Democratic politics from the center
Obama
Cameron-like concervatism in the U.S.?
Jul 24th
According to Michael Gerson UK conservatism is the biggest threat to democrats and President Obama. His column argues that republicans may regain power by proposing austerity measures in the mold Cameron’s June 22, budget.
It’d be interesting to see if his prediction materialize. This would require — as he acknowledges — the republicans to raise taxes (on the wealthy); a crucial step that they seem unwilling to take. Congress is going to have to vote for tax hikes as well as spending cuts to successfully decrease the deficit. Cuts would not only impact welfare programs but also the defense department, including its off budget items (Iraq and Afghanistan). Are the republicans ready for that?
Trying the United States Justice System
Feb 13th
Tomorrow, Darth Cheney will be on This Week on ABC, and in what will likely be another diatribe of fearmongering, demagoguery, and blurring of history will undoubtedly touch on the Khalid Sheikh Mohamed trial and the mirandizing of the “underwear” bomber . Frankly, the idea that there is an argument about these things, the concepts that somehow are justice system is unable to process these individuals, that we are made more vulnerable and they stronger is incredibly insulting, and one that I wish conservatives would.
In understanding the Mohamed trial, what is most disturbing is how the argument has transformed. Initially, the argument was that because we will be holding a trial for a terrorist, that trial will give him a platform from which to spread hate. This has since devolved (which is difficult, because that argument is flaky as is) into a question of cost; should we be willing to pay the security costs for the trial? Should we annoy New York drivers in midtown to to transport this individual? It will cost a lot of money, and were already in debt.
Dissecting the NYT/CBS poll
Feb 12th
Obama's approval ratings
A new poll by the New York Times and CBS was made available yesterday. There weren’t major changes from past polls, but some results should be highlighted.
President Obama is still facing lower approval ratings despise recent changes by the White House. The president is still suffering from damages made by a year long fight over healthcare. He is also faced with 52% and 58% disapproval ratings when it comes to the economy and the budget.
The poll also shows that congress isn’t fairing much better. With a 75% overall disapproval rating and with 81% of respondents ready to see new people in office, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more incumbents lose their seats this fall.
The good new, however, is that the republican party still hasn’t been able to turn this situation to their benefit. Americans still believe that our current economic woes were caused by the previous administration and democrats are still viewed more favorably than republicans.
Right now the focus needs to be a on the economy and providing jobs. These two issues outrank anything else and I am glad that the administration has decided to highlight them.
Jump on over to the Times article for more details.