PrintJanuary 19, 2008
Senator Reid can recycle his talking points
The war in Iraq is out as the cudgel with which the Democrats would bludgeon the Republicans in the elections in November. The Democrats are now shifting their focus to the economy.
However, though the issue has changed, I don't believe the Democrats' strategy will.
For Iraq, the strategy was simple: remind the people the war was going bad. If there was any progress made in the war, deny it. If anyone in authority claimed there was progress, paint them as unbelievable.
Now, I have no idea and am making no predictions of where the economy will be come November. And President Bush, recognizing the risks the economy now faces has proposed a stimulus package. However, regardless of the state of the economy, I predict that Harry Reid's statements on the economy in 2008 will follow the same pattern he used regarding Iraq in 2007.
In a spirit of generosity, I have updated the talking points for him.
April 13, 2007 2008
"We're going to pick up Senate seats as a result of this war (economy)," Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) told reporters yesterday. "Senator Schumer has shown me numbers that are compelling and astounding."
April 19, 2007 2008
Reid: "I believe ... that this war (economy) is lost, and this surge (the president's stimulus package) is not accomplishing anything"
April 24, 2007 2008
CNN Interviewer: "General Petraeus (Henry Paulson) is going to come to the Hill...and make it clear to you that there is progress going on in Iraq (the economy)...will you believe him?"Reid: "No. I won't believe him because it isn't happening."
