Kimberley A. Strassel: Bush's Economic Surrender

The Wall Street Journal ^ | January 25, 2008 | Kimberley A. Strassel

[Aristotelian]

Potomac Watch: Pity the GOP candidates arguing for real tax cuts.

Here's one group that isn't much stimulated by the White House's economic pact: Republican presidential hopefuls. The general sentiment among most of the campaigns? Thanks for nothing.

The Bush administration unveiled its $150 billion feel-good stimulus package yesterday, with President Bush praising the "good will on all sides." The package, with its "middle-class" tax rebates and minor assortment of business benefits, isn't likely to help the economy. But it did allow the political class to provide itself some cover if things continue to go south. After all, Washington "did something."

Left holding the bag have been Republican presidential candidates as they struggle to explain why their party should again be trusted with the Oval Office. The White House provided no real outreach to let the campaigns know what was coming down the stimulus pipe

(snip)

Talk about the ultimate missed opportunity. One of the few advantages the GOP starts with in this election is a president who can use his perch to frame the national debate. This was Mr. Bush's chance to explain to voters the stark economic choice they will face this November. They can choose another Republican who is committed to preserving the Bush tax cuts that have done so much over the past five years for economic growth -- plus more. Or they can vote for a Democrat who will raise their taxes at a time of economic uncertainty, causing untold harm.

[Aristotelian]

Bush fumbles the ball -- again.

[ari-freedom]

I’m still waiting for someone who truly gets it on the economy

[Aristotelian]

Reagan surrounded himself with supply-siders, so the message of his administration was always clear. Bush didn’t, for the most part, pick supply-siders and his economic message has been muddled. Heck, the first Treasury Secretary he named (O’Neil) didn’t even believe in tax cuts. So help me, I will NEVER understand Bush.

[ari-freedom]

yes Bush is very incoherent but well meaning.

I also hope someone will understand monetary policy because it is monetary policy, not lack of tax cuts, that is responsible for the weak dollar, high gas prices and subprime meltdown.