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Paul Krugman learns to love tactical politics

by Jon Henke | November 13, 2008 at 5:04 PM
in

Paul Krugman was "radicalized" in 2000 by the realization that Republicans were being "dishonest".  "We're being lied to by our leaders", he said, "and I just felt I really needed to put that very strongly in context."

Well, Paul Krugman has found a context for lying that he can get onboard with.

The word I hear, by the way, is that Obama’s opposition to mandates was tactical politics, not conviction — so he may well be prepared to do the right thing now that the election is won.  So this looks very good for the reformers. There’s now a reasonable chance that universal health care will be enacted next year!

Remember, it's not lying.  It's just tactical politics!

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Comments

Speaking of flip-flops

Submitted by Punchenko on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 19:26.

I remember just two short years ago the Democrats were railing against one party rule and extolling the value of divided government. My how times have changed.

Still against one party rule, punchenko

Submitted by RisingTide on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:02.

want you guys SANE again, first, before I give you any keys to power though.

End the Kleptocracy, tell me how you will manage to not let it ever grow again, and you'll be much more likely to get my vote.

Not wanting One Party Rule is why i voted Republican last year. My ward -- the one that voted for McGovern, voted Republican for a REASON. (yes, the current democrat is embarrassing. hungover enough to not show up to veteran's services, and NOT bother to call and say you were indisposed??? kill me. I want a new mayor!)

Krugman's reality

Submitted by MiddleClassSqueeze on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 19:27.

Krugman's reality is whatever is convenient for him to believe.  For weeks the man has been touting that the U.S. needs to return to the 1930s and New Deal type spending.  Yet, he never, ever, talks about how a his own state government, New Jersey, has been run that way for 8 years and has been in decline the ENTIRE time.  I'm not sure if he is blind to the situation where he lives because A) Democrats have been in total control of state government and/or B) we did not have a governor named Bush.

so what kinds of infrastructure has NJ built in the past 8 years

Submitted by RisingTide on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:04.

that's what gave the new deal it's punch and lasting growth potential.

(and yes, Krugman is likely to bitch about NJ, because he'd say you should have been paying deficit down in fat times. no brainer, that)

Drives you crazy, doesn't it?

Submitted by Mithras on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 23:00.

I love this. I hope to watch the right-wing heads spin for the next couple of years, at least.

Change!

Submitted by Jon Henke on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 23:14.

Enjoy laughing at the Right getting upset about a politician lying.  The suckers.  Because, really, that's the important thing, isn't it? 

I really don't see the lie

Submitted by mnmod on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 23:42.

Universal healthcare has long been seen as a difficult to achieve goal.  Remembering the catastrophe of Hillarycare, a  leader might believe the best way to get there is in incremental steps, like offer coverage to all but don't mandate it.  Isn't Max Baucus who is reportedly supporting a  proposal with mandates, a moderate dem with a powerful position (finance or something.)  Maybe political tactics change as prospects improve for passing truly universal healthcare.  Aren't conservatives in favor of ensuring their  neighbors have access to healthcare.  McCains plan seemed like it would leave many uninsured or underinsured.  What proposals do republicans bring to the table?  It seems like some GOP  governors have made some progress on this issue.

I don't know if Baucus has the votes.

Submitted by RisingTide on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:05.

I actually hope he does -- it is at least A solution. Gives you guys time to find a different one ;-)

I want a different solution, but am not seeing the viable ideas on the Republican side.