OK, the Republicans are poised to take back the House of Representatives and make gains in the Senate on Tuesday. This can be only good news, right? Overall, it probably is good news, but there is also a possible downside.
As things stand now, the Democrats have a political trifecta with Obama in the White House, and control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Despite Obama’s attempt to lay blame on George W. Bush, the general public knows it is the Democrats who are in complete control of the economy. It is for this reason, among others, that Obama’s poll numbers are sinking.
Assuming the economy continues to tank, Republicans will officially share responsibility for what happens. If the economy continues to decline or if it remains flat until the summer of 2012, then Obama and the Democrats can make a case that the Republicans must share the blame for the bad economy. This will give Obama a valid argument for a second term.
There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who are currently drawing unemployment, and are nearing the end of their 99 weeks of unemployment compensation. One of the first tests will come soon when the Democrats try to extend the time that the unemployed receives checks; however, it is at this point the Republicans will have to decide whether to reject the extension or go along with the Democrats. In other words, increase spending or risk looking like the bad guys.
Of course should the economy improve, the Republicans can take their share of the credit. This too has a downside, though. If the economy has markedly improved by the summer of 2012, the voters are apt to attribute the success to Obama’s sterling leadership. Could a win on Tuesday cost the Republicans the White House in 2012?
Michael Steele, Mitch McConnell, John Boehner and even Sarah Palin have all said publicly that the economy is not the top priority of the Republican Party; nor is the deficit, jobs or the repeal of Obamacare. The TOP PRIORITY is to make sure that Obama is a ONE TERM president, because that will do more to protect the nation and our future generations in the long term.
I agree.
Posted by: Rook | October 30, 2010 at 08:41 PM
It's possible if the Republicans win the house that it might hurt their chances against Obama in '12, but that's a long time and a lot can happen between then and now.
Posted by: Franklin | October 31, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Winning big this week has far fewer downsides than losing. Obama has to be stopped...or at least slowed down until he is stopped in '12 by defeat. That can only happen with a GOP victory at least in the House. The Republicans need to continue nonstop to forward bills to the Senate and the WH that would repeal all or part of Obamas programs that are moving us to destruction. Cap & Trade can be held up for months if he can't get it through Congress. That's vital to our economic and life-style future. And remember, if the Libs just barely hang onto the Senate, they will not soon foget the big losses suffered in '10. That will make it a little bit more difficult to get his programs thru the Senate. I agree though, the media will hammer away daily at the GOP for any negative downturns in 2011-12. It'll all be the fault of George Bush and GOP.
I would also suggest that a GOP House push for investigations on Czars, socialist influences by his leftist advisors (ie Van Jones), and all the lies told by this administration. Keep these losers on the defensive.
Posted by: Ernie | October 31, 2010 at 05:25 PM