Obama is an "Eisenhower Democrat" and this election is no clash-of-ideologies

[Jack Sprat]

23. This looks wrong.

If the election turns into a referendum about who is the greater deficit hawk, then the Republican strategy — cut spending (especially on the poor) — is likely to have more appeal than the Democratic strategy — raise taxes (especially on the rich). In addition, Obama and the Democrats will find themselves trapped in a debate about the solvency of entitlements in the 2030s rather than programs to help most Americans today, a debate that does not play to their strengths.

<snip>



If the repubs can win on spending cuts (especially on the poor) versus Democratic strategy of raising taxes (especially on the rich), then we have done a darn poor job of educating the voters or their unlimited campaign money for ads has taken a huge toll on voter gullibility. I hope that Salon writer is wrong in this prediction. To my way of thinking a reasonable argument can be presented that shows the continued widening of the deficit under the rethug plans and the sacrifice of entitlements in conjunction with larger deficits with only the wealthiest enjoying all the benefit.