Bill Clinton, a great republican president

[corplinx]

Lately, I have been getting headaches from reading about the prescription drug benefit. When I hear about it, my mind gets fuzzy and I flash......... back........

"The era of big government is over" Clinton said. Then he proposed an array of expansive programs that he knew would never come to light. It was safe politics. Propose a chicken in every pot since you know congress won't do it. They look bad, you look good.

At least Clinton payed lip service to the ideal of lean, efficient, and minimal government. Newt Gingrich was on the television, he compared government to a vacuum tube and said that they wanted government to be a transistor. It was a good ideal. It made sense. It was a simple message and even joe six-pack could understand it.

Nowadays, it seems the GOP has forgotten the ideals that helped them win the house and senate in 1994. Indeed, I expect Mr. Bush to announce any day "The era of big government is back with a vengeance".

[Tormac]

I doubt GW is going to have a second term, just like dad. I think you'll find once the election comes back next time around that much of the hard right base stayed home, or voted for Buchanan again out of protest.

When even media voices like Rush criticize GW for expansive government, it does not bode well for GW. While I doubt there will be an open rebellion in the republican party against their incumbent president, I've heard a lot of grumbling from the libertarianish groups in the Republican party over the heavy hand of government that GW rushed to enact. And his economic policy is not making the laissez-faire right happy either.

The last election was so very close, if any more of the Republican base stays home, or votes for Buchanan, then its by by Bush for a second time.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by corplinx
Nowadays, it seems the GOP has forgotten the ideals that helped them win the house and senate in 1994. Indeed, I expect Mr. Bush to announce any day "The era of big government is back with a vengeance".

Which ideal was that? "We hate Clinton and you do too, so elect us?"

[ZeeGerman]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner


Which ideal was that? "We hate Clinton and you do too, so elect us?"

Sorry, off topic...

What's with your avatar? You have a special liking for the guy?

Zee

[Yahweh]

Personally I though Clinton was one of my favorite presidents. He had good charisma, improved the economy, etc. I dont care about his mistakes and scandals... What I dont like is presidents who make it repulsively clear to the world they are born-again Christians. It was cute at first but really President Bush, I dont care. I just hope it doesnt come down to another popularity contest again during the next presidential election. Obviously, it will... and America will prove that the candidate with who has the most Jesus in his heart is the next president of the United States.

[c0rbin]

voices like Rush criticize

That fellow has one speed.

[shanek]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
Which ideal was that? "We hate Clinton and you do too, so elect us?"

Well, they at least ran on the principle of small government and maximum liberty. Basically, they hijacked Libertarian rhetoric and the people elected them en masse. It's just a shame they didn't mean it...

[ManCow]

Originally posted by Yahweh
Personally I though Clinton was one of my favorite presidents. He had good charisma, improved the economy, etc.

Wouldn't this be akin to giving Calvin Coolidge credit for the roaring '20s economy? I know it's not an exact comparison, but it seems close.

[Tormac]

Originally posted by c0rbin


That fellow has one speed.

Oh I don't know. I don't remember him ever giving Ronnie anything but praise :).

[corplinx]

Originally posted by ManCow


Wouldn't this be akin to giving Calvin Coolidge credit for the roaring '20s economy? I know it's not an exact comparison, but it seems close.

Personally, I thought we in the high tech industry drove the last boom period. Semiconductor, internet, network, Cisco, telecom etc pushed and the bread and butter businesses boomed from selling to the new economy businesses.

Clinton is only responsible for economic growth in that he didn't muck it up through micromanagement. He increased taxes but not so much that it crippled venture.