The Dems release their own economic stimulus plan to counter Dubya’s dividend debacle. Not bad…definitely better than the Bush fiasco. But why not a payroll tax reduction, and what is up with these $300 tax rebates? I’m sorry, but in this day and age, particularly with credit cards so easy to obtain and abuse, $300 is not going to change anyone’s financial straits. Instead of making tough decisions or wise policies about what to do with taxpayer money, legislators are handing it back to us in meager amounts in what basically amounts as a voting bribe. Simply put, it’s an evasion of responsibility and a waste of time. Cut payroll taxes, restructure the rolls, do something…but don’t just keep handing out rebates. C’mon, Dems, you can do better. (Although, I must say it again, this still sounds like a much better plan than Dubya’s.)
Tag: Democrats
Daschle Defers.
In a wise move, Tom Daschle has decided not to run in 2004. Given the crowded field and the outside shot of a South Dakotan going all the way, I really think this is for the best, and I think more of Daschle for realizing it too. If only Gephardt had come to the same conclusion.
Pre-Pre-Pre-Primary.
As Al Sharpton joins the 2004 hunt (in which I suspect he’ll play the Alan Keyes role, and not just in terms of race), Adam Nagourney examines the Democratic contest so far. In related news, will Gary Hart join the fray?
A Champion for Regular People?
William Saletan sizes up John Edwards’ Clintonian appeal, as does the rest of the media. If nothing else, it sounds like he’s got a winning message that he’s smart enough to stay on.
The First Campaign.
In related news, John Kerry currently leads the fundraising race among Democrats, although the as-yet-unannounced Dick Gephardt is relatively close. Like Daschle, I’d think Gephardt would serve the party better as a much-needed progressive flak, taking the heat off more viable candidates like Kerry and Edwards. But Gephardt has desired the Presidency for so long that I doubt he’ll let the race pass him by this time.
Leaders of the Pack.
It ‘s now looking like Senators John Edwards of North Carolina and Tom Daschle are both in for 2004. Edwards seems like an ok candidate due to the Southern thing, but Daschle? I like Daschle, but I’m not sure this is a very good idea. Sure, he’ll probably win the not-so-crucial South Dakota primary hands down, but what does he bring to the table that’s not already offered by the other three Senators in the hunt? I guess we’ll see.
New Strategies.
Eager to pick up more seats in 2004, the Dems try appealing more to Hispanics and the burgeoning ranks of the terror-fearful. Perhaps they should take a look at New York.
Duke two?
Senator John Kerry tries to fight the Massachusetts liberal label.
Brave New World.
On day one of a Gore-less race, Dems and pundits alike survey the now wide-open field. As I noted in the comments below, I’m pulling for John Kerry at the moment, but would like to hear more from Howard Dean. It’d be great to see Russ Feingold in the hunt too. To be honest, the only Dem contender I’m set against right now, if you can even call him a Dem, is Lieberman. To quote from a two-year-old post (8/9/00), “First, I am pretty much turned off by moral crusading and open religiosity in a politician of any religion (“We in government should look to religion as a partner, as I think the founders of our country did”.) Second, it turns out Lieberman has supported capital gains tax cuts and school vouchers and opposed affirmative action. (“You can’t defend policies that are based on group preferences as opposed to individual opportunity,”.) Third, look at the company he keeps. Rabid cultural conservatives from Bill Bennett to Sam Brownback can’t stop fawning over the guy. Lieberman’s not a centrist – he’s right of center.” Update: Senate Dems are now pressuring Daschle to stay out.
Yes!
Gore won’t run again. Now it gets interesting…