McCaskillfull Obama commercial

Posted 12 weeks 5 days ago by rom12921

Senator Claire McCaskill of Missuori showed me what she's made of on MSNBC this morning. There are a few points she brought up that have me questioning leadership in general.

"George Bush has run this economy into the ditch..." This seems a like a good 'gotcha' talking point, but has problems.

1.President Bush is not an omnipotent force controlling the economy. Even if the President had the ability to "run" the economy, he/she shouldn't as it would contradict the concepts on which this country is established.

2. Accountability? Appropriations bills in Congress have more bearing on the economy. Senator McCaskill (and majority) seem to take pleasure in blaming a lame-duck Pres., rather than to be accountable. Example, Speaker Pelosi in April 2006:

“Democrats have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices by cracking down on price gouging, rolling back the billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, tax breaks and royalty relief given to big oil and gas companies, and increasing production of alternative fuels.”

3. The economy is not in a ditch. Senator McCaskill is either ignoring or purposefully mischaracterizing economic data. The economy is slowing and possibly in recession, but the economy has done quite well in recent memory. Recessions 2001, 1990-91 have been short-lived and relatively mild.

"Unemployment up the most in 20 years" I can only conclude Senator M either does not understand unemployment data or is disingenuous. The one-month percentage increase is the most since 1986 with the last 3mos 5.2%,5%, 5.5%. By historical standards, unemployment rates have been low 5% + or- .

MSNBC essentially allowed an uninterrupted Obama commercial for nearly 5 minutes. McCaskill requested 100% support from Clinton and her supporters, but failed to acknowledge the virtual "tie" in the primary process from what I heard. Obama support, while I understand backing the team, seemed demeaning to the accomplishments of Senator Clinton.

Show-me another possible VP. I think we have enough ignorant, disinngenuous and irresponsible politicians already.