Clinton On '60 Minutes': Tax Cut Is Bad Economics

katv.com ^ | March 9, 2003 | AP

[Nachum]

New York (AP) - Former President Clinton, in his first televised mini- debate with Republican Bob Dole on Sunday, said that a tax cut at a time that war is looming in Iraq is "bad economics."

Dole, Clinton's opponent in the 1996 presidential election, said the Bush administration has launched a global war to protect the American way of life, "which means, among other things, the freedom to save or invest our own money."

The retired politicians have agreed to revive the "Point-Counterpoint" segment on "60 Minutes," television's most popular newsmagazine.

In the two-minute debate, the two will face off on a subject of their own choosing. Sunday's segment was the first, and Clinton chose to talk about is successor's proposed tax cut; Dole gets to choose the next segment.

Clinton said a conflict with Iraq and the subsequent rebuilding will cost many billions of dollars when the country is at a deficit.

"Now when we're cutting back on everything from homeland security to education and with Iraq still to pay for, your party wants another big tax cut," Clinton said. "Never before have we had a big tax cut in times of national crisis. Lincoln didn't. FDR didn't. With over 200,000 young Americans in the Persian Gulf, we shouldn't. It's wrong and it's bad economics."

Dole responded that it didn't have to be one or the other.

"For President Bush to practice the economics of "either/or" would not only invite political attack from your friends who want his job, it would risk winning the battle and losing the war," the former Senate majority leader said.

After their initial 45-second segments, both politicians were given 15 more seconds to make another point.

"Leadership is about choosing," Clinton said. "So let's give up our tax cut."

No way, said Dole, arguing that many of the nation's economic problems could be traced to an economic hangover from the roaring '90s.

"The Bush tax cut has barely kicked in," Dole said. "But I'll tell you what. I'll gladly donate my tax cut to a worthy charity, if you will. Maybe even to the Clinton library."

[Ciexyz]

Clever comeback by Mr. Dole.

[The Wizard]

when will somebody take this guy away......

[RummyChick]

after what this guy did I can't understand why people still want to listen to him

he has NO MORAL AUTHORITY and I just can't even look at him without thinking what a scumbag he is

[The Wizard]

I have to say that bill clinton on TV kills hillary's career....

maybe it time for hillary to do to him what she's had done to others

[GrandMoM]

Former President Clinton-Former President Clinton-Former President Clinton-Former President Clinton-Former President Clinton

....Bob Dole AND MNSCB need to wake up, BILL CLINTON IS NOT MR. PRESIDENT

GGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[jackbill]

Can you believe that Clinton is being paid $1 million for this BS?

[F.J. Mitchell]

The very fact that Liberal democrats, both the has beens and those aspiring to be has beens, all rabidly oppose a tax cut, is proof positive that tax cuts really work. Nuf sed.

[Mike Darancette]

Bill, you ignorant slut.

[PhiKapMom]

This is the name of the Fox News story -- I have copied the title direct from Fox News:

Bubba vs. Dole, Round One

[Slyfox]

The retired politicians have agreed to try and revive the "Point-Counterpoint" segment on "60 Minutes," television's most unpopular newsmagazine.

[goodnesswins]

So...the accused rapist, perjerer x Pres managed to show up on time, did he.....SCUMBAG...won't watch, can't watch...don't want to ruin my week.

[HoundsTooth_BP]

How much does Dole get?

[kcar]

The great Austrian economist, Bill von Clinton, speaking as the definitive authority of modern business cycle theory, revealed to an ignorant nation that giving them back their own money is a bad "economic" idea since they'll just "blow it".

[JoeSixPack1]

Oh yeah sure, what ever happened to the EX-IMPREACHED PRESIDENT KEEPS HIS BIG MOUTH SHUT ABOUT HIS SUCCESSOR!!!!!!!!!!

No if, ands, or buts.

He breaks ever rule there is to break. Never in our history has one SOB done so much damage to our traditions and lifestyle!

And Dole (mr Happy) sits there with a stupid grin on his face as if anything either one of them sez is even worth air-time, let alone thoughtful consideration.

He's as close as a human being can get to resembling jock itch.

[Optimist]

Leadership is about choosing

?

I guess if you are Clinton it's about choosing which poll to follow (or question to ask to get the poll answer you want).

[Sacajaweau]

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Clinton promise not to raise taxes and then raise them which produced the overflowing pot (besides us working our butts off.

[daler]

Forget the "accused" stuff...this man (sic) is a proven serial LIAR.

Now, why would anyone have any interest in what he has to say?

[upchuck]

IMPEACHED Former President Clinton-IMPEACHED Former President Clinton-IMPEACHED Former President Clinton-IMPEACHED Former President Clinton

[Paul Atreides]

Can you believe that Clinton is being paid $1 million for this BS?

Of course I can believe it! They keep around that doddering old communist, Dan Rather.