Republicans Want MORE Unemployment, Not Less

Like I explained yesterday, Obama's speech, rather than a bold New Deal kind of clarion call to real action, was a mishmash of mostly Republican ideas that could possibly create a little momentum around the edges of the economic chasm the corporate politicians of both parties have created for the country. But, predictably, the Republicans won't even get behind this! As Obama headed out to Richmond-- a small sliver of which is in Cantor's predominantly suburban/exurban district-- the Republican House Majority Leader said the GOP could get behind a few of the ideas-- slicing up "entitlement" programs and cutting corporate taxes-- while rejecting the whole package.

"I certainly would like to see us be able to peel off some of these ideas, put them on the floor, vote them across the floor and get the senate to join with us so we can actually get something to the president and make some progress as quickly as possible."

The last thing in the world Cantor and his right-wing cronies want is for Obama to go to the people with the plan and start a fight. No doubt Cantor was focused on how the local media in his district would be covering Obama's visit to Richmond when he said "This is my objection to the message that was delivered tonight. The message was: either accept my package as it is, or I will take it to the American people. I would say that that’s the wrong approach. What we’re here to do is try to transcend differences, not let them get in the way in the areas we can make progress on."

Even after Cantor's politically inept shrieking about holding up hurricane and earthquake relief funds-- in the wake of an earthquake and hurricane in his own district-- he is unlikely to be defeated in a virtually all-white district specifically gerrymandered to safely elect Republicans. Bush won with 61% there both times and even McCain managed to win with 53%. Cantor was reelected in 2008 with 63% and last year with 59%. But what he could lose is the House majority-- and his job as Majority Leader. If Obama can persuade enough swing voters and disappointed Democrats that he wants to fix the economy and the Republicans are blocking him-- as they are-- it is likely that even if the GOP wins the Senate-- almost a foregone conclusion-- they'll lose the House.

Obama's package could only be seen as in any way controversial for conservatives if they are only focused on narrow partisan goals rather than on the needs of the country. As much as progressives are, once again, disappointed in Obama's half-assed attempts to get the job situation fixed, these are, after all almost ALL Republican ideas. And they are geared to create almost 2 million new jobs and grown the economy by 2%. With 14 million people unemployed that's a step in the right direction-- for America... but a step in the wrong direction for Republican politicians focused solely on power and on defeating Obama next year at the polls. They don't want any jobs created. They want their fascist ideology shoved down America's throat. Period.

A completely deranged teabagger, Bob Turner, could be the vehicle for Democrats in a Brooklyn-Queens district-- the one I, as well as Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders grew up in-- that they're fed up with Obama. NY-9 hasn't elected a Republican since one termer Andrew Petersen... in 1921. But the special election to replace Anthony Weiner Tuesday is now favoring Turner by 6% (according to a new Siena poll). Obama's approval rating there-- where he won an anemic 55% in 2008-- is only 43%. A Turner victory Tuesday would certainly bolster Cantor's and Republicans' resolve to go for broke.