Posted on 01/23/2012 2:20:24 PM PST by Qbert
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) appeared on “Fox News Sunday” yesterday and argued that President Obama’s policies “have actually made our economy worse.” Then he said it again. And again. All told, the House Republican repeated the claim five times in one interview (and in each instance, host Chris Wallace offered no pushback whatsoever).
For those who care about reality, Boehner’s claim isn’t true. Since the president took office, every aspect of the American economy — job creation, economic growth, manufacturing, the stock market, etc. — has improved considerably. Repeating a lie five times doesn’t make it true.
But what I find especially important about this is the extent to which Mitt Romney, the likely Republican presidential nominee, disagrees with Boehner.
Consider this remarkable exchange between Romney and conservative radio-host Laura Ingraham late last week: (thanks to F.B. for the tip)
INGRAHAM: You’ve also noted that there are signs of improvement on the horizon in the economy. How do you answer the president’s argument that the economy is getting better in a general election campaign if you yourself are saying it’s getting better?ROMNEY: Well, of course it’s getting better. The economy always gets better after a recession, there is always a recovery. […]
INGRAHAM: Isn’t it a hard argument to make if you’re saying, like, OK, he inherited this recession, he took a bunch of steps to try to turn the economy around, and now, we’re seeing more jobs, but vote against him anyway? Isn’t that a hard argument to make? Is that a stark enough contrast?
ROMNEY: Have you got a better one, Laura? It just happens to be the truth.
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say this may be the most important statement Romney has made since launching his 2012 presidential campaign. Think about it: the likely GOP nominee argued, on the air and on the record, that the economy is getting better under President Obama, and it “happens to be the truth” that Obama took steps to turn the economy around, resulting in more jobs for American workers.
If Laura Ingraham had asked a Democratic ally of the president the same question, she likely would have heard a similar answer.
What’s more, as I noted over a week ago, Romney keeps saying this. He told voters in South Carolina and New Hampshire that under Obama, the economy is “getting better.”
Romney’s message, of course, comes with a catch: he believes the economy is improving, but he doesn’t want the president to get credit for it. But as Ingraham noticed, that’s an argument that will fail miserably.
A month into 2012, the Republican is effectively arguing, “Sure, Obama inherited a deep recession. And sure, he took a bunch of steps to turn the economy around. And sure, we’re now seeing more jobs being created and more economic growth. But vote against him anyway.”
This isn’t just a tough sell; it’s an impossible one.
Newt has picked the real fight... at his victory speech in SC on Saturday, he spoke of the two America’s, the one in which we all know and believe in and the one that Obama is trying to create... in the image of socialism by way of Saul Alinsky. If you only argue economy, you may wind up supporting an economy that eventually begins to work, but under the auspices socialism.
South Carolina, with 10% unemployment and an active target for anti-business gov’t interference, felt otherwise.
Here in the bay area the cost of living has increased 18% in the past three years. My spouse and I are paid less than we were three years ago. In all, our spending power is in a deficit. But neither of us are represented in the unemployment numbers.
“”Romney = Obama-lite Obama!””
RoBAMney.
Go Newt!
This is really pathetic. What planet does this guy live on? It is so painfully obvious that he is the WRONG guy for the job right now...amazing that the Republic establishment doesn’t get it. We are so far ahead of them it’s astounding. Guess that’s what happens when you only talk to your beltway buddies...like an echo chamber.
Romney walked right into it. Don’t EVER let him loose alone in a two-holer outdoor toilet. Because we already know what will happen.
"Below is the actual quote before it was trimmed fror effect:
ROMNEY: “Have you got a better one, Laura? [laughter] It just happens to be the truth.... at some point it’s going to get better, but I don’t think President Obama’s helping it.”
Thanks- it looks like some selective editing on leftist Steve Benen's part. Nonetheless, as the article you link to mentioned, it still is a very weak argument on Romney's part- in an area that is supposed to be his forte. (And on top of it, I wouldn't put it past the Dems using it out of context in ads if he's the nominee, and justify it by saying that he took Obama "out of context" in his ad a few months ago)
I can just see this in round the clock Obama ads and ads thanking Romney for helping design Obamacare. This guy is a terrible candidate.
I showed this to someone and he accused this left wing blogger of making it up. Does anyone remember hearing this interview? Or have a link to the transcript?
Thanks.
I’d vote for you. You have the sense to know how to frame the argument. Romney - not so much!!
McLame: “ Nothing to fear about Obama.”
Mitt: “Obama’s economy is getting better.”
Way to fight, boys!! Better stock up on Viagra!!
We are the resistance!!
Rebellion is on!!
Join or die!!
Don’t tread on me!!
And their are people here that are STILL confused on the idea of needing to beat this guy???????
Romney does not understand the economy.He has never been a businessman.
He has always been a corporate raider.
I agree 100 percent. There are more comprehensive answers to Laura's question from FReepers on this post.
Here is a clip of the unedited interview. Doesn’t sound quit so bad when you listen to it:
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/288736/ingraham-challenges-romney-message-brian-bolduc
I guess this pompous assshat hasn’t bought gas or been grocery shopping in the last three years.
FUMR.
When does the clown drive the tank and go pheasant hunting?
Youbetcha !
And according to the system clock in here, I'm replying to yours before you posted it !
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.