Ammunition for your holiday political spats.
By John Dickerson, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008
McCain lost: So long as it didn't have an (R) after its name, a wooden post could have won this election. Bush was unpopular, the Iraq war was unpopular—and yet McCain was nearly even in the September polls. If it hadn't been for the financial crisis, McCain might have won.
The Financial Mess:
Blame the Democrats: Robert Rubin started the deregulation that led to this mess. Bill Clinton supported and signed key banking deregulation; and Obama's incoming economic adviser, Larry Summers, was also a big champion. Democrats were relentlessly blind to the dangers at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Greenspan played a role too, pushing the deregulation of derivatives.
The Detroit Bailout:
Help 'em: Sure, the auto companies screwed up, but the economy can't afford to lose so many jobs right now. You can bail them out and make them restructure.
Screw 'em: Did you see that the Big Three CEOs all flew private planes to testify in Washington? As for restructuring, it will only happen if they know they won't get any help; as for the job losses, those workers will be better off in more viable industries. Did you see that the Big Three CEOs all flew private planes to testify in Washington?
Economic Stimulus:
Against it: Our deficit will go through the roof, which will make us beholden to foreign creditors. A stimulus plan will delay needed behavioral changes among both individuals and companies. We're becoming a socialist country.
Obama's Mandate:
Not so fast: They might have elected the man, but there's no evidence people signed up for his policies. A lot of voters picked him because he wasn't Bush. (See McCain lost, above.)
Obama's Cabinet:
No change: It's all Clinton people. The lobbying rules aren't as restrictive as he promised. He's hiring a replacement for Karl Rove.
The New Congress:
Get ready for left-wing madness: Congress dominated by Democrats is going to run roughshod over Obama and push crazy liberal policies, which will lead to even bigger deficits and big losses for Democrats in the midterm. How reckless will they be? Listen to what House ways and means Chairman Charlie Rangel said: "Don't ask me where the money will come from. I'm going to the same place Paulson went."
Obama Surge in Black Voters Killed Proposition 8:
Yes, they did: How new voters behaved is not at issue. Seventy percent of African-Americans voted against Prop 8. Ninety-four percent of black voters supported Obama. The increase in turnout among African-Americans supporting Obama made the difference.
Will a Woman Ever Become President?:
Not for a while: Geraldine Ferraro was right—in politics, it's harder to be a woman than a black man. It's still a sexist world. Just look how terribly everyone treated Sarah Palin.
The Republican Party Is Dead:
It's just resting: Pundits declared Democrats all but dead in both 2004 and 1994. Parties don't die; they restructure. (See Detroit Bailout, above.) Historical patterns suggest a pickup in House and Senate seats in 2010.
Palin Ruined McCain's Chances:
No, She Didn't: Look, just because she doesn't visit the Met and drink microclimate wine doesn't mean she's not smart. McCain lost for other reasons in a bad year for Republicans. McCain's problem with the base would have been worse without her. Exit polls showed that a majority of voters who cared about the Palin pick went for McCain.
Bush Is the Worst President of My Lifetime:
Born between 1932 and 1974: There have been no attacks since 9/11. Iraq is turning around and may become a beacon for democracy in the Middle East. Bush is like Truman: unpopular now, but history will vindicate him.
Born after 1974: No need to elaborate. Use the time to get a second helping of pie.
Above excerpts from slate.com
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