Hot-Button Issues

This president does not retreat. He dances: Two steps forward, one step back. What are we going to say if come January the Bush tax cut are not extended; if benefits run out for the unemployed? You got it! It’s the Republican’s fault. They wouldn’t play ball.

Everybody agrees, if nothing happens, it would be a disaster for the economy. So, according to Obama, nothing should happen. He doesn’t want the economy to improve. Neither can he say so directly. Therefore he must offer the fig leaf of impossible compromise. This is his policy. If the Republicans can be tagged with failure, it’s a bonus for the president.

I predict nothing will happen beyond what’s already been set in motion. The Bush tax cuts will expire, as will unemployment benefits. Republicans will be blamed along with the Dems who’ve gone over to the other side. Effectively, this will also demonstrate the futility of elections and the impotence of Congress. This, in marked contrast to the power of the presidency.

On the bright side: The longer Congress wrangles with the aforementioned issues, the less time it will have to finger other hot-buttons - all of which are already set to trip the wrong way. For the next session of Congress, the die has already been cast, the template set. Congress will be unable to stem the red tide. Congress will be blamed for any (deliberate) policy failure (sic). The people’s wrath will be directed primarily at Republicans in Congress. Only POTUS will appear to be acting in the people’s best interest (or not) - by fiat.

http://pkoelliker.blogspot.com/