag of 9-11

More demonstrated "nuttiness" on the web ...

_Jim  posted on  2011-07-18   8:57:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#37. To: harrowup, socalv8, buckeroo (#35)

WhiteSands, SOD, GrandIsland and 22Rifle all give you the vapors cleaning your clocks regularly as well

that's why the little bitches spend all day trying to get goldi to ban everyone,

omg, i hope you got that skank whitetrash backing up this thread.

calcon  posted on  2011-07-18   9:38:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#38. To: mininggold, harrowup (#31)

careful there ming, the admiral will be whining to goldi to have you banned. that what the whiny old man does when he's getting his ass kicked.

calcon  posted on  2011-07-18   9:43:01 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#39. To: harrowup, socalv8, buckeroo, mininggold, whitetrash, sod (#38)

Battle cry of the yuklown liberal disruptor posse.

GOLDI, GOLDI, GOLDI, they're talking mean to me.

calcon  posted on  2011-07-18   9:57:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#40. To: calcon mininggold (#38)

whining to goldi to have you banned

You seem to be the only one whining about Goldi and mininggold usually has some pretty good insights. Pehaps being associated with you has caused some momemtary lapse in judgement.

harrowup  posted on  2011-07-18   10:06:29 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  



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