UPDATED: Prop Up the Market, Then!
Another day, another stock market dip. And Bernanke says that recovery depends on propping up the markets, but the White House does anything but:
[A]fter five weeks in office, it’s become clear that Mr. Obama’s policies are slowing, if not stopping, what would otherwise be the normal process of economic recovery. From punishing business to squandering scarce national public resources, Team Obama is creating more uncertainty and less confidence — and thus a longer period of recession or subpar growth.
Instead, we get more ObaMcCarthyism. Who’s the enemy of the week? A talk radio host! Admittedly, not just any talk radio host. But that’s my point: does the administration realize how silly they look going after Rush? Doesn’t it belie a certain substantive hollowness to Obama’s agenda that he must keep looking for someone to blame, rather than focus on the business of governing?
Makes me wonder, with all due respect, how Peggy Noonan can perceive Obama as presidential as this? If Obama were being presidential, he would inspire confidence. That he feels he has to go after Rush to control the debate does not.
UPDATE: No, the stock market is nothing like a campaign tracking poll, Mr. President. Watch the market dip further as investors get an earful of this new pearl of presidential wisdom.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I just heard Rush on the radio ask “where is the evidence that taking on Limbaugh works? Clinton tried it three times.” And then the Republican Revolution of 1994 happened…
MORE: Jonah Goldberg: The tired war on Rush Limbaugh. With a reminder: “Just because the Democrats’ shtick is old and often dishonest doesn’t mean it’s tactically dumb.” No it does not, but it’s not the bill of post-partisan goods Obama peddled during the campaign, either. Not being able to rise above Limbaugh makes Obama look small. And that can’t help him.
ONE MORE: “Are you now, or have you ever been, a fan of Rush Limbaugh?” (via Insty) As I’ve been saying, there’s a McCarthyist tinge to the administration’s whole attitude!
Insta-lanche! Thanks for the link, Prof. Reynolds.
