The Immigration deal - Bush's move to the center

[BigBigBear]

Courting Latino voters, sticking his neck out for minimum wage Mexican immigrant janitors, talking of 'compassion' (hey, I remember THAT word) and the resultant cry from the Right. Karl is rubbing his hands with glee.

The move center has begun, although it really began, arguably, with the Medicare bill.

You should be wincing every time you hear criticism of Bush from the right. Let's remember, with no challenge from the Buchanan wing, the hardcore righties have nowhere else to go in November.

Run as a moderate, govern as...well, with a repug Congress, pretty much anything you want.

Let the games begin.

[cthrumatrix]

1. It's a 2005 vote (WSJ).....it's a sham...just like medicare starts in 2006

this is ALL about the election...no effects in 2004

[Faygo Kid]

2. You're right, but don't forget benefits of cheap labor

You're right on your points, but you left a big one out: The corporate fatcats can pay these people dirt and get away with it. Any downward pressure on wages benefits Bush's bigshot supporters, and continues to drive control to that top miniscule elite that believes it should rule the rest of us. The WalMarts of this world love this too. Couple that with Rove's push for the Hispanic vote, and Bush has another win-win situation, ticking off only those supporters who will vote for him anyway no matter what.

[BigBigBear]

3. Oh no

I live in the West - I see these immigrants every day, I have no illusions about their presence and the hidden dependency of large sectors of our economy (especially agriculture) on them.

My personal belief is that Bush wants to position himself on this issue as "compassionate" for the general election, and let his Republican Congress veto it.

[StClone]

5. Since illegals can not vote

Yet will (pay taxes) it is directly aimed to lure Hispanic voters.

It is inescapable that there will be a very real backlash from white males and workers. I do not see the win in this as much a calculated gamble tinged with a little desperation to shake things up and keep Dems off-balance.

Remember that BBV is widely reported now and they need something, ANYTHING to make up the difference.

[elfin]

4. Plus he KNOWS there will be no passage

and an opportunity to label all who oppose as "racist." This is disgusting on so many levels.