Republicans' 2010 Campaign Message: Vote For Us Because Obama Can't Magically Fix in a Year What it Took Us Eight Years to Destroy

The NY Times writes Monday that the central campaign theme for the GOP next year will be jobs, jobs, jobs. But what Republicans won't be reminding voters during the midterm election cycle is how their party and president handed President Barack Obama the worst economy since the Great Depression. They also won't be presenting any charts showing the precipitous drop in job losses since the peak, nor will they discuss the steady downward trajectory of those losses from the 700,000 level to 500,000, then 400,000, and to the mid-200's, where we are today. Signs of progress, or economic recovery, won't be on the GOP menu.

To be sure, voters won't hear any mea culpas from Republicans. Nothing about how sorry they are for decimating the U.S. economy with massive tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, or for squandering a trillion dollars on the Iraq War. Or how the war in Afghanistan will likely require significantly more funding and continue sapping America's economy while racking up massive debt. You can be sure they won't talk about deregulation on Wall Street, the energy sector and the insurance industry, or how Bush pushed through trillions in government bailouts before he left office. And voters certainly won't be reminded that Republicans have largely controlled both houses of Congress since 1994 and the presidency since 2000.

Instead, the GOP is going to position the U.S. economy as if it began on January 20, 2009. As if up until that point it was nothing but surpluses and prosperity and good times in America. They will try to dumb-down reality and criticize the Obama administration as if all the pain and suffering voters are experiencing has been manufactured by the president and Democrats, while portraying themselves as white horse heroes ready to ride into Washington and rescue the nation.

Conservatives like to argue that 9/11 can't be blamed on Bush because he was only in office less than nine months when those attacks occurred. Yet after just nine months, Obama is being vilified for not being able to wave a magic wand and fix the colossal shitstorm that Bush & Company left for him on the White House steps.

So, what's the real 2010 Republican campaign message gonna be?: "Watch out Democrats, we're gonna be nastier, dirtier, more unethical and deceptive than ever. We're a bunch of frustrated, angry, frothing, tea-baggin' Town Hall bullies who will stop at nothing to regain power. You ain't seen nothing yet."

Comments

[TMann99821]

."..their party and president handed President Barack Obama the worst economy since the Great Depression."

Carter: Interest rate, 21%. Inflation, 13.5%. Unemployment, 7%. Dem controlled Congress.

The Dems have controlled Congress since 2007. That's where the laws are made and the money is spent.

The only reason Clinton did so well is because the repubs controlled Congress during his terms.

[SewaneeLeftist]

Exactly right, Mr. Ostroy, especially the nasty campaign tactics they're going to bring to bear. Dems will have to fight back twice as hard with results, facts, and a humane, progressive vision clearly explained.

[ranchero42]

Money can't fix everything wrong with a campaign. Republicans proved too much money in all the wrong places can mollify the base; but fail to inflame the independents in their favor. The 2010 race seems to be shaping up as more of the same.

[mamacat]

It took Pres. Clinton six years before he could fix the mess left him, and balance the budget. The mess left after Bush #2 is much worse than the mess left after Bush #1, so I am not expecting the Dems to fix things for at least as long as it took Clinton.

[lorenzo48]

If the American people have group ADD, and no memory of the disastrous policies that the Republicans bestowed upon this nation we truly have become a nation of Forrest Gump's. Unfortunately many of the Democrats are just as crooked and bought and paid for as their partners in crime. Given a huge majority in both the house and senate they still can't get anything done because of the corruption that permeates Washington. Now is the time for a real independent party with more representatives like Bernie Sanders to emerge and pass laws favoring their constituents instead of being directly opposed to the voters best interest because they are bought and paid for with special interest money.

[Duppy]

I guess the public thinks BO has a magic wand

[ariveria]

an excellent plan they are jestoning the social issues and going after the economy. of course they will have to some suggestions to create jobs. tax breaks and less government regulation wont cut it with the voters.

or then again if the economy starts adding jobs the whole thing becomes mute.

"a lie repeated often enough becomes the truth"
glenn beck
information czar fox news
the view 5/20/09

[glorysong]

President Obama took on a mess when he took on as the President. 8 years of Bush and the GOP was a mess and they left a mess.

[PepperzMom]

Andy,

Please keep re-posting this every few months, with updates on 'new tactics'.

Keeping it front & center will be critical to blunting the Thuggers efforts.

Thanks!

[noamjunior]

I always found it curious how cons argued that Obama is no good because he cant reverse 8 years of economic malfeasance of gop rule, but they give Bush a total pass after failing to stop a dozen guys with box cutters when warnings of hijackings sat on his desk

[SewaneeLeftist]

You have it exactly right, Mr. Ostroy; now let's hope the Dems Graysonize them every day from now up to then.

[den1953]

With all the parasitic latching on to the GOP between Beck,Limbaugh,all the tea baggers,birthers ect. it is hard to say what the Republican message is other then hate for America & our President. But this is the reality of our country it is true the Bush administration has left a terrible scar on this country and until Congress & the Senate along with the President can get a foot hold and change the harm Bush has done. American people are impatient and want results but when you have stalling foot dragging and no help from the other party yes this will be the GOP mantra!

[James Hahn]

I agree with every thing you said, but am personally frustrated at the inability of the Democratic Party to join together and pass meaningful legislation (other then the 50 million program for abstinence) and am fearful the Republicans are going to use this to beat the Dems over the head. As a question that seems unanswered and maybe there is no generalized answer..When Dems are conservative and hesitant to vote (specific to the health care, option bill) and are vulnerable to the mid=term election.. Is it better to not vote for the legislation and face the local voters Or vote for the bull and at least fight the battle with the thought of having done something.. if the legislators were alone answering the question to the local constituents that would be difficult ,, but as a group I would think they could find answers in rebuttal by their numbers.. And I must tell you.. I am just an ordinary guy here. I'm trying to learn and separate the lies and mis truths.. I favor the health bill because I'm almost 60 and unemployed.. but am no expert on any of this ..

[TrekBear]

I'm concerned that you're all too right in your assessment of planned GOP strategy for the mid-terms. HIgh-minded slogans and campaigns are often ineffective against emotional appears and baseless lies.