In
National Journal Charlie Cook warns the Democrats to
prepare to run for reelection in the midst of high
unemployment. That might make it tough to convince voters
that even more big spending programs are the answer to our
problems. Writes Cook:
Obviously, there are many variables that can drive a political
party's fortune in next November's elections, but the economy
and jobs dwarf all others. Polls may show a majority of
Americans understand that this recession started under
President George W. Bush, but every day,
President Obama, and inferentially his party,
take on a bit more ownership. By the 2010 midterm elections,
the economy will completely belong to Obama and Democrats.
What should concern Democrats is that while there is a
diversity of views about just how much the economy will grow
next year, the views of both optimists and pessimists converge
on the politically important question of unemployment: The
consensus is there will be very, very little job growth next
year.
Ten percent unemployment wouldn't be good at any time for the
incumbent ruling Democrats. This possibility is an
especially good reason for the Blue Dogs to consider
carefully before voting to nationalize the American medical
system!
About the Author
Doug Bandow is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and the Senior Fellow in International Religious Persecution at the Institute on Religion and Public Policy. A former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is author of Beyond Good Intentions: A Biblical View of Politics (Crossway).
