Political Disconnect
November 16, 2010 - by
Politicians in Raleigh and Washington are spending their time and energy debating an issue that, I suspect, few Americans spend much time and energy worrying about: the budget deficit.
Yes, the average person probably would say something has to be done about the deficit. But the real concern is the economy: jobs, paying the bills, saving for retirement and college, etc., etc.
Politicians act like the public is closely following the budget debate. The Republicans, especially, seem to think they’ll get medals for making tough cuts and balancing the budget.
Don’t count on it.
Voters won’t get excited just because you balance the budget. That’s the least they expect.
They want to see a better economy – whatever it takes.
So the real question is whether balancing the budget – state or national – fixes the economy? Or will austerity choke off recovery?
We’ll find out.
But, for now, this might be an opening for both President Obama and Governor Perdue. Instead of trying to out-cut Republicans, they could propose a job-growth plan that balances cutting spending with foregoing tax cuts.
Frame the choice: Job growth versus budget-balancing. Let the public decide.
Political Disconnect
November 16, 2010/
Politicians in Raleigh and Washington are spending their time and energy debating an issue that, I suspect, few Americans spend much time and energy worrying about: the budget deficit.
Yes, the average person probably would say something has to be done about the deficit. But the real concern is the economy: jobs, paying the bills, saving for retirement and college, etc., etc.
Politicians act like the public is closely following the budget debate. The Republicans, especially, seem to think they’ll get medals for making tough cuts and balancing the budget.
Don’t count on it.
Voters won’t get excited just because you balance the budget. That’s the least they expect.
They want to see a better economy – whatever it takes.
So the real question is whether balancing the budget – state or national – fixes the economy? Or will austerity choke off recovery?
We’ll find out.
But, for now, this might be an opening for both President Obama and Governor Perdue. Instead of trying to out-cut Republicans, they could propose a job-growth plan that balances cutting spending with foregoing tax cuts.
Frame the choice: Job growth versus budget-balancing. Let the public decide.