A story in today’s New York Times and column in the Washington Post discuss how Republicans are
using the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as an opportunity to further their own political
agenda rather than help restore confidence in our economy:
“Even as Mr. Obama was signing the bill, Republicans were denouncing it as a waste of money. They asserted that it would not turn the economy around and that they were unified in ‘disagreement with Congressional Democrats and President Obama,’ in the words of Michael Steele, the Republican national chairman.” – New York Times, 2/18/09
“Mr. Steele said that he foresaw a ‘slight bump’ in the economy because of the enormous amount of money to be spent, but that he did not expect it to be lasting. ‘I’m telling the party leadership around the country, don’t believe the hype,’ he said. ‘There will be a slight uptick, it will flat-line, and it will continue to go down.’” – New York Times, 2/18/09
“‘After the November elections the party was beat back and defenseless. I think this allows them to stay unified and will help rebuild their financial base.’… As a matter of crass political calculation, most Republicans, especially given safe House seats, had more to gain than lose in opposing the stimulus. As one explained, if the measure works, relieved voters won't be inclined to punish Republicans; if it falters, Republicans get an ‘I told you so’ moment.” – Washington Post; Ed Rollins, GOP strategist, 2/18/09
