The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Obama's Big Government Gamble

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A new USA Today poll has some noteworthy results for those of us interested in limiting the size of government. While a slim majority of Americans (52 percent) are at least supportive of bigger government during the current economic crisis, by a 3-1 margin, they say they want to cut back the expansion of government once the crisis is over. Additionally, 55 percent of Americans think that Obama's economic proposals spend too much money, and by a 50 percent to 42 percent margin, Americans say government is "trying to do too many things that should be left to individuals..." While majorities support Obama's housing plan, the stimulus package, and more regulation of financial institutions, only 39 percent support bank and auto bailouts.

Add up all of these numbers, and what it tells me is that Obama is taking a huge risk in pushing through a raft of new spending, because when his actions drive up our debt and trigger either inflation and/or broad based tax increases down the road, there's likely to be a massive backlash against his expansionary agenda. Obama is betting that government will be able to solve our nation's problems, and build America's trust, before the bill comes due.

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Stan Redmond| 4.15.09 @ 6:58PM

"by a 3-1 margin, they say they want to cut back the expansion of government once the crisis is over."

Do these people who support large government to "fix" a crisis realize once the government GRABS the power it never give it back? How often is the federal budget reduced and how often is a tax repealed? NEVER!!! And as power hungry as politicians, Obama especially, what motivation is there for Obama to solve a crisis (not that government can)? Never let a crisis go to waste indeed and once you have one keep it going for eternity. 1984 and the endless war anyone?

gene| 4.15.09 @ 7:37PM

Excellant point Stan.

Becky| 4.15.09 @ 9:40PM

I think the bills are coming due sooner than expected from past government "investments" , like Social Security. It all sounds great on paper. Spend this much, tax that much, take from this group and give to that one, grow the economy by optimistic amounts, and presto!, problems solved.

Or if they aren't, then just repeat the previous exercise. Until you run out of money, because obviously, there is only one idea for life long government employees, we need more money and yada, yada, yada.

Tish| 4.16.09 @ 9:48AM

I am ever loathe to disagree with Philip Klein, but I've seen no evidence that Obama cares if his policies improve the economy or not. If government controls the economy, it can do what it pleases, and that seems to be Obama's real goal.