It’s Change We Can Believe In Because It’s Change We Can Define
Upon further reflection, and after a discussion with State Rep. Jackie Walorski on Abdul’s radio show this morning, I’ve determined that there’s one question Republicans can’t — and don’t want to — answer: How is John McCain different from George W. Bush?
Same tax breaks for Big Oil, big corporations and the ultra-rich. No tax breaks for the middle class. (McCain, proud owner of six more homes than most folks, can’t even say the words “middle class” without visibly wincing.) Same strategy — or lack thereof — in Iraq. Same health care policies that come up short for average Americans. More and more and more of the same.
But a funny thing happens when you ask a Republican to talk about change: They start talking about Barack Obama.
When I asked Rep. Walorski to tell me the difference between McCain and Bush this morning, she couldn’t think of anything other than to resort to her talking points about Barack Obama as a big, scary tax guy.
Of course, we all know that’s not true. Obama’s plan would provide for tax breaks for 95 percent of America, and the other 5 percent, who are doing just fine, mind you, wouldn’t pay any more than they did under Ronald Reagan, who, according to an informal survey of Republicans, was the bestest President of all time.
Last night, when Gov. Sarah Palin was asked to differentiate between McCain and Dubya, she went into her “let’s talk about the future” dance.
One problem, as Biden adeptly pointed out: Past is prologue.
McCain and Palin are all about change because some poll told them to talk about change. They’re hoping talking points and the once-shiny-but-increasingly-cloying-and-annoying Celebrity Veep Pick will fool the American public into four more years.
We’re smarter than that.
But don’t take my word for it. Just ask any Republican to define McCain’s version of change. I bet you five bucks he or she starts talking about Barack Obama.
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I’ll take that challenge:
John McCain wants to eliminate earmarks totally, Bush never demanded this
John McCain wants to stop the flood of PORK in the budget, so that money is wisely spent or not spent at all, Bush let the budget swell to epic levels
John McCain will say we screwed up Iraq once we were in Bagdad, and didn’t do a great job running the country. He demanded the ouster of Rumsfeld and was first to push a surge. Bush was slow to act on all these fronts.
John McCain talked directly to the House Republicans about the bailout bill, Bush disregarded them and assumed he had their support, which he didn’t.
John McCain is going to be a different kind of leader than Bush, better stronger bi-partisan.
See nothing about the Messiah!
Excellent point, and i’ve noticed that the “mainstream” media is picking up on it as well. Roberts asked Mayor 9/11 this question on CNN this morning and the mayor almost fell down trying to answer it (he never did).
1. It’s how Congress works. See this week.
2. Bush was for it before he was against it.
3. They hold the exact same position today.
4. Both McCain and the Bush administration tried and failed to persuade the House Republicans.
5. Again, same Bush2000 talking point…
I like how your first two points include the word “wants.”
The problem is what McCain has done.
He’s been in Washington the last eight years. And you know what? He voted with Dubya 90 percent of the time.
I want a million dollars. I can sit around talking about that want, or I can get out there and work to make it a reality.
McCain hasn’t worked to make anything a reality. He took a poll, realized his message wasn’t working and promptly changed it like he changes his socks.
To your point about the bailout, McCain took a huge risk — and lost. He suspended his campaign, tried to duck out of the first debate, went to Washington and talked his way into a corner. The day the bailout was supposed to pass because of all his “hard work,” it failed by 12 votes. Unfortunately, no one must have told him, since he was on the campaign trail taking credit for bringing people together.
Palin quipped last night about talking the talk and walking the walk. John McCain has talked George W. Bush’s talk more than 90 percent of the time. He’s walked George W. Bush’s walk more than 90 percent of the time.
Are you really willing to bet on 10 percent odds that he means what he’s saying this time?